As sea ice melts and temperatures rise, cruise ships, mainly European ones, are taking advantage of the Arctic’s more navigable waters.
Tourism
Tourists spent more in Southeast this season
Southeast Alaska tour operators say their customers were willing to spend more money this season.
Sen. Murkowski challenges Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center fee bump
The Forest Service is raising the entrance fee at the visitor center from $3 to $5 starting in May. Murkowski said the increase is reasonable, but was leery of plans to expand the fee area beyond the visitor center.
Cruise ship nearly doubles Unalaska’s population (for a day)
The Celebrity Millennium and another smaller cruise ship doubled Unalaska’s population for a day when about 3,800 people disembarked from the vessels.
Searchers respond to hikers lost near Mendenhall Glacier
A total of four hikers in the Juneau area became disoriented in separate incidents on Saturday on Mount McGinnis and Tuesday off West Glacier Trail.
Mendenhall Glacier ice caves on Smithsonian Magazine’s “bucket list”
Because the Mendenhall Glacier is melting, the magazine says there’s “less time to see one of the most breathtaking visions available.”
How to voice a story at 60 mph, 300 feet off the ground
“One, two, three, enjoy the ride, bye-bye,” was the last thing I heard before the whoosh of speed and air drowned out most sound. I was ziplining — and attempting to voice a story — on one of six parallel lines running down a mountain in Hoonah.
Juneau’s multimillion dollar whale park almost ready for bids
The bidding process for construction of an estimated $11 million seawalk, island and park near the Douglas bridge could begin in the next few weeks–creating a home for a major Juneau landmark.
Cruise lines hit with air emission violations
Seven major cruise lines face penalties for polluting the air while sailing Alaska waters. The state has issued 18 notices of violation involving 48 instances.
Report shows economic impact of tourism in Southeast
The report calls Southeast the ‘epi-center’ of cruise ship traffic in the state – and that’s the main driver of the visitor industry.