Getting Ready for Guests: Motorcoaches Set to Roll Through Alaska’s Landscapes
Carnival Corporation’s Alaskan land operations prepare for the busy season
A network of professionals, resources and dedication
As summer approaches and Alaska’s vast landscapes emerge from winter’s cold, Holland America—Princess’ (HAP) land operations begin an intricate choreography of preparations across the Last Frontier.
Operating an extensive motorcoach network stretching from Ketchikan to Fairbanks, HAP’s land operations are the vital connective tissue of Carnival Corporation’s Alaska experience, seamlessly linking cruise ships, scenic railways and wilderness lodges. Through a strategic network of seven maintenance facilities, HAP’s teams ensure that thousands of travelers can effortlessly traverse America’s most breathtaking state, transforming simple transportation into an integral part of the Alaskan adventure.
HAP operates 321 motorcoaches in Alaska, more than 50 luggage trucks and 278 light-duty service vehicles. The vehicles move everything from guests to supplies. The service vehicle fleet includes the largest private fleet of electric and hybrid electric vehicles in the state.
Long-time team member Pete Haunold, the senior shop foreman in Anchorage, oversees the maintenance of the 57 motorcoaches that connect the cruise ships to the heart of Alaska, Denali National Park. With the Anchorage fleet of motorcoaches, luggage trucks and service vehicles clocking millions of miles a summer, the Anchorage technicians are busy inspecting and repairing Anchorage-based vehicles, visiting coaches and vehicles assigned to area lodges. “Each of our technicians really gets a feel for the vehicles in our fleet. The conditions in Alaska can make for some interesting challenges,” says Haunold.
Getting Ready for Summer Through Preventive Maintenance
HAP’s maintenance teams operate a well-rehearsed drill, inspecting and maintaining throughout the summer operational season. Then, during winter, technicians perform tear-downs and rebuilds based on HAP’s preventive maintenance schedules to ensure all the vehicles are safe and dependable. In Alaska’s extreme conditions, preventive maintenance isn’t just good practice—it’s essential. The team is dedicated to safety and maintaining equipment to the highest degree, ensuring that guests can board with confidence.
Seven strategically positioned maintenance facilities throughout Alaska ensure that HAP coaches and luggage trucks are never far from technical assistance. Technicians respond 24 hours a day to assist drivers. They may be changing a tire on the Denali Highway, 75 miles from the nearest paved road, or changing a light bulb while a driver takes a meal break. Each HAP maintenance facility stocks a wide range of parts to address nearly any motorcoach issue.
Protecting the Land
HAP’s commitment to preserving Alaska’s pristine environment includes innovative fleet adaptations, such as electric vehicles in the Denali Park region. To help reduce traffic and greenhouse gas emissions, HAP has placed six double-decker buses in Juneau. By carrying twice the guests with minimal increase in fuel consumption, these vehicles represent just one part of HAP’s sustainability initiatives.
“Our motorcoach and rail operations exist to showcase Alaska’s beauty,” says transportation director Kathleen Ashton Keiner. “We’re stewards of these landscapes first, transportation providers second. When you operate in North America’s last great frontier, protecting the environment isn’t optional—it’s our responsibility.”
Integrated Operations: The HAP Advantage
Operating as a fully integrated component of Carnival Corporation’s Alaska experience, HAP’s exclusive rail and motorcoach divisions ensure quality control and provide seamless service across every touchpoint of the guest journey.
“When you own and operate the entire experience, you can ensure consistency,” says Keiner. “Our team members know they represent the full heritage of our cruise lines, making every ride part of a once-in-a-lifetime Alaska adventure.”
HAP’s motorcoach and rail operations will serve tens of thousands of guests this Alaska season, providing reliable transportation and unforgettable experiences through some of North America’s most spectacular landscapes. With around 300 year-round team members in Alaska, supplemented by an additional 4,000 seasonal staff during peak months, HAP combines deep local knowledge with extensive operational experience to ensure guests enjoy the magic of Alaska and the service for which Carnival Corporation’s brands are recognized.
