Seattle Vs Vancouver: For Visitation
Most travelers going to a new city spend some time exploring the destination either pre or post-cruise. Both Seattle and Vancouver are amazing northwest cities to visit, with some similarities. Both sit on the Pacific coast with almost identical weather.
Travelers to Seattle enjoy various activities, from the Pike Street Market and Museum of Pop Culture to amazing views from the Space Needle. US passport holders may prefer Seattle because theres no need to exchange currency.
But Vancouver, rated as one of the top cities in the world, offers so much more. TripAdvisor rated Vancouvers Stanley Park as the best city park globally, beating New Yorks Central Park.
Located close to the cruise terminal, its easily accessible to anyone staying downtown. Other Vancouver must-visit attractions include the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Gastown, Grouse Mountain, and Granville Island.
While both cities offer excellent restaurants, Vancouver has more international choices, primarily due to the Asian population. So, if you love raw sushi, Thai curry, or dim sum, Vancouver wins hands down.
Although travelers find Vancouver, Canada, an expensive city, non-Canadians may benefit from the dollar exchange. Many people visit Vancouver from Australia to take an Alaska cruise and enjoy the city.
For a hotel stay, cruisers favor the Edgewater Hotel on the waterfront in Seattle. The Pan Pacific in Vancouver provides a direct elevator down to the cruise terminal, which is in the same building.
Heres When Alaska Cruises From Seattle Will Start Again And Which Lines Will Resume
A cruise ship seen off Alki Beach on Sunday, May 12, 2019 in West Seattle. Several cruise lines plan to resume cruises between Seattle and Alaska as early as July. TNS
- Heidi Groover, The Seattle Times
Cruises from Seattle to Alaska are set to return this summer after federal lawmakers cleared the way for sailings that have been on hold since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.
The move signals the return of a significant slice of downtown Seattles economy, where some waterfront businesses plan staffing around the cruise schedule. But significant questions remain about exact safety protocols the cruise lines will enforce.
Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line said Thursday they would resume cruising to Alaska for a partial season starting in July for passengers who have proof of vaccination.
Princess Cruises will sail seven-day cruises from July 25 through Sept. 26. Sales will begin on May 21.
Holland America Line will resume seven-day cruises to depart on Saturdays from July 24 through Oct. 2.
Carnival will depart weekly from July 27 to Sept. 14. Most trips will be seven-day cruises, with one eight-day trip that has one additional stop.
Norwegian Cruise Line has also started selling tickets for August sailings from Seattle to Alaska, the Associated Press reported Wednesday.
Proof of vaccination will be required, the companies said Thursday. Decisions about masks, social distancing and precise quarantine procedures are still to come.
Cruises From Seattle To Alaska In 2021
From August through October 2021, Norwegian Encore will set sail from Seattle on amazing adventures to Alaskaâs pristine, rugged wilderness. If you dream of watching the northern lights ripple across the sky, kayaking amid ice-capped glaciers, or spotting grizzly bears in their natural habitat, a cruise from Seattle to Alaska makes all your dreams come true. Ready to set sail on an unforgettable cruise adventure? Letâs check out the highlights in some of the top ports of call on Norwegianâs 2021 cruises from Seattle.
Start or end your cruise vacation with a fun-filled visit to some of the cityâs top spots on Norwegianâs Panoramic Seattle tour. View the famous fish toss at Pike Place Market, enjoy the view from the top of the futuristic Space Needle, or take a stroll through Pioneer Square, the cityâs oldest neighborhood. For breathtaking views of Puget Sound, hop aboard a Washington State Ferry and take a trek to the nearby communities of Bainbridge Island or Bremerton.
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Best For Luxury Lovers
If you envision sipping Champagne as you watch a glacier thunderously calve into the sea, consider booking one of the all-inclusive luxury cruise lines in Alaska: Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas Cruises or Silversea.
