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And, for a more low-key experience with Alaska-specific programs, book a passage on one of the Princess ships where you might get to meet sled dogs who visit the ship. On a Seabourn voyage, passengers share the journey with scientists, naturalists, and others who expand the Alaskan experience with history, culture, and the natural world. Guests can also book landtours before or after their voyage, where they can experience the vast wilderness of Alaska. Princess Cruises even has its own Princess Lodges as part of its combination packages.
Carnival Cracks Down on High Stakes Activity on Pool Deck
The course begins in Seattle and leads through the Inside Passage, Prince William Sound, and up to Anchorage. Then, you’ll travel over to Kodiak Island, out to the far stretches of the Aleutian Islands to Dutch Harbor, and around to Nome, and through the Arctic Circle. Some cruise lines offer pre or post-cruise fly-in opportunities to remote areas of Alaska, like leaving from Fairbanks to the visit the Arctic Circle. Finally, you'll find some San Francisco round-trip itineraries — usually 10 or 11 nights long — as well as longer sailings between San Francisco and Vancouver.
Coolest Things to Do in Alaska on Discovery Princess
Due to unpredictable weather, though, there’s a risk of shore excursions being cancelled -- especially boat and helicopter tours. There are numerous factors you need to consider for a cruise to Alaska, including the best time of year, costs, itineraries, which line to choose and which destinations matter most to you. I’m a Florida-based freelance travel and lifestyle journalist who has embarked on more than a dozen cruises, including several to Alaska.
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Princess Cruises Ends 2023 with Top Awards from Prestigious Travel Industry Organizations Around the World - PR Newswire
Princess Cruises Ends 2023 with Top Awards from Prestigious Travel Industry Organizations Around the World.
Posted: Thu, 28 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Currently, these include Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Uncruise Adventures, Viking Ocean, and a few others. This agreement will be in effect until 2030, so if you want to make Glacier Bay a part of your cruising experience you can look to book with one of these cruise lines. Viking Orion's 10-night cruise between Vancouver and Seward includes scenic sailing of the Inside Passage and Yakutat Bay and a stop at rarely visited Valdez.
Their five ships, ranging from 12 to 76 passengers, allow them to access remote and off-the-beaten-path destinations that larger cruise ships cannot. Seabourn Odyssey is currently the cruise ship dedicated to Alaska for the line and it offers 7-15 night sailings in the area. The 32,000 gross ton vessel has a capacity of 450 guests and has one of the best crew to passenger ratios in the industry along with Regent Seven Seas. Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers 7-14 night itineraries that are both immersive and all-inclusive, meaning you won’t have to worry about charges that keep getting added to your bill. Things like flights, transfers, specialty dining, all beverages, gratuities, Wi-Fi, and even shore excursions are all complimentary. Bigger does not mean better when it comes to cruise ships sailing to Alaska.
The 11 Best Cruise Ships For Alaska (According to Real Reviews)
Cruises to Alaska with Celebrity depart from Seattle and Vancouver, and Princess sails from San Francisco, Seattle, and Vancouver. Holland America, which has medium and larger ships, often sails from Vancouver and Seattle. At any given time, you will have an abundance of choices based on your interests. However, keep in mind that the cruise season in this area of the world is shorter. Specifically, it runs from March or April to early fall (September or October). We'll guide you through what cruise lines to choose for your type of experience.
Solo travelers don't always have to pay double to cruise Alaska on their own. Several Norwegian Cruise Line ships feature cozy studio cabins designed and priced for one person, and the 4,004-passenger Norwegian Bliss offers 82 solo rooms on its round-trip Seattle cruises to Alaska. While the kids enjoy Discovery Princess' spacious children's and teens' clubs, the adults might linger over a craft cocktail or enjoy a massage in the onboard spa. The family can come together for meals in a variety of casual and fine dining restaurants, and enjoy original production shows as the ship sails between ports.
There are ships with all the bells and whistles bedecked with glitz and glam, and others offer just the basics with a surprise (see our insider tip in the Final Note below!). Viking Orion is offering 10-night 2024 Alaskan voyages between Vancouver and Seward from May until early September 2024. Fares for this July 3, 2024, Vancouver to Seward 10-night sail start at $6,999 per person. The Spa offers complimentary access to its Thermal Suite, where guests can rejuvenate by alternating between a steamy sauna and a frigid Snow Grotto. To complete the luxury experience, book at least a concierge-level veranda (to add free laundry service, cashmere lap blankets, priority boarding and more to your list of perks).
Top Alaska Cruise Destinations
Carnival Luminosa is not only new to Alaska, but new to the Carnival fleet. It was recently brought over from Costa, so it has a completely different vibe from Carnival’s other ships. It’s got the Italian flair found on Costa’s ship but has undergone an extensive retrofit to make it feel more at home to Carnival cruisers. The ship carries just over 4,900 passengers at full capacity and has a layout capable of managing that crowd quite easily.
For instance, Disney characters are dressed in special outfits for Alaska and are on deck during the days at sea. "We were able to get incredible photos with the glaciers behind the characters," said the mom, who also noted that you can order Mickey Mouse ice cream bars from room service. Cicero added, "Disney has the best kids' and teen clubs of any cruise line. They're enormous, filled with epic activities like superhero training and are a great place for kids and teens to make friends."
Passengers can expect to see glaciers, rainforests, waterfalls, and wildlife such as whales, bears, and eagles. An 18-night Alaskan sailing with the line will take you to off-the beaten-path places like Wrangell, Kodiak, Chignik, Unga Island, St Paul Island, St Matthew Island and Nome. At $10,000 to $13,000 per person for ocean-view cabins on an 18-night sailing it might be out of the reach of some, but if you truly want an expedition to Alaska, Hurtigruten is among the best.
For an even more customized experience, consider a private cruise on smaller ships like yachts and sailboats. The newer Quantum-class cruise ships are often sailing Alaska for the season. These ships feature the North Star, offering guests breathtaking views of the Alaskan landscape far above the deck. Onboard, Wi-Fi, bar drinks, and specialty dining are free, but activities like the spa cost extra. “If you are looking for a more casual and laid-back experience, Seattle-based UnCruise Adventures offers down-to-earth trips with enthusiastic naturalist guides, simple accommodations, and hearty local cuisine,” says Palmer.
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