Any pre-paid Royal Caribbean International shore excursions booked for Skagway will automatically be refunded to the original form of payment. Several landslides have closed the cruise ship dock in Skagway for the rest of the summer, causing whats expected to be at least three dozen vessels to skip the tourism-dependent port by the end of summer. Read over 1,111 detailed Skagway cruise port reviews and find great tips to enjoy Skagway including shore excursions, local activities and must see attractions. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park honors the stampeders of The Klondike. Skagway Canceled for 10 Cruises With just two months remaining in the Alaska sailing season, Princess Cruises is removing Skagway from 10 upcoming itineraries. Members enjoy 15% off any purchase in our store. Another 24 sailings have been removed from the upcoming schedule, she said. This is an extra safety protocol to ensure that passengers and dock workers arent at risk, he said. Contact her at twilliams@adn.com. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates just follow the corresponding ship-link. The issue comes from large rocks above the railroad dock in Skagway. Royal Caribbean releases new Alaska 2022 cruises to book, First look at 2019 Alaska and Europe Phase I sailings. But one large rock, known locally as ship rock, could fall and that scenario has cruise lines reconsidering their docking schedules. Will it be open in 2023? I think each business is going to feel an effect from that.. The fast ferries to Haines and Juneau take off from the small boat harbor, as do the fishing charter boats. The firm examined past slide events, current slope conditions, and mitigation efforts already in place. No one was injured in the slides that sent rock, dirt and vegetation down the mountainside above the dock. The cruise calendar displays the ship's estimated time of arrival including related information such as how crowded is the port, as well as the ship's next port-of-call. The entire dock is closed to passengers and vehicles, Rose said. The ship schedule looks good. Update the categories youd like to receive notifications about. The port has several restaurants and cafes that offer fresh seafood and other local dishes. Ryan says these measures are redundant, as a series of nets and barriers are being set up on the slope to slow down and catch any falling rock. At the end of Broadway, there is also a ferry dock that can accommodate smaller ships. Some ships are still able to visit the charming community by utilizing other docks or arranging to tender passengers from an anchored position without using the at-risk dock. But the hotel part of the business recently closed, and it now has a bar and restaurant. Aug. 3, 2022. Cruises are one of the most popular ways to visit Alaska. Rose said there has been a large reduction in traffic, but the full effect wont be known until the end of the season. If your new itinerary is taking you toIcy Strait Point, you can expect to find quite a few fun activities for your time there. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Royal Caribbean Blog. This trail is a two-mile loop through the forest, offering visitors the chance to see wildlife and learn about the local flora and fauna. Anchorage: Explore Alaska's Largest City up . The 2-hour Skagway Street Car Tour departs from the pier daily, May through September, at 8:30 am, 10:45 am, 1:15 pm, and 3:30 pm. The Railroad Dock is directly south of the town along the Lynn Canal, and the Broadway Dock is about a five-minute walk from town at the foot of Main Street. Now, the diversion of cruise ships is again causing hardships for the town, Cremata wrote. Those streets are now crowded with thousands of visitors arriving by cruise ship every day. The cruise lines have indicated that there are certain days that they are going to hot berth, Ryan said. The cruise lines may have to decide if they want to pull out from Skagway dockings, continue using the Railroad Dock under these conditions, or request another dock/tender option. Today, the building is a museum that offers visitors a glimpse into the history and culture of the Russian colonial period in Alaska. Skagways economy is largely driven by tourism, and the cruise cancellations are already negatively impacting the general economy of our community, Skagway Mayor Andrew Cremata wrote in an emergency declaration issued Thursday. Information on where your ship docks, how to get from the port into the city, maps, bus and shuttle information, public transport options, cruise terminal information, cruise port schedules, must see sights, shopping guides, restaurant guides, internet and wifi locations, and suggestions for things to do. Skagway, Alaska. Most tourists come here to visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, as well as the Coast Mountains' White Pass Trail (from Skagway to Yukon River and the lakes Crater, Lindeman, and Bennett) and Chilkoot Trail (33-m / 53-km long trail connecting Dyea AK with Bennett BC Canada). If the union doesnt reach an agreement with White Pass, a strike could cause major disruptions to one of Southeast Alaskas most popular tourist attractions. We'll send you the latest cruise updates daily to your inbox. Add Cruise Critic's Community Forums to your iPhone's Home Screen! The city also has several restaurants that offer fresh seafood and other local dishes, as well as craft breweries and distilleries that offer tastings and tours. Is Princess the only cruise line diverting some ships away from Skagway? Now, the diversion of cruise ships is again causing hardships for the town, Cremata wrote. