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Alaska Itinerary Change: Virgin Voyages Replaces Tracy Arm Fjord

Virgin Voyages replaces Tracy Arm Fjord with Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier on select 2026 Alaska sailings due to safety concerns.

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Glacier between rugged, snow-dusted mountains in Alaska
Virgin Voyages Updates Alaska Fjord Visits © Photo by Yuval Zukerman

Virgin Voyages has updated its Summer 2026 Alaska itineraries, confirming that scenic cruising at Tracy Arm Fjord will be replaced with Endicott Arm Fjord and Dawes Glacier.

The change comes due to ongoing safety concerns in the Tracy Arm area following landslides reported in 2025 near South Sawyer Glacier. As a result, cruise lines operating in Alaska have been adjusting routes to avoid the fjord.

Why Tracy Arm Fjord Has Been Removed

Recent geological activity in Tracy Arm Fjord has raised concerns around landslide risk. While the area has long been a popular scenic cruising destination, conditions have made it less suitable for regular ship visits.

Virgin Voyages is not alone in making this change, with other cruise lines also shifting away from Tracy Arm for the 2026 season.

Steep rugged mountains loom over a turquoise glacial fjord
Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska© Photo by Virgin Voyages

What Replaces It: Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier

Instead of Tracy Arm, voyages will now sail through Endicott Arm Fjord, leading to Dawes Glacier. This offers a similar style of experience, with dramatic scenery throughout the approach.

Endicott Arm is known for:

  • Steep granite cliffs and narrow fjord cruising
  • Waterfalls flowing down into the fjord
  • Floating ice as ships get closer to the glacier
  • Views of Dawes Glacier, a large and active tidewater glacier

Because of its wider waterways in some sections, Endicott Arm can also provide broader views of the glacier and surrounding landscape.

Virgin Voyages has also indicated that new Shore Things will be introduced here, likely including small boat or zodiac-style tours that can get closer to the glacier.

What This Means for Your Voyage

Virgin Voyages has confirmed that the overall voyage experience remains unchanged.

  • No changes to voyage length or ship
  • Scenic glacier cruising still included
  • New shore experiences expected at Endicott Arm

At this time, 2027 sailings have not been updated.

Affected Sailings

The following Brilliant Lady sailings in 2026 are affected by this change:

Turquoise lake with a cascading waterfall and evergreen forested mountains
Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska© Photo by Virgin Voyages

About the author

Co-Founder and Editor. Blending technical know how from the iOS world with a love for Virgin Voyages with over 25 VV sailings around the world.