Maintenance and operational changes reshape several Alaska cruise itineraries
Cunard, Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean have adjusted or cancelled recent sailings, affecting port calls and scenic cruising.
Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth departed Seattle approximately 24 hours behind schedule after essential maintenance delayed its planned September 17 departure. The revised itinerary eliminated a Juneau visit and scenic cruising in Endicott Fjord while retaining calls at Ketchikan and Victoria.
Princess Cruises said an engine issue prevented Royal Princess from maintaining the speed required for its intended itinerary. As a result, the ship’s September 12 sailing omitted Juneau and Ketchikan. Princess offered affected passengers a refund equal to 50% of their cruise fare and also refunded cruise-line shore excursions reserved for the cancelled ports.
MSC Cruises removed Endicott Arm scenic cruising from MSC Poesia’s September 21 itinerary, attributing the adjustment to seasonal operational considerations. The change allowed the ship to arrive in Juneau earlier and extended its stay there by about six hours.
Royal Caribbean cancelled Serenade of the Seas’ sailing after maintenance delayed its scheduled August 30 departure from Vancouver, with guests already aboard. Before cancelling the voyage entirely, the cruise line had removed Sitka, Juneau and scenic glacier cruising from a shortened itinerary.
