Riviera Travel: Canada And Alaska Cruise ‘like No Other’ Now On Sale
18/10/2021
Riviera Travel today launched its Canada group tour cruise for 2023 with an Alaskan cruise extension option. Tickets are now on sale.
Riviera Travel today announced its Canada group tour holiday today.The Canadas Rocky Mountaineer itinerary includes trips across the Rocky Mountains, Banff and Vancouver.Within these locations, the trip has two days carved out for the Rocky Mountaineer train, along with trips to Peyto Lake, Lake Louise and the Athabasca Glacier.Guests will have the chance to ride on the Snocoach snow track and journey to Icefields Parkway.There, cruisers can walk on the 300-metre-thick Athabasca glacier.
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Riviera Travel cruisers have the option to add a seven-night extension to Alaska in addition to their Canadian cruise.Departures begin in May 2023 and will go till September 2023. READ MORE: Holland America Line announces extraordinary Alaska holidays for 2023 This extension to Alaska will set sail on the Holland America Line ship, MS Koningsdam.The extensions itinerary has many exciting features such as a visit to Glacier Bay National Park, which is home to a World Heritage Site with humpback whales and calving glaciers, along with calls to Skagway and Ketchikan.
Riviera Travel cruisers have the option to add a seven-night extension to Alaska. Credit: Riviera Travel
The trip has two days carved out for the Rocky Mountaineer train. Credit: Shutterstock
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Big Ship Or Small Ship
Ships sailing in Alaskan waters range from the newest megaships from the world’s largest cruise lines to intimate expedition ships that can squeeze through narrower passages and transport passengers to deserted island beaches. On these smaller ships, the destination is front-and-center in the onboard experience however, expedition vessels, while comfortable, lack many of the amenities of large cruise ships. Travelers who simply cant live without an onboard casino or that chic wine bar are better off booking the larger ship.
An added benefit of small-ship cruises is that cruisers can usually leave their passports at homethe ships are often American-built and flagged, meaning theyll depart from Alaskan ports and arent required to make foreign port calls.
Best Modern Cruise: Celebrity
- Ship Name: Celebrity Solstice
- Itinerary: Seattle, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Alaska Inside Passage, Victoria
For an upscale Alaska cruise without the luxury price tag, Celebrity is a fantastic option. The award-winning, Celebrity Solstice is a dignified ship that focuses on modern well-being. Activities include culinary classes, silent discos, and educational lectures. Theres also a half-acre of fresh grass with hot glass demonstrations, private cabanas, and outdoor movies. The ship also has a fabulous fitness center and programs, and the Canyon Ranch Spa situated right next to the Aqua Class cabins. These cabins include access to a health-conscious restaurant as well as the relaxation room and other spa perks. This voyage includes a full day cruising Endicott Arm for fabulous views before concluding in Victoria.
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What Are Popular Ports In Alaska
Glacier Bay is not a physical port, but due to its stunning scenery it’s one of the highest-rated destinations in Alaska. The U.S. National Park contains glaciers, lush forests and is part of one of the largest protected biosphere preserves in the world, as well as a U.N. World Heritage Site.
Most sailings to Alaska follow the Inside Passage, or the southeastern “panhandle” around Alaska. Popular ports along this route include Skagway, Ketchikan, Juneau and sometimes Sitka . From Vancouver or Seattle, you will also typically call on the Canadian port of Victoria in British Columbia.
Alaska In : The Antidote To A Year Of Lockdown
In a Nutshell: Coming out of the pandemic, epic vistas of the Juneau Icefield and quiet coastal corridors of the Inside Passage seem to me an ideal way of reintroducing the natural world into our lives.
What Youll See: It looked like Alaskas 2021 cruise season was going to be shuttered for the second year in a row. The economic fallout for the state was so severe that Alaskas representatives in Washington DC worked with Congress and the White House to pass a bill in May that allowed Alaskan cruises to resume this year. Seven cruise lines announced they would launch voyages for this summer, and Silversea is the only luxury line to be sailing there this year.
