For 20 years, Shreeve has been the guardian of clean water at Holland America Princess’s largest hotels in Alaska, Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and Holland America Denali Lodge, where his mission extends far beyond simple utility management.

“My charge is simple,” Shreeve explains from his operations center. “I make clean water to protect the public, and I treat wastewater so that the environment is protected.” This commitment reflects Carnival Corporation’s “Every Drop Counts” water stewardship strategy to use less and reclaim more, reducing its impact and protecting the thriving communities and delicate ecosystems that depend on clean seas.

Shreeve arrived in Alaska in 1983 as a 20-year-old and eventually found his way to the water treatment industry. That career has sustained work spanning six different types of treatment systems across Alaska, with his expertise now extending beyond Denali to consulting roles at other Holland America Princess properties.

With three decades of treatment experience and an Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation recognition award, Shreeve transforms thousands of gallons of used water daily into clean water returned to Alaska’s glacial rivers. The advanced system protects the environment while keeping two premier wilderness destinations running smoothly for thousands of summer guests.

The Daily Surge Challenge

The scale of Shreeve’s operation in Denali becomes apparent when you consider the rhythm of tourism in Alaska. Starting in the early morning hours, hundreds of guests and employees wake up, shower and prepare for their wilderness adventures. Then, in the evening, everyone returns from day tours, bringing another peak in water usage that might overwhelm most treatment systems.

“About a third of our used water comes in the morning, and another third comes in the evening,” Shreeve notes. “We have to flatten out how it flows through our water-treatment system because the active microbes that organically purify the used water love the same amount of food every minute of every day.”

Computer-controlled systems now average out these dramatic surges, ensuring that instead of overwhelming peaks and valleys, the treatment plants receive a steady flow throughout the day.

Advanced Water Treatment Technology

The land-based water treatment mirrors the advanced wastewater treatment systems deployed across Carnival Corporation’s fleet of ships, using the same membrane bioreactor technology that’s part of the company’s “Every Drop Counts” strategy. Whether at sea or in Alaska’s wilderness, the process further purifies the water to municipal water quality or better before releasing it back to nature.

The technology works through four key stages: filtering to remove debris; biological treatment using microorganisms to organically remove impurities; advanced membrane filtration; and ultraviolet light treatment. At the heart of the process are thousands of tightly packed membrane fibers that Shreeve describes as looking like “a dense web of spaghetti noodles that are eight feet long.”

“Each of those little strings will let about a gallon and a half a day of water go through,” he explains. “When it lets the water go through, it won’t let microbes or anything like that pass through microscopic-sized openings.”

The results speak for themselves. Water leaving Holland America Princess’s treatment facilities consistently meets or exceeds all state and federal requirements.

In a region where glacial silt can make rivers look muddy and wildlife naturally contributes biological contaminants, the treated water can even represent higher levels of purity than natural flows. The crystal-clear water flows back into the Nenana River, which winds around the Holland America Princess properties.

Stewardship in Action

While Alaska’s abundant water resources mean that conservation takes a different form than in drought-prone regions across the United States, Shreeve’s operation maintains strict oversight of water usage. Daily meter readings across all properties catch any potential leaks early, preventing costly water waste and potential infrastructure damage that could disrupt guest experiences.

Shreeve’s Alaska operation is just one piece of Carnival Corporation’s “Every Drop Counts” success story. Thanks to the company’s water conservation efforts, its fleet uses almost 40% less water onboard per person per day vs. on land – or over 4 billion fewer gallons of water.* Beyond reducing water use overall, the company sustainably sources nearly 90% of the freshwater used on board its ships from the sea itself thanks to advanced desalination systems. The self-sufficient water production systems help preserve other freshwater sources for the people and places that depend on them.

As Shreeve monitors his systems from that room in Denali, he’s not just managing utilities; he’s protecting a legacy. Every gallon of crystal-clear water that rejoins the Nenana River represents a commitment to protecting Alaska’s unspoiled wilderness for future generations of guests to discover.

Operations like Shreeve’s prove that with the right technology, expertise and commitment, visitors can experience Alaska’s majesty while leaving minimal environmental impact.

*Carnival Corporation’s water use rate is 51 gallons per person per day, which is almost 40% less than the U.S. national average of 82 gallons per person per day. Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency.

From sea to table: Rail division and lodges embrace rigorous standards for local Alaskan seafood

As the summer season opens to guests in Alaska, the Holland America Princess land dining operations are marking a milestone in their decades-long commitment to the Last Frontier through a comprehensive sustainable seafood initiative. In line with Carnival Corporation’s Less Left Over initiative to reduce unused food and ingredients companywide, the team is sourcing sustainable seafood locally, which supports Alaskan fishing communities while ensuring fresher fish with significantly less spoilage and waste.

