Wednesday

06-18-2025 Vol 1995

Alaska Cruise Stunt Goes Viral, Drawing Criticism and Concerns

A recent viral video has sparked controversy among cruise passengers after a woman performed a risky stunt at a cruise pier in Juneau, Alaska, where a Royal Caribbean cruise ship was docked.

The unidentified woman, dressed casually, was captured leaping off the pier into the cold waters of the harbor, prompting significant attention on social media platforms like TikTok.

This daring act, occurring during the summer cruise season, highlights the lengths some individuals will go for fleeting fame online, as they try to gain thousands of views.

Despite the seemingly lighthearted nature of the stunt, the risks associated with jumping into the frigid waters—where temperatures can hover around 45 degrees Fahrenheit—were serious.

Authorities warn that exposure to such cold water can lead to hypothermia within a mere 10 to 15 minutes, presenting a significant danger to anyone choosing to jump in.

Additionally, critics of the stunt pointed out the potential dangers of hitting submerged objects or even the risk of electrocution from the shore power system connected to the cruise ship.

As online backlash ensued, it raised questions about whether the woman, if identified as a cruise passenger, might face consequences from Royal Caribbean, potentially being banned from future sailings.

This incident comes on the heels of other cruise-related news, including a separate issue where a cruise passenger was arrested in Ketchikan, Alaska.

Authorities reported that 64-year-old Karen Bryan, from Cheyenne, Wyoming, was taken into custody while re-boarding her cruise ship.

She stands accused of embezzling thousands of dollars from a church in Wyoming and is currently awaiting possible extradition back to her home state.

Meanwhile, the cruise industry continues to evolve, with several ships expected to change ownership by 2026.

According to a report from Cruise Industry News, a number of vessels will be transferred, including Costa Fortuna, which will be moving from Costa Cruises to Margaritaville at Sea after undergoing a major refit.

The Seabourn Sojourn is set to head to Mitsui Ocean Cruises in Japan, while Norwegian Sky will transition to India-based Cordelia Cruises.

Regent Seven Seas Navigator will join a new startup named Crescent Seas, and World Explorer, currently part of Mystic Cruises, will also make its way to Windstar Cruises, becoming the Star Explorer.

These ownership changes are scheduled to take place by September 2026.

In related news, cruise stocks were impacted recently, with figures showing declines: Carnival Corporation dropped 5% to $22.41, Royal Caribbean fell by 3% to $258.08, Norwegian Cruise Line decreased by 5% to $17.78, and Viking Cruises saw a 2.5% dip to $46.56.

As the cruise industry navigates these various challenges, the importance of safety and responsibility on board and during excursions remains paramount.

Cruise enthusiasts and potential passengers are encouraged to stay informed about safe practices and to think critically about the content they consume and share on social media platforms like TikTok.

For those interested in exploring cruise deals and updates, signing up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter may provide an additional avenue for staying connected with the latest news in the cruise industry.

image source from:https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/royal-caribbean-cruisers-witness-risky-153000575.html

Abigail Harper