Alaska is hot!
Increased demand has put cruises to America's northernmost state on the boil again. This summer, reports the Associated Press, the millionth passenger cruised to Alaska, the first time the industry has hit that milestone since 2009.
As the recession becomes a memory, as tourists grow wary of the Mediterranean, and as Zika grows as a concern, Alaska is well-positioned to grow even more.
According to the Cruise Lines International Association Alaska, the 2017 season is expected to yield 45,000 additional passengers than even this season as the number of available sailings increases from 477 to 481 and the ships scheduled to ply Alaska itineraries will be larger than the ones that sailed this year.
Overall, the state received more than 2 million visitors in 2015, meaning cruise passengers now account for about half of all its guests.
Holland America alone operates seven ships in Alaska, and two of them will be replaced by larger vessels to accommodate demand.
Credit: Sitka Convention & Visitor’s Bureau/ Jeffrey-Wickett