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Two rockslides in the past week have prompted closing the White Pass Railroad Dock and may impact cruise visits for the rest of the season. To serve the tourist influx during summer, Skagway's population doubles. The first scheduled cruise of 2023 embarked this weekend on April 15th when the NCL Norwegian Bliss ship with her 4,000 passengers sailing in CCL-Carnival Cruise Line has announced its plans to reposition three of its ships this spring (RepositionCruises.com). The zip line stretches for 5,330 feet and descends 1,330 feet, reaching speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. Skagway, located 100 miles (160 kilometers) north of the states capital, Juneau, is typically one of the most popular ports of call on Alaskan itineraries. Different options were implemented immediately, before the dock reopened. On Norwegian Jewel, 28JUL22, headed to Juneau this morning. Guests booked on Quantum of the Seas for this year's Alaska cruise season received updates via email from the cruise line that stops there have been replaced with visits to other ports. If your Royal Caribbean cruise had a scheduled stop in Skagway, Alaska, it looks less likely you'll be able to go. Look for a link at the bottom of this page or in our privacy policy where you can withdraw consent. Now, with two additional rockslides in just three days, the dock is likely to remain fully closed for the remainder of the cruising season. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for visitors of all ages and fitness levels. This is the third rockslide in recent weeks, and officials are concerned about the possibility of more and more severe rockslides to come. On 23JUL, Alaska's News Source reports, a small landslide from the steep, rocky cliffs at the dock forced the White Pass Rail Road to close the forward . Anchorage Daily News is our partner in Anchorage. I really wonder how these rumors begin. Full, long-term measures to improve the slopes safety are estimated to cost $40 million (USD). In June-July-August 2022, three rockslides caused damage to the port, the dock used for the mountain train excursion remained closed for the rest of the season, and dozens of cruise ships were diverted to other Alaskan ports. The railroad is working with teams of engineers and the municipality to mitigate the landslides. Borough Manager Brad Ryan says the cruise companies seem mostly satisfied with new mitigation measures in place to catch falling rocks. To achieve this, the rockslide area must meet highway rockfall safety standard, explained Cremata. The following timetable provides valuable . Ships docking on the forward portion of the dock will use tenders to move guests well out of the rockslide zone. The railroad is also used for shipping copper ore from Alaska's interior. We tendered instead and it was no problem. I packed for my Alaska cruise in a carry-on suitcase. Princess said that it will retain two-thirds of its port calls to Skagway through the remainder of the 2022 Alaska season, with 21 of its . 20102023Regal Sea Media LLC. In the emergency declaration, Cremata wrote that the work is expected to cost tens of millions of dollars.. Just hold tight and know that Alaska offers lots of alternative adventures for your enjoyment. One solution would still allow all scheduled ships to come to town this season, but it would mean shorter visits for some passengers. Skagway is one of the finest cruise ship ports in Southeast Alaska. He says those systems are on track to be ready by next Tuesday, when the first cruise ship of the season will dock. Visitors can take a guided tour of the building and learn about the daily life of the Russian bishop and his staff. No one was injured in the slides that sent rock, dirt and vegetation down the mountainside above the dock. 1.866.585.0942 (1.866.585.0942) Not true. The forward berth of Scagways Railroad Dock recently closed so that engineers can study a rockslide that occurred late last week. At least three dozen cruise ship stops are expected to be canceled. The slide has impacted the Rail Road dock which has two berth positions. Related:How I spent the day at Icy Strait Point on my Royal Caribbean cruise. Maybe the big ships should stay away. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Skagway's most popular "shore excursion" options for cruise tourists include White Pass Railroad Excursion (aka White Pass Summit Excursion, provided by the train travel company White Pass & Yukon Railroad), Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park (30-min live presentations given by a ranger), Yakutania Point (overlooking Tailya Inlet, walking and hiking), Dewey Lake Trail hiking (the Lower loop has length 2,5-mi/4-km, the Upper loop has length 3 mi/5 km). The Skagway cruise port is a colorful small town with a charming atmosphere and one fantastic excursion by train. About a dozen cruise ships normally visit the Port of Skagway each week during cruise-ship season. Ketchikan is also home to the Tongass Historical Museum, which is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the region. There are two port docks in the town of Skagway for cruise ships. