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Alaska offers crystalline glaciers, abundant wildlife and diverse cultural and historic attractions – all of which can be viewed from the deck or suite balcony of a cruise ship. The 49th State will figure prominently in cruise itineraries beginning this spring, when eight of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)’s 19 member lines position 27 ships in the region from April through October.
“It would be nearly impossible for travelers to sample as many Alaskan destinations on a land tour as they can on a cruise,” said Terry L. Dale, president and CEO of CLIA, which comprises 19 North American cruise lines with more than 150 ships and 16,500 member travel agencies, the largest of any North American trade association. “Vacationers can choose Alaska cruise itineraries that range from seven to 14 days, providing something for everyone interested in exploring Alaska’s spectacular scenery and culture.
Alaska cruises provide travelers with several ways to see the 49th state, all in one convenient, hassle-free package. Most lines offer a variety of cruise-tour package options that take passengers deep into Alaska’s interior via train and include land stays at scenic lodges. Highlights range from hiking and sightseeing in Denali National Park to “flightseeing” across the breathtaking Juneau Ice Field via helicopter.
“This year the cruise lines report that Alaska bookings are coming in at a very brisk pace – faster even than early 2000 levels,” said Dale. “To get the cabin of your choice on the vessel of your choice, travelers should book as soon as possible.”
Following is a list of Alaska programs offered this year by CLIA-member cruise lines:
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES: Carnival Spirit’s 2005 Alaska season consists of 16 seven-day Glacier Route and three Glacier Bay voyages. Glacier Route cruises depart May 18 to Aug. 31, either southbound from Whittier or northbound from Vancouver. Cruises in both directions feature Prince William Sound, College Fjord, Lynn Canal, Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka and the Inside Passage. The ship’s Glacier Bay cruises depart roundtrip from Vancouver May 11, Sept. 7 and 14 and feature full days cruising Glacier Bay National Park and the Inside Passage, as well as visits to Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan.
CELEBRITY CRUISES The line’s Infinity will sail roundtrip from San Francisco on 10- and 12-night “Ultimate Alaska” itineraries and seven-night Inside Passage cruises roundtrip from Vancouver. Mercury will sail on seven-night Inside Passage itineraries roundtrip from Seattle. Summit will offer seven-night voyages between Vancouver and Seward and seven-night itineraries roundtrip from Vancouver. A two-week cruise from Vancouver to Los Angeles will include the Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Skagway, Hubbard Glacier, Juneau, Sitka, Victoria, Seattle, San Francisco and Catalina Island. Celebrity Cruises features cuisine prepared under the guidance of award-winning Master Chef Michel Roux.
CRYSTAL CRUISES Crystal Cruises will kick off its most extensive Alaska season its only 12-day itinerary roundtrip from Vancouver on May 9. The luxury line, whose Crystal Harmony will offer 13 cruises in all, will also feature a new seven-day itinerary roundtrip from Vancouver on May 21 that can also be taken as a nine-day voyage that will begin in Vancouver and conclude in San Francisco. Ten 12-day Alaska cruises will operate roundtrip from San Francisco departing May 30; June 11, 23; July 5, 17, 29; August 10, 22; and September 3, 15.
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE A specialist in Alaska since 1947, Holland America Line will offer travelers a choice of three cruise itineraries and 28 CruiseTour vacation packages aboard seven ships for a total of 134 departures. Zaandam, Volendam, Statendam and Ryndam sail roundtrip from Vancouver on Inside Passage voyages, highlighting Glacier Bay and Sawyer Glaciers. Statendam, Veendam and Ryndam will operate a series of “Glacier Discovery” cruises between Vancouver and Anchorage that explore the Inside Passage and Gulf of Alaska. Amsterdam and Oosterdam will offer “Alaskan Explorer” itineraries sailing the Inside Passage roundtrip from Seattle.
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE Norwegian Cruise Line brings its “Freestyle” concept to Alaska. Norwegian Dream will sail on new 10- and 11-day “Alaska Adventure” itineraries, the bulk of which sail roundtrip from Seattle. A May 19, 11-day departure operates roundtrip from Vancouver to Seattle while a 10-day voyage is from Seattle to Vancouver. Norwegian Sun and Spirit will sail primarily roundtrip from Seattle on seven-day Sawyer Glacier itineraries. Norwegian Star will operate on seven-day Glacier Bay sailings roundtrip from Seattle. Diverse and exciting restaurants and a more relaxed dress code are hallmarks of a Freestyle vacation.
RADISSON SEVEN SEAS CRUISES The luxury line Radisson Seven Seas Cruises will operate its Seven Seas Mariner on a 12-night voyage from Los Angeles to Vancouver May 20. The all-suite, all-balcony, 700-passenger ship then embarks on a series of seven-night Whittier to Vancouver and Vancouver to Whittier cruises from May through September with calls at Sitka, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. The ship will also operate two itineraries between Seward and Vancouver, calling at Prince Rupert, Juneau, Skagway and Sitka. In addition, two roundtrip Vancouver cruises will call at Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan.
ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL Three Royal Caribbean ships will sail Alaskan waters. Radiance of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas will offer seven-night Hubbard Glacier itineraries from Vancouver, the highlights of which are Hubbard Glacier, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. Both itineraries cruise the Inside Passage; Serenade of the Seas adds Misty Fjords. Vision of the Seas will operate on seven-night Northbound and Southbound itineraries between Vancouver and Seward. Cruising the Inside Passage, highlights include Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau and Icy Strait Point. The northbound voyage adds Hubbard Glacier while the southbound sailing adds Misty Fjords.
PRINCESS CRUISES For 2005 Princess Cruises will offer its most comprehensive Alaska program ever with 125 departures aboard seven ships on three popular routes: seven-day Gulf of Alaska; seven-day Inside Passage; and 10-day Inside Passage itineraries. New sister ships Coral Princess and Island Princess will sail between Vancouver and Whittier on Saturdays; they’ll be joined by Sun Princess and Dawn Princess, departing Mondays on either south- or north-bound voyages. Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess return to Seattle on Inside Passage sailings while Regal Princess sails the Inside Passage roundtrip from San Francisco.
For more information on Alaska cruises, contact a CLIA-member travel agency.
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