The Holland America Princess rail division successfully earned the Marine Stewardship Council certification in spring 2025, along with its two Holland America properties – Holland America Denali Lodge and Skagway Inn – verifying its seafood comes from sustainably managed fisheries that maintain healthy fish populations and ecosystems. The certification is awarded by the Council, a global nonprofit working with scientists, fisheries and industries worldwide to end overfishing.

For Holland America Princess, pursuing this certification across all its Alaska properties reflects its commitment to both exceptional dining experiences and responsible environmental stewardship. In addition to the Holland America Denali Lodge and Skagway Inn, all five Princess lodges received certification approval in early June 2025. Those include Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge, Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge, Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge and Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge.

“The certification progress is massive, but it validates what we’re doing,” explains Jeff Graham, who oversees food and beverage operations for Holland America properties. “We’ve taken sourcing responsibility seriously because of the importance of the seafood industry in Alaska. By combining award-winning culinary experiences with sustainable dining practices, we’re not just creating exceptional meals, we’re ensuring less is left over while reaffirming our commitment to Alaska communities and businesses.”

Sustainable Seafood Journey
By seeking Council certification, Holland America Princess reaffirms its dedication to ocean health, sustainable fisheries and the future of Alaska’s vital marine ecosystems. The thorough certification verifies that wild Alaskan salmon, halibut and black cod served across all properties meet world-class sustainability standards, with meticulous documentation tracking each fish from ocean to plate. Certified locations undergo yearly audits that follow the flow of certified products through the facility from the loading dock to the plate, with careful inspection of all paperwork and documentation to validate sustainability throughout the supply chain.

Thanks to strategic partnerships that Holland America Princess established with responsible local suppliers, such as Anchorage-based Copper River Seafoods – itself a certified vendor – going through the notoriously rigorous certification process was a little less daunting. “We had a relatively streamlined chain of command process because we’re using a certified vendor, and it’s only coming from them to us,” Echo Green, Princess Lodges’ food and beverages operations manager, points out.

Staying Local
The scale of the organization’s investment in Alaska’s fishing economy is substantial. In 2024, the Holland America and Princess properties purchased over 53,000 pounds of Alaska seafood, while Carnival Corporation system-wide sourced approximately 875,000 pounds. This significant economic contribution helps sustain fishing communities throughout the state.

Beyond the immediate value creation for local fisheries, staying local also builds deeper connections with Alaskan fishing communities and traditions. Education plays a vital role in sustaining these fishing practices through several key initiatives.

The popular Holland America Princess “First Fish” program celebrates the official opening of Alaska’s annual fishing season by displaying freshly caught king salmon (or sockeye when conservation is needed) on ice in restaurant lobbies within 24 hours of harvest. This exhibition educates guests about sustainable harvesting methods and the fish’s journey from ocean to plate while creating meaningful conversations about the region’s maritime traditions.

The educational approach extends beyond guests to staff through the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) “Seafood U” training program. In 2024, hundreds of team members completed this comprehensive training, enabling them to confidently share Alaska’s seafood story with guests, from sustainable harvesting practices to the ecological importance of healthy fish populations. This knowledge transfer ensures that both visitors and employees understand the source and significance of the seafood served throughout the Holland America and Princess properties.

Engaging Guests
Guests report tasting the difference in the fresh, wild-caught seafood and the exceptional dining experience means less is left over on the plate, minimizing waste. Sustainable seafood options are easily identifiable through the distinctive blue Marine Stewardship Council logo, displayed prominently on the menus of certified locations.

“We’ll be able to use that logo to drive awareness,” explains Green, highlighting how the certification becomes part of the guest education experience. “It lets diners know they’re enjoying seafood that supports healthy oceans while experiencing the exceptional taste of Alaskan seafood.”

Observes Kolman Soifer, the group’s food and beverage programs manager: “I think people are coming up a lot more Alaska-savvy than maybe 30 years ago. They have their Alaska bucket lists, and eating fresh Alaskan seafood is in the top three of everybody’s list.”

Engaging Communities
The Holland America Princess team also supports SeaShare, a nonprofit organization that distributes Alaska seafood to food banks across the state and the Pacific Northwest. This partnership extends the team’s commitment to responsible seafood practices while helping to address food insecurity in the region.

This approach to sustainable seafood reflects the Holland America and Princess organizations’ deep-rooted connection to Alaska, where hundreds of full-time team members live year-round. The certification represents more than just responsible dining – it embodies the company’s commitment to the state’s marine ecosystems, local economies and cultural heritage.

