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Passengers and crew evacuated from small cruise ship in Alaska’s Glacier Bay after fire breaks out

The cruise ship Sapphire Princess and the vessel Wilderness Discoverer in Glacier Bay National Park on Monday after a fire was reported on the smaller vessel. (U.S Coast Guard photo via Facebook)

Nearly 70 people were evacuated from a small cruise ship in Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park after a fire Monday morning, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

There were no reports of injuries.

Crew members on the 178-foot vessel Wilderness Discoverer reported a fire at 7:30 a.m., the Coast Guard said in a statement. The boat is owned by UnCruise Adventures, a small-ship cruise company based in Juneau with itineraries in Southeast Alaska.

The 51 passengers and 16 crew members aboard the Wilderness Discoverer were “safely disembarked aboard the cruise ship Sapphire Princess,” a much larger cruise ship that was in the area, the Coast Guard said. Tender boats were used to ferry passengers from the smaller ship to the Sapphire Princess, a far larger ship that can carry 3,670 passengers and crew.

The two boats were in the west arm of Glacier Bay, transiting the main channel, UnCruise owner Dan Blanchard said by phone Monday. The busy area sees frequent boat traffic.

The fire was likely caused by a generator and was extinguished by an onboard fire suppression system, Blanchard said. Evacuated passengers will get off the larger cruise ship and go back to Juneau on Monday night, he said. A skeleton crew of Wilderness Discoverer staff remained onboard to be with the boat

The damaged vessel will be towed to Ketchikan, the Coast Guard said.

Blanchard said his crew handled the fire smoothly.

“I’m super happy about the response of the crew; you respond the way you are trained,” he said. “They just did the right things.”

A separate and unrelated helicopter medevac of a passenger on the Sapphire Princess cruise ship was underway by the Coast Guard Monday afternoon, according to Petty Officer Third Class Ian Gray.

Michelle Theriault Boots

Michelle Theriault Boots is a longtime reporter for the Anchorage Daily News. She focuses on in-depth stories about the intersection of public policy and Alaskans' lives. Before joining the ADN in 2012, she worked at daily newspapers up and down the West Coast and earned a master's degree from the University of Oregon.

Dozens forced to evacuate from small cruise ship in Alaska after engine room fire

JUNEAU, Alaska — A fire in the engine room of a small cruise ship in Alaska ’s Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve prompted the evacuation of dozens of passengers and crew on Monday.

No injuries were reported, and the fire was extinguished, the Coast Guard said.

The fire on board the Wilderness Discoverer was reported to the Coast Guard around 7:30 a.m. UnCruise Adventures, which operates the ship, said 78 passengers and crew members were on board at the time.

All 51 passengers and most crew members were removed from the ship and placed on another cruise ship in the area, the Coast Guard said. Eleven crew members remained with the Wilderness Discoverer, which was expected to be towed to Ketchikan.

UnCruise Adventures said the cause of the fire was under investigation. The company said it would provide full refunds to affected passengers.

The Associated Press

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Dozens evacuated from small cruise ship in Alaska after engine room fire

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JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — A fire in the engine room of a small cruise ship in Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve prompted the evacuation of dozens of passengers and crew on Monday. No injuries were reported, and the fire was extinguished, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

The fire on board the Wilderness Discoverer was reported to the Coast Guard around 7:30 a.m. UnCruise Adventures, which operates the ship, said 78 passengers and crew members were on board at the time.

All 51 passengers and most crew members were removed from the ship and placed on another cruise ship in the area, the Coast Guard said. Eleven crew members remained with the Wilderness Discoverer, which was expected to be towed to Ketchikan.

UnCruise Adventures said the cause of the fire was under investigation. The company said it would provide full refunds to affected passengers.

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Passengers evacuated after fire breaks out on cruise ship in Glacier Bay

Nearly 70 passengers and crew were evacuated from a small cruise ship on Monday morning after an engine room fire disabled UnCruise’s Wilderness Discoverer in Glacier Bay.

The fire was reported to the U.S. Coast Guard around 7:30 a.m.

“By the time we got there, they had put the fire out,” Coast Guard Petty Officer Ian Gray said. “All of the passengers were taken off and were in good health.”

The Sapphire Princess, a larger Princess Cruises ship that was sailing nearby, responded to radio calls from the Wilderness Discoverer and used one of its lifeboats to bring over the 51 passengers and 16 crew members. A handful of crew members stayed behind on the ship, which is being towed to a shipyard in Ketchikan.

Local and federal authorities will examine the damage in the coming days. 

“Once it’s moored up at the pier, we’ll start the investigation process,” Gray said. “We’ll get Coast Guard personnel aboard and probably more than likely the Alaska State Troopers.” 

A different UnCruise ship picked up the Wilderness Discoverer’s passengers and brought them back to the company’s headquarters in Juneau on Monday afternoon. UnCruise representatives said all of the passengers would get full refunds.

Correction: 51 passengers and 16 crew members were taken off the Wilderness Discoverer.

Anna Canny, KTOO - Juneau

Related articles more from author, 1 man killed in downtown anchorage shooting, another injured by responding officers, police say , suzanne lafrance prepares to take over as anchorage mayor, anchorage stretch of sub-60 degree days was third longest.

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Dozens evacuated from small cruise ship in Alaska after engine room fire

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — A fire in the engine room of a small cruise ship in Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve prompted the evacuation of dozens of passengers and crew on Monday. No injuries were reported, and the fire was extinguished, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

The fire on board the Wilderness Discoverer was reported to the Coast Guard around 7:30 a.m. UnCruise Adventures, which operates the ship, said 78 passengers and crew members were on board at the time.

All 51 passengers and most crew members were removed from the ship and placed on another cruise ship in the area, the Coast Guard said. Eleven crew members remained with the Wilderness Discoverer, which was expected to be towed to Ketchikan.

UnCruise Adventures said the cause of the fire was under investigation. The company said it would provide full refunds to affected passengers.

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Fire forces evacuation of 51 passengers from cruise ship in Southeast Alaska

JUNEAU, Alaska (KTUU) - Members of the U.S. Coast Guard responded to a fire onboard a small cruise ship in Glacier Bay National Park on Monday.

All members on board the ship Wilderness Discoverer were safely rescued, according to the Coast Guard.

In a press release , a fire was reported on the 176-foot expedition ship around 7:30 a.m. on Monday morning.

Crews of the cutters Pike and Anthony Petit were dispatched from Juneau to Glacier Bay, where all 51 passengers and 16 crew members were rescued from the vessel, which houses 34 cabins. Air Station Sitka also assisted with the deployment of their MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter, and resources from the National Parks Service were used as well.

No injuries were reported and the fire has been extinguished, Coast Guard crews report.

”Our primary concern is ensuring the safety of the passengers and the crew,” Sector Juneau command duty officer L.t. j.g. Maximilian Carfagno said. “The quick launch of our assets and the teamwork among the Sapphire Princess helped in the timeliness of this rescue.”

Those onboard the Wilderness Discoverer were transferred to the Sapphire Princess cruise ship. Some crew of the Wilderness Discoverer have stayed aboard and will rendezvous with the tug boat Taku Wind for tow to Ketchikan.

The owner and CEO of Uncruise, which operates the vessel, expressed gratitude that no one was injured in the emergency.

“We are relieved to confirm that there have been no injuries resulting from the fire. Our highly trained crew promptly extinguished the fire using established emergency protocols, and CO2 was successfully deployed for everyone’s safety,” Dan Blanchard said in a press release .

Uncruise, which bills itself as an environmentally-conscious alternative to large cruise ships, also said that the efforts to extinguish the fire and relocate passengers did not result in significant impacts to the environment.

“In adherence to our commitment to environmental responsibility, we have conducted thorough assessments, and we are pleased to report that there are currently no discernible environmental impacts within the affected area. Local and federal authorities have been promptly notified, and we are working closely with them to ensure a coordinated response in the area,” Uncruise said in a press release.

The cause of the fire, which was confined to the engine room of the ship, has yet to be determined.

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Dozens evacuated from small cruise ship in Alaska after engine room fire

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — A fire in the engine room of a small cruise ship in Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve prompted the evacuation of dozens of passengers and crew on Monday. No injuries were reported, and the fire was extinguished, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

The fire on board the Wilderness Discoverer was reported to the Coast Guard around 7:30 a.m. UnCruise Adventures, which operates the ship, said 78 passengers and crew members were on board at the time.

All 51 passengers and most crew members were removed from the ship and placed on another cruise ship in the area, the Coast Guard said. Eleven crew members remained with the Wilderness Discoverer, which was expected to be towed to Ketchikan.

UnCruise Adventures said the cause of the fire was under investigation. The company said it would provide full refunds to affected passengers.

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Dozens evacuated from small cruise ship in Alaska after engine room fire

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — A fire in the engine room of a small cruise ship in Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve has prompted the evacuation of dozens of passengers and crew. The U.S. Coast Guard says no injuries were reported. The fire was extinguished. The fire on board the Wilderness Discoverer was reported to the Coast Guard around 7:30 a.m. Monday. The ship’s operator says 78 passengers and crew members were on board at the time. The Coast Guard says all 51 passengers and most crew members were removed from the ship and placed on another cruise ship in the area. About 10 crew members remained with the boat. It is expected to be towed to Ketchikan.

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Dozens Evacuated From Small Cruise Ship in Alaska After Engine Room Fire

A fire in the engine room of a small cruise ship in Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve has prompted the evacuation of dozens of passengers and crew

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — A fire in the engine room of a small cruise ship in Alaska ’s Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve prompted the evacuation of dozens of passengers and crew on Monday. No injuries were reported, and the fire was extinguished, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

The fire on board the Wilderness Discoverer was reported to the Coast Guard around 7:30 a.m. UnCruise Adventures, which operates the ship, said 78 passengers and crew members were on board at the time.

All 51 passengers and most crew members were removed from the ship and placed on another cruise ship in the area, the Coast Guard said. Eleven crew members remained with the Wilderness Discoverer, which was expected to be towed to Ketchikan.

UnCruise Adventures said the cause of the fire was under investigation. The company said it would provide full refunds to affected passengers.

Copyright 2023 The  Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Passengers and crew evacuated from alaskan cruise ship after fire in engine room.

The relatively small Wilderness Discoverer, operated by UnCruise Adventures, was tooling around Glacier Bay National Park on Monday morning when crew members noticed the fire.

All 51 passengers and 17 of 27 crew members were evacuated to a much larger ship nearby , Cruise Industry News reported. Ten crew members stayed behind on the Wilderness Discoverer, but no injuries were reported.

