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Princess Cruises Adjusts Alaska Voyages After Closing Berth at Skagway

Submitted by kgnadmin on

Princess Cruises is making a series of adjustments to some of its planned Alaska routes due to the recent decision to close Skagway, Alaska berth off the White Pass Railroad.

The pier, which is Skagway's busiest cruise terminal, is reportedly at risk of a catastrophic rockfall. A report by a geotechnical and environmental consulting firm, which conducted research at the request of the municipality of Skagway, confirmed that risk.

The report, which can be read in its entirety here, concludes that there is a "significant risk associated with total failure" of the north slide of the Skagway Rail Dock, which could produce catastrophic results for ships moored at the Skagway berth.

In light of the risks, White Pass Rail Road, the owner of one of the docks, has taken the decision to close the forward berth at the rail dock, the main location where Princess Cruises' Royal Class ships dock. In response, the Princess makes a number of changes.

"The health and safety of our guests and crew is always our top priority and we appreciate and support this decision," the Princess said in a statement on Tuesday.

Here are the changes from Princess:

Majestic Princess will now visit Ici Strait Point on Tuesday 26 July instead.

Princess will continue her scheduled call in Skagway as she docks at Skagway's second pier, also on Tuesday, July 26.

The Royal Princess call on July 27, the Discovery Princess call on July 28 and the Grand Princess call on July 30 will be changed from Skagway to another port. Those details, said Prince, "are still being coordinated."

"Princess will continue to work with Skagway and White Pass Rail Road officials to determine when scheduled calls can resume," it said.