Last year, TravelPulse predicted that Arctic and glacial regions like Alaska would trend for travelers in 2017. It looks like that is a prediction that is coming true.
Alaska is in the middle of a "cold rush" as tourism booms throughout the state.
More travelers are seeking glacial exploration rather than sunbathing, according to a new American Express Travel report that shows a 19 percent increase in Alaska summer cruise sailings.
The Alaska Tourism Industry Association's (ATIA) latest report also shows an increase in visitation: Nearly 1.9 million people visited the state in 2016, which is a record for visitor volume.
ATIA attributed better airlift as a reason for the increase in tourism, but it also noted that cruise ship passengers still make up the majority of Alaska's visitors. Fifty-five percent of those heading to Alaska arrive by cruise ship, and that was more than 1 million of Alaska's visitors in 2016.
"Travelers are increasingly mixing luxury with exhilarating adventures and Alaska offers all of this for cruisers," said Randall Soy, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
"The destination's spectacular views and exciting excursion opportunities are prompting growth in demand for Alaska this summer. The number of visitors hit a record high in 2016 and is anticipated to continue. We've taken note and have expanded to 32 Alaskan sailings to meet this increasing trend," Soy added.
For those looking to cruise in Alaska, it's one of the best ways to see the state. Visitors can choose from wild adventure cruising to all-out luxury sailings as well as family-friendly experiences and affordable options.
Luxury Sailings
For luxury all-inclusive, Regent Seven Seas cruises include shore excursions, roundtrip airfare and dining in all specialty restaurants. Visitors may find themselves flying in a seaplane alongside a glacial waterfall, taking a helicopter to dog sled on a glacier or adventure karting through the Alaskan wilderness.
Crystal Cruises will once again be offering its Northwest Passage sailing. The cruise line made history last year via 32-day itinerary through the Arctic. It will do it again this year, leaving Anchorage on August 15.
Seabourn is returning to Alaska after a 15-year absence. The Seabourn Sojourn is sailing a series of 11-, 12- and 14-day sailings from Vancouver, B.C., and Anchorage this summer.
[READMORE]READ MORE: Can the Fragile Arctic Handle a Boom in Cruising? [/READMORE]
Adventure Cruising
On the adventure front, Lindblad Expeditions has launched the new 100-passenger National Geographic Quest. It's the first-ever new-build for Lindblad. The Quest is sailing two, 13-day Treasures of the Inside Passage: Alaska & British Columbia expeditions as well as multiple eight-day Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness voyages throughout the summer cruising season.
Uncruise Adventures has added a new half-day visit to the Tlingit village of Kake to its "Inner Reaches Western Coves" Ketchikan-to-Juneau itinerary. The cruise line offers 157 departures on 11 itineraries that last from one week to 12 days and that can be combined to offer a full three-week itinerary on the same boat.
Family-Friendly Sailing
Families can experience the magic of Disney in the Last Frontier onboard the Disney Wonder. As families explore Alaska's exciting ports and partake in gold-mining, glacier hiking and eclectic shopping and dining, they have access to Disney's Broadway-caliber musicals, fireworks at sea and Disney movies in 3D onboard.
Families are invited to get to know Alaska on small-ship cruise line Alaskan Dream Cruises. The line has enhanced its seven-night True Alaskan Family Cruises this summer. They now include a second day of exploration in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve as well as an overnight stay aboard the Chichagof Dream inside the park.
Affordable Adventures
Holland America has added the Oosterdam to its fleet in Alaska this summer. With seven ships, the line will operate 135 departures this summer as it celebrates its 70th year of Alaska cruising.
Carnival will sail a 14-day cruise roundtrip from Long Beach, California, this September. The Carnival Miracle sailing will be the first time that the line calls in Icy Strait Point.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