By uniting culinary excellence with environmental stewardship, Holland America Princess delivers an authentic experience where meals have a meaningful impact. As guests savor these ocean-friendly choices, they’re participating in a larger story of sustainability that extends from pristine waters to dining tables, ensuring Alaska’s maritime treasures remain accessible for generations to come.

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.

For many cruise guests visiting Alaska, a train ride on the historic Alaska Railroad route is a highlight. Riding aboard Carnival Corporation’s Alaskan private double-deck Ultradome railcars provides the perfect way to experience its beauty. Traveling at 18 feet above the tracks allows guests to take in the full Alaskan landscape. With seasoned narrators highlighting points of interest and explaining the history of the land, guests walk away with an understanding of some of the things that make Alaska so amazing. Thanks to 80 sets of eyes looking, it is common to spot Alaskan wildlife along the route, such as moose, caribou, black bears and even grizzlies.

Jan Montgomery, the general manager of Holland America Princess’ (HAP) rail division, approaches each day’s operations schedule like a master chess player. With 20 glass-domed Ultradome railcars at her disposal and constantly shifting passenger numbers, she and her team orchestrate a complex daily puzzle of routes, staffing and capacity planning that keeps Alaska’s premier rail tours running smoothly through the spectacular wilderness.

“In rail operations, each day brings a new configuration,” explains Montgomery, a long-time company team member. “We’re constantly balancing which cars go on which routes based on bookings and operational considerations. It’s about creating the perfect guest experience while maintaining peak efficiency throughout our network.”

Preparing Premier Viewing Experiences
During the off-season, HAP’s rail team meticulously maintains all 20 Ultradome cars, known for their panoramic glass ceilings that provide 360-degree views of Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes. Each car undergoes a comprehensive overhaul covering everything from mechanical systems to interior fixtures.

This season, all 20 railcars feature fully refurbished interiors, ready to transport guests across routes connecting the cruise port of Whittier to Anchorage, Talkeetna and Denali National Park.

“The Ultradomes are designed specifically for optimal viewing,” Montgomery notes. “Our maintenance isn’t just about functionality—it’s about ensuring that when a guest looks up to see a bird soaring overhead or gazes out at Denali National Park on a clear day, nothing interferes with that experience.”

“Also, safety is the foundation of everything we do,” emphasizes Montgomery. “Our technicians and onboard team ensure a safe, comfortable and memorable journey for all our guests.”

The Daily Logistics Ballet
While Montgomery oversees the operation, she quickly credits her accomplished team of managers and technicians who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make the experience come together. “This is absolutely a team effort,” Montgomery emphasizes. “We have an extraordinary group of professionals—from food and beverage managers to maintenance technicians—who bring tremendous expertise and dedication to making this complex operation appear effortless to our guests, which is precisely what you value on vacation.”

A Team of Specialists
Montgomery leads a dedicated team of 20 year-round team members who manage everything from maintenance to logistics planning. During the peak season, this core group grows to include over 300 seasonal team members working many different positions such as rail guides, bartenders, cooks, servers, dishwashers, managers, stewards and tour sales representatives, just to name a few.

“Our seasonal positions are among the most sought-after in Alaska’s tourism industry,” Montgomery says. “We have people who’ve been returning for many consecutive seasons. They know Alaska intimately—its geology, wildlife, history and culture. Many are Alaskans who bring authentic local knowledge that enhances the guest experience.”

This continuity fosters an operation where institutional knowledge runs deep. New seasonal team members benefit from comprehensive training alongside veterans who understand every curve, vista and storytelling opportunity along the routes. The rail division’s year-round staff contributes to HAP and Carnival Corporation’s broader commitment to Alaska, where more than 300 full-time team members live in the state year-round, maintaining community connections and local expertise that seasonal operations alone couldn’t achieve.

The Integrated Alaska Experience
As a wholly owned division of Carnival Corporation’s Alaska operations, HAP’s rail service integrates seamlessly with cruise itineraries and motorcoach tours, creating comprehensive land-and-sea experiences that showcase the best of Alaska. A tunnel allows guests to transition directly from ship to rail at locations like the Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal.

“This creates opportunities for exceptional service that wouldn’t exist otherwise,” Montgomery explains. “When a cruise ship arrives, we know exactly how many guests are continuing to which destinations, their specific needs and how to make their journey as comfortable and entertaining as possible. That integration gives us tremendous advantages in delivering consistently excellent experiences.”

