ACA forms associate program
The Alaska Cruise Association (ACA) invites Alaska businesses to join its new associate membership program.
"We recognize the cruise lines cannot be successful without a strong Alaskan business relationship," said John Binkley, ACA President. "Our goal is to work with the general public and business leaders to build a long lasting mutually beneficial relationship between the cruise lines and Alaskans."
Associate members will be invited to take part in activities attended by cruise line executives, receive e-clips on what's happening in the industry, news releases on Alaska issues, invitations to annual, regional and local meetings, a subscription to the ACA newsletter and a listing in — and access to — the membership directory.
Membership dues are $100 a year and you can download a membership application from www.akcruise.org.
:: Pilot program scrubs stack emissions
One of the industry's latest environmental initiatives is aboard Holland America's Zaandam, which has been outfitted with cutting-edge emission reduction technology.
The ship, long a familiar sight along Alaska's Inside Passage, spent last season testing a $1.5 million seawater scrubbing system to demonstrate the feasibility of using this technology to reduce emissions from large ocean-going vessels.
Holland America chief...
Holland America outfitted Zaandam with state-of-art emission reduction technology.
:: Governor asks Customs to exclude Alaska cruises
Gov. Sarah Palin has asked the U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection to back off on a proposed rule interpretation that would harm the Alaska tourism industry.
At issue is the agency's proposed interpretation of an 1886 maritime law that would require foreign-owned cruise ships running between the U.S. West Coast and Hawaii to spend at least 48 hours in a foreign port. The vessels would also have to spend at least half as...
New interpretation of old law would significantly reduce port time in Alaska.
:: Learn to drive — and earn college credit
Graduates of Princess Tours' Commercial Driver Training Program now qualify for three credits from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF).
"Princess is proud to be the first tour company in Alaska to offer college credit for our commercial driving program," said Bruce Bustamante, Princess' vice president of community and public affairs. "Public/private partnerships work well for the whole Alaskan community," said Michelle...
Princess drivers now qualify for college credit.
:: Keeping Alaska green
Alaska has some of the strictest environmental and safety regulations in the country. These are enforced by state and federal agencies, including the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Coast Guard among others.
Green Star recognizes RCCL
Green Star presented Royal Celebrity Tours with its esteemed Green Star Award for its environmental stewardship in Alaska. "Their commitment to the environment and specific steps they have taken to achieve the Green Star Award will serve them, their customers and our environment well," said Green Star Executive Director Sean Skaling. Green Star, based in Anchorage, recognizes companies and organizations for their voluntary environmental efforts, particularly in waste reduction, recycling, pollution prevention and energy efficiency.
Putting grease to a good use
Norwegian Cruise Line donates used cooking oil to organic farmers. Last year, NCL ships recycled approximately 40,000 gallons of used grease.