Royal Caribbean said the high cost of fuel made the stop in Haines a money loser. Bypassing Haines allows a ship to cruise more slowly between Skagway and Juneau, using far less fuel, the line said.
"We routinely evaluate our ports and itineraries for operating efficiencies and customer satisfaction," said Royal Caribbean president Jack Williams. "This decision was purely an economic one."
Royal Caribbean ships have visited Haines since 1990, and the company said it will continue to work with "many longtime" local tour operators to stage shore excursions to Haines from nearby Skagway.
Findlay said, "They're remaining committed to probably two or three of the big operators to bring tourists from Skagway, but they bring them here on a presold basis, so the tourists spend less money when they get here.
"The smaller local operator and merchants that get walk-up business will be hard hit."
Royal Caribbean's pullout leaves NCL, Cruise West and Radisson Seven Seas as the only "confirmed" lines scheduled to visit Haines next year, Findlay said.
Royal Caribbean said the high cost of fuel made the stop in Haines a money loser. Bypassing Haines allows a ship to cruise more slowly between Skagway and Juneau, using far less fuel, the line said.
"We routinely evaluate our ports and itineraries for operating efficiencies and customer satisfaction," said Royal Caribbean president Jack Williams. "This decision was purely an economic one."
Royal Caribbean ships have visited Haines since 1990, and the company said it will continue to work with "many longtime" local tour operators to stage shore excursions to Haines from nearby Skagway.
Findlay said, "They're remaining committed to probably two or three of the big operators to bring tourists from Skagway, but they bring them here on a presold basis, so the tourists spend less money when they get here.
"The smaller local operator and merchants that get walk-up business will be hard hit."
Royal Caribbean's pullout leaves NCL, Cruise West and Radisson Seven Seas as the only "confirmed" lines scheduled to visit Haines next year, Findlay said.
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