The train was a great way to . I am looking at 2 cruises. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. This was put out by Skagway this weekend stating Quantum would no be calling on Skagway. At the time of publication, sailings impacted are May 15, 22, and 29; June 12 and 19; July 10, 17, and 24; and the August 23rd and September 11th voyages. The Majestic appears to be a Princess ship. It would not sting so much but when you have almost $15,000 tied up into an Alaskan cruise vacation with limited ports of call, a change like this really hurts. Below, please find our revised, Q&A: Cruise Insurance with Steve Dasseos of the TripInsuranceStore.com - Summer Session '23, ANNOUNCEMENT: Regent Seven Seas Cruises 2025-2026 Voyage Collection Debut. Wonder if we will be stopping in Skagway or sent to another port. In fact, it's rare to find an itinerary with a full day in Haines. A berth in the city has closed due to rockslide risk, and Princess has rerouted several ships' itineraries as a result. RCL will have to announce soon, as Quantum is scheduled for Alaska runs outs of Seattle in a week or two. The distance to travel from the UK for just 7-day itineraries simply didnt feel like a sensible use of our annual leave allowances but weve found a lengthier Yokohama to Vancouver trip that ticks a lot of boxes. . Check with the cruise line if you are on an impacted voyage. Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines has informed guests that one of its most popular ports in Alaska will not be available on some itineraries in 2023. Skagway was a boomtown unlike any other. At least for our cruise these are the other ships that were supposed to be in Port at Skagway . This is the real implications of their decisions. If we didn't already have flights/hotels booked and vacation days approved I would cancel this cruise and choose something else. While repairs have been ongoing, they won't be ready for two large ships visiting simultaneously. This is affecting tens of thousands of passengers who are already beyond final payment. The best Skagway shore excursions reflect that, too. Last year I scoured itineraries and cruise lines to insure our best cruise experience. Add Cruise Critic's Community Forums to your iPhone's Home Screen! Thanks. Photo. | Jul 26, 2022 | A Princess Cruises ship docked in Skagway, Alaska. Agree. https://www.cruisetimetables.com/skagway-alaska-cruise-ship-schedule.html. After the Alaskan season, the ship will sail to Honolulu, Hawaii, before moving on to Brisbane, Australia, where it will remain homeported through next spring. Today's plans were to travel on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway, a scenic train ride that leaves . We are on the June 12 cruise. Add Cruise Critic's Community Forums to your iPhone's Home Screen! Maybe Icy straight point or Ketchikan. Having not done Alaska before I'm wondering if Quantum and Ovation are really just too big to be doing Alaska? Because the Yukon territory is so remote, those looking to visit this part of Canada may want to take advantage of the opportunity to do so while in Skagway. Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. The damage led to repairs being done on the forward berth of the White Pass Railroad Dock, but it is not yet suitable for large cruise ships. Im guessing this close to sailing, many excursions are likely already full or nearly full for other ships who had already planned to be there? Ready to revisit that bucket list? The email telling me how great ISP is just added insult to injury. By Tim Rockey Published: Jun. Were already looking at things to do then even though we have plenty of other cruises in the pipeline ahead of it but have noticed that the White Pass railway trip is getting a lot of love online. lauren0309, February 24, 2007 in Alaska. Home Categories Cruise Lines "P - Z" Royal Caribbean International Quantum no longer stopping in Skagway? Start planning your next cruise vacation by selecting a destination and departure port. We specifically chose this ship/itinerary because we wanted to do the train ride through Skagway. Last cruise season, landslides in Skagway, Alaska impacted the pier where Royal Caribbean ships dock. Is this because of the rock slides at the pier? This showed up in social media posts a day or two ago. I hope you enjoy your Alaska cruise as much as we did. