Cruising On Small Ships
A comeback for small ships in Alaska? Another line bets on it
You're not alone if you're looking for a small ship cruise experience in Alaska. Charles Robertson, the CEO of small ship specialist American Cruise Lines, says the company is seeing strong interest in the region.
"Since Cruise West has gone out of business, and other companies have cut back, we've seen a lot of demand ... for Alaska," Robertson tells USA TODAY.
Known for its voyages along the inland waterways and rivers of the East Coast and Pacific Northwest, American Cruise Lines recently announced plans to launch its first sailings in Alaska in 2012. Like two other small ship lines starting up in the region this year -- Alaska Dream Cruises and InnerSea Discoveries -- the company is jumping into the void left by the 2010 collapse of Cruise West, which dominated small ship cruising in the state.
Still, in an interview with USA TODAY, Robertson says American Cruise Lines had been planning the move into Alaska even before Cruise West's demise.
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"It was in our plan four years ago," Robertson says, noting that the region always had looked promising. "For us, it was an easy decision to make."
Although the ship for American Cruise Lines' new venture is yet to be confirmed, the plan is to offer seven to eleven night voyages along Alaska's Inside Passage that will showcase the beauty of the coastline, its wildlife and glaciers.
American Cruise Lines is targeting June 2012 for its Alaska debut, and will offer several different itineraries including round trip cruises departing from Juneau, Alaska, and one-way cruises between Juneau and Seattle. The line likely will be sailing one of its newer 100-passenger vessels such as the American Star or American Spirit, built in 2007 and 2005, respectively.
Robertson notes American Cruise Lines ships are newer than any other small ship vessels operating in Alaska, which should give the line an edge.
"We'll be operating in Alaska with the newest vessel, larger staterooms, more amenities and better service that you simply can't do on an older boat," he says.
American Cruise Lines is known for a relatively upscale product, and its ships boast over-sized cabins and bathrooms, private balconies, picture windows and elevators, among other modern features. Locally-inspired cuisine and highly personalized service also are a hallmark of the line.
Cruising On Small Ships - News
Like two other small ship lines starting up in the region this year -- Alaska Dream Cruises and InnerSea Discoveries -- the company is jumping into the void left by the 2010 collapse of Cruise West, which dominated small ship cruising in the state.
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