Climate change might play a role in extending Alaska's cruising season, potentially opening up revenue opportunities for the state's industry, NCLH-Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings' CEO Frank Del Rio revealed on Thursday, October 6.
While climate change warmed Alaska at more than 100% of the global rate, harming fisheries and increasing the rate of wildfires, parts of the state's tourism have benefited from the extension of warm-weather weeks.
During an investor day presentation, Del Rio said that Alaskan voyages, which typically start in mid-May and last until mid-September, are currently starting as early as April and going on until October, adding the company was investing more in new sailings and docks around America's largest state.
Image: Chichagof Island (Alaska)
Del Rio said Alaska had not only become a premium destination, but it had become more than just a 4-month summer destination. It was a combination of perhaps global warming, bigger ships, and more demand, but they had stretched that season to almost 7 months now.
He added that Norwegian had been looking to lessen its impact on the planet by finding more sustainable fuels for its cruise ships.