All these lines include ships that are experts at delivering gourmet cuisine and the other finer things in life in intimate, cushy floating environments. Additionally, all the lines are big on featuring lectures by experts, which provides passengers with a deeper insight into Alaska.
Itineraries tend to include the popular ports and beyond. You might, for instance, visit Wrangell and Prince Rupert, a port city in Canada, and linger in places such as the Misty Fjords and Prince William Sound. Seven- to 14-night sailings embark from ports such as Vancouver, Seward and Sitka.
Experience The Rugged Adventure In Comfort And Style With A Variety Of Cruise Lines
Alaska cruises and cruise tours are the ideal way to experience the legendary history of the 49th state. The historic charm and frontier spirit are felt in the Inside Passage and in picturesque ports of call, such as Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau and Sitka. Alaska is also renowned for its magnificent wildlife, whale migrations, exceptional scenery, dramatic glaciers, and iconic natural wonders, such as Mount McKinley and Denali National Park. With departures and arrivals available from Seattle or Vancouver, youre sure to find an adventure that suits you.
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Looking To Travel With A Lot Of People Make A Group Booking
Take the stress out of booking for a large number of people by organising a Group Cruise with us! We have an outstanding team who specialise in group cruises and will handle all of the confusing logistics and the little details that come with booking for many people. Whether youre planning an unforgettable wedding, an important business conference, or a lively family reunion, weve got you covered. Take a look at how you can gain additional discounts and bonuses by organising a group booking with Cruise Guru today.
What To Bring On An Alaska Cruise
When youre packing for an Alaskan cruise, the mantra you should follow is Dress in layers. You are likely to be hot upon arrival to your tour of a glacier, yet cold once you reach your destination. You could anticipate doing any number of physical activities while in Alaska, so pack the appropriate activewear.
Always pack waterproof clothing and an umbrella, since taking a leap of faith with your umbrella when traveling in the rain is what weather enthusiasts call an art form. Also, bring a camera with a telephoto lens and a good pair of binoculars. For more information on what to bring on an Alaskan cruise, check out our Alaskan cruise packing list.
Summary
An Alaska cruise is an unforgettable adventure because of its scenic beauty, its breathtaking wildlife, and the historical mysteries it uncovers. Its more exciting than you think to take a cruise, so ensure that you book your trip while you have the chance.
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Best Large Ship Cruise: Royal Caribbean International
Dry docked in 2021 for a routine refurbishment, this Quantum Class ship holds 4,905 passengers and truly offers something for everyone.
Recreational activities like a flowrider surf simulator, iFly skydiving simulator, and rock climbing wall, high-tech virtual balcony views, and North Star, a glass observation capsule that rises 300 feet above sea level for birds eye views
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Luxury shopping options, such as Cartier, Kate Spade, and Michael Kors
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Adventure Ocean Kids Programs
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A robot will code your favorite cocktails at the Bionic Bar
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Formal nights with dress code
The best part about a mega-ship, like the Ovation of the Seas? Its literally impossible to be bored given the number of things there are to do, eat, and explore. For instance, there are 16 dining options , 10 bars and lounges, myriad activities and shows, a spa and fitness center, pool tables, and table tennis. Add to that guest lectures, outdoor movie nights, live music, an arcade and casino, theme nights, bumper cars, archery, and dance and sushi-making classes. Heck, you might just need a vacation after this vacation!
Interior staterooms are budget-friendly options with plenty of space and thoughtful touches, or you can upgrade to ocean view, balcony, or suite categories for some extra perks . And theres no better spot for taking in Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier than the North Star observation deck.
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Why Choose Ovation Of The Seas
Like Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas is also a Quantum Class cruise ship, meaning she offers the latest and greatest of Royal Caribbeans features and activities.
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Quantum Class ships were designed to sail in both cold and warm climates, so passengers can enjoy two separate indoor pools and a variety of hot tubs on the ship. Weather in Alaska can, of course, be unpredictable, so having access to several indoor pools is a plus of Ovation of the Seas.
