Few experiences can top seeing the stunning U.S. state of Alaska up close from the comfort of a luxury cruise liner on the high seas, and now is the perfect time to book
By Staff Writer
More than 37,000 Australians took an ocean cruise to Alaska in 2017, according to CLIA’s Cruise Industry Source Report. This scenic destination is more popular than ever, and with the 2018 Alaskan May-through-September cruise season complete, 2019 voyages are cruisers’ radar, with the peak booking period for Alaskan cruises for next year already underway.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has responded to this traveller demand by offering 17 Alaskan voyages aboard Regent’s Seven Seas Mariner vessel from the 16th May through to the 30th September, 2019, ranging from seven to 12 nights.
During the voyages, Seven Seas Mariner will cruise the Inside and Outside Passage, visiting ports in Anchorage, Icy Strait (Hoonah), Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, Skagway and Wrangell, as well as the majestic Hubbard Glacier. As the only cruise line to offer free unlimited shore excursions in every port, this is one of the most magical and memorable ways to see Alaska.
“Luxury travellers are increasingly interested in visiting Alaska and a cruise is truly the best way to see all of the beauty the destination offers,” said Regent Seven Seas Cruises President and CEO Jason Montague. “Guests who voyaged to Alaska return home and post their awe-inspiring pictures and stories on social media, prompting people who haven’t yet sailed to The Last Frontier to book their own luxurious Alaskan cruise for next year. It’s a trend that becomes more pronounced every year, especially after the season ends. No camera lens, Facebook post nor tweet can truly capture the beauty and sheer awe of what it feels like to sail up close to a glacier or see an eagle soar overhead.”
In 2019, the cruise line’s Alaskan voyages will feature guest lecturer Terry Breen, a renowned, published Alaska specialist who has been sailing the Inside Passage for over 20 years. And off-board and back on solid ground, Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ immersive land experiences create a deep connection between the guest and the destination. The plethora of adventure-style shore excursions, all included in the voyage’s one all-inclusive price, include:
Mendenhall Glacier River Float
Guests experience Alaska’s spectacular natural beauty on a scenic rafting adventure down the Mendenhall River, with stunning views of floating icebergs and mountain peaks.
Tongass Rainforest Nature Hike
Passengers can discover the diverse flora, fauna and history of the world’s largest temperate rainforest, on display as one of Earth’s vital ecosystems.
Ocean Raft Adventures
On this exciting and memorable ocean rafting adventure in Sitka, guests board an Adventure Raft, flying over ocean swells at speeds up to 80 kilometres per hour, and feel blasts of fresh air in the open seating raft. Along the way, seabirds, whales and sea otters appear en route to the ravaged volcanic coastline of Kruzof Island.
Spasski River Valley Wildlife and Bear Search
Regent Seven Seas passengers will get to observe bears, deer and bald eagles in their natural habitats from an elevated observation area in the remote Spasski River Valley.
Craft Beer and Spirits Tasting Adventure
Guests can sample a wide selection of beers and spirits at a brewery and a distillery, both of which use glacial water and local ingredients to produce remarkably flavourful beverages.
Regent also offers pre- and post-voyage land programs for Alaskan cruises, with an all-new Ultimate Rocky Mountaineer Land Program being introduced to the 2019 program. A five-to-six-night experience, guests will embark on a train ride through the iconic towns and cities of the Pacific Northwest, along the spectacular Canadian Rockies. Soak-up dramatic scenery from the comfort of custom-built glass-domed carriages, complete with award-winning service and exquisite five-star dining thoughtfully created by executive chefs and presented in astonishing surroundings.
To make this peak Alaska booking season even more appealing, recently Regent Seven Seas Cruises has introduced special youth rates on Alaska sailings and a special limited-time package when guests combine their Alaska voyage with a pre- or post-cruise land program.
Young travellers can enjoy Regent’s Club Mariner Youth Program aboard all 2019 Alaskan sailings, while children ages 5 to 17 can participate in a range of specialised enrichment activities that educate youth on Alaskan culture, wildlife and nature, and includes games and movie nights. Each program is designed and supervised by friendly and professional youth counsellors.