Cruise lines have confirmed they currently have no plans to remove the port of Ketchikan from cruise itineraries, despite the tragic landslide at the port which killed a local resident.
The landslide occurred on 25th August 2024 and damaged several homes in the community as well as taking the life of one resident, and injuring three others.
The town is a popular cruise port for guests on Alaskan cruises, and social media saw several debates around whether cruise ships should continue to visit as the community mourned and struggled with the damage of the landslide.
Several argued that ships should skip the port, and allow the residents time to recover. Others argued that the town relies on tourism and that several local business owners would be hit hard if ships didn’t visit the port.
So far, Norwegian Cruise Line and the Carnival Group (Carnival, Holland America and Princess for Alaska cruises) have confirmed that, following discussions with the local authorities in Ketchikan, the ships will continue to sail to the port.
“Our thoughts are with the people of Ketchikan impacted by the tragic landslide. Ketchikan is a valued partner for our Alaska vacations, and our cruise lines are working directly with the borough government on how we can best help as well as any changes we should make in our planned visits.
“Based on that consultation, there is no change in our scheduled calls. However, it is likely that some planned shore excursions will change or be cancelled, and we are communicating directly with our guests on any changes. All decisions will prioritize the safety of our guests and team members as well assuring we are not impeding any ongoing recovery or repair efforts in Ketchikan.“
Carnival Group statement
It’s not clear what caused the latest landslide and the Ketchikan mayor has confirmed they’re working with specialists to identify the causes of increased landslides in recent times.
In November 2023, a landslide in nearby Wrangell tragically took four lives. Landslides in Alaska that result in loss of life or injury are extremely rare, but they often cause problems for businesses and can block major roads too.
TODAY’S BEST CRUISE DEALS!
Don’t miss these offers…
Related posts
- Cruise Guests Miss Ship Due To Landslide, Then Board A Different Ship To Catch Up!
- Guide to Alaska Cruise Ports (With Map)
- The 15 Best Activities To Do On An Alaska Cruise
Gianfranco Zola To Join MSC Virtuosa For Special Football-Themed Cruise In 2026
Football fans will have the chance to meet and learn from Chelsea icon Gianfranco Zola next year after MSC Cruises confirmed the former player will join a special themed sailing…
Passenger Protest Reported On Ovation Of The Seas After Hubbard Glacier Removed From Alaska Sailing
Passengers aboard Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas reportedly staged a protest after the ship’s scheduled Hubbard Glacier scenic cruising experience was removed from its Alaska itinerary, with social media…
New Invergordon Duck Trail Brings Cruise Ship Trend Ashore In UK First
A new visitor attraction inspired by one of cruising’s most popular onboard trends has officially launched in the Scottish Highlands, with Invergordon introducing what is believed to be the UK’s…
Cunard Deck Plan Changes For Queen Mary 2 Spark Passenger Concern Ahead Of Planned Refit
Changes appearing on newly updated deck plans for Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 have sparked concern among some passengers after several public areas appeared to be earmarked for additional cabins and…
