RDC weighs in on Glacier Bay quota for cruise ships

A proposal to maintain the current quota for cruise ships in Glacier Bay National Park for the 2014 tourist season is adequate, but there is much room for improvement, said RDC in comments to the National Park Service.

“The RDC supports increased access, by visitors and residents alike, to the scenic wonders of Glacier Bay,” said Marleanna Hall, Projects Coordinator.

RDC supports increasing the number of ships in Glacier Bay in an effort to promote the expansion of cruise itineraries and ultimately increase the number of passengers. Each year, 60 percent of Alaska’s visitors arrive in the state by cruise ship.

Hall said taking action to increase access will benefit Alaskan businesses, with no adverse impact to the environment.

More than one million tourists are expected to visit Alaska next year with the vast majority expected to arrive by cruise ship.

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