Authorities in Juneau, Alaska, have launched a large-scale search for a missing cruise guest after 62-year-old Marites Buenafe failed to return to Norwegian Bliss on Tuesday 1st July 2025.
Buenafe, a resident of Kentucky, was last seen disembarking the ship in the morning with plans to ride the local tram up Mount Roberts and continue hiking on foot.
She was travelling alone at the time, according to statements from her family.
Concern was raised around 2:50 pm local time when her relatives contacted the Juneau Police Department after realising she hadn’t returned before the ship’s 1:30 pm departure.
This prompted an immediate response from multiple emergency teams.
The operation is being led by Alaska State Troopers, with support from Juneau Mountain Rescue, Southeast Alaska Dogs for Organized Ground Search, and the Juneau Police Department.
Crews are using helicopters, drones equipped with thermal imaging, and ground teams to comb the mountainous terrain – continuing well into the night.
Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed the situation, saying: “An active search is ongoing, and we are providing assistance to local authorities as appropriate. Our CARE team is providing support to the guest’s family and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.”
Norwegian Bliss Continues Voyage
The 168,028-gross-ton Norwegian Bliss is currently sailing a 7-night round-trip itinerary from Seattle that began on 28th June 2025.
Juneau was the ship’s second port of call, following Sitka. Despite the ongoing search, the cruise is continuing its schedule with planned stops at Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, and Victoria, British Columbia, before returning to Seattle on 5th July.
Buenafe was only four days into the voyage when she disappeared. As of now, no additional guests have been reported missing and the onboard experience is continuing as planned for other passengers.
Authorities believe she likely set off on the Mount Roberts Trail, a notoriously steep and rugged route known for uneven paths, mud, and quickly changing weather – all of which are complicating the search.
With ongoing rain and limited visibility, the urgency to find the hiker grows by the hour.
Rare but Not Unprecedented
Cruise passenger disappearances are rare, especially in port.
Buenafe’s case marks just the second instance of a cruise guest going missing in 2025. Earlier this year in February, Tynisha Williams disappeared after leaving Radiance of the Seas while it was docked in Cozumel, Mexico.
In 2024, several other cases made headlines, including a 66-year-old guest with dementia missing from Icon of the Seas in Cozumel, and a 14-year-old boy who vanished while sailing aboard Caribbean Princess in northern Germany.
Fortunately, most missing persons cases end with the guest found safe – and hopes remain high for a similar outcome here.
Authorities continue to monitor the search zone closely, and Norwegian Cruise Line has reiterated its commitment to assisting in any way it can.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
