Diverse Family Activities Drive Steady Growth in Cruise Departures to the 49th State

Alaska may be America's “coolest” state in more ways than one, and it continues to be one of the “hottest” cruise destinations, according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

Alaska's inspiring natural scenery, diverse historical and cultural attractions and wide variety of family oriented activities, from flightseeing to glacier-hiking, have fueled the region's steady growth as a cruise destination. In fact, while Alaska cruises are generally available only between May and October, they trail only the Caribbean and Europe in terms of popularity.

“We are excited to be able to bring visitors to share in the natural beauty and mystique of America's 49th state,” says Terry L. Dale, CLIA president. “CLIA-member cruise lines provide travelers with a broad range of experiences, both onboard and on shore, such as cultural enrichment, adventure and relaxation – and they can all be found in Alaska on the same cruise vacation!”

While taking in the scenic wonders of the “Last Frontier,” cruise passengers can gain insights into the culture and environment of the region through presentations by naturalists, National Park rangers, native guest speakers, artisans and entertainers.

Guests with a taste for adventure will find plenty to satisfy their appetites on an Alaska cruise. Among the active options are kayaking, Jeep safaris, snorkeling, helicopter/hiking expeditions, dog sledding, snowshoe trekking and the chance to catch a trophy salmon or halibut. Those seeking a less vigorous pursuit might opt for bear or whale watching, exploring the picturesque towns and villages, a relaxing spa experience or some of the many other activities offered onboard.

“Visiting Alaska on a cruise enables travelers to experience the incredible landscapes while still enjoying the luxury and pampering which is a trademark of cruising,” says Dale. “And with expanded programs for children and new opportunities for travelers with disabilities, an Alaska cruise is truly for everyone.”

The following is a sampling of CLIA-member line's 2004 Alaska itineraries and programs: Carnival Cruise Lines' Carnival Spirit sails 19 seven-day Glacier Route itineraries, marking the line's first departures from Whittier, and three Glacier Bay voyages roundtrip from Vancouver. The voyages offer programs for all ages; 100 shore tour options, including a variety of “extreme” excursions such as helicopter/hiking expeditions and snowshoe trekking tours; a naturalist program with the industry's only full-time shipboard marine biologists and Alaska wildlife specialists; and local fish, seafood, game and other Alaska delicacies.

Crystal Cruises offers several special onboard programs, including a Cotillion program for juniors, Junior Activities program and the expanded Creative Learning Institute. Crystal Harmony's 12-day roundtrip cruises departing June 11 and 23 and Sept. 3 from San Francisco feature the Wine & Food Festival's Great Chefs of California. The line has expanded its Alaska shore excursions, adding such offerings as a snorkel excursion in the waters off Ketchikan, an overnight expedition on Mendenhall Glacier as well as glacier trekking, mountain climbing, dog sledding, river rafting and bear and whale watching.

Holland America Line has seven ships sailing on 139 cruises to Alaska, adding more departures from Seattle, more private verandahs and more glacier sightseeing. Onboard each cruise is a full-time naturalist and a native artisan. The line's newest ship, the 1,848-passenger – Oosterdam, debuts a program of Saturday Seattle sailings featuring Hubbard Glacier. The fleet has cruises scheduled to tour the 5-mile wide, 40-story-tall Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm with the Sawyer Glaciers, College Fjord and Glacier Bay National Park.

Norwegian Cruise Line's SuperStar Leo began sailing from Seattle on May 15, with seven-day cruises to the Inside Passage with calls in Ketchikan, Juneau, cruising Sawyer Glacier, Skagway (picture to right) and Prince Rupert, British Columbia. In addition to a 1,000-seat theater, disco, cinema and a world-class casino, the ship features Freestyle Dining with seven restaurants, including two main restaurants, three alternative restaurants – Maxim's (French), Shogun (Japanese) and Tai Pan (Chinese) – Raffles Lido Café and the 24-hour Blue Lagoon.

Princess Cruises' 2004 Alaska season features 116 departures on seven ships, with a range of experiences on vessels from 1,590 to 2,670 passengers. Travelers can choose from Gulf of Alaska cruisetours or round-trip Inside Passage sailings from Seattle and San Francisco. On land, Princess expands its capacity in the Denali area and is the only line to offer Alaska's two most popular attractions – Mt. McKinley and Glacier Bay – on every cruisetour.

Radisson Seven Seas Cruises' Seven Seas Mariner cruises departing June 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, July 7, 14, 21 and 28, and Aug. 4, 11 and 25 feature the Club Mariner program for young travelers up to age 17. The June 16 cruise also features “Spotlight on Well-Being,” with experts sharing insights on healthy eating, exercise, and the music and mind-body connection. The July 14 cruise offers a “Spotlight on Food and Wine,” as chefs from New York's Montrachet and Tribeca Grill team with Seattle's Earth and Ocean and two American winemakers, while the June 30 Seward to Vancouver cruise spotlights “The Women Behind America's Food & Wine.”

Royal Caribbean International offers two new Alaska excursions in 2004. During the Mountain Point Snorkeling Adventure, guests are outfitted in wetsuits to explore the fish and sea creatures in the kelp forests in Ketchikan.

The Four Glacier Adventure via Helicopter is ideal for guests with mobility disabilities, as a special lift enables them to head to the skies via helicopter to check out Alaska's glaciers.

http://www.flightseeingtours.com/seward.shtml 

Silversea Cruises' inaugural Alaska season features 10 different itineraries ranging from seven to 12 days. The highlight is a voyage celebrating the line's 10th anniversary, as Silver Shadow departs Vancouver Aug. 16 for a seven-day voyage to Seattle filled with special events, festive dinners, a surprise commemorative gift, and a complimentary shore event, where guests enjoy an outing in Juneau followed by a feast of Alaska salmon, barbecue chicken and ribs along the banks of a creek in the lush Alaska rain forest.   

Happy Traveling.

Cruise Line International Association – http://www.cruising.org