“By the time we got there, they had put the fire out ,” Coast Guard Petty Officer Ian Gray told Alaska Public Media. “All of the passengers were taken off and were in good health.”

The evacuees were taken by lifeboat to the Sapphire Princess, a significantly larger ship with capacity for more than 2,600 passengers.

Meanwhile, the Wilderness Discoverer was towed 300 miles south to Ketchikan. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

“Every effort is being made to minimize any inconvenience caused by the incident,” UnCruise told Cruise Industry News in a statement. “The cruise line will be providing full refunds to all passengers affected by the incident and providing hotels and flights home for those affected.”

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Fire on small cruise ship in Alaska forces evacuation of 67 people, Coast Guard says

By Raja Razek, CNN

(CNN) — A fire on a small cruise ship in Alaska forced 67 people aboard to evacuate Monday, according to the US Coast Guard.

A total of 51 passengers and 16 crew members on the 178-foot expedition vessel Wilderness Discoverer were evacuated to another passenger ship after the blaze, according to a news release from the Coast Guard.

UnCruise Adventures, which operates the ship, said there were no injuries from the fire, which was contained to the engine room.

“Our highly trained crew promptly extinguished the fire using established emergency protocols, and CO2 was successfully deployed for everyone’s safety,” said Dan Blanchard, the company’s owner and CEO.

The US Coast Guard in Juneau received a call at 7:30 am from crew aboard the vessel about the fire. The boat was traveling in Glacier Bay National Park , the news release said.

“The quick launch of our assets and the teamwork among the Sapphire Princess helped in the timeliness of this rescue,” Coast Guard Lt. Junior Grade Maximilian Carfagno said in the release.

The Coast Guard added that in addition to there being no injuries, there was no pollution in the water or impact to travel for other vessels.

The Sapphire Princess, a large Carnival cruise ship, helped the Coast Guard to evacuate passengers. Crew on that ship used a water shuttle to transfer people aboard.

A tug boat will tow the Wilderness Discover to Ketchikan with 11 crew members who remained on the damaged ship.

The cause of the fire has not been determined, according to UnCruise Adventures, which is refunding its passengers and providing hotels and flights to those impacted.

According to the company website, the ship was built in 1992 . It has 34 guest cabins.

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Cruise ship fire near Alaska prompts dozens to evacuate

The fire in the engine room was extinguished, no injuries were reported near ak.

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A fire in the engine room of a small cruise ship in Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve prompted the evacuation of dozens of passengers and crew on Monday. No injuries were reported, and the fire was extinguished, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

The fire on board the Wilderness Discoverer was reported to the Coast Guard around 7:30 a.m. UnCruise Adventures , which operates the ship, said 78 passengers and crew members were on board at the time.

MAN FALLS FROM CRUISE SHIP OFF FLORIDA COAST: 'LIFE OF THE PARTY'

A cruise ship is seen near Alaska on Jan. 1, 2012. A fire in a small cruise ship in Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve has prompted the evacuation of dozens of passengers and crew members on Monday. (Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Images)

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All 51 passengers and most crew members were removed from the ship and placed on another cruise ship in the area, the Coast Guard said. Eleven crew members remained with the Wilderness Discoverer, which was expected to be towed to Ketchikan.

UnCruise Adventures said the cause of the fire was under investigation. The company said it would provide full refunds to affected passengers.

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Passengers and crew rescued from cruise ship after engine room fire

All passengers were rescued from a cruise ship in Glacier Bay, Alaska Monday morning after a fire broke out in the ship’s engine room.

Fifty-one passengers and 16 crew members were evacuated from the Wilderness Discoverer, a small expedition ship owned by California-based Adventure Smith Explorations.

Sapphire Princess, a cruise ship that departed from Vancouver Wednesday, was alerted by the U.S. Coast Guard around 9 a.m. that the Discoverer was nearby and needed help.

The Princess, also owned by a California-based cruise line, sent a water shuttle to transfer the passengers and crew to their ship.

There were no injuries, according to a statement from Princess Cruises.

“Princess Cruises continues to work with the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities to support these passengers in their forward travel,” the company wrote.

Eleven crew members remained on board the Discoverer, which was scheduled to be towed by a tug boat to Ketchikan, Alaska, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

Coast guard cutter ships and a helicopter were sent to the area to assist the Discoverer.

"Our primary concern is ensuring the safety of the passengers and the crew," said Lt. j.g. Maximilian Carfagno, the command duty officer at the Coast Guard’s Sector Juneau command center, in a statement.

“The quick launch of our assets and the teamwork among the Sapphire Princess helped in the timeliness of this rescue,” he continued.

“It’s been a wild day to say the least,” Laura Greenleaf, a passenger on the Sapphire Princess, told CTV News. ““Everybody seemed in good spirits for the most part.”

She said the passengers of the Discoverer were on the larger ship for less than an hour before another vessel came to transport them.

Later, another helicopter was sent to rescue a passenger having a medical emergency. Greenleaf said it was a passenger of the Princess and unrelated to the fire incident.

“It’s also a little concerning, because when they made the first announcement you’re like ‘Oh my gosh is our ship on fire?’” she recalled of the rescue.

“We've never had this kind of situation before, and then to have it compounded with somebody else needing assistance is kind of unheard of,” she said.

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Passengers, crew rescued from Alaska cruise ship in Glacier Bay National Park

More than 50 passengers and 16 crew members were rescued after the cruise ship they were on caught fire in glacier bay, national park in alaska, on monday..

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Dozens of passengers and crew members were rescued after the cruise ship they were on caught fire in Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska on Monday.

The U.S. Coast Guard said they received a call from the Wilderness Discoverer cruise ship around 7:30 a.m.

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FILE -- Cruise Ship Wilderness Discoverer Fog clouds Glacier Bay Inside Passage Southeast Alaska USA. 

(Education Images/Universal Images Group / Getty Images)

"Our primary concern is ensuring the safety of the passengers and the crew," said L.t. j.g. Maximilian Carfagno, the command duty officer at the Sector Juneau command center. "The quick launch of our assets and the teamwork among the Sapphire Princess helped in the timeliness of this rescue."

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Officials say that 11 crew members remained aboard the Wilderness Discoverer and are scheduled to rendezvous with the tug boat Taku Wind, which will tow the vessel to Ketchikan. 

UnCruise Adventures, the company that owns the Wilderness Discoverer, said the fire was contained to the engine room onboard the 76-passenger vessel, but the cause remains unknown. 

"We are relieved to confirm that there have been no injuries resulting from the fire. Our highly trained crew promptly extinguished the fire using established emergency protocols, and CO2 was successfully deployed for everyone's safety," said UnCruise Adventures Owner & CEO, Captain Dan Blanchard.

"Guests … will be taken to the park headquarters, and flights home will be organized for them. All guest's belongings will be gathered and transported to them and our focus continues to be on the safety of the guests and crew in this situation," Liz Galloway, director of marketing for UnCruise Adventures, tells FOX Weather. "All guests will receive a full refund." 

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UnCruise Adventures’ Wilderness Discoverer Catches Fire in Alaska

By: Author Carrie Ann Karstunen

Posted on Published: June 5, 2023  - Last updated: June 10, 2023

Small-ship cruise line UnCruise Adventures confirms no injuries after an engine room fire aboard Wilderness Discoverer in Alaska.

On June 5, 2023, UnCruise Adventures , a small-ship expedition cruise line , confirmed a fire incident aboard the company’s Wilderness Discoverer .

The fire broke out at 7:23 AM ADT (Alaska Daylight Time) on June 5th while the ship was in Glacier Bay National Park . Seventy-eight passengers and crew were onboard, and the company confirms there were no injuries.

The fire was contained to the ship’s engine room.

“We are relieved to confirm that there have been no injuries resulting from the fire. Our highly-trained crew promptly extinguished the fire using established emergency protocols, and CO2 was successfully deployed for everyone’s safety,” shared UnCruise owner and CEO, Captain Dan Blanchard , in a press release.

The company reports that it has conducted a thorough assessment, and there are “currently no discernible environmental impacts within the affected area”.

According to UnCruise, local and federal authorities were promptly notified, and the company is working closely with them to ensure a coordinated response in the area.

Additional vessels from the region promptly assisted with the disembarkation of 51 passengers and 16 crewmembers from the Wilderness Discoverer , with eleven crew remaining onboard.

Related: What is an UnCruise?

UnCruise Adventures has stated it will provide full reimbursements to all passengers who were affected by the incident, as well as lodging and flights home.

The cause of the engine room fire has yet to be determined, and an investigation is now underway. The cruise line states it will work extensively with authorities to undertake a full assessment.

In the press release, UnCruise Adventures extended gratitude for the swift response of emergency personnel and acknowledged the professionalism and composure demonstrated by crewmembers throughout this challenging situation.

This is an ongoing story, and I’ll provide updates as new information becomes available.

UPDATE: June 5, 2023 5:30 PM PDT

UnCruise stated in an updated release that smooth operations continue, with local and federal authorities transporting guests and personnel to Glacier Bay National Park headquarters. All affected guests will receive a full refund, and flights will be provided for guests to return home.

UPDATE: June 7, 2023 1:15 PM PDT

UnCruise stated in an updated release that on June 5th Wilderness Discoverer guests were transferred to Princess Cruises ‘ Sapphire Princess for a period after the fire was discovered. Guests were then transferred to the Baranof Wind vessel and disembarked at the park headquarters where they were provided flights home and hotels in the interim.

The cruise line also stated that Wilderness Discoverer is repairable and is expected to still sail this season, pending more details on the extent of the areas affected by the fire.

UPDATE: June 9, 2023

On June 9, UnCruise announced significant progress in addressing the engine room fire aboard Wilderness Discoverer .

The company’s internal safety team, along with regulators and underwriters, have inspected the vessel. The heat that started the fire was generated by the port main engine’s wet exhaust mufflers . The heat-damaged region is the size of a small chest freezer and is located on the port side of the engine room between two deep frames.

Outside of this small area, the main source of damage is from smoke and soot. In an updated press release, the company stated that a dedicated team is working hard to speed up the repair procedure and return the ship to her original state. Repairs are being completed with the utmost care and precision, in accordance with the company’s emphasis on safety.

Vigor Shipyard in Ketchikan, Alaska will facilitate the vessel’s repair process.  

In response to the incident, UnCruise Adventures implemented a comprehensive plan to ensure the smooth continuation of guests’ adventure experiences. Additionally, the company will re-accommodate all guests who were booked on Wilderness Discoverer in the coming weeks. Affected guests will be rebooked on a similar vessel.

