Key Aspects:
- Two male cruise guests fell from a popular hiking trail near Juneau on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
- One man was rescued with minor injuries, but the other man fell further and tragically died from the fall.
- Four cruise ships were visiting Juneau on Tuesday, but which ship the men were sailing on has not been confirmed.
A cruise guest has tragically died following a fall from a popular hiking trail in Juneau. The incident happened on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
The guest and his hiking companion were located after 8 p.m. once Alaska State Troopers were notified of the need for a search and rescue operation. The two men had been hiking the Mount Roberts trail above downtown Juneau.
The men reportedly slipped from the trail and slid down the steep mountainside. Juneau Mountain Rescue managed to reach and retrieve one of the men, who only had minor injuries.
The second man, identified as 32-year-old Britain Pool of Texas, had slid further down the mountainside. Drones and other resources were used to locate him, but he was unfortunately deceased as a result of his injuries.
Further details of the second man, including his identity, have not been revealed. Both men were reportedly cruise passengers, but the exact ship has not been confirmed. Pool’s next of kin have been notified.
Four cruise ships were visiting Juneau on Tuesday. Viking Venus was in port as part of a 25-night north Pacific crossing itinerary, while Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore were both visiting on 7-night sailings.
Caribbean Princess was also visiting Juneau as part of a 10-night cruise.
All four ships have continued their itineraries, albeit Caribbean Princess has altered her schedule somewhat due to foul weather.
Undoubtedly, support services are being made available to any traveling companions or family members Pool may have been sailing with, no matter which ship he was aboard. Cruise Hive’s thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic accident.
Second Cruise Guest Hiking Death in 2025
The Mount Roberts trail is a switchback hike popular for its spectacular views. The trail is also considered quite difficult due to the elevation gain of more than 3,800 feet along its 4.5 mile length. It is recommended that visitors plan 7-8 hours if they hope to hike the entire trail.
Slick mud, the potential for mudslides, uneven terrain, and steep mountainsides are just a few of the hazards along the trail, which is also renowned for wildlife viewing opportunities.
Shockingly, this is the second time this cruise season that a guest has perished while hiking scenic trails near Juneau. In early July, 62-year-old Marites Buenafe from Kentucky was hiking and fell from the trail.
A multi-day search-and-rescue operation was initiated, but sadly, her body was found approximately 1,700 feet below the trail she’d planned to hike.
Multiple trails are located in the same area, with different lengths and difficulty ratings. Recent weather conditions and individual hikers’ expertise can all contribute to how dangerous any one trail may be.
It can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to cruise to Alaska, and the vacation can be even more memorable with a one-of-a-kind hike for phenomenal views.
More From Cruise Hive
Hikers should be careful to have emergency provisions even for just a short hike, however. This should absolutely include a beacon light or other equipment that can help rescuers quickly locate anyone who may fall or get disoriented.
The trails are available to all visitors, however, and no certification or documentation of one’s hiking expertise is necessary. The hiking experience of any cruise guests involved with incidents this year is not known.
