Anthem of the Seas Swaps Icy Strait Point for Extra Sea Day on 2027 Alaska Cruise

If you're eyeing an Alaskan getaway on Anthem of the Seas for spring 2027, you'll want to take a quick look at your schedule. Royal Caribbean's tweaked the May 7, 2027 round-trip sailing out of Vancouver, replacing the scheduled port call at Icy Strait Point with an extra day at sea. They've also trimmed two hours off the stop in Ketchikan, which'll now wrap up at 5:00 p.m.

According to a report from Cruise Hive, the cruise line cited speed restrictions as the main reason for these route adjustments. Any excursions booked through Royal Caribbean for Icy Strait Point will get cancelled automatically, and refunds'll head back to the original payment method within 14 business days.

What This Means for Casino Royale Players

While missing a port isn't ideal, an added sea day brings plenty of silver linings for casino members looking to rack up points or redeem tier offers:

• More Time to Earn Points: Sea days mean the casino's open for extended hours. If you're working toward Prime status, Signature status, or hunting for an instant cruise certificate, that extra day on the water gives you a massive window to get your tier points in without rushing back from port.
• Better Drink Package Value: If you've earned drinking perks through Casino Royale or bought a beverage package, sea days are when you get the absolute highest return on that value.
• Less Port Distraction, More Table Time: Alaska itineraries are notoriously heavy on long port days, which often leaves the onboard casino closed for long stretches. Swapping Icy Strait Point for a sea day gives table players and slot fans a much better balance of scenic cruising and indoor action.
• Free Play Strategy: Remember that onboard promotional credits and free play are best leveraged when you've got full, uninterrupted days at sea to meet play-through preferences.

If you've booked this sailing on a casino comp certificate or discount offer, you don't need to rebook. Just keep an eye out for updated excursion itineraries in Ketchikan so you don't miss your preferred tour time before heading back to the tables!