“We deeply appreciate the understanding and patience demonstrated by our guests during this period. Our team is working tirelessly to minimize any inconvenience caused by the incident and to provide alternative arrangements that maintain the exceptional level of adventure and exploration that UnCruise Adventures is known for,” shared Captain Dan Blanchard. 

About Wilderness Discoverer

UnCruise Adventures’ Wilderness Discoverer , built in 1992, is a 76-passenger expedition cruise ship that runs itineraries from southeast Alaska: Alaska Fjords and Glaciers and  Glacier Bay National Park Adventure .

The three-deck ship, with a GRT (gross register tonnage) of just 99, cruises in Alaska at 9 knots (or 10.3 mph). All staterooms on the expedition vessel are oceanview, and the ship boasts an impressive 2.2:1 guest-to-crew ratio.

Read more about UnCruise Adventures

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Have you ever been on an expedition sailing with UnCruise Adventures or another small-ship line? What do you think about the fire situation and how UnCruise responded? I’d love to hear your opinion in the comments below!

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Allen Franklin

Saturday 10th of June 2023

Hi Carrie Ann. I've been following you for a few years and wanted your unbiased perspective. My wife and I just reached retirement age (I've just retired and she will hopefully next year) One of our retirement travel dreams is cruising in Alaska. We're both fairly healthy and hike most weekends, usually on easy trails around our area. When I read your Uncruise Adventures reviews a few years ago I thought it was perfect for us. But now I'm seeing the ships are old and can catch fire so now I'm not so sure. I'd love to hear your opinion.

Tuesday 13th of June 2023

Hi Allen, thanks so much for being a loyal SBC follower! I know that a lot of fans of adventure and expedition cruising were shocked by headlines about Wilderness Discoverer catching fire (I sure was when the news was first released!). A significant shipboard fire is a scary—and pretty rare—situation for both crew and passengers. Thankfully this fire was somewhat small and well-contained, and from what I've learned both the crew members and the company as a whole did an excellent job extinguishing the blaze, notifying guests, and making arrangements for everyone to have a safe place to stay before being transported home.

However, I think that your comment speaks to what a lot of cruisers are thinking: are older ships safe? Can I trust a small-ship cruise line? Yeah, I totally get it. I'm going to give a long-ish response to your somewhat short question—because for each comment I get, I know I'll have hundreds of readers wondering the same thing.

Before I sailed on Wilderness Adventurer ( Discoverer 's much older sister), I learned she was originally built in 1976. The idea of taking a cruise on a ship that's almost as old as I am (!!) absolutely made me worry. But when I embarked and saw how well the ship was taken care of and how safety-focused each member of the crew was, my fear quickly subsided.

As a full-time cruise blogger, I spend quite a bit of time each day monitoring press releases from cruise lines large and small. Most cruise lines only release positive news and ignore anything that could be considered "bad press". UnCruise wowed me by not only putting out a timely press release about the fire incident, but by continuing to release updates as the situation unfolded.

A fire on any ship can be catastrophic. The small fire incident aboard Wilderness Discovery thankfully wasn't—no doubt because of the excellent training of the ship's crew and officers.

But are older cruise ships safe, you ask? Here's what I have to say about that: the age of a ship's hull and infrastructure is just a number. Just like with a classic car, the important bits are maintained and swapped out when necessary.

Allen, I hope you and your wife enjoy lots of cruises as you travel the world in your retirement. Alaska is one of my favorite places to cruise, and you're both going to love taking in the pristine beauty of this wilderness area. I think that small-ship cruising is the way to go in SE Alaska, especially if you love experiencing the outdoors up close. Happy cruising!

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Safety and Response Prioritized, No Injuries from Engine Room Fire on Wilderness Discoverer Vessel in Glacier Bay National Park

For Immediate Release

Small Ship Cruise Line, UnCruise Adventures Confirms No Injuries from Passengers and Crew from an Early Morning Engine Room Fire  

  JUNEAU, AK, June 5th, 2023 – UnCruise Adventures, a leading provider of small ship adventure cruise experiences, today confirmed a fire incident, contained to the engine room on the Wilderness Discoverer vessel while in Glacier Bay National Park. The incident occurred at 7:23 a.m. Alaska time, June 5 th , while seventy-eight passengers and crew were onboard.

“We are relieved to confirm that there have been no injuries resulting from the fire. Our highly trained crew promptly extinguished the fire using established emergency protocols, and CO2 was successfully deployed for everyone's safety,” shares company Owner & CEO, Captain Dan Blanchard.

In adherence to our commitment to environmental responsibility, we have conducted thorough assessments, and we are pleased to report that there are currently no discernible environmental impacts within the affected area. Local and federal authorities have been promptly notified, and we are working closely with them to ensure a coordinated response in the area.

To facilitate the seamless transfer of passengers, additional vessels from the area immediately assisted with disembarking fifty-one passengers and sixteen crew from the Wilderness Discoverer, with eleven crew remaining onboard. Our priority is to ensure the safety of all affected guests during this transition. Every effort is being made to minimize any inconvenience caused by the incident. The cruise line will be providing full refunds to all passengers affected by the incident and providing hotels and flights home for those affected. Our commitment to our guests' satisfaction remains unwavering, and our crew is working with guests and authorities to ensure expedited care.

The cause of the engine room fire is yet to be determined and an investigation is currently underway to determine the cause. We will actively cooperate with the authorities and conduct a thorough assessment.

UnCruise Adventures extends its gratitude to the swift response of emergency personnel and acknowledges the professionalism and composure demonstrated by our crew throughout this challenging situation. We are continuing to monitor this and will provide timely updates as new information becomes available to keep all stakeholders informed as the situation progresses.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact the UnCruise Adventures offices at [email protected] for the designated representative.

UPDATE: June 5th, 5:30 p.m. pacific

Media contact: 

UnCruise Adventures  [email protected]             

About UnCruise Adventures     

UnCruise Adventures’ is a responsible travel and adventure leader in the small boat industry. They operate boutique yachts and small boats carrying 22-86 guests on voyages in Alaska, Hawaiian Islands, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, Prince William Sound, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Coastal Washington, Galápagos, Costa Rica, Panama, Belize, and Colombia. UnCruise Adventures has been picked as the top adventure cruise line by Cruise Critic, multiple times and Travel & Leisure readers also named UnCruise Adventures in its World’s Best Awards and its list of top 10 small ship ocean cruise line for multiple years in a row. UnCruise Adventures is a member of the Adventure Travel Trade Association and Transformational Travel Council.

Health & Wellbeing  Policy

UnCruise Adventures has updated its health and safety protocols to ensure the well-being of its guests and crew onboard all vessels. As part of updated measures, the company has removed the vaccination and mask requirement for cruises. The company will continue to implement additional safety and sanitary measures to maintain a safe environment. Safe distancing is encouraged where possible and guests are asked to adhere to the onboard good citizen policy of health and wellbeing. For more information about UnCruise Adventures' updated vaccine policy and travel resources, please visit their website at uncruise.com.

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• Cruise News

Cruise Ship in Alaska Catches Fire

Andrea Santillan

• June 14, 2023

The exhaust system is to blame during a cruise ship in fire Alaska last week. Small ship company UnCruise Adventures Alaska-based ship ordered an abandon ship when the vessel’s engine room caught fire around 7:00 a.m. local time.

Since then, the vessel has gone through inspections by regulators, underwriters, and the company’s internal safety team.  

“The fire was limited due to the speedy action of the captain and crew. The port main engine wet exhaust mufflers were the source of the heat/fire. The area damaged by heat is the size of a small chest freezer and contained between two deep frames on the port side of the engine room, said UnCruise Adventures in a statement.

Outside of this relatively small area, the damage is primarily from smoke and soot and is currently being repaired at a shipyard in Ketchikan, Alaska.

It went on to stay, “the company’s dedicated team is working diligently to expedite the repair process, aiming to restore the vessel to its optimal condition. The repairs are being carried out with the utmost care and precision, adhering to the company’s focus on safety.”

Also sailing the region was Princess Cruises’ ship Sapphire Princess . Sapphire Princess received a request for help from the US Coast Guard to assist with picking up guests.

After receiving the distress call from the Coast Guard at around 9 am, the Sapphire Princess quickly dispatched a water shuttle to retrieve 51 passengers and 16 crew members. Eleven crew members remained aboard the Wilderness Discoverer.

What is a Wet Muffler Exhaust System?

If a boat has an inboard engine, it can get pretty loud and hot. So the boat will use a special kind of engine called a “water-cooled inboard.”

This engine cools itself down by injecting water into the exhaust pipe. This not only cools the exhaust but also makes the engine much quieter. The exhaust then pushes the water out so you don’t even see it.

This type of engine is called a “wet exhaust system.”

Wilderness Discoverer was launched in 1992 and carries 76 guests.

Go Deeper : Are Cruise Ships Safe?

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Fire Aboard the Quantum of the Seas – Cause Not Disclosed

Yesterday evening, a fire broke out on the Quantum of the Seas as it sailed on an Alaskan itinerary, according to a Royal Caribbean crew member who wishes to remain anonymous. The crew member notified me of the following information:

“Fire on Quantum OTS last night in the engine room/casing in zone 5, multiple decks. Bravo announcement (code to alert crew to a fire or other serious incident on board without alarming passengers) at approx. 8:50 P.M., then again a few minutes later. When the theatre let out passengers were met with fire crews rushing down the stairs. Passengers were visibly a bit panicked. Kilo announcement (Royal Caribbean g eneral signal for crew to report to emergency stations) shortly after 9:00 P.M. with crew running down hallways with emergency vests on. Deck 6 aft passenger cabins evacuated and deck 5 closed past aft elevators. Passengers were advised not to use aft elevators and stay clear of the area. Captain and Cruise Director made a few announcements stating there was a fire and crew members were working on it. Around 10:00 P.M. they announced fire was out and they were working on clearing the areas to open again.

Just a little excitement for the evening!

This morning, we arrived in Juneau a little early (1 hour), but other than that it seems like business as usual.

Later this afternoon, the captain made an announcement thanking the crew’s ‘quick action which prevented a potentially very serious situation.’ Knowing the Kilo code was called, this was a very serious situation anyway!”

When I inquired of the crew member whether there was a public announcement of the cause of the fire, the employee responded:

“Nothing. As usual, the only information given was the absolute bare minimum.”

A number of cruise guests tweeted about the fire with several people complaining about the lack of public information released to the passengers.