HAP’s rail division will transport thousands of guests through Alaska’s most stunning terrain this summer. With a team of professionals and seasonal experts—many of whom return year after year—the division combines authentic Alaskan knowledge with operational excellence to ensure travelers enjoy spectacular wilderness views from the comfort of meticulously maintained Ultradome railcars, all delivered with unparalleled service.

Two decades ago, Tom Lux’s car broke down during a vacation in Skagway, Alaska, and he needed money to fix it. Bob Chase spent 20 years working for a mining company in Oregon and experienced a self-proclaimed midlife crisis. To repair his car, Tom began working in the kitchen of a Skagway lodge while Bob packed up his truck and boat and moved to Alaska in search of freedom. He started as a wrangler, providing trail rides at the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge.

They never left.

Today, they both serve as maintenance managers at two lodges within Carnival Corporation & plc’s Holland America Line and Princess Cruises Alaska Operations. Alaska’s long winters allow them to prepare their respective properties for the busy summer season while enjoying the tranquility and solitude of remote Alaska.

Getting Ready
Winter is also the season for building improvements and upgrades, ensuring that all facilities are in top shape for the upcoming season.

“Our primary purpose in the wintertime is life and property safety. We’re trying to keep the property safe,” said Tom Lux, the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge maintenance manager. “We’re doing snow plowing, responding to alarms and here for power outages. Alaska is a difficult place to live. It’s very remote. With all the construction going on on-site, we’ve got to be here for safety reasons, always watching out. I’ve got over 30 buildings on my property.”

Bob Chase is doing something similar at the Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge, situated along the Copper River, but on a somewhat smaller scale.

“We are a little community,” said Chase. “Everything to do with the lodge we do within the maintenance department. I even treat my own water. As far as getting the property ready, four guys take care of it. We’ll have employee housing and the lodge, and they’ll all be heated up, watered up and functioning fully. I like to have a buffer if we run into some problems, but by mid-April, we’re ready to rock and roll.”

Over the summer, guests inadvertently bang suitcases against the walls. There is the usual wear and tear from constant packing and unpacking. Kitchens need to be stocked, and stoves must be prepared for continuous use. The properties sit on permafrost, causing the ground to be occasionally unstable and shift with the seasons, which requires wall repairs. They inspect every room in the fall for maintenance while the weather is still warm. When temperatures drop to minus 30 degrees, it becomes challenging to heat the building enough to perform any work, says Lux.

The Guests Arrive
May marks the beginning of the tour season across Alaska. Approximately 4,000 seasonal employees assist the 300 full-time Carnival Corporation staff members in the region.

Guests disembark from Holland America Line and Princess Cruises ships and continue their journey on land at one of the company’s many lodges. With guided tours, wildlife spotting, scenic rail journeys, visits to national parks and glacier viewing, it offers the ultimate vacation experience.

The properties are in top shape and sparkle in the clear Alaskan air. It’s an exciting time for Chase but also an end to the off-season, where he appreciates the quiet and the chance to ice fish and have stellar views of the Northern Lights. As he snowmachines across the frozen ground in winter, he wears gloves lined with thick fur, the only way to prevent his hands from freezing in the unrelenting cold.

“At Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge, I have always seen and heard from guests that it’s so much more relaxed here because we’re off the beaten path,” Chase adds.

Winter Isolation
It takes a unique person to do what Chase and Lux do. They’re never bored and wouldn’t trade it for anything. There isn’t much within 10 miles of where Lux lives – and perhaps even more distance for Chase. They share the winter season with dog mushers, cross-country skiers, snowshoers and curious wildlife wandering across the properties.

“There’s usually a lot of community activities happening in the winter, primarily focused on schools, youth sports and youth programs. Down in Skagway, they publish a calendar in the local newspaper, and there is something to do every single day for the entire month of December,” Lux reports. “Whether gathering at someone’s house or attending an event at a fire department, police station or tree lighting ceremony, I feel like the communities do a good job of creating opportunities for people to come together because, in the summertime, it’s hard for that to happen.”

And there’s always a chance to get out of town. Once Lux left Denali, where it was minus 50 degrees, and landed in Las Vegas, where it was 85—a 135-degree temperature swing in just one day.

Lux and Chase emphasize the need to balance tourism with preservation in a state noted for its vast natural beauty and abundant resources.

As the snow melts and the days grow longer, they and their teams are prepared to welcome guests to Alaska’s pristine wilderness. Their year-round efforts ensure that every lodge is fully operational, serving as a haven of comfort and adventure for visitors. The tranquility of winter gives way to the bustling excitement of summer, when Alaska’s beauty is on full display.

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