CLIA Alaska is projecting another record-breaking year with more than 1.3 million cruise visitors set to visit Alaska in 2019. Thirty-seven ships on 574 voyages will come to Alaska in 2019. From 2017 to 2019, CLIA Alaska is projecting 25 percent growth in cruise passengers. Globally, demand for Alaska cruises remains high and Alaska will see new cruise lines and larger vessels deployed in the state in 2019.
Norwegian Joy (www.ncl.com/cruise-ship/joy), after it undergoes a $50 million renovation, will venture into Alaska in 2019, joining its sister ship, the Norwegian Bliss, for seven-day Alaska sailings. Norwegian Joy will cruise Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Holkham Bay and Icy Strait Point. The Joy replaces another ship, the Pearl, and will result in about 37,000 additional visitors to Juneau in 2019.
In 2019, Holland America Line (www.hollandamerica.com) will have 13 options that highlight the best of Alaska’s wilderness, wildlife, Alaska Native culture and history. The options range from 10 to 20 days with cruise-first or land-first choices.
Royal Caribbean (www.royalcaribbean.com/alaska-cruises) debuts its Ovation of the Seas quantum-class ship in Alaska in 2019. The quantum-class ships are the third largest class of cruise ships in existence. In 2020, Royal Caribbean will add two more cruise ships, the Radiance of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas.
Princess Cruises (www.princess.com/alaska), celebrating 50 years cruising in Alaska, brings seven ships in 2019, including Royal Princess for the first time. It is the largest Princess ship ever to sail in the region. Guests will also be able to experience the northern lights in a planetarium onboard Princess ships sailing in Alaska.
Cunard (www.cunard.com) is returning to Alaska for the first time in 20 years and offering six different ports for its passengers to explore on its roundtrip sailings. The Queen Elizabeth will sail four, 10-night voyages roundtrip from Vancouver. The highlights include cruising through the Inside Passage, Tracy Arm Fjord and past Hubbard Glacier.
Viking Cruises'(www.vikingcruises.com) Viking Spirit is sailing to Alaska for the first time ever. The 11-day itinerary will immerse guests into the world of Tlingit heritage and explore seaside towns and bays lined with glaciers.
Small-ship cruise line Windstar Cruises (www.windstarcruises.com) returns for a second summer of sailing in Alaska after a 27-year gap. It will offer a variety of new shore excursions for 2019. The 11-day Alaskan Splendors itinerary is available on nine dates throughout the summer and the 12-day Island and Inlets of the Inside Passage is offered twice.
Alaskan Dream Cruises (www.alaskandreamcruises.com) will sail into its 2019 season with a new seven-night itinerary, the Last Frontier Adventure. Sailing between Sitka and Juneau, guests spend the majority of their time in remote locations, including Thomas Bay, Baranof Island’s Waterfall Coast and more.
Lindblad Cruises (www.expeditions.com) has a new ship in Alaska for 2019. The National Geographic Venture houses 100 guests and is outfitted with state-of-the-art expedition technology. The addition of the National Geographic Venture brings Lindblad’s fleet to four ships cruising in Alaska.
American Cruise Lines (www.AmericanCruiseLines.com) adds a third Alaska itinerary on its new small ship, American Constellation, for the 2019-2020 season. The 11-day Alaska Explorers Cruise is a round-trip excursion from Juneau that highlights Mendenhall Glacier, the history of the Klondike Gold Rush in Skagway as well as nature and wildlife viewing in Glacier Bay.
Travel Alaska, www.travelalaska.com