Pandemic erases most of Alaska cruises, passenger bookings

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Nearly 70% of this summer’s Alaska cruise ship voyages have been canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, with hundreds of thousands of expected passengers staying away from the staple of the state’s tourism industry.

Alaska cruise industry representatives delivered the disheartening update to the state’s Board of Marine Pilots, CoastAlaska reported Wednesday.

Mike Tibbles of Cruise Lines International Association Alaska told board members that 408 voyages have been canceled so far.

“It’s a little over 800,000 passengers that will not be coming up at this point,” Tibble...