Alaska Cruise Preview for 2017

It’s no secret that interest in Alaska is seriously growing among travelers in the past few years.  For the first time since 2009, it’s estimated that cruise passengers surpassed the one million marker this year.

Looking ahead, Cruise Lines International Association Alaska is forecasting an even bigger year for Alaska in 2017.  Cruise lines are gearing up to move more ships to The Last Frontier next year, and deploy larger vessels as well.

Holland America

To support the increasing demand for Alaska, Holland America is redeploying Oosterdam from Europe to Alaska for the 2017 summer season, with seven ships and 135 departures total.  The company is also going to be celebrating their 70th year in Alaska, with new experience and events for all guests who are sailing there.

Seabourn

Luxury line Seabourn will be returning to Alaska in June for the first time in 15 years.  Seabourn Sojourn will be operating a series of 11, 12, and 14-day sailings from Vancouver and Anchorage.

Carnival

Carnival will be launching a 14-day itinerary roundtrip from Long Beach, California in September.  The Carnival Miracle sailing will be part of Carnival Journey’s cruise enrichment series, and include the line’s first-ever call at Icy Strait Point.

UnCruise Adventures

UnCruise will launch three wellness-themed cruises this spring, and add a half-day visit to the Tlingit village of Kake to its “Inner Reaches Western Coves” Ketchikan to Juneau itinerary.  The small-ship line will offer 157 departures on 11 itineraries lasting a week or 12 days, with cruises combinable for longer adventures.

Princess

Looking ahead to 2018, Princess will be increasing their capacity 15 percent to Alaska, carrying more guests there than any other line.  A 12-day roundtrip itinerary  from Los Angeles will also be introduced aboard Emerald Princess and Golden Princess.  Princess will offer 130 departures on seven ships from Seattle, San Francisco, LA, Whittier, and Vancouver.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking Ocean Cruises is planning their 2019 debut in Alaska with Viking Spirit.

Norwegian

In 2018, Norwegian Cruise Line will launch their new ship, Norwegian Bliss.  The vessel will be the first of its kind – custom build with features and amenities specifically for Alaska.