Royal Caribbean Announces Three Ships For 2021 Alaska Program

Posted on 2 December, 2019 by Spacejunkie2

Royal Caribbean International has announced that it will have three ships in Alaska in 2021.

The Ovation, Radiance and Serenade of the Seas are returning to the Pacific Northwest

For the second consecutive year, Royal Caribbean will bring three ships to the region, offering a variety of seven-night itineraries sailing from Seattle, Vancouver, and Seward.

The Ovation will be the largest ship in the market. The Quantum-class ship’s series of seven-night cruises are roundtrip from Seattle. The Radiance is set to embark on seven-night, open-jaw itineraries between Seward and Vancouver, and the Serenade will be sailing seven days roundtrip from Vancouver.

Before and after the Alaska season, the Serenade and Radiance will sail 10-night itineraries between Honolulu and Vancouver.

All three ships will debut Royal Caribbean’s spa staterooms. According to the cruise line, the brand-new lineup of balcony accommodations “will allow guests to relax in between adventures with an array of amenities and perks, including priority spa reservations, lush bedding and bath products, tranquil décor, daily delivery of tea, water and coffee; and priority boarding at embarkation.”

For the Ovation, the seven-night itineraries roundtrip from Seattle promises to visit “the best of the region,” including Skagway, where vacationers can retrace the steps of the historic Klondike Gold Rush and visit a restored 19th-century railroad depot; and Juneau, to go dogsledding over the Mendenhall Glacier or explore centuries-old mining trails.

The Radiance will offer alternating southbound and northbound seven-night itineraries between Vancouver and Seward. Guests will have the opportunity to visit Icy Strait Point, Sitka and Skagway, and sail through the Inside Passage and by the Hubbard Glacier.

The Serenade, returning for a second Alaska summer season, will offer seven-night roundtrip sailings from Vancouver and visit Ketchikan, Skagway, Sitka and Juneau.

Royal Caribbean also offers overnight stays before or after the cruise with three- to seven-night Cruisetour packages. Travellers will be able to visit the Denali National Park and Preserve with local experts, hike the Exit Glacier, kayak and bike by Eklutna Lake, and more.

Roald Amundsen Makes Unscheduled Drydock in Vancouver

Posted on 2 October, 2019 by Spacejunkie2

Hurtigruten’s new 530-guest Roald Amundsen is currently undergoing an unscheduled drydocking in Vancouver, Canada.

A spokesperson told Cruise Industry News the drydock was for technical adjustments and maintenance.

“We do not expect this unscheduled yard stay to affect the upcoming voyage starting in Valparaiso on October 26,” he said.

Of note, the ship’s October 26 sailing is the christening cruise, as the hybrid vessel will be named in Antarctica.

The reason behind the drydock is believed to be related to a gasket issue on one of the ship’s propulsion units.

With no scheduled cruises until the next voyage in late October and an available drydock, the timing and location were convenient for the expedition cruise line.

The ship is due to leave the Vancouver drydock later this week.

Cunard to return to Alaska after 20-year absence

Posted on 24 October, 2017 by Spacejunkie2

Image result for cunard queen elizabeth

Cunard is set to return to Alaska for the first time in more than two decades next year.

Queen Elizabeth will begin its voyage from Yokohama, Japan, on May 5, 2019, to Alaska where it will remain through June for its first season.

The 2,092-capacity vessel will offer four 10-night roundtrip Vancouver sailings throughout May and June 2019.

After completing its four voyages, the ship will sail down the west coast of the United States through the Panama Canal to New York before going on to Iceland and the UK.

Itineraries feature scenic cruising through the dramatic waterways of the famous Inside Passage as well as full days in several of the region’s highlight ports to discover the history and culture of the area.

Guests will experience the gold rush spirit of Skagway and Juneau, the native tribes of Ketchikan and the Russian charm of Sitka.

Angus Struthers, Cunard’s vice-president marketing, said: “We’re thrilled to make our return to Alaska, one of the world’s must-see destinations.

“As the majestic Queen Elizabeth undertakes her first season there, our guests can explore the region with highlights including the natural wonders of Tracy Arm Fjord and the Hubbard Glacier.”

Guests can enjoy a Britannia Balcony Stateroom booked with a Cunard Fare from £5,449 per person.