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Cruise Ships in Alaska

Five star around the world cruises are riding a wave of popularity that suggests more ports will be visited by these amazing luxury vessels. With the rise of upscale world cruises comes along the promise that these ocean communities will be rewarded handsome economic benefits. With the tourism and the jobs that these cruise ships will provide, these communities will be able to see a profit from this extremely popular manner of vacationing.

When viewed globally, the five star around the world cruise industry is growing more rapidly than any other sector of the travel industry. A study commissioned by the International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL) demonstrated that the total economic impact of cruise lines, their passengers, and their American suppliers skyrocketed from $11.6 billion in 1997 to $15.5 billion in 1999.

A study on the economic impact of the luxury world cruise industry in Southeast Alaska claims that in 1999, cruise lines, passengers, and crew are estimated to have spent approximately $181 million and produced the equivalent of 1,565 year-round jobs in the four communities of Haines, Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan. The study also maintains that the number of cruise passengers touring the region jumped from 235,000 in 1990 to 596,000 in 1999-an increase of approximately 154%.

Day Cruises

There are several areas of Alaska where ocean day luxury cruises are offered. Some of the more popular destinations include Prince William Sound, Kenai Fjords, and Glacier Bay. Day trips to these areas offer an amazing view of the coast of Alaska, not limited to its breathtaking mountain scenery, glaciers, and wildlife. Typical wildlife that can be glimpsed during the summer season include whales, seals, sea lions and otters, mountain goats, bears, and many others. Touring Alaska's coastline also includes the benefits of cozy lodging during undesirable weather as well as naturalist experts on board to inform cruise passengers of sights along the way.

Multi-Day Cruises

For travelers who are looking to experience all that the waters of Alaska have to offer, a multi-day cruise is the perfect adventure. Decide between an exhilarating multi-day cruise through the glacier waters of Kenai Fjords, Glacier Bay, or Price William Sound on a catamaran or upscale cruise vessel of choice, such as the traditional ocean liner. These vessels offer any and all the amenities a seasoned traveler could desire aboard a luxury world cruise ship.

Sailing season generally begins in April and ends in late September. During the magnificent Alaskan summer months, five star world cruise ships teem through Southeast Alaska's Inside Passage. The vessels either cross the Gulf of Alaska and sail into Seward in South central Alaska, or sail into exotic ports of call including those such as Nome, Gamble on St. Lawrence Island, or the Port of Unalaska on the Aleutian Chain.

The Alaska Marine Highway is a designated National Scenic Byway. It is the first and foremost marine highway to earn such a nomination and has been widely recognized as one of the most stunning routes in exploring the beauty of Alaska.