Alaska Expects Banner Year for Cruise Tourism

Alaska expects a banner tourism season this summer, led by a resurgence in cruise arrivals. That was the message at Experience Alaska, a media event in Manhattan sponsored by the Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA) featuring more than a dozen cruise lines, destinations and other travel suppliers from across the state. The event was held in-person for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic began in spring 2020.

“We have tons of pent-up demand,” said Jennifer Reisfeld, Public Relations Manager for Holland America Line. In response to feedback from past passengers, the line has introduced a program of “Legendary Voyages” lasting 25-59 days. “Guests want longer voyages,” she noted. In Alaska, this will include a new 28-day “Arctic Circle Solstice” cruise in 2024 aboard the Westerdam that calls in 12 Alaska ports. The cruise, which departs June 9 sailing roundtrip from Seattle, is the first of its kind for the line and has been “selling really well from the moment it was announced,” she said.

At Princess Cruises, the line was equally enthusiastic. “This is the first year being back [from COVID] that is in full operation,” said Public Relations Manager Briana Latter. “So we’re definitely anticipating a big year,” she said. The line has seven of its 15 ships in Alaska for 2023 including the Discovery Princess, its newest, back for a second season. All five wilderness lodges are also open, she added.

Not surprisingly, Alaska’s ports of call and other destinations are expecting big visitor numbers, too. The Ketchikan Visitors Bureau is projecting 1.4 million cruise passengers, surpassing its pre-COVID numbers. Significantly, 28% are expected to come through Ward Cove, the new docking facility seven miles north of town.

Over in Juneau, Midgi Moore, owner of Juneau Food Tours, reported that “we’re doing really well. The food tours are doing good; we’re selling out.” In addition to her culinary walking tours, Moore now offers Jeep tours for small groups of two to four.

In Southcentral Alaska, things are looking up as well. “We’re expecting a record year,” said Julie Saupe, President and CEO of Visit Anchorage. While some communities are concerned about over-tourism, Anchorage has plenty of room to grow. “We have the space,” she said. The city is expecting more ships at higher load factors than last year. Independent travel is strong, too. “So we’re expecting a banner year,” she reiterated.

Echoing these comments was a representative from the Alaska Railroad, which links Anchorage and Fairbanks along the popular tourism corridor known as the Railbelt. “We’re looking at a strong year,” said Marketing Communications Manager Meghan Clemens. “We’re seeing more independent travelers coming back to Alaska, and they’re excited about train travel.”

And in Fairbanks, Alaska’s self-described “farthest north cruise port” due to its position on many cruise-tour itineraries, interest is also high. “Our hotels this past year have done record business based on pent-up demand,” reported Explore Fairbanks Public Relations Manager Jerry Evans. “People are still a little hesitant with overseas travel,” he noted, explaining that has meant fewer inbound travelers from China and Japan coming to see the northern lights. “But that demand is being made up for by travelers from the U.S.,” he concluded.