Passengers aboard Holland America Line’s Noordam are reporting a chaotic day in Nome, Alaska when a tender boat allegedly struck an underwater pipe while transporting guests between the ship and shore. As a result, tender operations were suspended, leaving hundreds of passengers temporarily stranded ashore.
According to multiple passengers posting from the ship and from Nome, the incident unfolded during Noordam’s June 18, 2026 visit to the remote Alaskan port. Nome is a tender port, meaning large cruise ships must anchor offshore and rely on smaller boats to transport passengers to land.
One passenger sailing aboard Noordam shared details in a Holland America passenger forum on Facebook, describing what they called a “tender accident.”
“One tender struck an uncharted pipe and broke it,” the passenger wrote. “Operations are suspended until damage to the pipe and the tender are determined and the fog lifts enough that the tenders can find their way to and from the ship safely.”
The passenger said approximately 250 guests had already been transported ashore before operations were halted.
“So, at least 250 guests are stranded ashore along with the forward deployed crew and probably at least one tender,” the passenger wrote.
This report includes information and photos shared publicly by passengers sailing aboard Noordam, including Christopher Campbell, Dale Harmer, Lynn Seaberg, and Bonnie Welch Kurten.
Dense fog and rain complicated operations in Nome
Weather conditions in Nome appear to have played a significant role in the reported tender accident. Forecast data from the National Weather Service showed nearly complete cloud cover throughout the day with relative humidity levels approaching 90%. Temperatures hovered in the upper 40s with periods of light rain.
Multiple passengers described the conditions as a “whiteout,” while photographs shared from both the ship and shore showed dense fog significantly reducing visibility.
One image showed crew members standing on the roof of a tender boat in rainy conditions while inspecting the vessel. Another photo appeared to show a small support craft positioned alongside the tender as crew members assessed the situation.
Passengers said the weather conditions deteriorated as the day progressed, making it increasingly difficult for tenders to safely navigate between the ship and shore.
“The wind is expected to pick up later on with rain, so add swells on top of that,” the passenger wrote in an update.
Shore excursions canceled as situation worsened
As the disruption continued, guests onboard reported receiving updates from Holland America regarding shore excursions and tender operations.
“Yeah, they just called all the shore excursions to the World Stage to turn their tender tickets in and get stickers,” one passenger wrote. “This means they really don’t expect the excursions to go.”
Photos shared from Nome showed some passengers who had already reached shore waiting in town while the cruise line worked through the situation. One image showed travelers posing beneath the famous “End of Iditarod Sled Dog Race” sign as tender operations remained suspended.
Later in the day, passengers reported that Holland America had shifted its focus from continuing shore operations to retrieving guests who were already ashore.
“Well, that’s it. Tender operations are completely stopped and now the focus is retrieving the passengers on shore. So much for Nome,” the passenger later posted.
Another guest shared a similar account on social media.
“Thick fog and one tender hit an uncharted pipe and broke it. We never got to shore. About 250 stuck there for now,” the passenger wrote.
Holland America’s Noordam is sailing a 28-day Alaska itinerary
The incident occurred during ms Noordam’s 28-day round-trip Legendary Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice cruise from Seattle. The voyage features a mix of traditional Alaska ports and more remote destinations across the state’s western coastline and Arctic region.
- June 7: Seattle, Washington (departure)
- June 10: Ketchikan, Alaska
- June 11: Sitka, Alaska
- June 12: Icy Strait Point, Alaska
- June 13: Valdez, Alaska
- June 16: Dutch Harbor (Unalaska), Alaska
- June 18: Nome, Alaska
- June 23: Kodiak Island, Alaska
- June 25-26: Anchorage, Alaska (overnight)
- June 28: Hubbard Glacier
- June 29: Haines, Alaska
- June 30: Juneau, Alaska
- July 1: Tracy Arm Fjord
- July 2: Wrangell, Alaska
- July 3: Prince Rupert, British Columbia
- July 5: Seattle, Washington (return)
At the time of publication, Holland America Line had not publicly commented on the reported incident or confirmed details surrounding the alleged collision. While multiple passengers reported the tender struck an underwater pipe, the cruise line has not confirmed those accounts or provided information regarding any damage to the vessel.
Nome is a remote Alaska port unlike any other
Located on Alaska’s remote Seward Peninsula along the Bering Sea, Nome is one of the most unique cruise destinations in the state. Unlike popular ports such as Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway, Nome sits far from Alaska’s road system and offers visitors a glimpse into a rugged region shaped by gold rush history, Arctic landscapes, and Indigenous culture.
The city is perhaps best known as the finish line of the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and for its role in the famous 1925 serum run that inspired the stories of Balto and Togo. Today, Nome has a population of roughly 3,500 residents and remains an important hub for western Alaska.
Because relatively few cruise ships visit Nome each year, the destination is often considered a highlight of longer Alaska and Arctic itineraries. Visitors are drawn to its rich history, opportunities to spot wildlife, and the chance to experience a side of Alaska that feels far removed from the state’s more traditional cruise ports.
About ms Noordam
Noordam is one of Holland America Line’s Vista-class cruise ships and has been sailing since 2006. The vessel accommodates approximately 1,970 guests at double occupancy and is known for its mid-sized design, allowing it to visit destinations that are often inaccessible to larger cruise ships.
The ship offers a mix of traditional cruising experiences and modern amenities, including multiple dining venues, live entertainment, and enrichment programs. Noordam regularly sails in Alaska, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific, with many itineraries focused on longer, destination-intensive voyages.
At 82,500 gross tons, Noordam is significantly smaller than many contemporary mega-ships, making it a popular choice among travelers seeking a more relaxed onboard atmosphere and access to remote ports such as Nome, Alaska.
