By
Rebecca Gibson |
Royal Caribbean International (RCI) will mark 25 years of Alaskan cruises when Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas return to the region with 34 sailings on seven-night itineraries from Vancouver, British Columbia and Seattle, Washington, in 2014. Four pre- or post-cruise land tours will also available on both vessels, enabling guests to travel through the Canadian Rockies and the Okanagan Wine Valley.
Radiance of the Seas’ Alaska season will begin with a seven-night cruise from Vancouver from 9 May calling at Icy Strait Point, Juneau and Ketchikan, before cruising up Tracy Arm Fjord to Sawyer Glacier. The ship will then alternate between north- and southbound seven-night itineraries from Vancouver and Seward, sailing through the Inside Passage, as well as calling at the Hubbard Glacier, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau and Skagway, Alaska.
Rhapsody will offer seven-night cruises to Sawyer Glacier from Seattle, Washingston, travelling along the Inside Passage and calling at Juneau, Skagway and Victoria, British Columbia. The vessel will sail a similar seven-night itinerary from Vancouver to Seattle, calling at Ketchikan instead of Victoria on 16 May and vice versa on 29 August.
“Royal Caribbean International has been unfolding the wonders of the Alaskan frontier for a quarter of a century and we continue to deliver this amazing destination like no other cruise line,” said Lisa Bauer, executive vice president of global marketing and sales, Royal Caribbean International. “Guests can explore this awe-inspiring destination while sailing aboard our recently revitalised ships. ”
An extensive range of shore excursions will complement the cruise programmes. Guests calling at Icy Strait Point can ride the world’s longest ZipRider zip line, which extends 5,300 ft, while those visiting Juneau can take a helicopter to go dogsledding on the Mendenhall Glacier. Other options include the White Pass train adventure in Skagway, off-roading through Tongas National Park and canoeing in Lake Harriet Hunt on the Backcountry Jeep and Canoe Safari from Ketchikan.
RCI tours also enable passengers to enjoy land tour adventures including wildlife spotting at Denali National Park, visits to the Alaska Sea Life Center and the Murie Science and Learning Center.
Bauer said: “To further immerse themselves, travellers also can choose an unforgettable Royal Caribbean Alaska cruisetour combining the best of land and sea in the region and without having to worry about any of the planning.”