Tracy Arm Fjord: An Iconic Alaskan Destination Off-Limits to Cruise Ships in 2026
One of Alaska’s most iconic glacier destinations, Tracy Arm Fjord, has been removed from all major cruise line itineraries for the 2026 season. This decision follows a massive landslide and tsunami event in August 2025. Known for its dramatic narrow passages and twin Sawyer Glaciers, Tracy Arm Fjord will be replaced by the nearby Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier on cruise routes.
The closure affects nearly every major cruise operator, including:
- Royal Caribbean
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Holland America Line
- Princess Cruises
- Virgin Voyages
- MSC Cruises
The landslide sent massive amounts of rock crashing into the water near South Sawyer Glacier, approximately 80 miles southeast of Juneau. This event generated a localized tsunami and pushed waves high up the opposite mountain wall.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the area remains unstable with continued rockfall and small-scale sliding from the exposed landslide scar expected for years. “Continued rockfall could impact the water, potentially causing a future localized tsunami,” warned USGS spokesperson Steven Sobieszczyk. The 2026 Alaska cruise season officially began on April 21 with Holland America’s Noordam arriving in Ketchikan.
While Tracy Arm has been a bucket-list destination for glacier viewing, cruise lines emphasize that Endicott Arm offers comparable dramatic scenery. With steep granite walls, floating icebergs, and the actively calving Dawes Glacier, guests can expect an equally spectacular Alaskan fjord experience.
Source: CruiseMapper