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Find the best Skagway tours, including White Pass Railroad train tours, dogsledding and glacier excursions, zipline adventures and more. Your nearly three-hour Skagway train excursion might begin right in port at the train depot, a 10-minute walk from where your ship is docked. Never been. Background: My sisters and I sent my parents on an Alaskan cruise (on Celebrity) over 20 years ago for their 35th wedding anniversary. Additional itinerary changes are expected. While repairs have been ongoing, they wont be ready for two large ships visiting simultaneously, RCCL said in a letter to guests. Nevertheless, were excited to sail away with you! Powered by Invision Community. I know that my RRF berth assigned Radiance (2,000+ passengers) was switched with a Silversea (500 passengers) to the Ore dock, probably because they had more confidence in tendering in 500 people in a timely manner from RRF than 2,000. I was very polite as I know the poor lady answering the phone has no control over this. Thanks for your support! Sail among waterfalls and wildlife on Lynn Canal, one of the longest, deepest fjords in North America, or take a helicopter tour over glaciers before trying your hand at dog sledding. Yes, they do state that excursions will be made available, but I am guessing many of the good options will be sold out. Understand, please don't feel the need to justify --- each person has their own likes and dislikes. Find a Cruisetour Any Destination Any Month Any Departure Port Any Ship Any Ship Feature See if you qualify for exclusive rates Advanced Search Call Our Brand Specialists Now Learn More About Skagway, Alaska Do they really believe this is an equivalent port? May 4, 2023 Royal Caribbean International has informed guests that many of Quantum of the Seas' 2023 Alaskan cruise sailings will no longer include a stop in Skagway. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Q&A: Cruise Insurance with Steve Dasseos of the TripInsuranceStore.com - Summer Session '23, ANNOUNCEMENT: Regent Seven Seas Cruises 2025-2026 Voyage Collection Debut. Royal Caribbean said those who have booked excursions with Royal Caribbean in Skagway will receive automatic refunds. You asked your most pressing Alaska cruise questions, and today, we're answering each and every one. Situated in a narrow glaciated valley at the head of the Taiya Inlet, Skagway is the northernmost point on Alaska's Inside Passage and only 15 miles (24 kilometers) by road from the Canadian. Huge bummer. Ovation of the Seas docked in Skagway around 2AM. It is so peaceful there and love sitting on the bench and watching the water and if we are lucky, seeing whales. So frustrated with Royal. I can't say how sad this makes me feel. I would rather go to Skagway but Ill take Ketchikan any day over ISP. Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines has informed guests that one of its most popular ports in Alaska will not be available on some itineraries in 2023. Never been. The 10 Best Skagway Shore Excursions for Your Alaska Cruise in 2023 Planning an Alaska cruise with a port stop in Skagway? Phone: (907) 983- 2854. I wonder why we got the short end of the stick. *I participant in several affiliate programs including Amazons Associate Program, bluehosts affiliate program, CruiseDirects affiliate program, Viators affiliate program, and booking.coms affiliate program. I know there were a couple of ships that cancelled Skagway back towards the end of February, I think, from reading the Skagway thread in the Port section. $ 480. view 2 dates. Odd. Princess Cruises' Majestic Princess and Royal Caribbean International's Radiance of the Seas were also visiting . The May 15th cruise is now going to Sitka instead. RGAowner. SKAGWAY cruise port map with cruise ship locations and cruise schedule arrivals/departures. My parents are in their mid-late 70's now. And Greece. It's very small with very little to do. For our July cruise on the Quantum, our group of 16 (my parents, siblings, grandkids) were going to recreate their experience by all doing the White Pass train together. On your 40 mile round trip journey, you'll climb 2,888 feet in elevation from sea level in Skagway to the Summit of the White Pass. Add Cruise Critic's Community Forums to your iPhone's Home Screen! When this type of port change has happened in the past, does RCI offer excursions for the new port, or are we on our own if we want to do/book anything? im looking for a good alaska trip now. It is one of the most quaint ports found on any Alaska cruise itinerary, and most ships only spend a few hours in the town. The forward berth of Scagway's Railroad Dock recently closed so that engineers can study a rockslide that occurred late last week. We were in Skagway last week on Brilliance and there was no issue with a docking pier. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. According to a press release from White Pass, crews are assessing the dock currently. Fill the ship, keep the cruise fare high. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. On the days when 4 ships are in port I assume the ship(s) that were going to be at the small pier where Millenium/Radiance will now dock will park in the front railroad slot, leaving plenty of room for Ovation. Skagway is an old mining town that is popular with cruisers. The White Pass railway was amazing in the deep snow and the howling wind when going ashore was real Alaska. 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. We just received an email that Skagway will be replaced with Icy Strait Point on our July 24 sailing. That post also showed a supposed messenger exchange with the mayor of Skagway confirming its validity. Published February 14, 2022. The pier where the ships docked in Skagway was damaged last summer by multiple rockslides. Sorry for your disappointment. The port of Skagway consists of three cruise terminals or docks: Broadway dock (situated at the end of Broadway), Ore dock (located at the end of the Main Street), and Railroad Dock (at the southern edge of the town). I wouldn't say that they baited everyone, more likely they were way too hopeful for their itineraries. And so many others on my bucket list! Even Haines since we could take the ferry over to Skakway and do the things we were so looking forward to. Explore our cruise itineraries and choose from a variety of rooms depending on your needs and budget. Depending on where you dock it might be 1 or 2 ship lengths walk to the centre of town. I just sent an email to:skagwayinfo@skagway.org. I'm travelling by Royal Caribbean cruise ship. Totally bummed. In addition to Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival, many other cruise lines call on Skagway, including Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Viking Cruises, Oceania . 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Q&A: Cruise Insurance with Steve Dasseos of the TripInsuranceStore.com - Summer Session '23, ANNOUNCEMENT: Regent Seven Seas Cruises 2025-2026 Voyage Collection Debut. If RCI does offer new excursions, how soon might we expect them to be available in our cruise planner (still has all the Skagway excursions, currently)? Along the way you'll take in stunning views of rivers: tunnels and waterfalls: dramatic trestle bridges: rocky cliffs: mountains blanketed in evergreens: wildlife: and historical markers: We have the White Pass train booked in Skagway as one of our highlights on our cruise mid July. 23, 2022 at 2:50 PM PDT SKAGWAY, Alaska (KTUU) - A small landslide has closed the White Pass Railroad Dock to vehicular and pedestrian traffic in Skagway. Asking about this. We pick up just past security right at the cruise ship dock. This is souring to say the least. I thought maybe they were referencing one RCI and perhaps another cruise line large ship. Were really trying to figure out a way to do Norway. Prof. Cruise 2023. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Last season, landslides in Skagway, Alaska impacted the pier where our ships dock. besides the train, there is a hiway you can drive up into the yukon with it's sites /sounds and stuff. Take a narrow-gauge train excursion leaving from Skagway on vintage train cars through gorgeous scenery with the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad . Have done both the Jeep rental and the train, both are one of a lifetime experiences. The announcement at the top of the thread at least partially answers this: it says the Radiance and Millenium will dock at the other pier on Mondays (the same day that Ovation is in port). Perhaps this is true, but it seems unlikely. Royal Caribbean Tips. Haines. I wonder why we got . Ports are Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, Victoria and ends in Seattle. The result of the landslide can be seen on the other side of the harbor. Princess Cruises is canceling one-third of its scheduled calls on Skagway due to dock closure, with 10 sailings impacted. Fancies herself a bit of a comedian youve been warned. I know things were iffy, but when I saw that we were docking in the aft berth I thought we were good to go. With Skagway announcing before Royal, I wonder if Royal was offered a solution that they didn't like, tendering or hot berthing, so they decided just not to go. . Powered by Invision Community. CruiseMapper provides free cruise tracking, current ship positions, itinerary schedules, deck plans, cabins, accidents and incidents ('cruise minus') reports, cruise news They should offer excursions in the new port