Royal Caribbean International will have two ships in Alaska in 2010, compared to its “usual” three, reducing the line’s capacity by 35 percent over 2009.

In 2010, the Serenade will not be sailing out of Vancouver as planned, cutting the line’s capacity by more than 40,000 passengers. It was not known at press time where the Serenade will be sailing.

In 2009, Royal Caribbean will have the Radiance, Rhapsody, and Serenade of the Seas in Alaska, accounting for approximately 120,000 passengers.

According to a statement from Royal Caribbean, “This is the result of our further expansion into global markets, and the relatively high costs to our company and our guests associated with Alaska sailings. Like other cruise lines, we have a responsibility to maximize the return to our shareholders. While our continued global growth assists in that process, the costs associated with Alaska sailings do not. We hope steps will be taken to reduce those costs and make Alaska more competitive in the U.S. and global marketplace.”