Princess Cruises Dedicates Special Totem Pole to Ketchikan to Commemorate 50th Year Sailing to Alaska
To thank the local community of Ketchikan, Alaska for supporting Princess Cruises over the last 50 years, the cruise line recently hosted a special golden anniversary ceremony at the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau to dedicate a specially-crafted totem pole to this charming coastal town.
The Masters of the Sea totem pole, now permanently housed at the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, was crafted by local carver, Kelly White. In addition to his role as a carver, Kelly also serves as Princess Cruises cultural ambassador of its “North to Alaska” program. In fact, as part of the “North to Alaska” program, Kelly carved the totem pole onboard Ruby Princess and Grand Princess for guests to see and learn more about Alaska’s culture.
Inspired by strong and important sea creatures, the totem pole features a killer whale, a powerful hunter and navigator of the seas; an octopus, a mysterious, intelligent and complex creature of the seas; and halibut, a proven reliable food source throughout the year.
“We’re proud to dedicate this beautiful totem pole, inspired by the sea, to the community of Ketchikan, visible long after our cruise ships depart each season,” said Lisa Syme, vice president of marketing at Princess Cruises. “We hope it reminds the local residents of Ketchikan of the key role they play in introducing the culture and passion of Alaska to our guests. We’re grateful to Kelly White for his incredibly talented craftsmanship.”
