Major cruise companies are avoiding Tracy Arm, a popular Alaska destination, during the 2026 season following a massive landslide that raised safety concerns about the fjord's stability.

On August 10, 2025, a landslide originating high on a slope above the South Sawyer Glacier near the head of Tracy Arm sent water surging more than a quarter mile up the opposite mountain wall and out of the fjord. The event generated a tsunami and caused parts of the glacier to crash into the water. No ships were in the fjord at the time, and no deaths or injuries were reported, though kayakers camping nearby had equipment swept away.

Tracy Arm is a roughly 30-mile fjord southeast of Juneau featuring two tidewater glaciers, steep mountains, waterfalls, and wildlife including seals and bears. For years, it has been a highlight of many southeast Alaska cruises.

Holland America, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Virgin Voyages and regional tour company Allen Marine have all confirmed they are replacing Tracy Arm visits with trips to nearby Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. Norwegian Cruise Line said it does not have voyages scheduled for Tracy Arm.

The area remains unstable according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Steven Sobieszczyk, a USGS spokesperson, said continued rockfall and small-scale sliding from the landslide scar are expected and could potentially cause future localized tsunamis. Gabriel Wolken, manager of Alaska's climate and ice hazards program, said scientists are working to understand what caused the slope collapse and identify other potential hazards in the fjord.

The first cruise ships of the 2026 season are scheduled to arrive in Ketchikan on April 21, with Juneau visits beginning the following week. While Endicott Arm offers similar glacier viewing opportunities, some in the tourism industry note that Tracy Arm had developed a particular reputation among travelers seeking dynamic, calving glacier experiences.