Unalaska expects record number of cruise ships

UNALASKA, Alaska – A record number of cruise ships are expected this year in Unalaska, in the Aleutians.

Carlin Enlow, executive director of the local convention and visitors bureau, says 20 ships are scheduled, a big jump from past years. There were eight last year.

Alaska’s Energy Desk reports the first ship is scheduled to arrive May 6. The season extends through September.

The challenges of more visitors include co-ordinating buses from the port, extra pedestrian traffic and managing greater demand at stores and restaurants.

Enlow says there also is a lack of infrastructure to handle a large influx of people and that the visitors’ bureau doesn’t solicit ships.

The Aleutian Pribilof Island Community Development Association has invested in local ventures that would provide bike rentals and offer tours and recreational equipment.