Royal Caribbean has removed Icy Strait Point from a May 2027 Alaska sailing aboard Anthem of the Seas, citing speed restrictions as the reason for the last-minute itinerary change.
The cruise line will replace the port call with an additional sea day, whilst also shortening the ship’s final call in Ketchikan by two hours.
The 4,180-passenger Anthem of the Seas was originally scheduled to call at Icy Strait Point on 9th May 2027 during a seven-night roundtrip voyage departing Vancouver on 7th May 2027.
Guests received notification of the change on 21st October 2026, nearly six months before the sailing and more than a year after the itinerary was initially announced for booking.
According to the notice shared by a booked passenger on social media, Royal Caribbean stated the adjustment was necessary “to comply with speed restrictions and maintain a comfortable sailing experience.”
The revised itinerary will now feature an additional sea day in place of the Icy Strait Point visit.
The cruise line has also adjusted the timing of the final port call in Ketchikan, shortening the stay by two hours. The ship will now depart at 5:00 p.m. instead of the originally scheduled 7:00 p.m. departure time, giving passengers less time to explore one of Alaska’s most popular cruise destinations.
Scenic Cruising And Other Ports Remain Unchanged
Despite the cancellation of Icy Strait Point and the shortened Ketchikan call, other elements of the itinerary remain intact.
Anthem of the Seas will still offer scenic cruising at Hubbard Glacier, one of the most spectacular natural attractions in Alaska and a highlight of many Inside Passage itineraries.
The port call in Sitka, known for its Russian heritage and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, will proceed as originally planned.
The ship’s return to Vancouver on 14th May 2027 also remains unchanged, ensuring that guests’ overall cruise duration stays the same despite the modified port schedule.
Royal Caribbean confirmed that all shore excursions booked through the cruise line for Icy Strait Point will be automatically cancelled.
Passengers who purchased tours in Ketchikan may see their excursions either rescheduled to fit the shortened port time or cancelled entirely if the timing no longer accommodates the activity.
Refund Process For Affected Shore Excursions
The cruise line has outlined a straightforward refund process for passengers affected by the itinerary changes. All cancelled shore excursions booked through Royal Caribbean will receive full refunds issued to the original form of payment within 14 business days of the cancellation.
For Ketchikan excursions, the cruise line will work to reschedule tours where possible to accommodate the earlier 5:00 p.m. departure.
Any excursions that cannot be adjusted to fit the new timeframe will be cancelled and refunded using the same process as the Icy Strait Point tours.
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