Much has been reported about the major Alaska cruise lines struggling to meet the new environmental regulations due to take effect in 2010. The latest development, though, is that it may in fact be impossible for them to do so with current technology.

While there are land-based systems that would help them meet the requirements of the 2010 law, none of them have been adapted to use for cruise vessels. A best guess is that it will take at least two years, if not longer, to enable Alaska cruise ships to take advantage of them. Some new technologies, including a refrigerator-sized system that could remove ammonia from waste water, are still very much in the experimental stage.

Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line seem to be the furthest ahead in working towards satisfying the new requirements. Companies estimate they are spending in the range of $3 million to $5 million on every ship just in water treatment systems. Alaska cruise line standards are much stricter than the city waste water regulations of the ports where they dock.

Source: Juneau Empire

Vancouver is an increasingly popular port of departure for one-way Alaska cruises headed to or from Seward or Whittier.  But with so many choices, how do you select an Alaska cruise line that’s just right for your trip?  The good news is that with a little research, you can narrow down your options relatively quickly.

If a family Alaska cruise is what you are interested in, there are three Alaska cruise lines using the port of Vancouver.  Carnival Cruise Lines is noted for its family friendly tours and bills itself as the “fun ship” for good reason.  Norwegian Cruise Line tries to promote a more casual approach to cruising, and is another popular choice for families with children.  Royal Caribbean International is the final choice for a family cruise to Alaska, with a focus on adventure with such onboard attractions as a rock climbing wall and putting greens.

If you are more interested in a luxury Alaska cruise, you also have a number of choices.  Celebrity Cruises is a more upmarket option known for its gourmet dining and luxurious amenities.  Holland America Line is another alternative that looks to provide an elegant, traditional onboard experience.  Finally, Princess Cruises is unique in that it runs a number of its own lodges in Alaska, and its onboard amenities are of high quality.

If you are looking for a small ship Alaska cruise, your choices are more limited, but the options are all excellent.  Cruise West has been in the business for a very long time and has the smallest ship capacity of just over 100 passengers, enabling it to cruise to places where larger ships can’t visit. Regent Seven Seas accommodates about 700 guests on its Alaska cruise tours, and every cabin is an outside suite with a balcony.  Silversea is the favorite of Conde Naste Traveler magazine, and operates ships with just under 400 passengers, making it a nice intermediate option.

One thing’s for sure, with so many great options, you’re bound to find an Alaska cruise departing from Vancouver that’s just right!

Source: The Vancouver Sun

American Safaris Cruises is well known for its luxury Alaska cruises.  Its long time former CEO, Dan Blanchard, will be back in charge as his new holding company, InnerSea Discoveries, purchases the small ship operator.  The new management will be in effect beginning with the 2009 Alaska cruise season.

Blanchard has committed to maintaining American Safari Cruises’ strong focus on natural history and environmental education for all of its Alaska cruise tours.  Their ships are some of the smallest operating Alaska cruise routes, only carrying between ten and forty passengers.  Because of their small size, their guests enjoy a far more intimate, flexibly itinerary featuring active shore excursions and the finest cuisine.

Their prices are competitive for the luxury Alaska cruise market, starting at about $4,495 per person.  If you can afford it, an Alaskan cruise with American Safari Cruises is sure to be a memorable one!

Source: USA Today

As reported by the Calgary Herald, Royal Caribbean claims it’s not the crushing recession or low bookings that have forced it to take Serenades of the Sea off the Alaska cruise market.  No, it’s high taxes!

I guess it sounds better than simply saying your prices are too high to fill all of your ships.

It’s true that Alaskan cruising is made a lot more expensive by the head taxes charged for each passenger, not to mention local taxes and fees, corporate taxes, gaming taxes and the cost of marine pilots.

But all of these factors have existed for years, a period when more and more ships were brought online.  2008 was a record year for Alaskan cruising–and profits!

Just high taxes?  I’m not buying it.  Over capacity, plain and simple.  Royal Caribbean might have more luck offering more aggressive Alaska cruise deals.

Source: Calgary Herald

A wonderful video posted at Cruise Line History will surely appeal to Alaska cruise enthusiasts who have even a passing interest in history.

You can follow the SS Alaska as it steams away from the port of Seattle in 1954 en route to the Alaska Inside Passage.  It’s great fun to watch the clips of passengers dancing across the deck floor, playing cards, eating in the elegant dining room–and donning life vests for the always mandatory evacuation drill!

It’s fascinating to see how Alaskan cruising has changed over the years!  Do you think there were Alaska cruise deals back then?

Source: Cruise Line History