In June a Royal Caribbean mega-ship arrived at port in Seward, Alaska with a dead endangered pregnant fin whale on its bow. The otherwise healthy whale was found with blunt force trauma to the jaw, spine and ribs, consistent with a vessel strike.

Analysis by the Center for Biological Diversity shows that the cruise ship was likely traveling at speeds that greatly increase the risk of a deadly whale strike: between 15 and 20 knots in coastal waters and bays where these magnificent animals are known to congregate. 

To keep them safe, ships should be moving no faster than 10 knots in key whale habitat or when whales are present.

The Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas is the biggest cruise ship to dock in Seward. A new cruise terminal — now the largest in Alaska — was recently built to accommodate it and other mega-ships. June 19 was the ship’s second-ever port call in Seward.

The terminal is expected to facilitate a significant increase in the size and frequency of cruise ships, raising the risk of more events like this — especially without speed limits in place.

While we await the results of the investigation to confirm the cause of death, this tragic incident should be a wake-up call to the cruise industry. No one wants to see endangered, pregnant whales hit by massive ships. The industry should take immediate steps to protect the marine wildlife so many people take these cruises to see.

Please speak out and demand Royal Caribbean and other cruise ships across Alaska slow down so no more whales are struck.