Royal Caribbean has removed the Alaska port of Icy Strait Point from the May 7, 2027, itinerary of its Quantum Class ship Anthem of the Seas, citing speed restrictions as the reason for the scheduling change, Cruise Mummy reported on October 21, 2026.
The original seven-night roundtrip voyage was set to depart from Vancouver on May 7, 2027, with a scheduled call at Icy Strait Point on May 9. This port visit has now been replaced by an additional day at sea. The final port call at Ketchikan, Alaska, will be shortened by two hours, with the ship departing at
5:00 p.m. instead of the previously planned 7:00 p.m.
Passengers were informed of these changes nearly six months in advance of the sailing, following the initial itinerary announcement made more than a year prior. Royal Caribbean stated the modifications were necessary “to comply with speed restrictions and maintain a comfortable sailing experience.”
All shore excursions booked through Royal Caribbean for Icy Strait Point on this voyage will be automatically cancelled with full refunds to be processed within 14 business days. Ketchikan-based shore excursions may be rescheduled to accommodate the earlier departure, or cancelled with refunds issued if rescheduling is not
feasible. Passengers who arranged independent tours outside of the cruise line’s booking system must manage cancellations and refunds directly with third-party operators.
Other itinerary elements remain unchanged, including the port call at Sitka and scenic cruising along Hubbard Glacier. Anthem of the Seas is scheduled to return to Vancouver on May 14, 2027, maintaining the overall seven-night duration despite these port call adjustments.
Anthem of the Seas is a 168,666-gross-ton Quantum Class vessel with a passenger capacity of 4,180. The ship offers advanced features such as the North Star observation capsule, which elevates 300 feet above sea level for panoramic
views, especially notable along Alaska’s dramatic coastline. The May 7 voyage is the inaugural sailing of Anthem of the Seas’ 2027 Alaska season, which will continue through late September with one-way seven-night cruises between Vancouver and Seward.
The itinerary change stems from speed restrictions the ship must observe navigating Alaska’s narrow waterways. These regulations ensure safety, environmental protection, and passenger comfort but can limit the vessel’s ability to maintain scheduled arrivals and departures. In 2025, Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas also skipped Icy Strait Point due to a technical problem restricting speed.
A passenger affected by the itinerary change
expressed frustration on social media, commenting, “I understand that speed restrictions need to be followed, but I would think those factors would have been considered when planning the itinerary in the first place.” This reflects concerns over the timing and planning of the port adjustments.
Icy Strait Point is owned and operated by the Huna Totem Corporation, an Alaska Native corporation, and is the only privately owned cruise port in Alaska. It has grown in popularity due to its authentic Alaska Native cultural programs and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, including frequent sightings of humpback whales and brown bears.
Royal Caribbean has
faced environmental scrutiny following a June 2026 incident when a dead fin whale was found on the bow of Ovation of the Seas. Conservation groups urged the line to adopt voluntary speed reductions to protect marine mammals in Alaska waters, although no legal mandates prompted the current itinerary changes.
Alaska represents a key competitive cruise market in North America, with cruise lines deploying large and modern ships throughout the May to September season. Royal Caribbean’s Alaska program competes with brands from Carnival Corporation, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Celebrity Cruises, all emphasizing unique ports and onboard amenities to attract passengers.
Passengers
losing the stop at Icy Strait Point will miss curated shore experiences unique to that port. The reduction of time in Ketchikan also limits exploration opportunities. Replacing a port call with a sea day is generally unpopular among Alaska cruise travelers who typically prioritize onshore activities.
