ANCHORAGE — A growing consumer demand for Alaska cruises has put the state back in the million-passenger club as it rebounds after a leaner stretch. And next year is expected to be even better with larger capacity ships added to the Far North lineup.
The millionth passenger was counted as the Alaska cruise industry’s season was nearing its end. Estimates for total passengers are expected to be slightly higher.
John Binkley, president of Cruise Lines International Association Alaska, says the 2017 season is expected to bring up to 45,000 additional passengers from this year’s tally. That would make it a record year, beating the record set in 2008.
Before this year, Alaska’s last million-passenger season was in 2009.
The increasing demand is prompting Holland America Line to replace two smaller vessels with larger capacity ships for next year.
