JUNEAU -- A whale found dead on the bow of a cruise ship bound for Juneau turned out to be an adult, not a juvenile as first suspected.

Tests conducted Thursday determined that the whale found on the bow of a Princess cruise ship was an adult female.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says the whale measured 43 feet long -- large for a female. It was discovered on the nose of the Sapphire Princess.

NOAA is investigating and has interviewed the captain of the cruise ship.