May 2017

Built in 1843, during the “Golden Age” of Russian North America, this spacious, two-story building was home to Bishop Innocent of the Russian Orthodox Church. It was the center of Russian North America’s cultural, educational and business ventures, complete with a formal reception hall, dining room, chapel, school and seminary. Although it was a church building, the Russian American Company helped fund the house; a provision in their charter involved assisting missionary activities in Russian North America. Clearly, there was no separation between church and state in 19th-century Russia.

What began in 1947 in Fairbanks as a small tour operation has grown into a cruise line that will bring hundreds of thousands of passengers to Alaska in 2017.

Sen. Mia Costello (R-Anchorage) has introduced Senate Bill 110 to create the Travel Alaska Board and a tourism marketing fund, two essential elements should the industry decide to assess itself.

A new study provides the first-ever, wide-ranging analysis by independent maritime environmental experts of the cruise industry’s environmental practices and performance.

Another cruise line is adding Alaska as a destination.

CLIA cruise line members approach environmental stewardship as a collective effort.

Holland America’s history in Alaska dates back to 1947 in Fairbanks when the legendary Chuck West started Arctic Alaska Tours, later renamed Westours.