Weekly Cruise News Roundup, September 20, 2026: Fire Destroys Alaska Cruise Dock, Scenic Expands in India

Fire breaks out at the Glacier Creek Cruise Ship terminal in Whittier, Alaska, on Sept. 14, 2026.Credit : USCG Sector Western Alaska and U.S. Arctic/Facebook

A fire early Wednesday morning destroyed Chugach Glacier Gateway Cruise Terminal in Whittier, Alaska. The $80 million cruise ship facility had been in operation for less than two years. The blaze was reported shortly before dawn and spread rapidly through the pier structure. Fire crews from Whittier and neighboring communities responded, but the dock was declared a total loss. No injuries were reported and the cause remains under investigation. The terminal was built in partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line, and the Norwegian Jade was docked there but thankfully was able to leave without any damage. The terminal was also used by Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Scenic Aura photo credit: Scenic Cruise Line

Scenic Expands in India

Scenic Cruise Line is doubling down on its commitment to river cruising in India. After announcing in June that it will debut in India in 2027, the luxury river cruise line announced a second ship will be entering the India market. This second ship will operate through a partnership with Assam Bengal Navigation, which has more than two decades of experience operating river cruises on the Brahmaputra and Ganges. Scenic will make its India debut with Aura, a small luxury ship carrying 44 passengers in 22 cabins, with sailings on the Ganges in 2027. Scenic's second ship in India will begin sailing the Brahmaputra River in 2029-30.

“India offers extraordinary potential for luxury river cruising," Glen Moroney, Founder & Chairman of Scenic Group said. "Our partnership with Assam Bengal Navigation gives us the benefit of deep local expertise and an established operating platform, while allowing Scenic to bring its international experience in luxury cruising to the market. Scenic Aura is the first step in what we expect will be a long-term commitment to India.”

Viking also recently announced it was launching its first-ever cruise in India. Viking's new, aptly named ship, Brahmaputra, will begin sailing India’s Brahmaputra River on two-week voyages starting in late 2027.

Reservations Open for Carnivale Tropicale

Carnival has opened bookings for its newest Excel class ship. Scheduled to start sailing from Galveston, TX, in April 2028 to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean, the ship should carry about 5,270 guests at double occupancy.