though it may take a while for them to load them in the planner. Royal Caribbean; Seabourn; Silversea; Viking Cruises; Windstar; Cruise Ship . To help make up for this change, weve added an extra 2.5 hours in Sitka, so you can explore and enjoy everything this beautiful destination has to offer! This reminds me of the scare a few weeks ago that people were trying to put out there about Juneau this summer. Skagway was critical to that decision. We have the same problem with European sailings. Royal Caribbean set these itineraries, knowing full well that Skagway was in this situation with the landslide still impacting the pier. Exactly, this is a once in a lifetime trip for our group of 16. This is the link: Business Update: Bookings Soar for Royal Caribbean during Wave Season, Carnival Luminosa Makes North American Debut Following 22-Night Cruise, Passenger Falls From Cruise Ship, Survives, First Look at New Carnival Cruise Line Menus: Whats Different, Whats Missing, Cruise News Today June 29, 2023 [VIDEO], Celebrity Cruises Will Call to Perfect Day at CocoCay in 2024, https://cruiseradio.net/royal-caribbean-adjusts-alaska-cruise-itineraries-rock-slides/. The landslide is nothing new, but they decided bait us in knowing full well the circumstances. The centre of Skagway is located in front of the port. We go on the 22nd, so we were thinking we were good to go. Hi, this may be of interest to you: Royal Caribbean Adjusts Alaska Cruise Itineraries After Rock Slide Leads to Port Cancellations. I did tons of research and chose this cruise for the ports, especially Skagway because of the natural beauty and fun excursions. Cruise Deals Last Minute Cruise Deals Caribbean . I just wanted to know what RC was thinking when they made this decision. Royal Caribbean International has announced that due to pier damage caused by rockslides, Skagway, Alaska, will be replaced with Icy Strait Point for many 2023 sailings on the Quantum of the Seas. We have always taken Princess before, but wanted to try Quantum. From what I am researching ISP is a significantly inferior port as a substitute to Skagway. 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ 07070 USA | Telephone: (201) 902-2000, Image: Quantum of the Seas. Skagway is unique for us with the White Pass Train. As someone has stated RCCL has known about this problem for months and continued to sell this itinerary. wolfie11, May 1 in Royal Caribbean International. The scenery is spectacular, so dont let your disappointment in missing Skagway ruin your trip! There really isnt much there. We had booked the train and will definitely miss that. I am looking at 2 cruises. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. The Best July 4th Celebrations in America, Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. Today was another wonderful day in Alaska as we explored Skagway, our last port of call. TexasTornado. Whale watching, as cool as it is, would be a repeat. I am so disappointed. The email indicated that the port cant handle two large ships at once at this time, so just Quantum was bumped. Quantum no longer stopping in. . Were sorry for any inconvenience caused by this. We are also fans of the Fisherman's Daughter. Received the same email 45 minutes ago for June 17th sailing. All at local prices. The popular call in Skagway is not physically open to RCCL's Quantum of the Seas since the ship is too large for the port. Same here. 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. Whale watching, as cool as it is, would be a repeat. By This is a gut punch. There was a report that discovery princess isnt going in july. Is there an email contact that will get somewhere where it actually gets read and replied to? If you're planning a cruise to Alaska, it's natural to have questions about cruising to the 49th state. Haines, AK. Its so far to travel for shorter cruises, but my husband only has so much time off. Royal knows this. However on the Quantum, we already have whale watching and the Mendenhall glacier in Juneau. Think here will be a replacement port? I love Skagway. To help make up for this change, weve added an extra 2.5 hours in Sitka, so you can explore and enjoy everything this beautiful destination has to offer! Known as "the world's longest outdoor museum", Chilkoot Trail encompasses 33 miles of hiking trails. From what I've seen on other sites, a lot of people also chose this cruise because of the stop in Skagway. These cruises are selling out fast, get them while you can. either town is great with many things to do.. Can't decide which is better, Skagway or Ketchikan. That port was a "must do" when we chose this itinerary. The