News Release

Glacier Bay Issues New Contracts for Cruise Ship Services

News Release Date: March 22, 2019

Contact: Philip N. Hooge, 907-697-2230

GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK & PRESERVE, Alaska – The National Park Service has selected the businesses which will provide cruise ship services in Glacier Bay National Park starting this fall.

A prospectus soliciting proposals for cruise ship services was issued in May 2018. A panel of technical experts reviewed each proposal package, and new ten-year concession contracts were awarded to seven businesses: Princess Cruise Lines Ltd, Holland America Line Inc., NCL (Bahamas) Ltd, Carnival plc (Cunard Line), Seabourn Cruise Line Limited, Viking Cruises Ltd and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. The NPS anticipated the contracts will be effective October 1, 2019.

“We are excited to welcome seven cruise lines to Glacier Bay. The very competitive process resulted in some of the highest cruise tourism environmental standards and best visitor experience quality seen in the world," said park superintendent Philip Hooge.

Cruise Ships offer a unique way for large groups of visitors to get a personalized experience of Glacier Bay National Park with interpreters on board every ship. In the upcoming month, contracts will be sent to the operators for final signature and execution.

For more information about concession contracts in the National Park Service visit https://www.nps.gov/subjects/concessions/index.htm