24 FEB 2017: It’s destined to be the ultimate banner year for cruises to the glittering glaciers, the snow-capped peaks and the wildlife of Alaska, along with opportunities to pan for gold. As overseas flights get more expensive and travellers choose to see “America First,” industry group Cruise Line International Association is predicting a record-breaking 1.06 million cruise passengers to the “last frontier” in 2017.
That’s up from a million last year and well above the 1.03 million record set in 2008.
The numbers had dipped because of the recession and a pullout of some older ships, which couldn’t meet tougher exhaust standards imposed by regulators. But now newer and bigger ships with the latest upgrades, including stack scrubbers and clean burning fuels to reduce emissions, are in an impressive flotilla for 2017.
There are ships big and small for every budget, as well as a new expedition ship and luxury Seabourn Cruise Line is returning after a 15-year absence.
Here’s a look at the new lineup: