Travel Agent - April 28, 2008 - (Page 74)

CRUISES FOR THE ALASKA CRUISE MARKET, WINTER’S HEADACHES COULD CARRY OVER FOR SEASONS TO COME. One proposed federal rule change and one new state standard are combining to test the mettle of Alaska’s cruise industry. The first rule change, while environmentally purposed, appears overly rigid. By 2010, there will be a new strict limit on the composition of wastewater discharged from cruise ships, a standard that was tacked onto the cruise ship ballot initiative passed in 2006. Two years, however, might not be enough time for cruise ships to develop and implement onboard technology capable of dealing with contaminants to the degree that satisfies the new standard. As such, cruise lines are deciding whether to apply now for permits required by Alaska’s Department of Environmental Conservation to discharge waste. Still two years out, cruise lines applying for permits will have to explain how they plan to comply with the new requirements. The difficulty is in the ability of cruise ships to dilute their waste discharge, which typically has a mix of copper, zinc, nickel and ammonia, down to an acceptable level. The new standard would, for instance, require that discharge only contain 3.1 parts copper per billion. Ironically, drinking water in Alaska typically has a higher copper concentration than what is being proposed. Pouring a glass of drinking water overboard would ostensibly put a cruise ship out of compliance, says John Binkley, president of the Anchorage-based Alaska Cruise Association, whose job has been to strengthen relationships with businesses and communities since its creation in 2007. ALASKA’S Cruise Conundrum Key upcoming decisions will affect the future of Alaska cruising A Royal Caribbean cruise ship glides by the Hubbard Glacier 74 | TravelAgent April 28, 2008

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - April 28, 2008

Travel Agent - April 28, 2008 Online Now Contents Contributors From the Editor Africa: Where to Stay in the Gateway to Southern Africa South Pacific/Australia: Luxury Lodges in Queensland and Tasmania Pacific/Asia: Shanghai, China’s Cosmopolitan Powerhouse, Sees New Hotel and Cruise Development Canada: Downtown Calgary is Easy to Get Around and Filled with Historic and Cultural Attractions California: Laguna Beach Blends Culture with Coastal Beauty Florida: Golf, History, Food and Fun Defined Our Stay at the Renaissance Resort in St. Augustine Las Vegas: Vegas Hotels Gamble on the Allure of Men’s Grooming Pacific Northwest: Washington Inns Emphasize Local Charm Mexico: Tulum Comes Into its Own as a Luxury Destination Europe: Cruising the Mosel and Rhine Rivers with Amadeus Waterways Rudi Schreiner, President of Amadeus Waterways, Talks about River Cruises Caribbean: Travel Agent Reports From the Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange The Slot Spot: Gaming at the Casino Dominicus Cruise: Suppliers and Businesses Use Ships as Springboards to Satisfy Enthusiasts’ Hobbies and Passions Key Legal Decisions Will Affect the Future of Alaska’s Cruise Industry Cover Story: Exclusive Beach Destinations Hotels: The Girlfriend Getaway is an Exploding Market Agent Profile: Sabine Harris’ Personal Touch Provides a Memorable Experience Virtual Tourism: New Websites Give a New View of Tourist Destinations Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Anguilla’s Cap Juluca Sold Aloha Airlines is Grounded Exorbitant Hotel Rates Make Alternatives More Appealing Koepf takes Helm at NACTA, Plans to Expand Membership In the Spotlight Classified Marketplace Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - April 28, 2008

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