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. All mitigation measures should be in place by Tuesday, April 18, 2023, when the first cruise ship of the season calls on Skagway. In addition, more time is being given in other ports to make up for the issue. The municipality hired a geotechnical and environmental consulting firm to assess the . The town has has applied for emergency grants from the federal government to help fund these essential projects. Last summer, rockslides from the hill above the railroad dock in Skagway caused cruise lines to cancel some dockings there through the end of the season. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! August 10, 2022 by Tess Williams, Anchorage Daily News. Visitors can take a guided hike through the nearby Tongass National Forest, which is home to towering trees, rushing streams, and a diverse array of wildlife. I guarantee you, it is one were going to solve before next season because we dont have any other choice.. Here's what I packed and how you can do it too. There is another cruise dock that isnt along the railroad just below what this picture shows. From paying baggage fees to risking lost luggage, I find, While all cruises in 2021 are still questionable if they will be able to sail, Alaska cruises seem to be the most at-, An Alaska cruise makes for an unforgettable vacation experience, but the cost of sailing to Alaska can vary greatly, There is a fair amount of Alaska cruise lingo, and you are very likely to hear about something called the Inside, Royal Caribbean has releasedits Alaska 2022 cruises, which are available to book now. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. (Claire Stremple/KTOO) Skagway Mayor Andrew Cremata calls the most visible boulder above the rockslide path the "Death Rock of Doom." It's about the size of a small house, and it. Its obviously impactful anytime we have a decrease in passengers, Bricker said. The quaint downtown area is also great for souvenir shopping with many local retail outlets, including the famous Klondike Doughboy with delicious cinnamon-sugar dusted fry bread that visitors line up for. Rose said there has been a large reduction in traffic, but the full effect wont be known until the end of the season. The municipality issued an emergency declaration last week, citing the need to shore up the slide-damaged areas and the loss of more than 100,000 cruise passengers to cancellations and rescheduling. The settlement was familiar to thousands of gold rushers as the gateway to the Alaskan goldfields. Theyll be equipped with radios so they can alert traffic handlers below if they see or hear rocks starting to move. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Anytime we had something listed for four large cruise ships to port, the fourth has been rerouted, Bricker said. If so, will it affect Skagway cruise arrivals in 2023? We'll send you the latest cruise updates daily to your inbox. SKAGWAY, Alaska Two rockslides in a three-day period last week have led to the full closure of the White Pass & Yukon dock at the Port of Skagway, and the dock is expected to remain closed for the remainder of the 2022 sailing season. Princess Cruises has revealed plans to introduce a unique feature on their Alaskan cruise scheduled for September 2-9, 2023. I think each business is going to feel an effect from that.. As a result of the slide risk, one Princess Cruise ship has already called at a different port, and visits to Skagway scheduled for July 27, 28, and 30 by other Princess vessels will instead go to Sikta, Alaska. More than 100 years ago, Skagway welcomed many prospectors, who came by boat, motivated by the frenzy of the Klondike Gold Rush. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates - just follow the corresponding ship-link. For mainly tourism purposes is operated the White Pass Yukon Route (abbrev WPYR) gauge railroad. The most-booked White Pass Summit Excursion features traveling in vintage coaches (pulled by an original steam locomotive) on the route to the White Pass Summit. Skagway is an Alaskan cruise port located on the northernmost point of Inside Passage. The dock was temporarily closed after the first rockslide was reported on June 23. A mid-July report from a geotechnical and environmental consulting firm showed significant risk of catastrophic failure of the mountainside above the dock that poses significant risks to life and property.. These two measures buses and tendering may slow down passenger movements slightly, and guests visiting Skagway should be patient as they move to and from their ships, understanding that these precautions are to ensure everyones safety. damaged by a number of rockslides from the steep adjacent slope, Popular Alaskan Port Seeking to Limit Cruise Ship Visits, White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad excursion and other top tours, will deploy nearly half its fleet to Alaska in 2024, Discuss this topic at our Cruise Boards >, Free daily cruise updates to your inbox >, Subscribe for daily cruise news on YouTube >, It's time to check today's cruise deals right here >, Damaged Ruby Princess to Depart on Revised Itinerary, Cruise Line Unveils New Features for Its Largest-Ever Ship, Thousands of Cruise Passengers Could Be Affected by Popular Alaska Tour, Disney Cruise Line Expanding New Wearable to Another Ship. Smart Shuttle or City Transit Most of them