Princess Cruises marks the end of the Alaska season with shipboard awards ceremonies celebrating the year’s favorite local tour operators. The line’s 12th annual C.R.U.I.S.E. service awards have just been handed out, honoring the best shore excursion experiences and guides in most ports on Alaska itineraries, based largely on passenger feedback throughout the season.

The C.R.U.I.S.E. (Courtesy, Respect, Unfailing in Service Excellence) program is the longest running customer service program in the cruise industry.

The 2011 winners are:

Juneau:
Co-Shore Excursions:
Helicopter Glacier Trek, NorthStar Trekking
Taku Glacier Lodge Flight & Feast, Wings Airways and Taku Lodge
Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer, Allen Marine Tours

Co-Tour Guides:
Joe Pawelek, Gold Rush Tours / TEMSCO Helicopters
Stacy La Mascus, Gastineau Guiding Company

Dock Representative:
Nathan Barzee, Allen Marine Tours

Ketchikan:
Co-Shore Excursions:
Back Country Zodiac Expedition, Ketchikan Outdoors
Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour, Commercial Fishing Adventures
Rainforest Canopy & Zipline Expedition, Alaska Canopy Adventures

Co-Tour Guides:
Annie Bauer, Snorkel Alaska
Rob Holston, Lighthouse Excursions

Dock Representative:
Jill Gates, The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

Skagway:
Co-Shore Excursions:
Glacier Discovery by Helicopter, TEMSCO Helicopters
Golden Glassblowing Experience at Jewell Gardens, Jewell Gardens
Heli-Hike & Rail Adventure, Packer Expeditions

Co-Tour Guides:
Matt Hall, Alaska Icefield Expeditions / TEMSCO Helicopters
Matt Hayashida, Gold Rush Sled Dogs / Klondike Gold Fields

Dock Representative:
Julie Martin, White Pass & Yukon Route

Vancouver:
Shore Excursion:
City Sights & Capilano Canyon Walk, Rockwood Adventures

Victoria:
Shore Excursion:
City Highlights & High Tea at the Empress Hotel, TMS Gateway Tours

Whittier:
Shore Excursion:
Kayaking in Prince William Sound, Alaska Sea Kayakers

Source: Princess Cruises