KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
UPDATE: Tuesday, June 23, 2020 4:45 p.m. KMXT has received word that the sole ship expected late this season has cancelled. More information to follow.
The Covid-19 threat has made it a quiet summer along the Kodiak waterfront – and when it comes to cruise ships, it’ll stay that way.
Aimee Williams, director for Discover Kodiak, has been in touch with cruise ship companies and confirms they’ve cancelled their 2020 sailing season into Kodiak, with one exception — the Silver Muse, scheduled to visit Kodiak on September 11 th. But even that trip, she says, could be subject to change.
In a normal season, Kodiak sees about 20 cruise ships. They range in capacity from 100 to 2,600 passengers – and while these visitors don’t arrive every day, their impact is felt by businesses all over the Island.
Scott Stone, a bear guide who works with Island Air, says last summer was a very good season. He took about 10 to 12 tourists a day on bear viewing tours, but now it’s down to just a few people on weekends. Overall, it’s been a tough summer for most flight seeing companies on the Island, he says.
“I would think the impact would have to be 75 to 85 percent, almost across the board,” Stone said. “I know of other business that are seasonal, that aren’t going to open at all this year.”
Stone says life without cruise ships has been a big adjustment but still feels grateful. He’s also managed to find some construction work to offset the lack of bear viewing tours.
“I’ve always been appreciative of the honor of getting to do it in the first place,” Scott said. “But this year, we didn’t know if we would even get to guide at Katmai, so it’s been a real blessing that we’ve even got to do what we have so far.”
Despite the upheaval from the Covid-19 threat, Stone says the bears are doing what they always do, and he takes comfort in that. At Katmai right now, they’re browsing on grasses, and the sows are nursing their young – a sight that Stone says is always a thrill to see.
