More sailings on Quantum of the Seas will have to skip scheduled glacier visits in Alaska this season.
Guests booked on late August and some September Quantum of the Seas sailings received an email from Royal Caribbean on Wednesday informing them due to "a speed limitation caused by a technical issue with one of the ship’s engines", planned visits to Dawes Glacier have been cancelled.
This new round of itinerary changes are a follow-up on cancelled visits to the glaciers for some August sailings that Royal Caribbean cancelled last month.
Previously, the August 1, 8, and 15 Alaska cruise sailings were impacted.
As a result of the "technical issue with one of the ship's engines", Quantum will skip visits to Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier and instead spend more time in Juneau, Alaska.
Quantum of the Seas is sailing 7-night Alaska cruises from Seattle.
Why the cancellation
In the email to booked guests, Royal Caribbean said Quantum of the Seas has four engines, but one of them needs to be repaired.
"One requires some repair and there's a delay in receiving the parts needed. Additionally, another engine is schedule for routine maintenance soon, which means we'll have to reduce our overall speed."
"Our ships can safely sail in these kinds of situations at reduced speeds, and while we're working to expedite the repair process, the global supply chain issues that we're all experiencing are complication the situation."
Royal Caribbean is offering onboard credit to guests booked as compensation for the change.
- $75 USD for Interior and Ocean View staterooms
- $100 USD for Balcony staterooms
- $200 USD for Suites
Alternative ways to see a glacier
While the glacier viewing at Dawes Glacier is not replaceable, there is still a way to see a glacier for anyone still booked on the cruise.
Juneau is home to Mendenhall Glacier, which can be accessed via helicopter, boat, or by driving to it by road to the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area.
Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska.
You could see it from many spots in the park, such as from Nugget Falls, a 377 foot waterfall located near Mendenhall Glacier.
There are also helicopter tours you can book for a guided walk on the glacier or a dog sledding excursion.
Additionally, there are boat and kayak shore excursions that can take you close to the glacier.
Read more: Top 10 things to do in Juneau, Alaska
While in Skagway, there are more glacier viewing opportunities via shore excursions.
Helicopter tours leaving from Skagway generally visit either Chilkat Glacier or Denver Glacier.
Upon landing on the glacier, most tours will either include a guided glacier hike or dog sledding expedition.
Read more: Top 10 things to do in Skagway, Alaska
Full letter
Here's a copy of the full letter Royal Caribbean sent.
Thanks to Dan Goodlife for sharing the email.
