January 1, 1970
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Alaskan Congressman Don Young released the following statement after learning Disney Cruise Line will offer Alaska cruises during a four-month season in summer 2011:
"I am very excited to see that Disney will be coming to Alaska," said Rep. Young. "This has been a rough year for our economy and in turn for Alaskan tourism. This show of confidence will be a tremendous boost to our state at a time when we need it most and I am hopeful that this is the beginning of a long-lasting partnership for Alaska and Disney. I know the many young families that frequent Disney Cruise Line will love all of the natural wonders that Alaska has to offer them as much as those of us who live here do. I congratulate Disney on this new venture and thank them for extending the opportunity to their customers to visit our beautiful state and its great people!"
U.S. Sen. Mark Begich released the following statement after learning Disney Cruise Line will offer Alaska cruises in the summer of 2011.
"At a time when all segments of the economy are working to get back on track, this is excellent news for Alaska and our business community, especially in the Southeast communities where these ships will dock. The tourism industry will clearly benefit from Disney Cruise Line showcasing Alaska's wonders to people from all over the world.
"I look forward to the first cruise ships arriving in May of 2011, and I would anticipate this will be the beginning of a strong partnership between one of the world's major cruise lines and our great state."
Sen. Begich added that the Disney Cruise Line news comes just after the Senate this week passed the Travel Promotion Act of 2009. Sen. Begich was an original co-sponsor of the bill designed to bring more overseas visitors to the United States by creating a public-private partnership to clearly communicate U.S. travel policies and promote travel to all destinations in the U.S.