Cruise ship collides with a large piece of ice in Alaska

Last week, a Carnival cruise ship hit a large piece of ice while sailing in Alaska’s Tracy Bay Fjord. Despite the unexpected incident, no one was injured, and the Carnival Spirit was unscathed.

According to a Carnival Cruise Line representative, the ship hit “a piece of ice” while sailing on the picturesque waterway south of Juneau, which is known for its stunning scenery and floating ice.

The ship waited several hours to inspect the situation and ensure that the hull was unharmed before continuing to sail.

The Carnival Spirit cruise ship completed its seven-day Alaska cruise without further incident. On Tuesday, he returned to Seattle, Washington, before embarking on another 14-day round-trip Alaska cruise.

Video of the incident quickly went viral on social media, with one passenger calling it a “Titanic moment.” Another passenger shared on social media that the ship “stopped for a few hours to assess the damage,” but the journey was not interrupted.

Experts say cruise ships are notoriously difficult to navigate in Alaskan waters due to strong winds, currents and solid ice, but such accidents are rare. A Navy pilot in southeast Alaska said ice could damage the hull or propeller but added that this situation is unusual.

A cruise industry expert said modern cruise ships are designed to sail in different conditions and can handle icy waters, especially in Alaska, where experienced captains are familiar with the area.

The incident is similar to one in 2022 when a Norwegian cruise ship, the Norwegian Sun, struck an iceberg while sailing in Alaska. The collision damaged the right bow, but no injuries were reported.

While Alaska remains a popular tourist destination, some locals have expressed concerns about crowded waterways.