Princess Cruises Adds Cruise Ship to Alaska Route

Princess Cruises plans to return a fourth cruise ship to the 2012 summer season itinerary for its Alaska route, the Santa Clarita-based cruise and tour company announced. The ship was added partly because of recent changes to Alaska’s head tax structure and what the company calls a more balanced approach to doing business in state. The one-way route of the new ship lends itself to longer visitor stays, creating twice the potential economic impact for the state in areas from Southeast Alaska to Prudhoe Bay, said Princess Cruises CEO Alan Buckelew. “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 said. “They have improved the investment environment for all cruise lines and for all cruise dependent businesses throughout the state.” Jessica Vernabe