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

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

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

The Environmental Leader carried a recent piece detailing intense lobbying efforts of the Alaska cruise lines.  What’s all the fuss?  Apparently the major cruise lines are turning the screws on Alaskan lawmakers in hopes of setting aside strict water pollution regulations due to go into effect later this year.

The law, originally passed in 2006, places a number of requirements on the cruise lines.  It is designed to curtail the impact they have on the pristine, natural environment of Alaska.  New taxes and fees were introduced as well to help fund environmental monitoring of the industry’s practices.

Admittedly, too much regulation can have a chilling effect on any industry, but it seems the law that was passed is designed to protect the Alaskan cruise industry from itself.  Wouldn’t you think the cruise lines would be vigorously supporting this initiative, if only to prevent their competitors from tarnishing the natural beauty that attracts their own guests?

On a brighter note, Royal Caribbean seems to be taking the most active role in complying with the regulations.  Recent press reports indicate they have installed advanced water purification systems on board and smokeless gas-turbine engines that burn bio-fuel when available.

Source: Environmental Leader

Alaska cruise favorite Princess Cruises has donated an impressive $100,000 to the University of Alaska Fairbanks to support its Marine Advisory Program.  The program helps local communities use, conserve and manage the ocean resources that are essential to their economic survival.  The gift will help support the Marine Advisory Program in the nine coastal cities in which it operates over a period of three years.

Princess Cruises has a long tradition of supporting local Alaska communities and Alaska environmental protection.  It’s always nice to see one of the premier Alaska cruise lines step forward to partner with the local community in such a meaningful way.  Active sponsorship of environmental conservation is one of the best methods to preserve the local beauty that makes Alaska such an attractive destination to visitors from around the world.

Source: The Tundra Drums