Royal Caribbean Fans

The Alaskan Coast Guard says one of its helicopters has helped in the medical evacuation of an ill 72-year-old cruise ship passenger sailing on board Radiance of the Seas.

The male passenger reportedly was suffering symptoms of cardiac distress on Tuesday.

The agency says the crew of Radiance of the Seas transported the man and his wife to shore in a small boat from where the ship was anchored about 35 miles southwest of Juneau, Alaska. A Coast Guard helicopter picked them up in Hoonah and flew them to Juneau.

From Juneau, Petty Officer 1st Class Sara Francis says they boarded an Airlift Northwest jet and were flown to Seattle for further care.

The man was not identified. No further information on his condition was available.

A Royal Caribbean passenger traveling aboard Rhapsody of the Seas died while kayaking on Mendenhall Lake in Juneau, Alaska.

Michael Ray Fullerton, a 62-year-old man from Texas died late Sunday afternoon when his kayak overturned. He was part of a group of kayakers who rented kayaks to tour the lake, which at the foot of Mendenhall Glacier.

Tongass National Forest Supervisor Forrest Cole said Fullerton apparently became fatigued and was unable to paddle.

“The group tied their kayaks together and it’s still unclear to us at this point how the kayaks overturned,” Cole said.

Others in the group also overturned, although they survived and were treated for hypothermia.

The equipment for the excursion was provided by Alaska Boat and Kayak in Auke Bay. The group was not part of a guided trip but they were given a safety briefing before they loaded their kayaks and gear.

“They get questioned about how much paddle experience they’ve had, and then they get a thorough safety briefing that talks about self-rescue, using the bilge pump, paddle float, wearing the PFD and spray skirt, and how to work together and paddle as a group,” owner Sean Janes said.

Forest Service Supervisor Cole said the agency continues to investigate the accident.

Royal Caribbean has now unveiled its summer 2013 cruise itineraries for Alaska. The Rhapsody of the Seas will be one of the ships offering trips to Alaska for that season along with Radiance of the Seas.

From May 17 through Aug. 30, 2013, Radiance of the Seas will offer alternate seven night north and southbound cruises between Vancouver, Canada and Seward, Alaska.  Alaskan ports of call include Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau and Skagway. Additionally, guests will cruise the Inside Passage as well as get an up-close view of Hubbard Glacier.

Rhapsody of the Seas will also sail every Friday on a seven-night, round-trip Alaska cruises from Seattle, stopping at Juneau and Skagway, Alaska, and Victoria, British Columbia. Passengers will also visit through Alaska’s Inside Passage, as well as venture up Tracy Arm Fjord to see Sawyer Glacier.

In addition to just cruises, Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruisetours combine a Radiance of the Seas’ sailing with a pre- or post-cruise land tour that totals to a 10- to 13-night land and sea adventure that ranges as far north as Fairbanks. For the land tour portion, guests are escorted by a Royal Caribbean Tour Director. Royal Caribbean Cruisetours include premium hotel accommodations, motorcoach transportation and admission into select attractions. Almost all 2013 Alaska Cruisetours also include a leg aboard the Wilderness Express.