Norwegian Bliss Passenger Missing After Hiking Excursion in Juneau – 1 July 2025

On 1 July 2025, a 62-year-old passenger from the Norwegian Bliss cruise ship went missing after a solo hiking excursion in Juneau, Alaska. Marties Buenafe failed to return to the vessel after taking the Mount Roberts Tramway with plans to hike toward Gastineau Peak via Gold Ridge. Her absence was discovered during final boarding checks, delaying the ship's departure until 1:35 p.m.

Alaska State Troopers launched an official search on July 2, joined by local emergency services and park rangers. Search operations continued by air and ground through July 3, focusing on the rugged alpine terrain of the Gold Ridge trail network. Norwegian Cruise Line is cooperating fully with authorities and providing support to Buenafe's family.

Buenafe texted family members on the morning of July 1 stating her intention to hike Mount Roberts to Gastineau Peak. Surveillance footage confirmed her arrival at the tram summit around 7:30 a.m. When she did not return for final boarding, the Norwegian Bliss remained docked while crew and port authorities attempted to locate her onshore. Alaska State Troopers initiated a formal search operation on July 2, with search teams working by air and ground through challenging alpine terrain. Weather conditions and the remote, rugged topography of the Gold Ridge trail network have complicated search logistics.

Missing passenger

• Marties Buenafe, 62 years old
• Undertaking solo shore excursion

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• None reported.

Rescued

• Search ongoing; passenger remains missing as of 3 July 2025.

Alaska State Troopers launched an official search operation on 2 July 2025, joined by local emergency services and park rangers. Search efforts have focused on the Gold Ridge trail network and surrounding alpine terrain accessible from the Mount Roberts Tramway summit. Operations have continued by both air and ground through July 3. Norwegian Cruise Line is cooperating fully with authorities and providing support to the missing passenger's family.

The search for Marties Buenafe remains active. The Norwegian Bliss departed Juneau on July 1 at 1:35 p.m. after the extended search delay. Search teams acknowledge the urgency of time and the challenging terrain, and remain hopeful of locating the missing passenger. Members of the public with any information or sightings are urged to contact Alaska State Troopers (Reference: AK25063914).

• Alaska State Troopers (tips and sightings): Reference AK25063914
• Norwegian Cruise Line (family support): Cooperating with authorities