@RoyalCaribbean still no info and apparently the keep getting shifted from one end of the boat to another. Elderly folks with limited mobility not getting help and no info. Please provide an update. — Bianca (@Ginamaserati123) September 2, 2022

https://twitter.com/thedour/status/1565717562284855297

One guest commented that the crew was “professional and quick” although he also mentioned that “it was still a little scary with the alarms and doors shutting.”

Ship is now open for all access and activities. Crew was professional and quick. It was still a little scary with the alarms and doors shutting. — Tony Tiangco (@MayaTiangco) September 2, 2022

The Royal Caribbean ship departed from Seattle, Washington on August 29th for a seven day Alaskan Glacier cruise. Before it arrived in Juneau this morning, the ship sailed to Ketchikan on August 30th and Sitka on September 1st. The ship is scheduled to call on Victoria, Canada on September 4th and will return to Seattle on September 5th.

Fortunately, there were no injuries reported. There has been no public disclosure of the extent of the property damage or the cause of the fire.

According to cruisemapper.com , on June 5, 2014, a fire broke out on the Quantum during construction at the Meyer Werft shipbuilding yard in Papenburg, Germany. During the incident, two of the workers were injured, suffering from smoke poisoning. The ship sustained damages estimated at around USD $68,000.

Ship fires are not uncommon occurrences, although cruise lines try to create  the illusion that such dangers are rare. In an article titled dated 2013, the New York Times concluded that cruise ship fires were “not unusual,” (citing cruise expert Dr. Ross Klein who testified before the U.S. Congress), stating that:

“There have been about 79 fires onboard cruise ships between 1990 and 2011, according to Mr. Klein’s data. Up until about 2006 there were usually three or four fires a year. From 2006 onward the number of fires doubled to about seven or eight a year. That increase, Mr. Klein said, is the result of a combination of better reporting (thanks, social media) and the rapid growth of the cruise industry.”

As part of their efforts to restrict adverse public sentiment, cruise lines prohibit their crew members from releasing information to the public. Thanks to this particular crew member for disclosing details to the public.

Have a comment or questions? Please leave one below or join the discussion on our Facebook page .

September 3, 2022 Update:

Quantum of the Seas #cruise fire video from passenger on the ship. Fortunately no injuries. Unfortunately, no statement by @RoyalCaribbean regarding cause of ship fire . . . pic.twitter.com/gz5buhFzuh — James (Jim) Walker (@CruiseLaw) September 6, 2022

We are receiving additional informaton from passengers on this ship. One guest ( Jenna Kavana ), who provided the video above, stated:

. . .  I could see the fire from my balcony about 30 minutes before an announcement was made and was panicking due to the lack of acknowledgment and instructions. There’s no excuse for withholding information that may put someone’s life in danger. People should have a right to be informed as quickly as possible so they can make the best decision they can.

FIRE ON BOARD Quantum of the Seas (1 September 2022) Analysis of the fire onboard @RoyalCaribbean #QuantumoftheSeas ; what was happening behind the scenes and what you should know before going on a cruiseship. H/T @CruiseLaw https://t.co/so4xpDXI36 via @YouTube — Sal Mercogliano (WGOW Shipping) 🚢⚓🐪🚒🏴‍☠️ (@mercoglianos) September 3, 2022

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Fire Breaks Out Aboard Ship Carrying Lithium-Ion Batteries

The vessel, now off the Alaskan coast, is carrying nearly 2,000 tons of lithium-ion batteries, which contain highly flammable materials, officials said.

By Rebecca Carballo

The authorities on Saturday continued to assess how to fight a fire that broke out two days ago aboard a cargo ship that is carrying nearly 2,000 tons of lithium-ion batteries and was ordered to remain off the Alaskan coast.

The U.S. Coast Guard said there were no injuries to the 19 crew members aboard the vessel, Genius Star XI, and that it remained seaworthy.

The exact cause of the fire was not known and remains under investigation. The Coast Guard was not immediately able to confirm who owns the vessel or say what other cargo it is carrying. The ship’s point of origin and destination were unavailable.

The fire broke out in cargo holds where lithium-ion batteries, which contain highly flammable materials , were being stored.

“These are very hot, very energetic fires,” said Richard Burke, a professor of naval architecture and marine engineering at the State University of New York Maritime College. Such fires can be long-lasting and difficult to put out, he added.

The Coast Guard ordered the vessel to remain two miles offshore from Dutch Harbor, Alaska, and officials established a one-mile safety zone around the vessel for the duration of the response effort.

A fire occurred in two separate cargo holds, said Lt. Cmdr. Michael Salerno, a spokesman for the 17th Coast Guard District, which covers 47,300 miles of shoreline throughout Alaska and the Arctic.

Firefighting systems on the vessel extinguished one of the fires. Members of the crew sealed off the other cargo hold and were taking temperature readings, which were normal as of Saturday, Commander Salerno said.

There were no signs of heat damage outside the cargo hold, and the authorities plan to monitor the temperature to see whether it continues to go down.

A team of marine firefighting experts who boarded the ship on Thursday to assess its condition found no signs of structural deformation or blistering outside the compartment, the Coast Guard said.

That the ship is still intact and afloat is good news for the environment, Professor Burke said.

These ships can carry hundreds of thousands of tons of cargo, such as silk blouses, beer, laptops and other commercial goods, which could potentially contaminate the ocean if the ship were to sink.

“The ship also has fuel,” he noted. “If you lose the ship, the fuel goes into the sea as well.”

While cargo ship fires are infrequent, they are not unheard-of, Professor Burke said.

In July, a cargo ship carrying nearly 3,000 cars off the Dutch island of Ameland in the North Sea caught fire, killing one crew member and injuring 22 others.

In 2022, a cargo ship carrying about 4,000 cars, including Porsches and Bentleys, caught fire 250 miles off the Azores and two weeks later ended up sinking .

Rebecca Carballo is a reporter based in New York. More about Rebecca Carballo

Why the journey is the destination when it comes to Alaska cruises

They say getting there is half the fun. Usually, I disagree. When I travel, I want to get to where I’m going as quickly as possible to make the most of my time there. However, sailing Celebrity Edge on its maiden Alaska voyage from Seattle, I was all about the journey.

Staring up at the snow-capped mountains through the ship’s floor-to-ceiling windows and watching for wildlife in the icy waters below, I was mesmerized by the famed Last Frontier. And I realized that on an Alaska cruise , the journey is a destination.

Here’s why and what travelers should know about cruising Alaska.

Why is Alaska a popular cruise destination?

Alaska is a bucket-list destination for many people. Some may wait their whole lives for the trip. While Alaska Airlines and other carriers fly throughout America’s largest state , it isn’t as easy to navigate as the Lower 48.

Cruises allow travelers to visit multiple destinations without taking separate flights, renting a car or moving from hotel to hotel. My Edge itinerary included stops in Ketchikan, which is surrounded by the lush Tongass National Forest ; the state capital of Juneau, which is only accessible by air or sea; and Skagway, home of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park . The ship also carefully navigated the stunning Endicott Arm fjord toward Dawes Glacier, a highlight of the trip.

The easy trip can also be more accessible for people with mobility issues and other disabilities. Like other cruise lines, Celebrity has a team dedicated to accessible cruising . Numerous guests on board my sailing used walkers, canes or wheelchairs. Plus, it’s just nice to be able to take in the dramatic coastlines from the comfort of a cozy cabin or lounge when it’s chilly outside.

Are cruises to Alaska worth it?

They can be. At last check, the lowest price on a seven-night Celebrity Edge Alaska Dawes Glacier sailing, roundtrip from Seattle, for the remainder of this summer is listed at $778 per person on the cruise line’s website, based on double occupancy in an inside stateroom. That does not include travel to or from Seattle nor any taxes or fees, which can balloon the bottom line on any cruise. Nor does it include promotional discounts, which are pretty much always available. After taxes and fees, that works to about $2,212 for two people or $1,106 per person. 

The cheapest seven-night Southbound Glacier sailing on the Edge’s sister ship, Celebrity Summit , is much less at $249 per person, based on double occupancy in an inside stateroom. It’s worth noting the Southbound voyage goes from Seward, Alaska, to Vancouver, British Columbia, not a round trip. Also the Summit is not an Edge-class ship , The Celebrity Edge is the first Edge class ship to sail Alaska; it was also the first ship in Celebrity’s most recent series, which also includes the new Celebrity Ascent . Edge-class ships were designed to bring guests closer than ever to their destinations, with their signature Magic Carpet cantilevered platform that extends beyond the ship’s edge and other features that bring the outside in. After taxes and fees, the Summit sailing adds up to about $1,231 for two people or about $615 a person.

Both are cheaper than flying between cities and staying at hotels for a week in Alaska, but they're also cheaper than other popular vacations. For example, seven nights at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort , a value resort at Walt Disney World , costs $955 for the room alone, including taxes and a summer promo deal. Adding seven days of park tickets, without park hopping, and the total becomes $2,195 for two people or about $1,098 per person, excluding food.

Meanwhile, cruises include all onboard meals – except optional specialty dining and alcohol. There are also a boatload of included activities, like nature talks, tai chi classes, guided arts and crafts, trivia, games and childcare. There’s live music available through the day and nightly stage shows. I sampled a little bit of everything, but for me, the best part of the ship was the views.

Inside Ascent: 3 takeaways from Celebrity Cruises' new ship

Do you see wildlife on an Alaskan cruise?

Yes. I saw whale spouts three times from the ship, though the whales didn’t breach above water. I also saw a handful of harbor seals and a dozen eagles from the ship and from shore. Bald eagles are so common in Alaska that a tour bus driver jokingly called them bald seagulls. There are 30,000 bald eagles in the state, according to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game. 

I kept an eye out for bears on an excursion to Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, which is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. I didn’t see any walking along the paved, wheelchair-accessible Nugget Falls Trail, but I did spot all sorts of spring buds and the most beautiful moss.

The ship’s onboard naturalist gave us a heads-up on what to look for and taught us about various species in presentations in the ship’s theater. She also broadcasted live on the ship’s TV channel and inside speakers while traveling through the Endicott Arm. However, her voice wasn’t carried on outside speakers to avoid potentially disturbing wildlife.

What is the best month to go on a cruise to Alaska?

The Alaska cruise season runs from late April to early October, though dates vary by cruise line. Guests who sail early or late in the season may find lower rates than during the height of the summer, but they may miss out on warmer weather.

It was in the 40s to 50s most days of my May sailing, and it rained on our Juneau day. The onboard naturalist warned that there is no bad weather in Alaska, only poor clothing choices.

How much should I budget for an Alaskan cruise?