There are some necessary adjustments to the operation. Most notably, the CDC gave its green light to operating cruises from US ports for ships with fully vaccinated crew and passengers . Also, because Canada has shut down all its cruise ports into next year, ships will be operating solely out of Seattle, instead of using Silverseas usual Seward-Vancouver homeports,
How This Year is Different: The 10- and 11-day journeys for 2021 allow us to experience the Inside Passage at a more leisurely pace, with a couple extra port days thrown in for good measure. In perusing the itineraries, here are some of the exciting activities that stood out to me.
Choose Your Cruise: In summer 2021, Silversea will operate five cruises, 10 or 11 nights, aboard Silver Muse, beginning July 29.
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Alaska Cruises From Seattle
Alaska cruises from Seattle sail roundtrip Inside Passage routes. They are popular for their ease of travel, especially for travelers connecting to Seattle from elsewhere in the continental U.S.
Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Caribbean all offer roundtrip Alaska cruises that sail from Seattle. The specific itineraries vary, but generally cruises on this route spend two days at sea traveling between Seattle and Alaska, and one full day sailing through places like the Endicott Arm, Tracy Arm, or Glacier Bay National Park. Ports of call vary, but often include Skagway, , and Ketchikan. These cruises wrap up with a final port call in the British Columbian capital of Victoria before returning to Seattle.
If you’d like to see more of Alaska, check out Alaska cruises from Vancouver. These voyages include one-way glacier route cruises to Whittier or Seward that pair perfectly with pre-cruise or post-cruise Alaska land packages.
And while you’re at it, visit our Cruise Finder. You can use this easy tool to search for specific cruises based on the routes you’re interested in, sailing dates, and even cruise line. Through the finder you can also quickly request a quote for the compelling cruises you find.
Best Large Cruise: Royal Caribbean
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
- Ship: Ovation of the Seas
- Duration: 7 nights
- Itinerary: Alaska Inside Passage, Juneau, Skagway, Victoria
If youre looking for a cruise to Alaska with all the theme-park-like attractions, then the Ovation of the Seas will not disappoint. Built in 2016, Ovation is currently ranked as one of the 10 largest cruise ships in the world with onboard features like a skydiving simulator, a cocktail bar tended by robots, aerial performances in the theater, and the North Star, a moving observation pod with surreal views. The first two days of the voyage are spent at sea so theres plenty of time to explore the ship and try different activities. Or, dine at specialty restaurants like Chops Grille, Royal Caribbeans iconic steakhouse Wonderland, an eclectic array of dishes, or Giovannis table, a favorite Italian restaurant.
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The Best Time To Book An Alaskan Cruise
Book ahead for selection, wait for bargains.
Conventional wisdom for Alaska cruises is to book a year in advanceparticularly for travelers who want the best selection of sailing dates and cabins during the June/July peak season. Bargain hunters who are more flexible can often snag deals during the Wave booking season in January and February, when cruise bookings for all destinations peak last-minute deals can also be found as late as June.
Cruise lines tend to price higher for early bookings, with included add-ons like onboard credits or prepaid gratuities to entice buyers. Last-minute offers, on the other hand, are typically cruise-only. It also pays to monitor fares after the initial depositmany cruise lines will honor lower fares after the initial booking as long as the final payment hasnt been made. However, lower fares may not come with the same included amenities originally applied.
Carnival Princess Holland America To Resume Require Covid Vaccines On Initial Sailings
Carnival Corp. said Thursday in a statement provided by spokesperson Roger Frizzell, that the plans to resume sailing with paying passengers came based on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recent guidance, collaboration with Alaskan officials.
Each cruise line will resume with one ship sailing round trip.
To board, passengers will be required to show proof that they have been vaccinated 14 days ahead of the cruise’s start date. Carnival Corp. hasn’t announced a decision on whether vaccines will be required more broadly.
