Race Day Live Alaska cruising is becoming more popular each year. After the cruise shutdowns in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19, the number of passengers has bounced back and even surpassed previous records.
In 2024, about 1.67 million passengers visited Juneau, Alaska’s capital, breaking a record. More passengers are expected in 2025.
According to the Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA), 65% of visitors come to Alaska by cruise ship, compared to 35% who travel on their own. This means there are more chances for travel advisors to book trips and earn bigger commissions.
Travel advisors are essential in guiding clients through the many cruise options. As Liz Perry, CEO of Travel Juneau, says, they save time and help clients understand more about the destination.
Travel agencies like Travel Juneau provide useful, local knowledge that can be very helpful to clients.
Reasons Why Alaska Cruises Are Great for Travel Advisors:
1. Unique Advantages:
Alaska is a special place to visit, offering both adventure and safety. Because it is part of the United States, it feels secure for travelers, unlike other exotic destinations.
According to Lanie Downs from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Alaska is a “safe harbor” that’s far away from global conflicts, yet still gives visitors an exotic experience.
Another benefit is that passengers can easily drive to the ship instead of flying into cities like Seattle or Vancouver, lowering travel costs. However, passengers still need a passport because the ship stops at a foreign port, which is required by U.S. law.
Alaska also has a loyal visitor base. A survey by the ATIA found that 77% of people who visited Alaska on a cruise plan to return in the future. This means travel advisors can expect repeat business from clients who love their experience.
2. Longer Itineraries:
While seven-day Alaska cruises are still popular, many cruises are getting longer, offering two- or three-week trips. These longer cruises can bring in bigger commissions for travel advisors.
Over 20% of Alaska cruisers book extra land trips before or after their cruise. These trips often involve train and bus travel, and they are more expensive, meaning travel advisors can earn additional commissions.
Advisors can also book transpacific cruises, where ships travel between Alaska and places like Asia, providing even more booking opportunities.
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3. More Choices:
The demand for Alaska cruises is growing because more ships are sailing there and new cruise lines are entering the market.
For example, Princess Cruises will send the huge 4,300-passenger Star Princess to Alaska in 2026, the largest ship they have ever sent there. New cruise lines like MSC Cruises and Virgin Voyages are coming to Alaska soon, adding even more options.
Small-ship cruises are also becoming more popular. Companies like UnCruise Adventures and Alaskan Dream Cruises are offering new itineraries.
American Cruise Lines is expanding its Alaska operations in 2025, and Gondwana Ecotours will begin offering yacht tours through Alaska’s Inside Passage for the first time.
4. Improved Infrastructure:
To stay competitive, Alaska is investing in new cruise facilities. New docks and private cruise destinations have been built in cities like Ketchikan, Sitka, and Whittier, and more projects are planned in Seward and Juneau. Many of these facilities are Native-owned, which adds to Alaska’s charm as a unique and authentic travel destination.
For more information about Alaska cruising, visit the CLIA Alaska website for news and schedules from the 21 cruise lines that are part of the organization.
This growing trend in Alaska cruising offers travel advisors a fantastic opportunity to expand their business, increase bookings, and earn higher commissions by promoting Alaska cruises to clients in 2025.
Disclaimer- Our team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and maintain its credibility. We are committed to providing honest and reliable content for our readers.
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