Passengers aboard Norwegian Jade reported that a fire broke out at a wharf in Whittier, Alaska, on Monday, September 14, while the ship was docked nearby for a scheduled passenger turnaround.
Photos and witness accounts shared in the Solo NCL Cruisers (Norwegian Cruise Lines) Facebook group show a tourist boat surrounded by flames near Norwegian Jade. A video posted on Reddit captured another view of the scene, with fire burning along the waterfront structure as thick clouds of gray and black smoke billowed across the harbor.
Alaska’s News Source reported that multiple emergency crews responded to a dock fire in Whittier, Alaska, while Norwegian Jade was in port. Whittier City Manager Jackie Wild said the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel could remain closed for three to four hours, potentially disrupting the only roadway connecting Whittier with the rest of Alaska.
Although initial social media reports raised concerns that Norwegian Jade was on fire, Alaska’s News Source confirmed that the blaze was at the Whittier cruise ship terminal.
Norwegian Cruise Line has not commented on the incident or provided details about its potential impact on Norwegian Jade.
Passenger describes a “scary” scene in Whittier
A passenger named Dawn shared several photos and updates from Norwegian Jade in the Solo NCL Cruisers Facebook group. According to Dawn, the ship moved away from the affected wharf while embarking passengers remained inside the terminal.
“We are now away from the wharf,” she wrote. “All the passengers are in the terminal & will be taken over by bus to the Princess wharf.”
Dawn said only back-to-back passengers remained onboard Norwegian Jade at that point. She also shared a photo from inside the ship showing a laptop and a glass of sparkling wine on a table, with smoke visibly rising from the shoreline outside the window.
“I’m sitting here watching the action enjoying a glass of bubbles,” she wrote.
In another update, Dawn said passengers from the terminal were being bused to the Princess wharf and that the drive would take approximately one hour.
“It was a bit scary while we were still tied to the dock,” she wrote. “The wharf is now completely [on] fire.”
When another commenter asked whether Norwegian Jade had moved, a group member responded, “They said they moved to the Princess dock.”
Photos appear to show flames beside the Klondike Express
The photos shared in the Facebook group show heavy smoke pouring from a long waterfront structure in Whittier. Bright orange flames can be seen burning along part of the wharf.
One close image shows the passenger vessel Klondike Express positioned directly beside the fire. Flames appear to be burning along the wharf immediately below or next to the vessel.
According to Phillips Cruises & Tours, the Klondike Express is a 137-foot sightseeing catamaran that carries passengers on glacier-viewing excursions through Prince William Sound. The vessel, which is not affiliated with Norwegian Cruise Line, was positioned directly beside the burning wharf in photos shared by passengers.
Another elevated image shows multiple passenger boats gathered near the burning structure as dark smoke rises around them. Dawn claimed in a Facebook update that a smaller boat had sustained damage and was drifting while other vessels came to assist.
“The boat that also has sustained damage is drifting,” she wrote, adding that there were “other boats to the rescue.”
The photos show several smaller vessels gathered nearby, but it is not possible to independently determine from the images whether the Klondike Express or another boat sustained damage. No official information about the condition of the vessels was immediately available.
A wider photo taken from across the water shows Norwegian Jade near the shoreline with a large cloud of smoke rising beside the ship. The angle may have contributed to early speculation that the cruise ship itself was burning.
One Reddit post was titled, “Possible Fire – NCL Jade in Whittier, AK.” A commenter clarified, “FB poster says the fire is on the dock, not the Jade.”
Facebook commenters expressed similar confusion.
“Is the Jade actually on fire?? Or just the wharf?” one person asked. Another commenter responded, “No that is not the NCL ship.”
Passenger reports indicate the turnaround was disrupted
Norwegian Jade was scheduled to be in Whittier on September 14 to conclude one sailing and begin a seven-night southbound Alaska cruise to Vancouver.
The Anchorage cruise ship calendar listed Norwegian Jade in Whittier that day with capacity for approximately 2,400 passengers. Because it was a turnaround day, some guests were disembarking while a new group prepared to board.
According to the passenger reports shared in the Facebook group, the fire disrupted the normal embarkation process. Guests waiting inside the terminal were reportedly going to be transported by bus to another wharf, while Norwegian Jade repositioned within the harbor.
According to CruiseMapper, Norwegian Jade remained in the Whittier area at the time of publication but appeared to be positioned away from its original docking location.
Norwegian Jade is scheduled to operate a 7-night, one-way Alaska cruise from Whittier to Vancouver from September 14–21, 2026.
The scheduled itinerary includes:
- September 14: Depart Whittier, Alaska, at 6 p.m.
- September 15: Hubbard Glacier from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- September 16: Icy Strait Point from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- September 17: Juneau from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- September 18: Skagway from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- September 19: Ketchikan from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- September 20: Cruise through Alaska’s Inside Passage
- September 21: Arrive in Vancouver, British Columbia, at 7 a.m.
At the time of publication, there were no reports that Norwegian Jade’s itinerary had been adjusted because of the incident.
About Norwegian Jade
Norwegian Jade was built in 2006 as part of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Jewel class. At approximately 93,500 gross tons, her size is modest compared to the massive cruise ships being built today.
The ship accommodates around 2,350 guests at double occupancy and offers a more traditional cruise experience. You’ll find pools, hot tubs, live entertainment and plenty of places to eat and drink throughout the ship. Dining options include familiar Norwegian favorites like O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill, Cagney’s Steakhouse, and Le Bistro.
For those wanting to splurge, Norwegian Jade also features The Haven, with upscale accommodations and access to a private courtyard area. Otherwise, cruisers can choose from interior, oceanview and balcony cabins, along with other suites. Although she’s an older vessel, there’s still a range of options depending on your budget and how you like to cruise.
