Princess dedicates special totem pole to Ketchikan
Local carver Kelly White, left, and Princess’ Manager of Regional Programs and Entertainment Experience Christopher Nicholson stand in front of the Masters of the Sea totem
To thank the local community of Ketchikan for supporting Princess Cruises over the last 50 years, the cruise line commissioned a special golden anniversary totem pole.
The Masters of the Sea totem pole, now permanently housed at the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, was crafted by local carver, Kelly White. In addition to his role as a carver, Kelly also serves as Princess Cruises cultural ambassador of its “North to Alaska” program. As part of the “North to Alaska” program, Kelly carved the totem pole onboard Ruby Princess and Grand Princess for guests to see and learn more about Alaska’s culture.
Inspired by strong and important sea creatures, the totem pole features a killer whale, a powerful hunter and navigator of the seas; an octopus, a mysterious, intelligent and complex creature of the seas; and halibut, a proven-reliable food source throughout the year.
“We’re proud to dedicate this beautiful totem pole, inspired by the sea, to the community of Ketchikan, visible long after our cruise ships depart each season,” said Lisa Syme, vice president of marketing at Princess Cruises. “We hope it reminds the local residents of Ketchikan of the key role they play in introducing the culture and passion of Alaska to our guests. We’re grateful to Kelly White for his incredibly talented craftsmanship.”
A local resident of Ketchikan, White is a Northwest Coast artist who is Teikweidí, Sanyaa Kwáan of Tlingit descent. As a guide at the Totem Heritage Center, located in Ketchikan, he has shared his knowledge of traditional art and culture with visitors from around the world for several summers. He’s a committed carver, teaching himself using books and other research references and practicing independently, as well as receiving instruction of other experts. In 2011, he was invited to help carve the Sitka National Historical Park Centennial Pole.
In the last 50 years, Princess Cruises has brought more than 5 million guests to Ketchikan, more than any other cruise line, where they have enjoyed the colorful galleries, the quaint buildings of Creek Street, Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, sea planes and artfully crafted totem poles.
Tourism & job generation
Alaska ranks fifth in cruise industry direct expenditures, with $1.24 billion, or 5.2% of the direct expenditures generated by the cruise industry in the United States. Tourism-related businesses, such as tour operators, airlines, hotels, etc., received approximately $788 million, about 63% of the industry’s direct expenditures in Alaska. Another $59 million was spent with businesses in four additional business segments, food processors and petroleum refiners and distributors within the manufacturing sector; and employment agencies and wholesale trade in the nonmanufacturing sector, according to CLIA and Business Research and Economic Advisors.
These direct expenditures generate total economic impacts of 22,447 jobs and $1.16 billion in income throughout the Alaska economy during 2018. These impacts accounted for 5.3% of national employment impact and 5% of the national wage impact.
If you are looking for a job within the cruise industry, check out the employment opportunities at these member sites:
- American Cruise Line
- Azamara
- Carnival Cruise Lines
- Celebrity Cruise Lines
- Crystal Cruise Lines
- Cunard
- Disney Cruise Line
- Holland America Line
- Norwegian Cruise Lines
- Oceania Cruises
- Ponant Cruises
- Princess Cruises
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Royal Caribbean International
- Seabourn
- Silversea
- Windstar Cruises
If you are interested in a job in the visitor
industry, visit Workplace Alaska.
Anchorage leisure and hospitality employment
2003-2019
2019* Projected
Source: Anchorage Economic Development Corporation.