Princess has always been a leader in the Alaska market, and part of the reason is keeping their loyal following abreast of all the new and favorite things going on at the cruise line. The have one of the best past passenger programs available, and to gain interest and encourage participation from their guests, they invite passengers to vote in their annual C.R.U.I.S.E. service awards acknowledging the choices of the best shore excursion experiences in the Northwest and Alaska from the previous summer. This year celebrates the eigth time they held them.

The awards are based mainly upon positive feedback from passengers, recognizing the importance of local tour operators and their staff as an integral part of visitors’ Alaska cruise experience. Almost everyone involved is included as tour companies, individual guides and dock representatives are each recognized, chosen from among Princess’ extensive line-up of more than 170 shore excursion options in Alaska. All the awards ceremonies are held aboard the vessels sailing in Alaska.

“We had so much wonderful feedback from customers this year that we had a tough time narrowing down our winners,” said Charlie Ball, president of Princess Tours. “Our Alaska tour operators continue to outdo themselves to provide a continuation of the Princess experience our passengers expect, even on shore.”

Begun in 1999 in the Caribbean as part of Princess’ C.R.U.I.S.E. (Courtesy, Respect, Unfailing In Service Excellence) customer service program, and expanded to Alaska in 2000, these tour operator awards cap off a season-long effort to recognize the role that Alaskan-owned tour partners play in passengers’ cruise experiences. Tour Guide of the Season and Dock Representative of the Season award winners receive $100, a letter of commendation, a plaque, a ship tour and lunch onboard with their family. Operators of the Shore Excursion of the Season receive a plaque and a letter of commendation, a tour of the ship, and lunch onboard for company officials.

A full list of winners is below.

Princess Cruises and Tours
Adventures Ashore 2007 C.R.U.I.S.E.
Shore Excursion of the Season, Tour Guide of the Season & Dock Representative of the Season

Juneau:
Co-Shore Excursions:
Glacier & Dog Sled Adventure by Helicopter, ERA Helicopters LLC
Photo Safari by Land & Sea, Gastineau Guiding Company
Whale Watching & Wildlife Quest, Allen Marine Tours
Co-Tour Guides:
Abbie West, TEMSCO/Gold Rush Tours
Matt Kern, Alaska Canopy Adventures
Dock Representative:
Elizabeth Schoenfeld, Alaska TravelAdventures

Ketchikan:
Co-Shore Excursions:
Exclusive Alaska Fishing & Wilderness Dining, Baranof Skiff Excursions
Mountain Point Snorkeling Adventure, Snorkel Alaska
Rainforest Canopy & Zipline Expedition,Alaska Canopy Adventures
Tour Guide:
Rob Holston, Lighthouse Excursions
Dock Representative:
Jill Gates, The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

Seattle:
Shore Excursion:
Best of Seattle, Gray Line of Seattle

Sitka:
Shore Excursion:
Sea Otter & Wildlife Quest, Allen Marine Tours
Tour Guide:
Justin Horn, Sitka Tours
Dock Representative:
Sherry Aitken, Allen Marine Tours

Skagway:
Co- Shore Excursions:
Glacier Lake Kayak & Scenic Railway, Packer Expeditions & White Pass & Yukon Route
Glacier Point Wilderness Safari, Chilkat Guides
Klondike Rock Climbing & Rappelling, Alaska Mountain Guides
Co- Tour Guides:
Boris Wise, Chilkat Guides
Cindy Godbey (Dawson Dolly), Klondike Gold Dredge
Dock Representative:
Sarah Gaither, White Pass & Yukon Route

Vancouver:
Shore Excursion:
Vancouver Lookout & Scenic Trolley, The Vancouver Trolley Co.

Victoria:
Shore Excursion:
Enchanting Butchart Gardens, Gray Line West
Tour Guide:
Norman Archer, D’Costa Ports of Call

Whittier:
Shore Excursion:
Blackstone Glacier Adventure Cruise, Prince William Sound Cruise & Tours