Global demand and pricing pressures are continuing to adversely affect the Alaskan seafood market causing Carnival Corporations’ land and sea operations to work to mitigate the effects on the industry.
First, Carnival Corporation’s ship- and land-based restaurants, dining venues and employee menus have committed to stocking fresh, locally sourced seafood. The company serves varieties of salmon, halibut, Alaska cod, rockfish, scallops, Dungeness crab, Bairdi crab, salmon roe, and oysters in 20 locations throughout the state. More than 230,000 pounds of seafood is served by Holland America Line and Princess Cruises each summer in hotels and onboard their ships.
“We’re committed to sourcing locally, whenever possible, offering our guests the best of Alaska’s seafood,” says 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.”
Second, Carnival Corporation is working closely with the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) on several key initiatives. ASMI is the marketing arm for the Alaska seafood industry and has a long-standing relationship with Holland America Line and Princess Cruises land operation in Alaska. The partnership is focusing on educating more than 200 employees through Alaska Seafood U, an online ASMI course with various training modules; designing and implementing menus that highlight fresh, locally caught seafood; and showcasing wild Alaska seafood videos in guest rooms on Alaska cruise ship 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.”
Holland America Line is the only cruise line to earn the Responsible Fisheries Management certification, meaning all seafood served on its Alaska ships meet the rigorous standard of certified sustainable and traceable. Additionally, Princess Cruises ships that sail in Alaska offer an extensive menu of Alaskan seafood dishes that highlight the freshest seafood ingredients.
On land, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises offer the freshest local seafood throughout their hotels and lodges. Princess Cruises operates five lodges and Holland America Line operates three hotels in the state.