You should pad your budget with several hundred extra dollars for excursions and dining off-ship. Both can be pricey but enriching. My Mendenhall Glacier excursion was just under $130, including transportation and an off-site Gold Creek Salmon Bake , with all-you-can-eat fresh salmon cooked over a wood-burning fire.  I’ve never had better fried fish than the local halibut at The Alaska Fish House in Ketchikan, and I will be dreaming of the sweet, plump red king crab at Tracy’s King Crab Shack in Juneau for years to come.  If you want freshly caught Alaska seafood, you’ll want to get it at port.

You may be able to spot whales from the cruise ship, but if you really want to go whale watching, salmon fishing, dog sledding, or get up close to glaciers, that’s generally going to require an excursion. Excursions offered through cruise lines tend to cost more than those booked independently, but booking through the cruise line can streamline payment and ensure that the ship won’t leave without you if the excursion runs late.

One port you can enjoy on the cheap is Skagway. You can explore several exhibits and historic buildings on your own, as part of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. However many visitors splurge on a scenic train ride on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway up to the Canadian border and back.

Is it worth getting a balcony on a cruise?

Yes and no. The views throughout Alaska are breathtaking, and being able to enjoy them from your cabin any time of day feels luxurious. I loved waking up to mountains, thick with trees, outside my window and scanning the waters for marinelife before bed.

Just over 80% of Celebrity Edge’s staterooms have a balcony. I had an Infinite Veranda , which is unique to Edge-class ships. Rather than a traditional balcony with a sliding glass door, Infinite Verandas incorporate what would be exterior balcony space into the interior of the cabin and have a window that slides halfway down the exterior wall with the push of a button. I loved how much bigger it made the cabin feel and appreciated the extra climate-controlled living space. It was still chilly during my early season sailing, so I rarely put the window down and think I would have enjoyed a non-balcony, oceanview room just as much.

Of course, if you book an inside cabin, you can still enjoy the scenery from public areas of any ship. The Celebrity Edge brings the outside in with tons of windows, including in the buffet restaurant, Oceanview Cafe, where I spotted my first whale spout. In the back of the ship, there’s a relaxing mixed-use space called Eden with three stories of windows that I found myself drawn to daily. The solarium, with its tall windows and rows of lounge chairs, also offered expansive views. 

Do I need a passport for an Alaskan cruise?

Maybe. For a closed-loop cruise that starts and ends in the same U.S. port, like the one I was on, all you need is proof of citizenship. 

“According to U.S. Customs & Border Protection, this includes an Enhanced Driver’s License, which is a state-issued driver’s license that provides proof of identity and U.S. citizenship; a government-issued birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where the person was born) or passport; and if 16 or older, a government-issued driver’s license or picture ID denoting photo, name, and date of birth,” according to Celebrity.

Of course, not all Alaska cruises are closed-loop cruises. Some start or end in Vancouver, Canada. There are also cruises on several smaller U.S.-flagged cruise lines like Alaska Dream Cruises and Uncruise Adventures , which may not require passports depending on the itinerary.

Can you see the Northern Lights on an Alaska cruise?

It’s possible, but because daylight hours are so long during the summer in Alaska, the best chance to see them would be on a cruise late in the season.

I woke up in the middle of the night a few times to look for Northern Light. I didn’t see any, but I heard passengers on a previous sailing spotted them. Then again, so did people all across the country during the solar storm earlier this month.

The reporter on this story received access from Celebrity Cruises. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of reviews.

Which Of The Five Disney Cruises Is The Best? Here's The Definitive Ranking

T here's just something special about Disney. Whether we're talking about the theme park's most iconic rides , its long list of highly-rated resort hotels around the world , or the brand's penchant for captivating storytelling and unforgettable experiences, it's safe to say that pretty much everything that Disney touches quickly turns to gold. Their top-ranked cruise line is no different .

The first iteration of Disney's Cruise Line set sail in 1998 under the name Disney Magic. One year later, the Disney Wonder took to the sea. Today, at the time of writing, the current Disney fleet includes a list of five enchanting ships: the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic, Disney Wish, and Disney Wonder. Coming in December 2024, a new vessel is set to join the crew: the Disney Treasure.

For travelers planning their own sea-bound adventure, it can be difficult to differentiate and ultimately choose between the five. After analyzing reviews, the cost-to-value ratio, unique amenities, each ship's design, and onboard entertainment options, we finally settled on our definitive ranking of Disney's cruise ships — all so you can choose which Disney cruise might be right for you .

Read more: Top Packing Strategies, Ranked

5. Disney Wish

Although there aren't any necessarily "bad" Disney cruises, the Disney Wish has come under fire from travelers and Disney fans since its official launch in 2022. Specifically, most reviews believe the ship has some pretty glaring issues in terms of spacing and overall layout — both of which make it incredibly difficult to get around. According to previous travelers, the ship — one of the largest of the Disney Cruise Line fleet — surprisingly only has two sets of stairs and elevators for everyone onboard. This, in turn, means there's always a crowd. It also means that adult activities, like nightclubs and lounges, are scattered around, so there is no dedicated adult-only zone, which ultimately muddles the experience.

When it comes to entertainment, however, the Disney Wish does a slightly better job at redeeming itself with four theaters, the kid-favored Oceaneer Club, three main restaurants (assigned on a rotational basis to passengers), adult-friendly bars, and more. As for the pools, some travelers say that these feel more like hot tubs because of their small size. And the water slides? Per online blogs, they're mediocre at best.

It's worth noting that Disney Wish is one of the highest priced of the Disney Cruises for not that much more value, aside from being a more modern vessel — according to reviews on Cruise Critic and Tripadvisor . As an example, Disney Wish offers three- and four-day itineraries from Florida to the Bahamas, with the ship's most affordable route — a three-night cruise from Port Canaveral — priced at $1,925 for two guests.

4. Disney Dream

Operating since 2011, the Disney Dream cruise ship is a strong contender in terms of amenities. Throughout its 14 decks, the ship boasts five main restaurants (including two that are adults only), theaters, bars and lounges, adult-only and kid-friendly pools, sun decks, and plenty more to keep travelers entertained. Nonetheless, some online reviews have expressed disappointment that the ship's dining experiences feel fragmented — leaving plenty to be desired in terms of themed dining.

Considered one of the most kid-friendly cruise lines, the Disney Dream is brimming with kid-focused activities — including daily princess meet-and-greets, movie-themed shows, character cameos, and a bustling kid's club. However, according to a recent discussion on the r/DCL subreddit , the ship's history of shorter itineraries typically makes it less desirable than its counterparts, since there's only so much you can enjoy with so little time — although it's important to note it has expanded itinerary options to include week-long and 12-night trips in Europe.

Lastly, in terms of pricing, the Disney Dream's rates vary depending on length and route. For example, a three-day trip to the Bahamas from Ft. Lauderdale will set you back around $1,700 for two people. Meanwhile, on the farther and pricier end of the spectrum, the Disney Dream's 12-night Norwegian Fjords and Iceland cruise carries a higher price tag at $8,565 for two.

3. Disney Wonder

Even though it's a smaller ship, one of Disney Wonder's main selling points is that — out of the five vessels currently sailing today — it's the only ship that offers Alaska-bound cruises, as well as trips along New Zealand and Australia. Given this, it's no surprise that the Disney Wonder often ranks in the top-half of fan-favorite Disney ships — especially for first-timers who want to get a feel of the experience before moving up to a larger ship.

Beyond the ship's unique destinations, some of the Disney Wonder's most notable amenities include three main restaurants (with rotational dining), three heated pools for when you're traveling to cooler destinations, nightly entertainment options, a prim and proper "Royal Court Royal Tea" for the little princesses and princes to enjoy, and even a nightclub for the adults who crave a party. As for dining, one of the highlights of the ship is the New Orleans-inspired restaurant, Tiana's Place. Not only does the restaurant serves some pretty delicious meals, but it also hosts nightly entertainment and its own mini-version of a Mardi Gras parade.

Tickets for the Disney Wonder start from $1,104 for a two-night cruise from Sydney to Brisbane for two passengers. Longer trips are also available — like a seven-night Vancouver to Alaska cruise for $3,424 for two, or a 10-night Hawaiian adventure for $4,013.

2. Disney Magic

The second-best ship on our list is the Disney Magic. After debuting in 1998, the ship has undergone plenty of updates and renovations to keep it modern and appealing — all while staying true to its original charm. Another one of the fleet's smaller vessels — with capacity for just over 2,700 passengers, compared to the others' ability to accommodate up to 4,000 (except Disney Wonder) — the Disney Magic isn't struggling to keep up with any of the larger (or newer) ships.

One of the ship's highlights is the AquaDunk — a top-rated water slide within the entire Disney Cruise Line fleet — which features a straight-down, three-story drop into the pool. Other amenities that make the ship worth your bucks include daily character meet-and-greets, nighttime entertainment (the ship's Cinderella-themed show is a must-see), and delicious dining options. Traveling with an adults-only crew? Disney Magic is ready to cater with bars and lounges, couples' games nights, and adult-themed trivia nights.

Price-wise, the Disney Magic offers trips that range from roughly $1,500 to just over $7,000 for two guests to either the Bahamas or other must-visit destinations in the Caribbean , including Mexico and Antigua. Specifically, a 4-night Caribbean cruise to Mexico will cost two travelers $1,534. On the pricier side, a 10-night cruise through the Eastern Caribbean will set you and a travel partner back about $7,359.

1. Disney Fantasy

Topping off the list, and coming in as the top-ranked Disney cruise, is the Disney Fantasy. After setting sail for the first time in 2012, the ship has quickly cemented itself a go-to for Disney fans and cruise lovers looking for a longer getaway. With six, seven, and 10-night cruise routes available through the Caribbean, the Disney Fantasy ticks all the boxes in terms of entertainment, comfort, and adventure.

Much like the other ships that belong to the Disney Cruise Line, the Disney Fantasy is equipped with plenty of onboard entertainment and amenities that'll make any trip unforgettable. From kid clubs to Broadway-style stage performances, meet-and-greets with beloved Disney characters, and both kid-friendly and adult-only pools, the ship is anything but boring. Plus, as an added bonus, the Disney Fantasy is also home to one of the best adults-only districts, Europa. With bars and eateries inspired by European destinations, it's a great escape for adult travelers who want some respite from kid-centric spaces.

Lastly, it's worth mentioning that — similar to the Disney Wish — the Disney Fantasy is pricier than other ships, with 3-night trips to the Bahamas starting from $1,996 for two people. However, the destinations more than make up for the cost. For example, the Disney Fantasy is the only ship to offer transatlantic journeys — like their 13-night cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida, to Barcelona in Spain starting at $4,859.

