Carnival Spirit Cruise Ship Hits Ice in Alaska, Continues Voyage Unharmed

The Carnival Spirit cruise ship collided with a small piece of ice on 05 Sep. 2024, while sailing through Alaska’s Tracy Arm Fjord. Fortunately, the impact caused minimal damage to the ship, which was carrying 2,610 passengers. The crew quickly assessed the situation, conducted thorough inspections, and determined that the ship’s hull was undamaged. After receiving clearance to continue sailing, the Carnival Spirit resumed its journey to Skagway without further incident.

Passengers onboard the Carnival Spirit took to social media to document the collision, with some humorously referencing the movie Titanic due to the ice-related mishap. Despite the lighthearted reactions, the incident served as a reminder of the unpredictability of nature while cruising through Alaska’s icy waters. The Carnival Spirit continued its itinerary, visiting Juneau, Ketchikan, Victoria, British Columbia, and eventually returning to Seattle before being repositioned for winter cruises to the Bahamas and the Western Caribbean.

In a separate incident in June 2022, the Norwegian Sun cruise ship also hit an iceberg while navigating to Hubbard Glacier. This collision caused more severe damage, requiring the ship to return to Seattle for repairs. Despite such rare occurrences, experts like Stewart Chiron reassure travelers that incidents with ice are infrequent and do not typically disrupt cruise itineraries. Both incidents with the Carnival Spirit and Norwegian Sun highlight the unique experiences and occasional challenges of cruising through Alaska’s stunning landscapes and icy waters.

Source