Alaska gold rush is on with Royal Caribbean to send two ships

They'll sail weeklong round-trips from Seattle with a COVID-19 vaccination requirement for ages 16 and up, dropping to 12 and up Aug. 1. Those younger will receive a COVID test prior to sailing.

Serenade of the Seas' ports include Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point, as well as Endicott Arm fjord and Dawes Glacier.

Ovation follows suit in August, sailing to Glacier National Park, the Inside Passage, Juneau and Skagway.

Vicki Freed cites ASTA clout

'Having attended the American Society of Travel Advisors’ Legislative Day this week in Washington DC, I was proud to witness and join in the collective effort of the many professionals who came together to speak with our government representatives and voice their support for the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act,' said Vicki Freed, SVP sales and trade support & Service, Royal Caribbean International.

'We thank them and every one of our travel partners for their commitment and hard work — this is a testament to the impact we can have as one voice for the industry.'

Some 170 ASTA members from 40 states came to Washington Wednesday to urge lawmakers from both parties to support the Alaska recovery bill, which passed the House of Representatives Thursday after earlier clearing the Senate.