The Norwegian Bliss, owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, docked in Juneau on Monday, April 17, 2023. It's the first large cruise ship of the season.
“Alaska has been hot” on the minds of travelers, said Tanya Carlson, a director of travel trade and international markets with the Alaska Travel Industry Association.Large numbers of travel agents say they’re getting emails and calls from potential travelers inquiring about or booking an Alaska trip, she said. Marketing by tourism groups and operators in the state has helped Alaska stay “top of mind” as tourists continue to look domestically for a European alternative.
Josh Howes, president of Premier Alaska Tours that shuttles cruise guests on multi-day tours around Alaska, said his bookings indicate it will be a record summer for his company. He said he’ll be operating 160 motor coaches and vans this year, a full fleet. “Alaska still resonates as a bucket list destination, and plenty of people are still coming to Alaska,” he said.In Southcentral Alaska, the first cruise ship is set to arrive early next month. The Norwegian Jewel owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, with space for 2,400 passengers, is set to dock in Seward on May 8.