The luxury brand announced that the Explora III will debut in the Alaska market, sailing mostly from Vancouver, in 2027.
Fourteen departures are scheduled from May to September.
Cruises range from seven nights to two weeks.
“As part of Explora Journeys’ newly announced Summer 2027 collection, the season will open a new chapter with the brand’s inaugural sailings to Alaska aboard Explora III. This exciting debut marks the beginning of a season defined by firsts, including newly curated journeys to maiden ports in the Mediterranean and the launch of a new ship, Explora IV. Fittingly, the season will set sail under the theme An Ocean of New,” the company said in a press release.
Royal Caribbean International is cancelling a second sailing onboard the Radiance of the Seas.
Facing propulsion problems, the 2001-built vessel remained docked in Seward since Sep. 1 and is no longer going to sail as scheduled on Sep. 8.
“As you may know, Radiance of the Seas’ propulsion system experienced a technical issue. Our crew started working on restoring the system immediately and we deployed the best experts,” Royal Caribbean said in a statement sent to booked guests.
“Despite our efforts, we were unable to complete the needed repairs to make it in time to Vancouver. As a result, we’ll be cancelling our Radiance of the Seas September 8th, 2023 sailing,” the company added.
Spending the summer in Alaska, the 2,000-guest vessel was scheduled to offer a seven-night cruise on that date.
Sailing from Vancouver to Seward, the open-jaw itinerary included visits to Juneau, Sitka, Skagway and Icy Strait Point, in addition to scenic cruising at the Hubbard Glacier.
“We know how much time and effort go into planning your cruise, and we’re truly sorry for this disappointing news,” Royal Caribbean said.
Affected passengers will receive a full refund of the fare paid for the cruise, in addition to a 100 per cent Future Cruise Credit (FCC) to be used towards a future sailing departing within one year.
The reimbursement will be processed within 14 business days, Royal Caribbean said and will include taxes and fees, pre-paid packages and gratuities, amenities, shore excursions and any flights purchased through the company.
Royal Caribbean will also reimburse guests for non-refundable pre-purchased travel fees incurred, including flight, hotel, train ticket or rental car. The company is set to cover up to $250 per guest for domestic changes or up to $500 per guest for international changes.
Citing propulsion problems, Royal Caribbean had already cancelled the Sep. 1 sailing onboard the Radiance of the Seas.
Carnival Cruise Line said its Carnival Splendor will offer a 14-day Alaska cruise from Long Beach, Calif., in 2018.
The voyage will depart Aug. 25 and return Sept. 8, 2018.
In addition to a full day at Hubbard Glacier and Icy Strait Point, the cruise will feature calls in Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau and Sitka, Alaska, along with a daylong call at Victoria, British Columbia.
The itinerary is part of the Carnival Journeys longer-duration sailings. Activities will on photography, cooking and arts and crafts, and a 1980s-themed “Throwback Sea Day” will be offered, as well.
The cruise is open for booking with website prices ranging from $1,369 for an inside cabin to $3,459 for a suite.
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