Foodies will love a cruise on Ovation of the Seas, as you can choose from mouthwatering Italian food at Jamies Italian to unique creations at Wonderlanda restaurant themed by the tales of Alice in Wonderlandand everything in between.
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Ovation of the Seas offers itineraries to many of Alaskas highlights, whether you want to go whale watching in Juneau or ride the White Pass & Yukon Railway in Skagway. You certainly wont find yourself bored whether in port or onboard the ship!
Just like Quantum of the Seas, booking a roundtrip cruise from Seattle can be a convenient option for Americans, as direct flights to Seattle are more common than those to Vancouver.
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Why We Chose It
Holland America Lines Koningsdam offers everything long-time cruisers appreciate, from a comfortable size and price point to onboard activities and numerous dining options.
Live cooking demonstrations and fine dining events, Rolling Stone Rock Room live music venue and B.B. Kings Blues Club
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2,650 guests, which makes it a mid-size ship thats easier to navigate
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Club HAL for kids ages 3 to 17 included
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No live daytime music
Dont have a lot of time for your Alaskan vacation? This best of 7-night itinerary is focused on the regions iconic Inside Passage, which gives passengers an efficient taste of all the areas most photographed and talked about sights. Plus, Holland America offers more access to Glacier Bay National Park and has more departures featuring Glacier Bay National Park than any other cruise line.
The Koningsdam boasts 912 balconied accommodations, which means 69% of the ship has rooms with a private veranda view. Youll also find massage showerheads, magnifying mirrors, terry bathrobes, Egyptian cotton towels, Elemis luxury bath products, and fresh fruit in your stateroom. Anglers will enjoy the cruise lines Savor My Catch program, which brings ocean-to-table dining to a whole new level. Plus, guests can catch their own fish during shore excursions and have it prepared and served on board.
Round Trip Alaska Cruises From Vancouver
Ringed by water and bordered mountains, the western Canadian city of Vancouver is somehow both cosmopolitan and outdoorsy. The urban gem has also become a renowned filming location for movies and tv, earning it the nickname “Hollywood North.” It makes an enjoyable stepping off point for cruises bound for Alaska.
The cruise terminal within the Canada Place event center is the roundtrip Vancouver-to-Alaska homeport for Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Holland America Line. Located on the edge of downtown Vancouver, the beautifully designed multipurpose facility is known for its distinctive white sail rooftop.
Canada Place is far more than a transit hub. It’s a gathering place as well, with walking trails, weekly events, and cultural exhibits drawing both visitors and locals. In these ways, it’s quite representative of Vancouver as a whole. The busy, vibrant city has plenty of attractions to fill a few days pre or post cruise. And for those who can only spend a few hours between cruise and airport, Gastown, a lively historical neighborhood with trendy shops and eateries, and the beautiful Stanley Park, are each within a 20-minute walk of the terminal.
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Why Choose Quantum Of The Seas
Quantum of the Seas is a large cruise ship, with a capacity of around 4,900 passengers at double capacity. Because of this, she offers an impressive amount of onboard activities, dining options, and entertainment to fit any cruising style.
Kids and adults alike will enjoy the unique I cant believe they put that on a cruise ship activities found onboard, such as the RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator or bumper cars.
If relaxing is more your style, youll find the indoor Solarium or Two70 entertainment venue to be the perfect spaces to kick back with a view.
Plus, Quantum of the Seas sails from Seattle, and this can be a more convenient port option for Americans compared to Vancouver.
Day 6college Fjord Alaska
In scenic Prince William Sound, College Fjord is home to several glaciers located in the northern sector of Prince William Sound in the U.S. state of Alaska. College Fjord not only boasts the world’s largest collection of tidewater glaciers, the entire Fjord is surrounded by rocky, Alpine peaks that are almost always capped with snow.
