"Panamax"

More large ships are coming to the Alaska market, and Sitka now has a place to put them.

When the second phase of the project is complete next year, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan will all be able to accommodate four Panamax ships at once.

John Binkley, president of Cruise Lines International Association Alaska, says 2015 should be strong year for tourism in the state. But he says challenges may lie ahead.