Alaska Prepares for Record Cruise Season in 2026 Amidst Economic and Environmental Challenges
Alaska is gearing up for a record-breaking cruise season in 2026, with new cruise lines such as MSC Cruises, Virgin Voyages, and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection entering the market. The state has seen a significant increase in cruise tourism, with passenger volumes tripling between 1995 and 2025. Despite a slight decline in passenger numbers in Juneau in 2025, the city has implemented a voluntary agreement with the cruise industry to manage visitor numbers, capping daily cruise ship visits and passenger numbers. The cruise season in Alaska has been extended, allowing passengers to experience a range of weather conditions. Major homeports like Vancouver and Seattle are also preparing for increased passenger volumes, with Vancouver expecting a record 1.4 million passengers in 2026. 
