Carnival Corporation is using a dual approach to address the economic downturn in Alaska’s seafood industry through its operations with Holland America Line and Princess Cruises.
The company said in a press release that it supports local seafood businesses by sourcing fresh seafood, including salmon, halibut, Alaska cod, rockfish, scallops, Dungeness crab, Bairdi crab, salmon roe and oysters, for its land-based restaurants, dining venues and employee menus across 20 locations in Alaska. Annually, Holland America and Princess Cruises serve over 230,000 pounds of seafood in their hotels and on their ships.
“We’re committed to sourcing locally, whenever possible, offering our guests the best of Alaska’s seafood,” said Marc Ducharme, the company’s vice president of hotel operations for Alaska and the Yukon. “Prioritizing sustainable fishing is not just the right thing to do, it’s a key part of our mission to promote Alaska’s amazing seafood offerings. Many of our land-based food and beverage venues have earned Marine Stewardship Council certification for sustainably sourced fish.”
Carnival Corporation’s second strategy involves a partnership with the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI), which promotes Alaska’s seafood industry. ASMI collaborates with Holland America Line and Princess Cruises’ land operations in Alaska. Key initiatives include:
- Training over 200 employees through Alaska Seafood U, an ASMI online course.
- Creating menus that feature fresh, locally sourced seafood.
- Displaying videos about wild Alaska seafood in guest rooms on Alaska cruise itineraries.
“ASMI and Carnival Corporation share a steadfast commitment to sustainability, and we are honored to continue to grow our robust partnership,” said Megan Rider, ASMI’s domestic marketing director. “Their dedication to showcasing Alaska’s wild, abundant seafood aboard their ships is inspiring, and we are thrilled to help showcase this state’s treasures to their guests.”