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Why Choose Radiance Of The Seas
While Radiance of the Seas is considered a small cruise ship by Royal Caribbean standards, she is still a large vessel that holds nearly 2,500 guests at double capacity. Many guests enjoy the size of a Radiance Class ship for the combination of having enough activities to do while maintaining a more personal feel.
Radiance of the Seas was built to sail in all types of climates, so youll be able to enjoy both indoor and outdoor spaces during the cruise. Whether you choose to relax in the beautiful adults-only Solarium or catch a movie in the indoor cinema, youll find plenty of ways to pass time on a chilly day at sea.
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The biggest benefit of sailing on Radiance of the Seas to Alaska, though, is having the opportunity to book a one-way cruise itinerary. Alaska is a massive, stunning state that offers so much to see not only by cruise, but also on land.
With a one-way itinerary, you can choose to spend time sightseeing in Alaskas interior before or after the cruise. You can plan your own land tour or opt for one of Royal Caribbeans land-based Cruise Tours to visit destinations like Anchorage or Denali National Park and Reserve.
Alaska Cruises Set Sail From Seattle
SINGAPORE, 27 July 2021: Tokick off their return to service in the US, Princess Cruises and HollandAmerica Line held a celebration at the Port of Seattle on 23 July.
Princess Cruises presidentJan Swartz and Holland America Line president Gus Antorcha spoke about thepositive multidimensional impact the resumption of cruising means to Seattle,the local community and Alaska.
Holland America Line kickedoff its Alaska season with Nieuw Amsterdam sailing 24 July, and PrincessCruises followed with Majestic Princess sailing 25 July.
Each line will operate 10cruises sailing out of Seattle through September. This marks the return tocruising and Alaska for both lines, combined with more than 125 years ofexperience bringing cruisers to The Great Land. Historically, one in two guests who cruise to Alaska sail onPrincess or Holland America.
Both cruise lines have beenhomeporting out of the Port of Seattle for more than 20 years. Operationally,each ship visit directly contributes more than USD364,000 to the local economyin provisioning , port taxes, andspending during a full season.
Princess Cruises is the worlds leading international premium cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of 14 modern cruise ships to 380 destinations around the globe. Princess celebrates more than 50 years of sailing to Alaska, bringing more guests to the Great Land than any other cruise line.
Discover the wonders of Alaska with Princess
Holland America Alaska cruise tours
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Best For Megaresort Fans
Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean both sail some of their largest ships in Alaska. They are floating megaresorts, carrying thousands, and are big on amenities, glitz and a certain amount of glamor think flashy casinos, Broadway shows, lavish spas. Dining and drinking venues number in the dozens, while amusement park features thrill the kids and adrenaline-seekers.
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Where can I eat near the Vancouver cruise port?
Vancouvers ethnically diverse culture shines through in its multicultural cuisine. A flavorful fusion of African/Indian, Greek/Italian, and Mediterranean/French, as well as fresh seafood, can be found on nearly every menu.
Chefs come to Vancouver from all around the globe, and each brings his or her own culinary heritage and tradition to the fresh seafood and bold flavors of Vancouvers traditional West Coast cuisine, creating a uniquely flavorful blend that makes Vancouver cuisine renowned around the world.
Granville Island Public Market
At the Granville Island Public Market, youll find delightful delicacies of all kinds. Pick and choose delicious items from popular spots like Oyama Sausage Co, featuring mouthwatering salami and cheese selections Terra Bread, with fresh-made baguettes or doughnuts at Lees. Visit these delicious vendors and hand-select all your favorite items to create the ultimate waterfront picnic.
Forage
Head to eco-friendly Forage, which serves locally-farmed menu items and boasts a zero-landfill waste record. The sincere hospitality and top-notch service are noteworthy here. Try the Turtle Valley Bison sirloin or the Whittakers nettle farro grain risotto.
Hawksworth Restaurant
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