have not yet published any changes to their itineraries. The goal is to reopen the dock for the 2023 cruise ship season, which begins in May. These dock assignments may change during the season and we will notify those businesses that have given us their emails for updates. Our goal has been to provide our readers with expansive coverage of all aspects of the Royal Caribbean experience. If your Royal Caribbean cruise had a scheduled stop in Skagway, Alaska, it looks less likely you'll be able to go. The remainder of the dock is long enough to accommodate two cruise ships, provided one of them is relatively small. Instead, Quantum of the Seas will visit other ports. Twelve cruise ships skipped Skagway after the June landslide, according to Bricker. The Coral Princess cruise ship docked in Skagway on August 23, 2015. Finally, Icy Strait Point is a great place to sample local Alaskan cuisine. Skagway Cruise Port Facilities & Location. The city is seeking assistance from federal and state agencies. Skagway is also the northern terminus of Alaska Marine Highway (abbre AMH, state-operated ferry service). The inability of vessels to berth in Skagway due to the slope failure risk will have impacts on the entire southeast Alaska tourism economy, Cremata said. For those interested in the natural history of the area, Sitka offers several options. According to a press release from White Pass, crews are assessing the dock currently. The City of Skagway is currently working to decide the fate of a mineral loading dock that has sat unused for years. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Was Skagway closed in 2022? Visitors can also take a scenic train ride through the mountains, or explore the local history and culture. The route passes attractions like Bridal Veil Falls (waterfall flowing from Lake Serene to South Fork Skykomish River), Inspiration Point Mine, Dead Horse Gulch (3000+ horses died on the trail during the Klondike Gold Rush, and their bones can still be seen near the summit). Subscribers, sign in to access exclusive content. The ship we were on uses the RR dock. Carnival Luminosa will depart Princess Cruises announced updates for the upcoming 2023 cruise and cruisetour season in Alaska. Ultimately, the determination was that future rockslide risk was significant and recommendations were made for further work to secure the slope and improve safety. This vast wilderness area is known for its dramatic fjords, waterfalls, and pristine lakes. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. SKAGWAY, Alaska One berth at the White Pass & Yukon Railways cruise-ship dock in Skagway has been closed because of concerns over rockslide risk, forcing Princess Cruises to change plans for some scheduled visits by its ships. Known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and stunning natural beauty, Sitka is a popular destination for visitors on an Alaska cruise. Immediately after that first slide, the geotechnical and environmental consulting firm Shannon & Wilson examined the area and evaluated the risks. Organized Shore Excursions available for sightseeing, railway, gold fields, glaciers and more! Thanks for all information. You can unsubscribe anytime. Anytime we had something listed for four large cruise ships to port, the fourth has been rerouted, Bricker said. The museum has an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents, as well as interactive exhibits that offer a hands-on learning experience. Whether you cruise multiple times per year or you're new to cruising, the goal of Royal Caribbean Blog is for it to bea useful resource for keeping up to date with what's new and exciting with Royal Caribbean. Both slides caused damage to the White Pass Railroad Dock, and Fridays slide caused significant damage to shipping containers placed along the length of the dock to be used as tunnels and protect pedestrians from falling rocks. The cruise port of Skagway has 3 docks that are able to accommodate 5 cruise ships: Ore dock, Broadway dock and Railroad dock. According to The Points Guy, the August 5 slide has raised further concerns that a more significant rockslide, one that could cause even more damage, may be imminent. One of the most popular attractions in Sitka is the Sitka National Historical Park. Skagway is one of the busiest cruise ports in Alaska; many cruise lines dock there so passengers can enjoy the area's history and culture. These convenient multiple departures make it very easy to combine the Street Car Tour experience with other tours and activities during your day in Skagway. "No one was injured during the occurrence," Marketing Manager Jacqueline Taylor-Rose wrote. The dock assignments are: RRA for Railroad Aft, RRF for Railroad forward, BRD for Broadway dock, AMH for the Alaska Marine Highway dock and ORE for Ore dock. Its streets were once crowded with feverish gold miners looking to strike it rich in The Klondike. Visitors can book a fishing charter and try their hand at catching a variety of salmon, including king, coho, and pink salmon. The tour boats are specially designed for wildlife viewing, offering a comfortable and safe experience for visitors. No injuries were reported in either recent slide, and no cruise ships were damaged. Norwegian Cruise Lines Norwegian Bliss is scheduled to be the first cruise ship to visit Skagway for the 2023 season, spending a long day in port from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, as part of a 7-night roundtrip sailing from Seattle that will also call on Juneau, Ketchikan, and Victoria, with time cruising through scenic Glacier Bay. The website Cruise Hive reports slides on Wednesday, Aug. 3, and Friday, Aug. 5, both damaged Some itineraries are having the Skagway stopreplaced withIcy Strait Point, Alaska, with others are going toKetchikan, Alaska instead. 