Jun 18, 2026 – News
Travelers seeking an authentic Alaskan experience are often first drawn by the state’s majestic mountains, and abundant wildlife, but the lasting memories and true “Alaska feeling” come from its history, people, and culture.
Across Southeast Alaska, that culture comes to life through living traditions, local art, and fresh regional food that turn a scenic trip into a personal connection.
Extending that connection is why Royal Caribbean Group partners with Skagway business owners Olivia and Greg Klupar of Voyij.com, bringing cultural immersion to guests through the Shop Local program onboard Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises ships sailing in Alaska. During the sailing, beginning as early as the first night of their trip, travelers have the option to receive beautifully assembled gift boxes featuring authentic, Alaskan sourced food products, delivered right to their staterooms. Guests can conveniently pre-purchase their gift boxes through Royal Caribbean and Celebrity’s websites and mobile apps.
Beyond the sailing, Voyij.com offers an online marketplace to connect guests directly to local entrepreneurs offering a wide range of Alaskan-made goods, including rare inlay jewelry, Alaska Native Art, unique clothing, skincare, and home goods, all of which are sourced from local businesses across the state. Items can be purchased online, year-round, and can be shipped directly to guests’ homes, bringing a taste of Alaska to everyone’s doorstep.
A growth year for the Shop Local partnership
In 2025, all Royal Caribbean and Celebrity ships and sailings visiting Alaska participated in the Shop Local partnership, offering guests two locally sourced gift box options:
- Sweet on Alaska Local: A collection of locally made chocolates, jams, caramels, and treats to satisfy that sweet tooth featuring Alaskan ingredients like spruce tips, rhubarb, birch caramel, and even Alaskan-grown flour in the brownie mix.
- Alaska Sampler Land & Sea Local: Alaska’s finest curated assortment of premium wild-caught salmon and meat products, providing savory options like locally harvested porcini mushroom mix, smoked coho and sockeye, elk and venison meat, and even the very popular Alaskan kelp salsa and hot sauce.
Every product included is made in Alaska, representing seven small businesses from six communities – Juneau, Homer, Klawock, Anchorage, Delta Junction, and Palmer – with 100% of the proceeds going to the Alaskan businesses, ensuring all economic impact remains in these communities.
Celebrating progress
The expansion of the Shop Local partnership originates from the Locals Onboard initiative, now in its fourth year, which brings artists, musicians, Alaskan Native culture and dance experts, academics, and other cultural touchpoints right to guests. These collaborative endeavors promote education, business growth, artistry, cuisine, and most importantly, opportunities for Alaskans.
Together, Royal Caribbean Group and Voyij.com drive towards a shared goal: empowering travelers to discover the stories, traditions, and craftsmanship that make each destination unique while ensuring that local entrepreneurs directly benefit from the unforgettable experiences they provide to guests.
To shop gift boxes for an upcoming Alaska sailing, or to purchase gift boxes year-round, visit https://voyij.com/.
To learn more about Royal Caribbean Group’s efforts to energize communities as part of its SEA The Future initiative, visit https://www.royalcaribbeangroup.com/corporateresponsibility. For information on the Group’s Port Partners business accelerator program for entrepreneurs in Seward, Alaska, visit https://www.royalcaribbeangroup.com/RCGportpartners.