landslide happened last year, they dealt with some ships in different ways (some getting cancelled, some tendering, some using creative ways to get guests into the port) but the town had high hopes for their remedies this year. cute town. But Im ok with Sitka. Would have chosen a different cruise, perhaps different cruise line, for Alaska had we known. I'm bummed, hopefully they can add a port, otherwise with the late call in Victoria it will be more like having 4 sea days. RELATED: Skagway, Alaska Cruise Port Guide. We'll see if they answer or answer with a straight answer. Departs From Seward, Alaska. Quantum departs Vancouver on 5/9 for AK (I'm on it -- yay!). While repairs have been ongoing, they wont be ready for two large ships visiting simultaneously.. I'm sure it's very nice. By This feelsdisingenuous. Its one thing when unexpected weather or mechanical difficultiescause unexpected port disruption, However this was known over a year ago, and they still let us book this itinerary, knowing full well that the situation was not resolved. Hopefully we (and others on the Quantum) will be there as planned. Affiliate Disclaimer Reason for the change New port of call Return for shore excursions An extended trip to Sitka Replacement call Impacted sailings Skagway is unique for us with the White Pass Train. Klondlike Gold Rush Museum, Skagway, Alaska The result of the landslide can be seen on the other side of the harbor. youre going to miss this stop. All subsequent posts asking for a link to the announcement were ignored. Can't decide which is better, Skagway or Ketchikan. I earn a small commission on products, travel, or blogging services purchased through links on my site. This has obliterated our (and many others I would guess) once in a lifetime opportunity with our family in Skagway. Cruise Radio provides the latest cruise line news and updates from the cruise industry. Skagway is an Alaskan cruise port located on the northernmost point of Inside Passage. Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human. How It Works Order Status About Us Contact Us FAQ Blog Toggle navigation Juneau Tours Skagway Tours Ketchikan Tours Icy Strait Tours Sitka Tours Additional Ports Anchorage Tours Seward Tours So, to ensure we provide you with the best experience, weve replaced our visit with, Icy Strait Point, Alaska. The grammar: "Monday's," "Thursday's" and the fact that NCL doesn't have a "Majestic" leaves me with some questions. Icy Straight Point instead of Skagway. One is the Royal Caribbean Serenade which has a stop in Skagway, the other is Celebrity Infinity which has the same itinerary but one different port each, no Skagway on Celebrity but a stop in Ketchikan. What is each p. RESERVE NOW DISCOVER YOUR OWN IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE The excursions and guided tours designed to take your getaway to the next level from locally-taught culinary classes and land tours infused with culture and history, to adrenaline amping outdoor thrills and off-the-grid exploration. I would have been fine with substituting Ketchikan as it has a lot to offer. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. When this type of port change has happened in the past, does RCI offer excursions for the new port, or are we on our own if we want to do/book anything? I realize that if this is my biggest problem then I'm doing ok. I cant speak to icy strait point, but sitka looks like a nice port! Skagway is the closest Alaska cruise port to Canada, with the border between Alaska and Canada's Yukon territory just 14 miles away. Here's the specific page for Skagway, select the date you're supposed to be there to see if Quantum is listed. But we have been looking so forward to our Skagway excursion and this is just hard to digest right now. Skagway was the ship's second port of call after Juneau on August 2. . After youve finished exploring, indulge your appetite and try some locally produced cuisine that is hard to find elsewhere, like reindeer chili or the Alaskan Blue Burger. . Obviously not official until we hear from Royal, I'm just hoping they tell us soon instead of waiting until we are on the ship in 3 weeks. And stayed there because there was a cell tower (unlike the dock). Passengers were tendered later in the season last year but it is a slow process. The 7 Night Northbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier visits Vancouver, British Columbia; Juneau, Alaska; Icy Strait Point, Alaska; Sitka, Alaska; Skagway, Alaska and Seward, Alaska. We won't be able to do this again. I called the independent tour operator I am using in Juneau and they confirmed that this was announced on Friday. Our Quantum cruise on the 22nd already goes to Sitka. I hope you enjoy your Alaska cruise as much as we did. