After four years of small ship cruising through Alaska’s Inside Passage, Alaskan Dream Cruises is preparing for growth, according to a company statement.
The Sitka, Alaska-based company recently hired two new executives, including Russell Dick as chief executive officer.
Russell was also recently named by former Governor Sean Parnell to the Alaska Tourism Marketing Board, an advisory board that will make recommendations for the state’s tourism marketing strategies.
Former president and CEO of Haa Aaní, LLC, a subsidiary of Sealaska Corp., Russell serves as chairman of the board of directors for Huna Totem Corp., the Native village corporation representing Alaska Natives with aboriginal ties to Glacier Bay and Hoonah.
He holds a master’s of science in management from Stanford Graduate School of Business; a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Stanford University; and a bachelor’s degree in business and accounting from the University of Phoenix. He is a member of the Tlingit Kaagwaantaan clan.
“Russell brings an incredible amount of experience to the organization and an innate understanding of what it means to share Alaska with our guests,” said David Allen, Alaskan Dream Cruises owner and president. “Alaskan Dream Cruises prides itself on offering visitors access to ‘True Alaska with True Alaskans’ and will continue to focus on sharing authentic experiences with travelers under Russell’s direction.”
Additionally, Peter Butz joins the executive team as operations manager, bringing decades of small-ship cruise line experience to Alaskan Dream Cruises. After extensive travels as an expedition leader with Lindblad Travel and Special Expeditions, Peter spent 25 years serving as the vice president of fleet operations and chief operating office of Lindblad Expeditions. He managed the growth of Lindblad Expeditions’ fleet to six vessels deployed in global operations, including Antarctica, Galapagos, the Arctic and Alaska.
Peter will oversee the operation aspects of the company, and will report to Russell as the company prepares for its fifth season. “I’m honored to be leading a team of professionals instrumental in creating the successes achieved thus far,” Russell said. “I’m inspired by the Allen family’s commitment to quality, service and creativity, which will continue to be the foundation of our success.”
Alaskan Dream cruises will offer 47 sailings ranging from 8- to 13-days aboard its three newly renovated vessels, visiting 17 ports of call throughout Southeast Alaska in 2015.
