:: New report cites progress in Ocean Ranger program
John Binkley, President, Alaska Cruise Association, said the industry is pleased that access issues with the Ocean Ranger program have been resolved, and pledged to continue to work cooperatively with the state.
"This industry is committed to making the Ocean Ranger program successful and our job isn't complete until all Ocean Rangers have complete access," Binkley said.
Binkley made the remarks in response to a new report from Crowley Marine Service, the contractor that administers the program for the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. An earlier report raised access issues aboard some ships and claims that some rangers could not complete their checklists.
"The results of this survey indicate...
Economics teachers who participated in professional development courses at the University of Alaska Anchorage Center for Economic Education tour the Island Princess' bridge while the ship was docked in Whittier August 4.
:: New educational DVD will assist Alaskan entrepreneurs
The Alaska Office of Economic Development has debuted a new educational DVD designed to help Alaskan entrepreneurs learn about tourism business opportunities with the Alaskan cruise industry.
Funding for this project was provided through a U.S.D.A Rural Business Enterprise Grant and project partners include the Alaska Office of Economic Development, the Alaska Cruise Association and the Alaska Channel.
"The cruise industry is committed to expanding the economic benefits of tourism to more Alaskans," said John Binkley, President of the Alaska Cruise Association. "We hope to make it easier for Alaskans to do business...
The cruise passenger industry worked with the State to develop a DVD to help Alaska businesses interested in selling shore excursions.
:: Cruise passengers big contributors to Mat-Su
The seasonal cruise industry injected $16.4 million into the Matanuska-Susitna Borough economy last year, contributed $500,000 to local government in taxes and created 134 jobs in cruise line hotel and tour operations, according to a new economic impact study conducted by the McDowell Group.
An estimated 124,000 passengers visited the Matanuska-Susitna Borough in 2007. The most popular destination within the borough is Talkeetna. Cruise passengers traveling independently also visit Palmer and Wasilla. Additional attractions within the borough include Denali State Park, Hatcher Pass, Chugach State Park and Matanuska...
Some 124,000 cruise passengers visited the Matanuska-Susitna Borough last year, with the most popular destination being Talkeetna.
:: Cruise industry donates to Morris Center in Interior Alaska
A cultural and visitors center inspired by the life and contributions of the late Native leader Morris Thompson has opened in Fairbanks with funding assistance from the...
The new Morris Thompson Center will show off the uniqueness of Interior Alaska
:: Three Celebrity ships return in '09
Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Mercury and Celebrity Millennium will sail Alaska in 2009, from a total of five ports.
The season's cruise highlights include the following:
• Celebrity is offering the industry's first roundtrip Alaska cruise out...
:: DEC Commissioner grants request for stay
The Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) granted the Alaska Cruise Association's (ACA) request to stay proceedings on its administrative appeal of the cruise ship General...
:: Author aboard inside passage cruise
For the nature lover, Sabin Robbins, published author, former zoo society director and writer-editor at the National Geographic Society, will host Silversea's Silver Shadow's September 5 "Inside Passage" cruise. Robbins' field research includes East Africa, Galapagos Islands, Amazon River and the whale nurseries of the Pacific.