Princess Cruises Will Add Alaska Ship in 2012

After two years operating just three ships on its Voyage of the Glaciers route, today Princess Cruises announced that it will be returning a fourth ship to its signature itinerary for the 2012 summer season.

The decision by Princess to increase its Alaska capacity was prompted, in part, by recent changes to the head tax structure in the state and the more balanced approach to doing business in Alaska, according to the line.

"We are particularly appreciative of the efforts of Governor Sean Parnell and the Alaska state legislature that have resulted in meaningful progress toward resolving the challenges facing Alaska's recovery as a cruise destination," said Alan Buckelew, president and CEO of Princess Cruises. "We still have work to do, but the recent changes definitely played a part in this decision."

Buckelew pointed out that bringing a fourth ship back tot he Gulf of Alaska route has wide economic impacts from Southeast Alaska to Prudhoe Bay. "Because the one-way route lends itself to longer visitor stays, with visits to both the interior and Southeast Alaska, we calculate it has twice the potential economic impact of roundtrip cruises," he said.

"We are especially pleased to be able to announce this additional capacity to our business partners and supporters throughout Alaska who have worked tirelessly to advocate for a more positive business climate," Buckelew added. "They have improved the investment environment for all cruise lines and for all cruise dependent businesses throughout the state."

Princess' Voyage of the Glacier itinerary is the line's most popular Alaska itinerary, taking passengers between Vancouver and Whittier across the Gulf of Alaska with a visit to Glacier Bay and ports of call in the state's southeast. Because many passengers on this one-way route usually spend extra time in Alaska's interior utilizing Princess' lodges, rail and motorcoaches, this itinerary provides significant tourism benefits to the state.

Full details of Princess' 2012 Alaska deployment will be announced in spring 2011, including which ship will be added to the lineup.

Belize Prepares for 2012 Celebration

Belize is gearing up for a year of reflections, renewal and celebration when the winter solstice of 2012 arrives.

"Imagine a New Year's party that comes only once every 52,000 years, and you'll get an idea of what this means to those of us living in the Maya heartland," said Dr. Jaime Awe, director of Belize's Institute of Archaeology, yesterday (Sept. 6, 2010) at a preliminary launch of a new Belizean website dedicated to the 2012 celebrations planned for this Central American nation.

Seleni Matus, director of the Belize Tourism Board, said, "This region is where the Maya Calendar began and continues to be read. You won't find too many people worried about 2012 here. In fact, we're looking forward to a year of celebrating and highlighting Belize's vibrant Maya culture and history."

Belize, on Central America's Caribbean coast, has a large per capita Maya population and a huge number of Maya archaeological sites. Three Maya dialects are still spoken in Belize, and traditions such as farming methods and cooking have continued largely unchanged for centuries in Maya villages.

Belize will be hosting scientists, academics and an expected influx of visitors throughout 2012, with a range of special tours, cultural activities and Maya themed sporting events planned. One initiative, for instance, involves visitors being issued with commemorative Maya "passports" and collectors' cards, which give entry and are stamped at each of Belize's Maya temples and archaeology sites. Along with information kits and knowledgeable guides they ensure visitors a well rounded and memorable Maya experience during 2012.

There are also special tour packages on offer, with most resorts enthusiastically participating in the national celebrations. Events such as the annual La Ruta Maya canoe race, one of the longest in the world, will emphasize Maya culture as it passes through the country.

Credit: Joe Pike, TravelAgentCentral