Alaskan Dream Cruises Shuts Down All Operations
by Dori Saltzman
Alaskan-owned small-ship operator Alaskan Dream Cruises has unexpectedly and suddenly shut down all operations and canceled all future cruises.
According to The Silicon Review, the company cited “insurmountable financial pressures” as the reason for the shutdown. These pressures included rising operational costs, competitive pressure, and a challenging post-pandemic recovery.
In what it labeled a “heartfelt farewell,” the company wrote on it’s website: “Since 2011, Alaskan Dream Cruises has had the privilege of sharing the wonders of Alaska and the richness of our Alaska Native heritage with incredible guests from across the globe. It has been an equal honor to work alongside extraordinary communities, partners, and crew.”
As reported by The Silicon Review, the company additionally expressed its distress at having to take this step in a prepared statement. “This was an agonizing decision for our family and our community. Despite our deep roots and passion for sharing our homeland, the economic realities of operating a small, independent cruise line in today’s market have become unsustainable.”
Alaskan Dream Cruises operated four ships: the Chichagof Dream, Baranof Dream, Admiralty Dream, and Alaskan Dream.
“I think I can speak for everyone in the Alaska tourism industry, that Alaskan Dream Cruises’ closure is a huge loss,” said Alaska Travel Industry Association’s director of marketing and brand strategy Ruth Rosewarne Kimerer. “As the only Indigenous-owned cruise line, they delivered a unique product to Alaska travelers. Thankfully its sister company, Allen Marine Tours, will continue operating shore excursions throughout Southeast Alaska so travelers can continue to support this Alaska Native, family-owned business.”
Travel advisor with affected clients have been contacted directly regarding next steps and refunds. Advisor may additionally email info@alaskandreamcruises.com or call (855) 747-8100.
Alaskan Dream Cruise was owned by Alaska Native-owned company Allen Marine, which is better known for its local tour division, offering tours in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka. This part of the company remains unaffected.
