Royal Caribbean passengers booked on the May 29 Alaska Northbound sailing were notified that their scheduled Hubbard Glacier stop has been canceled. Passengers report minimal written communication from the cruise line about the change. This continues a pattern of Alaska itinerary disruptions affecting cruisers.
📰 Reported — from industry news sources
Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean Hubbard Glacier Cancellation: Your May Alaska Cruise Questions Answered
Royal Caribbean notified passengers on the May 29 northbound Alaska sailing that the scheduled Hubbard Glacier stop has been removed from their itinerary. Passengers report sparse communication about the change, adding to frustration over what's become a recurring pattern of Alaska itinerary disruptions on this cruise line.
What exactly was canceled?
Hubbard Glacier—a vast wall of ice that Celebrity Cruises' own marketing describes as one of Alaska's signature sights—has been dropped from the May 29 northbound sailing. According to Celebrity's FAQs, itineraries featuring Hubbard Glacier typically offer passengers the chance to see a "vast wall of ice" up close, often paired with excursion opportunities like hiking or kayaking. Other Alaska itineraries pivot to alternatives like Endicott Arm Fjord and Dawes Glacier, or access points near Juneau (Mendenhall Glacier) and Seward (Exit Glacier). The exact replacement port or sea day is not yet confirmed in public communications.
Photo: Royal Caribbean International
Will I get a refund or onboard credit?
Royal Caribbean typically doesn't issue automatic refunds for port substitutions—these are treated as itinerary modifications, not cancellations. You're entitled to ask for a refund or rebook on a different sailing at no extra cost if the change is "material" enough to affect your vacation plans, though the cruise line gets final say on what qualifies. Onboard credit (OBC) is sometimes offered as a gesture, but you usually have to request it or escalate through Guest Services. Refund timelines run 7–14 days if approved.
If you purchased cruise-only (no trip insurance), you have no financial protection. If you bought a third-party Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance policy, read your specific policy document—most cover itinerary changes only if the ship size decreases or embarkation port changes fundamentally. Glacier substitutions within the same region don't always trigger CFAR payouts.
Should I try to rebook or wait and see?
That depends on your flexibility and how critical Hubbard Glacier was to your booking decision. If seeing that specific glacier was non-negotiable, call Royal Caribbean Guest Services now—they may waive change fees to move you to an earlier May sailing or a June/July date when Hubbard is back in the rotation. Availability on alternative sailings is tightening as summer approaches, so the longer you wait, the fewer options exist. If you're willing to see Dawes Glacier or other ice formations instead, staying on your current sailing may make sense, especially if rebooking means paying higher per-day rates on a later date.
Photo: Royal Caribbean International
Why are Alaska itineraries disrupted so often?
Alaska cruises are vulnerable to weather, ice conditions, and wildlife activity—factors no cruise line fully controls. Hubbard Glacier's accessibility varies by season and year. However, Royal Caribbean's track record of minimal communication to passengers about these changes is a separate, avoidable problem. You deserve a proactive email explaining the reason, the replacement activity, and your options—not a buried notice you only find when checking your Cruise Planner.
Traveler Tip:
I always tell people: don't wait for the cruise line to offer compensation on itinerary changes. Call Guest Services within 48 hours of notification and document everything in writing (email follow-up after phone calls). Ask specifically for onboard credit and ask if you can rebook fee-free. Most agents have discretionary authority and will use it if you're courteous and prompt—but they won't volunteer it. The squeaky wheel gets the grease here.
Sources:
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Last updated: May 23, 2026. This is a developing story — check back for updates.