Bigger ships, more visits
Queen Elizabeth will begin and end her 2020 Alaska season in Kodiak.
Larger ships and more voyages are the driving forces behind the growth of cruise visitation to Alaska.
Both Royal Caribbean and Norwegian are bringing additional ships to this year’s market. Royal Caribbean is adding the 2,100-passenger Serenade of the Seas and the Norwegian Sun (2,002 passengers) will join the Bliss, Jewell and Joy.
While the Island Princess is leaving Alaska, as is the Crystal Symphony, Princess is sending the Emerald (3,082 passengers) and the Pacific Princess (700) to the Northland.
The Queen Elizabeth is doubling its voyages from five to 10, the Roald Amundsen is expanding to seven and the Maasdam is adding six trips. The Koningsdam (2,650 passengers) replaces the Niew Amsterdam (2,100).
The outlook for the future remains very positive:
- New ships are giving Alaska exposure to expanded audiences
- Statewide capacity will continue to grow as infrastructure expands
- Infrastructure is allowing for more diverse itineraries other than traditional ports of Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway
Cruise family of businesses
The cruise industry includes approximately 2,175 Alaska businesses that provide tours, activities and services to the cruise lines and their passengers. These businesses include:
- Retail
- Restaurants
- Car-rental companies
- Air transportation companies
- Hotels/lodges
- Day cruises/sled dog rides/sightseeing tours
In addition to direct sales, cruise-related businesses purchase goods and services and invest in capital projects each year. This affects Alaska businesses like construction, real estate, banking, freight, transportation, maintenance, bookkeeping and a long list of support services.