Our Ranking Methodology

There's a lot that goes into each Disney cruise ship. From themed restaurants to activities, entertainment, and accommodations, each of the Disney Cruise Line's vessels are designed with pretty much the same intention: to provide guests with a Disney-themed experience where, in Disney's own words, "magic meets the sea," no matter the route or destination. Nonetheless — and in spite of these shared goals — there are certain things that some ships do better than others.

In order to come up with our ranking, our primary focus was on the relationship between guest experience and value aboard each ship. Scouring through online reviews and fan forums, as well as the official Disney Cruise Line website, we created a list of each of the ship's pros and cons. From there, we compared these factors against the price of a ticket for two travelers for an inside cabin (typically the most affordable rate). This ultimately helped us find a correlation between how much guests were paying to travel on the ship and what they were getting in return.

Read the original article on Explore

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The best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler

Whether you're in it for the sightseeing, wildlife spotting or relaxing among glaciers, there's an Alaska cruise for you

Alaska is among the most popular summer vacation destinations since it’s (pretty much) the only time of year the state offers warm, sunny weather and hours of extra daylight (on my summer 2022 trip here, I remember looking at my iPhone and being surprised that the sun still hadn’t set by 9pm!). In my opinion, cruising is, by far, the best way to experience the massive state and all the beauty it has to offer since you won’t need to drive or hop on a handful of flights; plus, you’ll only need to unpack once! (The views, of course, are just the icing on the proverbial cake.)

As you scroll through our top picks for the best Alaska cruises, it’s worth noting that most options include scenic cruising through Alaska’s Inside Passage, a 500-mile-long coastal route world-renowned for its wildlife, glaciers and postcard-worthy scenery. (I’ll never forget the awe I felt when watching a whale breach from the 11th deck of my cruise ship or the glacier-studded views I ogled from the comfort of my private balcony.)

Below, I’ve broken down the best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler, including budget-conscious cruisers, adventure-seekers and luxury lovers alike.

RECOMMENDED: The best cruises from the U.S.

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Best Alaska cruises

1.  Holland America Line’s Alaskan Explorer

Best overall experience.

Cruises from: Seattle (roundtrip) Sailing dates: May through September 2024

I was fortunate enough to cruise Alaska with Holland America back in August 2022 aboard the line’s uber-popular, aptly named Alaskan Explorer itinerary. Cruising roundtrip from Seattle, the seven-day journey features scenic cruising through Stephens Passage before arriving in Juneau, where my sister and I embarked on my favorite shore excursion of the trip: A dog sledding adventure! The following day, we cruised through Glacier Bay before arriving at Icy Strait Point for a few hours, which we spent whale-watching—to this day, it is one of my most cherished travel memories. Afterward, we headed to Sitka, where we went rafting and spotted wildlife like puffins and adorable sea otters before wrapping up the adventure in the final two ports of call, Ketchikan and Victoria, British Columbia.

The onboard offerings were equally impressive, with nightly live music and some of the best fish and chips I’ve ever eaten (Holland America is the first cruise line to serve 100 percent fresh and certified sustainable Alaska seafood on board). Just this year, the line unveiled its Glacier Guarantee : Guests are guaranteed to visit a glacier during their sailing; otherwise, they’re entitled to a Future Cruise Credit equal to 15 percent of their cruise fare.

2.  Celebrity Cruises’ Alaska Dawes Glacier

Best upscale option.

Cruises from: Seattle (roundtrip)

Sailing dates: May through August 2024

Celebrity Cruises offers an upscale onboard experience with plenty of chic hangout spaces, stylish restaurants and contemporary staterooms. For the first time, the spectacular 2019-era Celebrity Edge—known for its 29 restaurants bars and lounges plus innovative spaces like the Magic Carpet , which the line has deemed “the world’s first cantilevered, floating platform that reaches heights of 13 stories above sea level”—will homeport in Seattle. She’ll cruise to Alaska via the seven-night Alaska Dawes Glacier itinerary, including scenic sailing through Endicott Arms and the Inside Passage. As you can likely tell by its name, guests aboard this itinerary will cruise alongside the striking Dawes Glacier, which stands over 600 feet tall and can be further inspected via a thrilling shore excursion. Ports of call include Juneau, Skagway and Victoria (British Columbia).

3.  Crystal’s Vancouver to Vancouver

Best luxury cruise.

Cruises from: Vancouver (roundtrip) Sailing dates: July 2024

For a truly memorable Alaska sailing, splurge on Crystal’s seven-night Vancouver to Vancouver itinerary—and thank me later. As you can guess by its name, the 740-passenger Crystal Serenity will sail roundtrip from Vancouver, cruising through Canada’s glacier-studded Seymour Narrows before calling on Sitka and Skagway, respectively. Afterward, you’ll enjoy scenic cruising through the Endicott Arm fjord before one last port stop in Ketchikan. While in port, cruisers can embark on bucket-list-worthy excursions such as wildlife spotting tours, kayaking adventures and fishing. The on-board programming is equally impressive: All passengers, regardless of their room category, enjoy private butler service; Wi-Fi; a selection of wines, champagne, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages like water, soft drinks and specialty coffees; free gratuities; and one complimentary reservation to each of the two specialty dining restaurants, including the first and only Nobu at sea (yes, that Nobu).

4.  Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic’s Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness

Best for wildlife spotting.

Cruises from: Juneau to Sitka and vice-versa Sailing dates: May through September 2024

Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic have teamed up to offer a handful of one-of-a-kind Alaska sailings specially suited for true adventure-seekers. The Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness itinerary, which sails from Juneau to Sitka and vice-versa (depending on your desired sail date), invites cruisers to experience Alaska’s natural landscapes and wildlife up close and personal with guidance and unique insight from an onboard expedition team . Along the way, partake in adventures like hiking through forests, cruising around icebergs via Zodiac, or searching for puffins and mountain goats in Glacier Bay National Park. Little ones can also partake in the fun: Children and teens can learn more about Alaska’s landscapes and wildlife with the National Geographic Global Explorers family program. Cruisers will sail on one of two 100-person vessels, National Geographic Quest or National Geographic Venture, both offer a shallow draft that, per the website, allows the ships’ captains to “navigate the inner reaches and provide more intimate experiences.”

5.  Alaskan Dream Cruises’ 2024 Ice of the Inside Passage

Best small-ship option.

Cruises from: Sitka to Ketchikan

Sailing dates: May through August 2024 This brand-new itinerary from Indigenous-owned Alaskan Dreams Cruises is ideal for cruisers craving an authentic small-ship experience. The eight-day voyage departs from Sitka aboard the 49-passenger Baranof Dream. From there, you'll enjoy scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park. It’s also worth noting that, because of the ship’s small size, guests can gain an up-close view of seven different glaciers, including Margerie, Grand Pacific, Mendenhall, Sawyer, South Sawyer and Dawes glaciers, plus a high-speed jet-boat excursion to LeConte Glacier.

After cruising Glacier Bay National Park, it’s off to Juneau, followed by more scenic sailing through the Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm fjords (the latter can be explored via kayak or skiff expedition). This itinerary is also unique since it includes a Kasaan stop where guests can immerse themselves in Alaska's native culture by visiting the Haida community. The final port of call, Ketchikan, is known as “The Salmon Capital of the World.”

6.  Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Flavors of Alaska

Cruises from: Vancouver to Seward

Sailing dates: June 2024

Cruise the Last Frontier in style with Regent Seven Seas aboard the Seven Seas Explorer, which offers all-suite accommodations equipped with private balconies for soaking in the glacial views. While there are several Alaska itineraries to choose from, Flavors of Alaska , which sails from Vancouver to Seward, is among our favorites since it includes (pretty much) all of Alaska’s most popular ports of call, including Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Icy Strait Point, with Hubbard Glacier scenic cruising. As such, it’s an excellent choice for first-time visitors to Alaska. It’s also worth noting that this particular voyage offers up to 50 free excursions, including rainforest and glacier hikes, whale-watching adventures, kayaking and fishing. While this luxury cruise line isn’t cheap, it offers excellent value with numerous amenities already included in the price, such as specialty dining, transfers between the airport and ship, an open bar package, roundtrip air on domestic flights, gratuities and two-for-one fares.

7.  Norwegian Cruise Line’s Alaska: Dawes Glacier, Juneau & Ketchikan

Best for families.

Cruises from: Seattle (roundtrip) Sailing dates:  May through September 2024

Norwegian Cruise Line is renowned for its casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere—for example, there are no set dining times—and breadth of activities and amenities. As such, it’s safe to say this mega-ship line is ideal for families of all ages. This summer, gather the family for an epic Alaska sailing aboard the aptly named Norwegian Bliss, which offers thrilling activities like go-kart racing and laser tag. The itinerary is equally impressive as the vessel itself: After setting sail from Seattle, it’s off to scenic Sitka. The following day, you’ll explore Juneau before scenic cruising through Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. Passengers will then visit Icy Strait Point (home to the state’s largest native Tlingit village, as well as awe-inspiring wildlife, including orcas and humpback whales, which, if you’re lucky, can be spotted straight from the ship). The final Alaskan port of call, Ketchikan, is renowned for its colorful Creek Street, a former red light district turned tourist attraction, where you can also spot salmon swimming upstream (and even the occasional otter or two). Before heading back to Seattle, you’ll visit Victoria, British Columbia, which just so happens to be one of my favorite ports of call thanks to its charming shops and restaurants coupled with its bustling food scene (fun fact: It’s home to the highest number of restaurants per capita in Canada).

8.  Viking Cruises’ Alaska & The Inside Passage

Best adults-only.

Sailing dates: May through September 2024

Viking is renowned for its adults-only, all-inclusive cruises (think free spa access; Wi-Fi; one shore excursion per port; wine and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner; all-balcony accommodations). Cruisers aboard the line’s 11-day Alaska & The Inside Passage itinerary—where nobody is below the age of 18—enjoy visits to popular ports of call like Juneau, Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Skagway and Ketchikan, along with a stop in Valdez, a small fishing town known for its glaciers, waterfalls and scenic hiking trails, before disembarking in Seward, aka the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. The line is also known for its immersive shore excursions, including a visit to Saxman Native Village and animal encounters at the Alaska Sealife Center.

9.  Royal Caribbean’s Southbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier

Best budget option.