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. Selection Required; Select; Home; Skagway ; Skagway White Pass Railroad Summit Excursion & Train Tour . Were sorry for any inconvenience caused by this. Really useful information here, very much enjoyed reading it all. The two port highlights for them were the train in Skagway, and the wales in Juneau. From SGD*. If adventure is what you seek, ride the worlds largest zipline, ZipRider. Glad im on the brilliance sailing, ive been to skagway before and no need to do it again. Amazing places deserve to be shared with others - why not Write a Review! We are on the May 29th sailing and was notified today that we are now stopping in Ketchikan. Been to both but Icy straight is not much at all. Yes you need a passport for this tour. Onboard Radiance of the Seas. I'm sure it's very nice. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Nevertheless, were excited to sail away with you!The affected Alaska itineraries were set for May 15 and 22, June 12 and 19, July 10, 17 and 24, and September 11, 2023. Follow in the footsteps of Klondike stampeders as you trek through dense rainforest, enjoy incredible scenery, and discover the Gold Rush ghost town of Dyea. port schedules . What is each place know for? How to Get from . However, repairs are being made so this change should only be for the remainder of the 2023 Alaska season.Last season, landslides in Skagway impacted the pier where our ships dock. Skagway was my favorite port city and it truly lives up to its name when it comes to the rind. The link from that site to arrivals & departures still show Quantum on Thursdays. Skagway was a must do for the White Pass train. Could those of us with Sitka already on the schedule be looking at adding Icy Strait Point? 7 NT SOUTHBOUND ALASKA & HUBBARD GLACIER. Powered by Invision Community. Someday. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. Several of us went to the 'Explore Skagway Alaska' website with the identical logo as the OP announcement and there was no mention of Quantum not coming. Box 1029 Skagway, Alaska 99840. Take in the majesty of Alaska while enjoying some of the best fishing and whale watching in the area. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in. While repairs have been ongoing, they won't be ready for two large ships visiting simultaneously. https://www.cruisetimetables.com/skagwayalaskaschedule-09may2024.html. Wonder why all the changes are happening to the Quantum. Sailing In Supreme Comfort on Emerald Azzurra, How To Spend 72 Hours in Chinas Ancient Capital: Nanjing, If You Can't Travel This Holiday, Start Planning, Collette Flash Sale Cruise from the Danube to the Black Sea, How Current Unrest in France Is Impacting Travel. We are on the Ovation in August and haven't seen any changes. . I totally agree. Royal Caribbean is lengthening the ships visit to Icy Strait Point or Ketchikan by several hours for some impacted itineraries. Obviously, we got bumped by one of them., Likely the Discovery Princess because it is the other big ship. P.O. We always go whale watching with Glacier Wind Charters and then walk back into town from our tour. There are several good guide books dealing with cruising in Alaska since it is one of the most popular cruise destinations. the latest travel news, advice, updates, upcoming exclusive deals and more. Royal Caribbean Cruise Ports: Skagway, AK Skagway, AK Though it's small in terms of population, Skagway is plenty big when it comes to adventure. Selection Required; Sailing Date. Besides doing a search here on CC, you might want to look at the excursions each line offers on the cruises you are comparing. Expand Your Vacation. This is affecting tens of thousands of passengers who are already beyond final payment. I've never reached out to Royal to state my frustration, but I feel the need in this case. READ MORE. I don't think I can recall ever seeing two large Royal Caribbean ships (Q & O) at once in a port. I agree, the grammar is suspect on multiple levels. Quantum IS listed for May 9th so it's still listed as having calls there. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. The town has population around 1,000 and lies in the narrow plain of Skagway River (at the head of Lynn Canal). Just got an email from RCClour Quantum of the Seas June 12 departure is not going to Skagway, now going to Ketchikan. On some of those days there were only going to be 3 ships in port anyway, so Ovation will have the railroad pier to itself.