A routine stop in Juneau, Alaska, turned into an unexpected adventure for those aboard the Celebrity Edge. On 16th June 2025, the cruise ship broke free from its mooring lines during severe weather conditions. Heavy rain, strong winds, and even hail battered the busy Alaskan port, which was at full capacity with five ships docked.
Chaos in a Crowded Port
The Celebrity Edge, a massive vessel capable of carrying 2,908 passengers, wasn’t alone. It shared the port with Carnival Luminosa, Royal Princess, Eurodam, Koningsdam, and the smaller National Geographic Sea Lion. Eye-witness videos captured the dramatic moment as the 130,818-gross-ton ship drifted away from the pier. Some guests were left stranded ashore, and there was concern for the safety of nearby ships.
Swift Response from the Crew
Despite the chaos, the crew acted quickly. By 4:20 pm local time, announcements reassured passengers that the ship would re-dock on the port side. First, they needed to clear the broken mooring lines from the water. A guest on board confirmed, “They are going to redock on the port side. First, they need to remove the snapped ropes from the water.”
Back on Track
By evening, Celebrity Edge was securely back at the pier. Guests re-boarded with time to spare before the ship’s scheduled 10 pm departure. The cruise continued its 7-night roundtrip Alaska itinerary from Seattle, with upcoming stops in Skagway and Victoria, British Columbia.
The Impact of Extreme Weather
While exact wind speeds remain unconfirmed, witness reports and videos show the severe conditions. Similar incidents have occurred across Alaska and beyond in recent weeks. On 30th May 2025, Holland America Line’s Westerdam experienced a gangway collapse in Ketchikan due to strong gusts. MSC Seascape and Norwegian Epic also faced mooring failures elsewhere, all attributed to extreme weather.
Safety First
Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the Celebrity Edge incident. No major damage was confirmed to the ship or the pier. The cruise line has yet to release an official statement. Despite the dramatic moment in Juneau, cruise experts emphasise that mooring line failures are extremely rare. Ships undergo stringent safety checks to ensure passenger safety.
Continuing the Adventure
Celebrity Edge continues its journey, offering passengers a memorable Alaskan adventure. The incident in Juneau serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of cruising. Yet, it also highlights the resilience and quick response of the crew, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all aboard.
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