“Our highest responsibility and top priority are always compliance, environmental protection, and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, the people in the communities we touch and serve, and our shipboard and shoreside personnel,” Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corp., said in a statement.
Princess Cruises will resume sailings in Alaska July 25, and seven-day cruises on the Majestic Princess will run through Sept. 26 visiting ports, glaciers and other attractions, such as Glacier Bay National Park, Skagway, Ketchikan and Juneau.
Holland America Line will start Alaska seven-day sailings on the Nieuw Amsterdam with port calls at Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan departing July 24 with 10 Saturday departure dates scheduled to run through Oct. 2.
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Best Luxury: Regent Seven Seas
Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas
- Ship Name: Seven Seas Mariner
- Itinerary: Sitka, Juneau Skagway, Ketchikan, Vancouver
For a luxury cruise experience though the Inside Passage, Regent Seven Seas has a few sailing dates on the Seven Seas Mariner, an all-suite ship. On Mariner, all staterooms have a private balcony perfect for watching the glaciers and fjords float past and a minimum of 300 feet of space. Onboard, guests can unwind in the award-winning Canyon Ranch spa, take in an evening show, and dine on gourmet cuisine. Being a smaller ship , its size allows the staff to anticipate guests needs and personalize the experience. On the Alaska voyage, the ship calls on many popular ports and also treats passengers to Sitka, a unique port steeped in Tlingit culture and Russian history, before concluding in Vancouver.
Three Msc Cruise Ships Ready To Take International Guests In The Us
With the U.S. set to reopen to international visitors on November 8, 2021, its a huge boost for the cruise industry, including MSC Cruises, which is ready to welcome guests with its three U.S.-based ships.MSC Cruises Ready for International Guests in the U.S.The cruise industry in the U.S. has started to make a comeback since June 2021. There will be an even more significant boost thanks to the
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How To Pick The Best Alaska Cruise For You
Youll see from our chart below that dozens of ships are sailing Alaska in 2020. And this just includes the mass-market and luxury ships. There are even more if you count all of the small ship and expedition vessels. Thats a lot of information to parse as you determine which ship is right for you, so consider a cruise line that caters to your specific needs or interests. Consult this list, and then check the chart to find a vessel that might fit your own preferences, from ships with the fewest passengers to those with the least expensive cruise fares to the ones offering exactly the itinerary you want.
Discover Denali Americas Safari
In a Nutshell: Denali is not just North Americas highest point it is also one of the worlds great mountains, and one of the few where good viewpoints are relatively accessible. Throw in great opportunities for wildlife encounters and a visit to Denali National Park is an essential part of the Alaskan experience.
What Youll See: Once you disembark in Seward at the voyages end, youll join Silverseas land tour and venture deep into Alaskas Bush. Youll travel by train or coach for two hours to Girdwood, a mountain town dating to 1896, when a mini Gold Rush caught a few prospectors. Today its home to the Alyeska Resort, and the short, mild summer is filled with wildflowers and vistas of snowy peaks. The resort loans bikes for short rides around town, down to the Turnagain Arm or tackle one of the steeper trails, easily accessed via the resorts scenic tram ascending Mount Alyeska.
On the fourth day, head back to Anchorage on the Alaska Railroads Denali Star Train, traveling in style in an airy dome car. Youll be aboard for the railways most remote section, following the snaking Indian River, passing the occasional wilderness cabin, and crossing Hurricane Gulch on a 296-foot-high bridge before landing at charming Talkeetna, the town said to have inspired Northern Exposure.
Choose Your Cruise: Denali is a four day add-on to Silverseas Seward to Vancouver voyages on Silver Muse and Silver Shadow.
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Compare: 12 Cruise Ships In Alaska
A message from Cruise Critic: During this unprecedented time throughout the world and across the cruise industry, it is important to note that article information might be impacted by cruise line hiatuses and port closures due to COVID-19. For the latest information, please visit our regularly updated article on what cruisers need to know about coronavirus.
