Cruise Operators Abandon Iconic Alaska Fjord Amid Landslide Safety Concerns
Major cruise lines have made the difficult decision to bypass Alaska's majestic Tracy Arm fjord for the current season, leaving many travelers disappointed. This cherished highlight of numerous Alaskan voyages is being avoided due to ongoing safety concerns following a significant landslide last summer.
The Triggering Event: Glacier Collapse and Tsunami
The decision stems from a dramatic geological event in August 2025 when parts of a glacier collapsed into the water at Tracy Arm. This triggered a tsunami that sent powerful waves surging over half a kilometer up the opposing mountain wall. Fortunately, no ships were present in the fjord at the time, and there were no reported fatalities or injuries.
However, kayakers camping on a nearby island had much of their equipment swept away by the sudden rush of water. The landslide originated high on a slope above the South Sawyer glacier's toe, near the fjord's head, creating substantial safety concerns for cruise operators.
Scientific Assessment of Ongoing Risks
Scientists are actively working to understand what caused the slope to collapse and to identify other potential hazards within the fjord. Gabriel Wolken, manager of Alaska's climate and ice hazards program, noted that while the Tracy Arm region has long been known to be susceptible to landslides, this particular slope had not been identified as an active hazard before last summer's collapse.
Steven Sobieszczyk, a U.S. Geological Survey spokesperson, emphasized that the area remains unstable. "Steep landslide areas continue to change for years after an initial slide," he explained via email. "Continued rockfall and small-scale sliding from the exposed landslide scar are expected and could impact the water, potentially causing a future localized tsunami."
Cruise Industry Response and Alternative Destinations
Major cruise companies including Holland America, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, and Virgin Voyages have confirmed they are replacing Tracy Arm visits with Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. Regional tour company Allen Marine is also making the switch. Norwegian Cruise Line stated it does not have voyages scheduled to sail by Tracy Arm.
Endicott Arm has previously served as an alternative destination when conditions in Tracy Arm, such as excess ice, have been unsafe. While still considered beautiful, travel professionals note it doesn't quite match Tracy Arm's unique appeal.
Travel Industry and Tourist Reactions
Travel agent Nate Vallier, who owns the Alaska Travel Desk, lamented the change, describing Tracy Arm as "the majestic princess" and "the queen of fjords." He expressed disappointment that cruise companies didn't provide travelers with more advance notice about itinerary changes.
"While Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier are still beautiful by any means... it's just not the same," Vallier said. He noted that seeing a dynamic, calving glacier is a bucket-list item for many tourists, which has made Tracy Arm particularly popular.
Located southeast of Juneau, the roughly 50-kilometer Tracy Arm is renowned for its two tidewater glaciers, North and South Sawyer, and its abundant wildlife including seals and bears. While Juneau's Mendenhall Glacier remains a major attraction, many visitors view it from across a large lake, and it has diminished or entirely retreated from view from some hiking overlooks.
Tourist Experiences with Alternative Excursions
Kimberly Lebeda of Wichita, Kansas, shared her experience after booking a Tracy Arm excursion for her family last year. The night before the scheduled stop, they were informed that due to ice in Tracy Arm, they would visit Endicott instead.
Her family transferred to a smaller boat with glass windows, abundant seating, and snacks. They witnessed seals on ice floes, waterfalls, and "a wall of ice" calving from Dawes Glacier. "It was an amazing thing to witness," she said. "Was it worth it? Yes, because I don't know if I'll ever get to do that trip again."
Lebeda acknowledged she couldn't compare the experience to Tracy Arm since she'd never visited there, but concluded: "To me, was it worth it and was it exciting? Absolutely."
The first ships of the season are due in Ketchikan on April 21 and in Juneau the following week, with many passengers now experiencing altered itineraries that reflect the cruise industry's cautious approach to safety in Alaska's dynamic geological environment.