Cruises from: Seward to Vancouver

Royal Caribbean is known for its laid-back ambiance and bucket-list sailings aboard its mega-ship fleet, which offer something for everyone, be it water slides, skydiving simulators or escape rooms. With fares ranging from $299 to $625 depending on the date, the seven-night Southbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier aboard Radiance of the Seas—which offers completely complimentary activities like a rock climbing wall and Broadway-caliber entertainment, not to mention 11 dining options and several bars and lounges—is a great way to experience The Last Frontier without breaking the bank. After embarking in Seward, passengers will enjoy scenic cruising around Hubbard Glacier, followed by port stops in Juneau, Skagway, Haines (famous for its majestic wildlife, including bears and eagles), Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan. Before disembarking in Vancouver, travelers are in for one final treat: Scenic cruising through the Inside Passage.

10.  Princess Cruises’ Seven-Day Inside Passage (with Glacier Bay National Park)

Best for foodies.

Culinary connoisseurs can sail to Alaska aboard Discovery Princess, which is among the newest Princess ships to cruise Alaska this season, and the Seven-Day Inside Passage (with Glacier Bay National Park) is one for the books since it calls on Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria (British Columbia), along with scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park. Also, as part of the line’s “North to Alaska” programming, passengers can partake in unique culinary experiences, including Cook My Catch at the new specialty seafood restaurant, The Cach by Rudi. This unique offering allows cruisers to consume their very own fresh catch caught on a fishing excursion. Foodies can also partake in an onboard salmon cooking demonstration led by expert chefs, along with a four-course seafood feast at the Crab Shack, a lunch pop-up found in the World Fresh Marketplace.

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Juneau  | Local Government  | Tourism

With cruise tourism booming, Juneau has negotiated a limit on how many passengers can come off ships

May 31, 2024 by Clarise Larson, KTOO

After a record-breaking boom in cruise ship tourism following the COVID-19 pandemic, city leaders in Juneau have been publicly considering if — and how — they can limit that growth in the coming years. 

Now they’ve negotiated an agreement with cruise lines that they believe does just that. Starting in 2026, Juneau will have a cap on the number of daily passengers that come off cruise ships: 16,000 people on most days and 12,000 people on Saturdays. Currently, Juneau can see up to 21,000 visitors on its busiest days. 

Juneau’s Visitor Industry Director Alix Pierce said the agreement was finalized Friday. She called it groundbreaking.

“This has been a hard-fought agreement for the city, and it is a huge win for the city,” she said. “It is exactly what I wanted out of this, and I’m extremely happy that we’re here.”

Earlier this month, the Juneau Assembly approved the limits. 

Last year, a record-breaking 1.6 million passengers visited Juneau, with about the same expected this year and next. Pierce said the new agreement should keep the annual passenger count at that same level. 

She said that will be key in curbing future growth while also protecting local businesses that rely on the industry.

“This was an effort to kind of thread the needle and balance the competing voices that we hear in our roles as public officials trying to work through this,” Pierce said. 

But some residents in Juneau, like Karla Hart, said they are less than impressed. Hart is a longtime advocate who often criticizes the growth of tourism in Juneau and the effects it has on the people who live here year-round. 

“The pretense that it’s doing anything to address the real issues of the community is just absurd. It’s not even worth the paper it’s written, so it’s totally worthless,” she said. 

Hart said the agreement — and other agreements the city has done in the past to mitigate the impacts of the industry —  are all for show. 

“They’re not doing anything that really protects the community as a whole,” she said.

Because of that, she and other residents have been looking for ways to limit tourism without necessarily getting the consent of cruise lines. 

Hart and four other residents are trying to get a question on the local ballot this October asking whether Juneau should ban all large cruise ships on Saturdays. So far, she said they’ve collected enough signatures to get it on the ballot, but the city clerk is still verifying them. 

“I think that’s our best immediate vehicle to get word to the industry and to the city leaders, that the community wants some relief from this industry,” she said. 

If the “ship-free Saturdays” ballot initiative gets passed by voters, that could go into effect as soon as next year.

But Pierce has long said negotiations are better than trying to enforce regulations. That’s because other communities have tried to do that and wound up in court.  

And the cruise industry has sued Juneau in the past. A lawsuit over how the city spends the money it earns from passenger fees was settled in 2019, with both parties agreeing to work together to settle disputes outside of court.

“It’s not that the city is beholden to the cruise industry or anything like that. And I do hear that narrative sometimes,” Pierce said. “It’s more, it’s always a lot easier to solve a problem with somebody you have a positive relationship with, than somebody who you’re in a big, legal fight with all the time.”

Pierce said there could be a lot of unknown implications to passing a ballot initiative like this one — both legally and logistically. And she also doesn’t know how it might affect the new agreement. 

“There was a ballot measure that limited cruise ships that passed in Bar Harbor, Maine, and there are lawsuits on top of lawsuits on top of injunctions on top of different trading legal barbs, and the city spent a lot of money on legal fees,” she said. “So I think there would be a lot of legal activity after a ballot initiative passed.”

The new agreement means once the limits go into effect in 2026, they will remain in place in perpetuity. But the city and cruise lines also agreed to meet annually, and changes can be made during those discussions. 

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Klawock hopes for an economic boost as it welcomes cruise ships for the first time

May 17, 2024

The ceremony was the result of 18 months of planning by tribal leaders, who are hoping to revive the town’s flagging economy with tourism.

Ketchikan tourist sues borough after scooter tips over on public bus

Attorneys for 91-year-old Donald Gillingham say the scooter wasn't secured when it fell, breaking his ribs and puncturing his lung.

With an unexpected ship, Thursday will be Sitka’s biggest day of the summer cruise season

May 2, 2024

The latecomer is the Nieuw Amsterdam, which notified Sitka’s port director about a week ago that it was making an unscheduled call.

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I’ve Never Checked a Bag in My 16 Years of Cruising — Shop My 15 Fool-proof Carry-on Essentials

From Mexico to the Mediterranean, I never leave port without these sure-fire items.

Travel + Leisure / Francesca Fasciglione

Even as a longtime cruiser, one of my travel nightmares is meticulously planning outfits for a cruise — and spending the entire trip without my luggage. This can actually happen if your checked bag doesn’t arrive with you because options for delivering it to you are, well, slim. What sort of airline delivery service brings it to you on a sea day in the middle of the ocean, after all? Another logistical issue is that the ship’s only in port for a few hours and timing a luggage delivery to the closest airport would be impossible . 

Long story short: Your bag could follow you from airport to airport for an entire week and you’ll never see it. Instead of spending your trip in the clothes you traveled in (or dropping serious cash on a new wardrobe), take my advice and condense your gear to a simple carry-on so you can ensure that your belongings are always with you. 

Haven't mastered the art of carry-on-only packing yet?  Here are the 15 clothing and accessories I bring on every cruise, whether I’m going to Alaska, the Mediterranean in the shoulder season, the Caribbean, or Mexico during winter. Even better, each pick is available at Amazon and prices start at $14.

Havaianas Twist T-bar Sandals 

Choose sandals with ankle straps because, trust me, you do not want to wear thong-style flip-flops for the many hours you’ll explore the ship on a sea day. I used to own a pair of these and wore them until the soles wore out. I am already shopping for my next pair. With the sand gray pair, you could wear it with a flowy, long dress for casual dinners.

Merrell Alverstone 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoes

However, for shore excursion hikes to natural wonders like Denali National Park or Virgin Islands National Park, you need a pair of comfortable athletic shoes that won’t get ruined if it rains — and you won't want to wear open-toe shoes on these activities as sandals make you more susceptible to ticks and bug bites. My Merrell hiking shoes are sturdy enough that I won’t twist an ankle. I wear these on the plane as they’re my bulkiest shoes, and they come in handy if I have to sprint to my gate on a tight layover.

Lucky Brand Wimmie Ballet Flats

On the topic of shoes, it took me a long time to find a pair of comfy black flats without thick rubber soles (skewing into casual, ugh). Heels take up more space in your luggage and stretchy ballet flats don’t provide arch support. So, what's a cruisegoer to do? I own a pair of these Lucky Brand flats and wear them with dressy slacks, skirts, and dresses for when I’ll be walking a great distance. I can’t wait to pack these for my next cruise.

Dokoto Elegant Casual Button-down Cover-up 

If you’re just bringing a carry-on, I recommend packing only one cover-up — and choosing it wisely. Polyester and rayon materials are only going to cause you to sweat on the Lido Deck. Cotton is preferred as it’s a more breathable fabric. Make sure to opt for a cover-up that can also double as a dress, like this one that's available in 15 solid shades. With the longer length, it'll provide excellent coverage to protect you from the sun and keep you looking put together when you're headed to lunch.

Cupshe Ruffled One-piece Swimsuit 

If you’re only packing one swimsuit, you can't go wrong with a one-piece. This way you can also swim with comfort, whether it’s laps at the pool or snorkeling in the ocean. At Amazon, this Cupshe bathing suit is super cute with supportive ruffled straps and flattering ruching. Its stylish design also allows it to double as a bodysuit under shorts, skirts, trousers, or jeans when you want to switch up your evening wear.

Automat Two-piece Matching Set 

If you’re like me, sea days are for roaming the ship, and logging a lot of steps at that. Instead of yoga pants and a T-shirt, a two-piece lounge set keeps the comfy vacation vibe going strong without looking too sloppy. Plus, the shirt doubles as an extra layer in air-conditioned dining rooms or when you need extra sun protection at the pool.

Zaful V-neck Ribbed Button-up Cardigan

The day before I was to board a river cruise in Burgundy, France, I realized I’d need a sweater for a temperature drop over the next few days. I popped into an H&M on the Champs-Elysées in Paris and bought a chunky-knit, cropped beige cardigan. It’s a near twin to this one from Zaful, which is $36 right now at Amazon. I pack this on cruises as cabins can get chilly. A knee-length cardigan takes up way too much room in your luggage, unless you wear it on the plane.

Zomake Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack

When I plan to walk while in port, I pack a bright-orange packable backpack (one that condenses to a small size) that’s different than my personal-item backpack I wore on the flight. This one is very similar to the one I own. It's stocked with plenty of pockets to hold your essentials while you explore, and it’s water-resistant in case you spill a bottle of water inside or it’s raining outside.

Kalidi Beach Mesh Tote Bag

As cute as they are, unless you plan to bring a woven straw beach bag as your purse or carry-on for the flight, it’s better to use a canvas tote bag or foldable beach bag like this one for taking a book, sunblock, sunglasses, and other items to the Lido Deck. Luckily, it's cute and functional enough to double as a beach bag once you're bag home, and you can even get away with using it as a purse while you're cruising.