2023 Anchorage Daily News. Alandslide in Junedamaged the deck and east side of the dock at the south end of the north berth, according to Tyler Rose, the executive director of the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, which owns the dock. Wet soil can also loosen plant roots that would otherwise help hold soil in place. Started in 2010, Royal Caribbean Blog offers daily coverage of news and information related to the Royal Caribbean cruise line along with other relevant topics of cruising, such as entertainment, news, photo updates and more. Known as the "Salmon Capital of the World," this city offers visitors a wide range of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and historical sites. This historic building was built in 1843 and served as the residence for the Russian Orthodox bishop in Alaska. Part of White Pass & Yukon dock at Skagway closed over rockslide threat. I was on Ovation in August and we still went to Skagway. Why Sign In? Keep an eye out for whales, sea . Several landslides have closed the cruise ship dock in Skagway for the rest of the summer, causing whats expected to be at least three dozen vessels to skip the tourism-dependent port by the end of summer. The park protects the historic buildings and trails of the Gold Rush era. . The closure means the port has only been able to accommodate three large cruise ships at the same time, said Jaime Bricker, Skagways municipal tourism director. Was Skagway closed in 2022? Visitors can browse through the shops and pick up a unique souvenir or gift, such as a hand-carved totem pole or a piece of traditional Native Alaskan art. An old-time street car ride along bustling Broadway Street reveals well-preserved buildings, including the state's oldest hotel. Gaze upon the snow capped Coastal Mountain Range as you cruise up Alaska's Inside Passage and feel your cares melt away. Visitors to Ketchikan can also take a scenic flightseeing tour over Misty Fjords National Monument. I believe that some of them went to Haines instead which in my opinion is a better stop anyway. Skagway is one of the most popular Alaska cruise ports, but an issue with the pier is preventing as many ships as usual from calling on it. Alaska remains a top summer sailing destination for cruise travelers worldwide, and many cruise lines are planning very busy seasons for 2023 and 2024. (Anne Raup / ADN archive) Several landslides have closed the cruise ship dock in Skagway for the rest of the summer,. If not, we will be close.. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. . Skagway is famous for the discovery of gold in the late 1800's. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park is not to be missed. Because the scaling is going so well, engineers believe this standard will be achieved.. Princess Cruises, Alaska. Cremata estimates that more than 30 vessels have already diverted to other ports, totaling more than 100,000 passengers who have missed out on Skagway in the past six weeks. Another 24 sailings have been removed from the upcoming schedule, she said. Your personal data will be processed and information from your device (cookies, unique identifiers, and other device data) may be stored by, accessed by and shared with third party vendors, or used specifically by this site or app. Other major cruise lines that typically dock in Skagway include Norwegian, Holland America, and Royal Caribbean. Skagway is home to the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, the Scenic Railway of the World. It is one of Alaskas most popular visitor attractions. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. Read Also: Popular Alaskan Port Seeking to Limit Cruise Ship Visits. So far, there's been no change to Ovation of the Seas' scheduled visits to Skagway. They just closed one of the docks and some of the ships did not make it in. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Skagway was hit especially hard by the downturn in tourism during the last few years driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, cruise lines that usually dock there are making other plans. September 29, 2020 6 min read If you're reading this, you're likely planning an Alaskan cruise that stops at Skagway, a town with a past as colorful as the buildings on Main Street. The strike won't happen right away, but the union says negotiations are in limbo after a negotiating session over the holiday weekend failed to resolve what they describe as a 6-year dispute over compensation, staffing and safety. The Sitka Sound Science Center is a research and education center that offers exhibits and programs on the marine ecology of the area. The most recent rockslide was on Friday, August 5, following a slide just two days earlier on Wednesday. When in 1900 the gold yield dwindled, Skagway's population of mostly miners shifted to Nome. Will it be open in 2023? "While repairs have been ongoing, they won't be ready for two large ships visiting simultaneously," the email to passengers said.