A cruise ship operating in Alaska fatally struck a whale.

Princess Cruises said the dead whale became stuck at the bow of the Sapphire Princess, and the vessel was stopped south of Douglas Island until the carcass could be removed.

Princess spokesman Kirby Day said the dead whale was noticed as the ship travelled from Ketchikan to Juneau.

Kaja Brix with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said the animal appears to have been a juvenile humpback whale.

Ms Brix said the ship had to increase power to maintain speed, indicating the strike occurred then.

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