Tronjori High-waist Wide-Leg Palazzo Pants

It’s nice to have a pair of black. loose-fitting, wide-leg dress slacks to wear to dinner with a tucked-in blouse or cropped top. Without drawstrings or spandex, the pants no longer look like slouchy yoga pants or loungewear. Here, the expandable waistline helps if you swell due to the heat or are indulging at the buffet. Bonus: these are wrinkle-free and easily roll up in your carry-on (but they're comfy enough to wear on the flight if you need to).

Sueani Loose V-neck Bell-sleeve Blouse

Two or three dressy tops are enough for me to mix and match with my not-so-formal pants and skirts. Instead of deciding between my short-sleeved and long-sleeved options, I like to bring three-quarter-length sleeved tops to get the best of both worlds. This top, which comes in 31 solid hues, won over Amazon shoppers with its flattering fit and versatile look. Remember: it's always solid, not patterned when only bringing a carry-on. Trust me, they'll go a long way with the rest of your cruise wardrobe. 

Lilbetter Short-sleeve V-neck Dress With Pockets

For cruises, I pack knee-length over floor-length dresses, even if they’re casual, as that extra fabric multiplied by however many dresses you bring takes up more packing room. This one — with its pockets, short sleeves, and V-neck — could easily segue from strolling in port to sitting down for dinner in a specialty restaurant on the ship. Navy blue would be a fun color to match the nautical surroundings, but it's also available in 29 other colors.

Bloggerlove Rain Jacket Hooded Trench Coat

You’re going to need a lightweight windbreaker for more than a rainstorm. The ship’s top deck can get windy at night, for example. Also, for excursions like viewing the Kenai Fjords in Seward, Alaska, it’s chilly while out on the water. Sadly, my beloved J.Crew windbreaker trench coat is now from several seasons ago, but I found one just like it on Amazon, with an elastic waist for a similar tailored look a hood, and lots of pockets. Plus, it's packable, so you don't have to wear it on the plane or worry about it hogging up space in your carry-on.

Back from Bali Women’s Sheer Shrug Cardigan

Air-conditioned dining rooms on cruise ships can get chilly, so it’s helpful to have a shrug or wrap that doesn’t bulk up your dressy outfit (or take away precious carry-on space). This lightweight cropped cardigan — particularly in the elegant beige hue — can adapt to formal and casual, while also matching with floral and neutral, dark-colored dresses.

Sungait Vintage Round Sunglasses

Don’t pack huge Jackie O-like sunglasses that require a case the size of a small lunchbox. Go for a slim, lightweight pair instead. These tortoise-shell frames would look good on anybody and are affordable enough that if you lose them while on a bumpy catamaran ride, you won’t be out a lot of money. What's more, they're polarized and block 100 percent of the sun's UVB and UVA rays.

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Iceland's land of ice and fire, explore unforgettable landscapes.

Cruise Code: A22510FL

Reykjavik, Iceland

Seydisfjordur, Iceland

Akureyri, Iceland

Embark on an Icelandic adventure to discover the captivating landscapes and rich culture of Seydisfjordur. Stroll about Akureyri, a charming town at the base of snow-capped mountains, and explore Isafjordur surrounded by stunning fjords. Experience an overnight stay in the vibrant capital of Reykjavik, known for its geothermal wonders and lively atmosphere. This sailing provides an immersive journey through Iceland's natural wonders and cultural treasures.

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

Seydisfjordur One of the most picturesque villages in Iceland, Seydisfjordur offers the chance to explore colourful streets, witness cascading waterfalls just outside town, and marvel at the Eastern Region's spectacular fjords.

Akureyri Cradled by stunning mountains and fjords, Akureyri in northern Iceland enchants with botanical gardens and a rich maritime history complemented by the subtle dance of Northern Lights above.

Reykjavik Iceland's capital, Reykjavik, beckons with its Nordic elegance and Arctic wonders. Take in the stunning architecture of the Hallgrimskirkja church, soak in the nearby Blue Lagoon's geothermal waters, and explore the city's vibrant street art scene against a brisk North Atlantic backdrop.

Buy One Get One Half Price

2nd Guest sails for Half Price 25% off drinks packages with Ambassador Fare £50pp Low Deposit

• Sails from (and returns to) Falmouth
• 9 Ports of call
• 4 Countries

Full itinerary:

Day 1 - 31 May 2025

Day 2 - 1 June 2025

Day 3 - 2 June 2025

Day 4 - 3 June 2025

Day 5 - 4 June 2025

Day 6 - 5 June 2025

Seydisfjordur

Day 7 - 6 June 2025

Day 8 - 7 June 2025

Day 9 - 8 June 2025

Day 10 - 9 June 2025

Day 11 - 10 June 2025

Day 12 - 11 June 2025

Day 13 - 12 June 2025

Day 14 - 13 June 2025

Bristol Royal Portbury

Day 15 - 14 June 2025

Cabins & Fares

Included in all bookings.

• All port taxes, fees and charges - read more
• Porterage of luggage between the port and cabin. - read more
• Spa access - read more
• Use of gym, swimming pool and hot tubs - read more
• Range of fitness, dance and wellness classes - read more
• Amazing entertainment - read more
• Informative guest speakers* - read more
• Captain’s Gala Dinner and Baked Alaska Parade* - read more
• Comfortable accommodation in chosen cabin category - read more
• Flexible cancellation policies† - read more
• Captain’s cocktail party* - read more
• Exceptional full board cuisine - read more

The Ship - Ambition

Here she is, Ambition. Our second lady of the sea. Aptly named to further emphasise our commitment t ... Read More

Here she is, Ambition. Our second lady of the sea. Aptly named to further emphasise our commitment to inspire and delight every guest to enjoy an authentic cruise experience effortlessly, and sustainably

Ambition will carry up to 1,200 passengers to give her a true sense of comfort and space in her 680 cabins, 125 of which have balconies and 113 are suites with up to 62m2 of living space.

Her dining options will inspire you with two main restaurants, speciality dining options*, and a more casual bistro-style café. Sit back, relax and enjoy a drink in one of her four bars, lounges and pub. Or take in a show in the tiered main theatre, or discover your hidden talents in the card room, library, and craft studio.

Other facilities include the wellness centre, gym, two swimming pools and a range of retail shops, perfect for days at sea.

What’s on board

Journeying to new lands to explore their landscape, culture and cuisine, on board a stylish, environmentally friendly ship.

Green Sea Spa

Our team is dedicated to providing the highest level of service and strives continually to exceed guest expectations. With our guests in mind, we have created an all-encompassing spa experience that relaxes, refreshes and renews in a serene, comfortable and welcoming environment. From facial treatments to massages and hair care to healing treatments; there is something for everyone. Our Sauna and Steam Room are also available for all guests to use.

Brontë’s library

Brontë’s Library is the home of peace and tranquillity on board, and the perfect place for those looking to take some time to relax after a busy day at sea. Select a good book within Brontë's calm atmosphere before heading off to your favourite queit reading area. Why not join other like-minded literature lovers through our cruise book club, where you can discuss your views on some of the current bestsellers. All books are chosen in advance, giving you the opportunity to purchase your copy before boarding.

The Palladium

entertainment

It's showtime! Our multi-tiered onboard theatre The Palladium hosts a variety of hand-picked shows, plays, talks and so much more just as diverse as the destinations we visit. Waiting in the wings are our onboard entertainment team, the Ambassador Theatre Company. They can't wait to entertain you as you enjoy an afternoon or evening of world-class storytelling.

lounges-bars

The Pool Bar is one of the loveliest bars on board Ambition. Enjoy a specially made cocktail as you sit back and relax around the pool.

Named after the infamous Cavern Club, home to Liverpool’s booming rock ‘n’ roll scene in the early sixties and regular visitors the Beatles, The Cavern will be your onboard home of live music and acts throughout the day and night. With a wide range of drinks available, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the atmosphere as our expert bar team are always on hand to help mix a drink just to your taste.

Buckingham Restaurant

Inspired by authentic cruising and quality dining, the Buckingham Restaurant is designed to provide guests with a wonderful a la carte dining experience. Serving an exceptionally handcrafted breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, our restaurant team will be delighted for you to join them throughout your day on board.

Your on board Experience

Discover the amazing entertainment we have on offer on board Ambition.

More about the ship

Average Customer Rating:

Independent Service Rating based on 2164 verified reviews. View All

Yes, would buy again

Pamela Wallace

“Very accessible advisers and pleasant to deal with.”

The service so far has been excellent and we are looking forward to more of the same!

Victor Spencer

“Looking forward to our Norwegian cruise”

We saw this cruise at a cruise show by Hays Travel. We thought about it and decided to book this cruise. We have always cruised with Marella. Time to try Ambassador. Really looking forward to it.

David Hunter

“Straightforward. Professional and efficient.”

Most certainly.

Mary Kathleen Chambers

Very easy to book on line

Graham Peake

Answered phone promptly, very professional and friendly.

CHRISTINE SAGE

The staff are always very helpful and give out the information requested. They are very efficient and tel you what to do next.

Trusted Customer

“Spot on nigel”

Booking went like clockwork no hassle

ROGER GUTHRIE

I AM 311775

“I phoned to book the cruise and the gentleman I spoke to was so very helpfu”

It was so easy to book on the phone with ambassador cruise line. The gentleman was very helpful. Also you can choose your. Cabin which is very good at such a late date. Keep it up ambassador

Joyce Evans

Easy booking process

I booked my cruise via the website. I found it very easy to do. When I updated and included extras I was immediately sent a new invoice with the updates. If you are not confident using the website there are customer service contact numbers . Customer service will help you and answer any queries or queries you may have.

Norah Butcher

“Easy process and excellent communication”

Recommended

“Three in a row”

Regular happy customer

Angus McFadyen

“Booing system changes”

I was quite happy using the booking system at the time but now it has changed and I can’t decide whether I have paid too much for my booking.

“Always very helpful a and get tings sorted straight away”

Very helpful lovely people on the phone. All I had to do was pay all done in a short time.

“Excellence in every department”

Excellence in every department also very courteous and very.helpful...

Terence Webster

“Good admin.”

Responded well to my request to move to a double cabin.

Robert Denis Clement

“Because you have booked the wrong cruise”

Wrong cruise booked by agent

Heather Bird

“Excellent phone manner”

Cameron was very courteous, explained everything fully, an altogether easy experience.

Copyright 2024 Ambassador Cruise Line is a trading name of Ambassador Cruise Holidays Limited.

Ambassador Cruise Holidays Limited is a company registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 13299365