majestic princessThe final full Alaska sailing of the season turned out to be rougher than expected due to bad weather, forcing us to change our sailing route, so we were unable to take part in the last scenic cruise of the itinerary.
The ship has been rerouted to a safer route and is expected to arrive in Vancouver as scheduled for disembarkation.
majestic princess Skip Hubbard Glacier
“Princess Cruise” majestic princess The ship’s final Alaska voyage of the season, a 10-night Inside Passage cruise, was unable to sail near Hubbard Glacier as planned. vancouver, canada Saturday, September 16, 2023.
Guests on board were informed of the change in a letter delivered to their staterooms the day before they were scheduled to enjoy the final scenic cruise of the itinerary.
“A large low-pressure system is approaching the West Coast, producing strong winds and rough seas along the planned route to Vancouver.” The letter explained. “The safety of our guests and crew is always our top priority, so we have made the necessary decision to cancel the Hubbard Glacier Scenic Cruise.”
Rather than risk the uncertain weather near Hubbard Glacier, majestic princess It heads straight for Vancouver, British Columbia, through Hecate Strait, a safer route east of the Haida Gwaii Islands. By skipping the scenic cruise and heading straight south, the ship can also get ahead of the brunt of the storm’s impact.
“Although we may continue to experience rough seas, this should allow us to avoid the worst of the weather and provide the most comfortable cruise possible.” That’s what the letter said.
Winds on the way back to Vancouver could reach up to 35 knots (40 miles per hour / 65 kilometers per hour) over the next few days as the storm approaches the coast.
The longer the journey takes, majestic princess Adjust the heading and heading to minimize the effects of wind and swells on the ship’s movement for a more comfortable cruise.
The Hubbard Glacier scenic cruise was the last stop on the ship’s itinerary, so there are no port cancellations or other impacts. majestic princess make her way Return to Vancouver.
Also read: What is a transpacific cruise?
142,216 gross tons Royal Class majestic princess He plans to complete the 2023 Alaska season with one more sailing. Ketchikan The ship will call at various ports in the Pacific Northwest from September 26th to October 3rd.
After a seven-night voyage, the ship will embark on a 26-night voyage across Tahiti, Hawaii and the South Pacific before moving on to Australia and New Zealand. This ship allows her to host 3,560 guests on each of her sailings, and she also has 1,300 international crew members staying with her.
Risks of late-season Alaska cruises
Alaska cruises in late September are always subject to inclement fall weather with strong winds and rough seas, making navigation in the narrow straits along the coast more difficult.
majestic princess Royal Caribbean International’s Radiance of the Seas will be the first ship to change itineraries in Alaska this fall as several Alaska ports have been canceled with a September 15, 2023 departure due to inclement weather. isn’t it.
Similarly, Carnival Cruise Line’s carnival luminosa forced to skip all ports in Alaska At the start of a 30-day repositioning cruise from Seattle, Washington to Brisbane, Australia departing September 14, 2023.
Many cruise lines end their Alaska season in early to mid-September to avoid the worst of the weather, but due to Alaska’s popularity as a cruise destination, they often add one or two flights at the end of the season. It’s very profitable. .
Regardless of the cruise line, customers who book late-season Alaska sailings are always aware that bad weather or possible itinerary changes could mean they miss a port or miss out on a beautiful cruise. You need to be prepared.