November 01, 2004
Monday

Ketchikan, Alaska - Comments from Princess passengers throughout the season proves that local shore tour operators in Southeast Alaska are an integral part of every visitor's Alaska cruise experience. In recognition of that fact, Princess uses these customer comments to celebrate the best tour guides and shore excursions in Alaska each season through the company's C.R.U.I.S.E. customer service program. This year marks the fifth anniversary of this unique program, which determines the top operators in each Alaskan and Canadian port featured on Princess itineraries.

Quoting a Princess news release, award winners are those tour companies and individual guides who received the most passenger commendations from Princess' extensive line-up of more than 125 different shore excursion options. The winners recently received their awards at ceremonies held aboard the line's Alaska-based ships.

"Our tour operators really do such an outstanding job of ensuring that Princess' service levels continue even when passengers get off the ship," said Charlie Ball, president of Princess Tours. "We're very pleased to be able to offer them these C.R.U.I.S.E. awards each year in recognition of that fact."

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 awards are the culmination of a season-long effort to recognize the importance of Alaskan-owned tour operator partners to passengers' cruise experience. Tour Guide of the Season award winners receive $100, a tour of the ship, a letter of commendation, a plaque, 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.

Ketchikan:

Co-Shore Excursions:

• Mountain Point Snorkeling Adventure - Snorkel Alaska
• Guided Alaskan Fishing & Wilderness Dining - Baranof Skiff Excursions

Co- Tour Guides:

• Kris Chamberlin - Snorkel Alaska
• Rob Holston - Lighthouse Excursions

Juneau:

Co-Shore Excursions:

• Whale Watching & Wildlife Quest - Allen Marine Tours
• Four Glacier Adventure via Helicopter -- ERA Helicopters

Co-Tour Guides:

• Chuck Stratton - ERA Helicopters
• Kirk (Ziggy) Ziegenfuss - AJ Mill/Gastineau Mine

Skagway:

Co- Shore Excursions:

• Glacier Point Wilderness Safari - Chilkat Guides
• Skagway's Original Street Car - The Skagway Street Car Co.

Co- Tour Guides:

• Nicki Bunting - The Skagway Street Car Co.
• Boris Wise - Chilkat Guides

Sitka:

Shore Excursion:

• Captain's Choice Wildlife Quest & Beach Walk - Allen Marine Tours

Tour Guide:

• Bobbi Daniels - Sitka Tours

Source of News:

Princess CRUISES
Web Site

 

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