It’s hard not to revert to hyperbole with Alaska. Here lie more than enough towering snow-capped mountains, breathtaking calving glaciers, extraordinary wild animals and quirky frontier towns to wow hundreds of thousands of cruisers annually. With more than two dozen mainstream ships plying Alaska’s island-filled southeast region from May to September, passengers certainly have options.
This chart features a representative from every major line in the mainstream and luxury markets, from the intimate and upscale Silver Muse to mega-ships like Norwegian Bliss.
Each of the 12 ships, which were hand-picked based on their popularity among all cruise options in Alaska, caters to a different type of traveler. Families on a budget might find the most “bang for their buck” onboard Carnival Spirit, while couples looking to splurge can pamper themselves with Seven Seas Mariner’s lavish suites and all-inclusive fine dining.
Familiarize yourself with the biggest contenders’ itineraries, exclusive regional offerings and more to determine which is the best Alaska cruise option for you.
Msc Cruises Ready To Welcome International Guests On Board Its Three Us Based Ships For Winter 2021/22 Caribbean Sailings
MSC Cruises has welcomed the U.S. governments announcement that 8 November will be the date that international travellers from many parts of the world can enter the country provided they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.The worlds third largest cruise brand described the news as a tremendous boost for European-based and other international tourists wanting to holiday for winter sun in
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Do An Independent Land Tour
Use a local Alaskan travel agent to help you plan a custom land tour. You have a lot of options.Fly into Anchorage and travel by railroad, or rent a car or motorhome and drive our highways. Another option: take the or fly into an Inside Passage town. Visit off-the-beaten-path destinations. Stay at smaller hotels and roadside adventure lodges. Ask your hosts for advice. Meet locals and understand the Alaskan lifestyle it may make you think differently about your own life.
You need a land tour to see Mt. Denali
Tip: Take a day cruise and you can see more marine wildlife and tidewater glaciers than you would on a one-week conventional cruise. Youll also get closer to everything.
Reserve A Healthy Budget For Excursions
Day tours and excursions get you away from the crowds and into the real Alaska you came to see. But taking these tours may require some extra effortand money. After all, many of Alaska’s most dramatic sights and wildlife can be accessed only by plane or boat. Other activitieslike river rafting, glacier hiking, or dogsleddingnecessitate hiring expert guides and renting gear. Plan on one to two excursions per day, and budget $100$200 for each. If thats a little high, here are tips to see Alaska on a budget.
Also Check: Cost Of An Alaska Cruise
Remotest Alaska: Venturing Beyond To The Russian Far East
In a Nutshell: This expedition voyage is meant for true explorers who want to touch on Alaskas most exotic places including the Bering Strait, where wildlife, landscapes, and Aleut culture that still bind the Russian Far East and Alaska.
What Youll See: One unusual option for an amazing Alaskan adventure straddles the shoulders of the Bering Strait, a region of the world thats visited by just a few hardy travelers and even fewer cruise ships. This one-off, 18-day itinerary is ideal for those wanting to go deeper, into the westernmost lands of America and to easternmost Russia, a coastline that since 2012 has been closed to visitors without permits by the Russian military. The Chukotka Peninsula is almost exclusively inhabited by the Chukchi and Eskimo peoples, with walrus rookeries and herds of reindeer leading the list of wildlife.
Silver Wind is designed for just such a journey. Refurbished in 2021, the ship has been strengthened with an ice-class hull for explorations of the polar regions, and with sea and land tours lead by the ships Expeditions Team aboard a fleet of sturdy Zodiac boats.
Unalaska is the hub of the Aleutian Islands, the string of remote outposts that, along with Pearl Harbor, was bombed during WWII. Silver Wind will call on Dutch Harbor, one of the worlds richest fishing ports, thanks to the huge haul of cod, pollock, and king crab the small town is the star of the TV show Deadliest Catch.