Home / Environment / Alaska Fjord Evacuated: Tsunami Scare Halts Cruise Ships
Alaska Fjord Evacuated: Tsunami Scare Halts Cruise Ships
12 Apr
Summary
- A 2025 landslide and tsunami caused unsafe conditions in Alaska's Tracy Arm.
- Major cruise lines have rerouted ships to Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier.
- Scientists are studying the unstable slopes and potential for future rockfalls.
Popular Alaska cruise itineraries are being significantly changed for the 2026 season. Major cruise lines have opted to skip Tracy Arm, a renowned fjord in southeast Alaska, following a substantial landslide and tsunami event on August 10, 2025. The incident sent water surging high up a mountainside, creating ongoing safety concerns due to unstable slopes.
Consequently, cruise operators like Holland America, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and others are rerouting their ships to the nearby Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. While these alternative destinations offer stunning glacial views, some travelers and travel agents note they are not the same as the majestic Tracy Arm experience.
Scientists are actively investigating the cause of the 2025 slope collapse and assessing the potential for future rockfalls and localized tsunamis in Tracy Arm. The U.S. Geological Survey advises that areas affected by landslides can remain unstable for years, necessitating caution and influencing these cruise itinerary adjustments.
