All,

Below is a partial list of some of the new cruise vessels coming out in the next year or so. I know we don’t host Costa or MSC in Skagway, however, I wanted to emphasize the trend in size, specifically passenger capacity. The scale is becoming incredible. These are floating resorts. It’s like taking a chunk of Vegas and putting it out to sea.

This trend if you will explains the push by the major cruise lines for infrastructure development in Alaska. As we are all aware the margins (i.e. profit) are much higher in the Alaska cruise market. This alone is probably the main driver for interest in more Alaskan itineraries. I do believe MSC has expressed interest in entering the Alaska market.

Sky Princess and (3,660 passengers) -- Step into the piazza-style atriums of these 5- star Princess sister ships, which will offer the no-kids Sanctuary with more private cabanas than previous Princess liners, Movies Under the Stars and infinity-style pools. The top-deck Sky Suites will accommodate up to five guests and boast the largest balconies in the fleet. The debuts October 20, 2019 and the Enchanted Princess debuts June 19, 2020.

Carnival Radiance (3,873 passengers) -- Carnival will refurbish the Carnival Victory and introduce it as the 4.5-star Carnival Radiance. Onboard draws include a new WaterWorks park, the SportSquare recreational complex, themed nights at Piano Bar 88 and the first seagoing version of Big Chicken, a new restaurant from Carnival's "Chief Fun Officer" Shaquille O'Neal. Debuts April 29, 2020.

Norwegian Encore (3,998 passengers) -- This 5-star newcomer is the fourth and final vessel in Norwegian's Breakaway Plus class. Accommodations range from single-occupancy studio staterooms to spa suites to The Haven, a top-of-ship section with 24-hour butler service and a private pool. The ship will have a two-level racetrack, an indoor virtual reality complex and an open-air laser tag arena. Debuts November 2, 2019.

Carnival Panorama (4,008 passengers) -- The third Vista-class ship will boast popular Carnival venues like the Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, an onboard brewery, a huge WaterWorks aqua park and SkyRide (recumbent bikes pedaled along a track above the ocean), along with the first indoor trampoline park at sea. Accommodations on the 4.5-star ship include Family Harbor suites for up to five guests. Debuts December 11, 2019.

Iona (5,200 passengers) -- Conservatory mini-suites aboard this 5-star P&O ship will feature an additional sitting area between the main cabin and the balcony; it can be closed off or left open. Topped by a glass roof and containing a pool that can transform into a stage, the SkyDome will serve as a place for informal dining and relaxation by day and aerial acrobatic performances and deck parties by night. Debuts May 14, 2020.

Odyssey of the Seas (5,622 passengers) -- Royal Caribbean's 27th ship will feature some of the line's latest onboard favorites, like the RipCord by iFly simulated skydiving experience and the North Star, a glass-enclosed observation capsule that lifts occupants more than 300 feet above the ocean. The SeaPlex aboard the 5-star liner will be the largest indoor activity space afloat, with a trapeze school, full- size basketball court, roller-skating rink and bumper cars. Debuts November 5, 2020.

MSC Seashore (5,877 passengers) -- MSC evolves its Seaside class with this 4.5-star ship; it's slightly bigger than its two predecessors, allowing for more spacious public areas. It will have a wraparound promenade on Deck 8 that hosts a variety of alfresco dining options, as well as connecting staterooms for families and groups and Zoe, MSC's in-room virtual cruise assistant. Debuts June 13, 2021

MSC Grandiosa and MSC Virtuosa (6,334 passengers) -- These 4.5-star MSC vessels will feature Cirque du Soleil shows, a promenade of shops and restaurants under a digital sky and the in-cabin digital cruise assistant Zoe, a voice-enabled artificial intelligence device. These will be the largest ships in the line's fleet. The MSC Grandiosa debuts November 10, 2019 (see dates and prices) and the MSC Virtuosa debuts November 8, 2020.

Costa Smeralda (6,518 passengers) -- Described by Costa as a "tribute to Italy," the Costa Smeralda will have decks and public areas dedicated to famous Italian destinations. Themed lounges line the midship Colosseo, while Piazza di Spagna at the stern will feature a top-deck balcony with a glass floor, giving guests the impression of flying over the sea. The 4.5-star ship will have 11 restaurants and its own museum. Debuts November 30, 2019.

Mardi Gras (6,630 passengers) -- Bearing the same name as Carnival's first ship, the 4.5-star will boast the first roller coaster at sea and the first seagoing restaurant from celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse. Emeril's Bistro 1396 will be located in the heart of the French Quarter, one of six themed zones on the ship. Passengers also will find Carnival favorites like the no-kids Serenity Retreat, Cloud 9 Spa and WaterWorks aqua park. Debuts August 31, 2020.