Oceania 2011 Alaskan cruise shore excursions

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Alaska’s celebrated sights and wild wilderness will provide the backdrop for four brand-new Oceania Cruises’ summer 2011 itineraries, featuring off-the-beaten-path ports of call and an ‘Alaskan Immersion’ collection of interactive shore excursions.

The ‘Alaskan Immersion’ excursions include:

· Wild Alaska Culinary Extravaganza – this one-of-a-kind culinary class is led by a local host and culinary expert who takes guests through the steps of preparation and grilling Alaskan seafood, before indulging in the results. The inventive menu includes wild salmon, Dungeness crab, halibut and plenty of other local delicacies plucked from the sea.

· The Bering Sea: Crab Fisherman’s Tour – led by a seasoned Bering Sea captain and crew aboard Aleutian Ballad, the storied crab boat on the Discovery Channel series “Deadliest Catch” the adventure begins in the calm, protected waters of coastal Ketchikan. Skilled fishermen haul in crab pots and lines from the depths, revealing all manner of sea life, including king crab, shark, octopus, prawns and rock fish. Common tour sights also include bald eagles, seals, otters, sea lions and whales.

· Musher’s Camp & Sled Dog Discovery – this enriching activity allows guests to experience a one-mile, round-trip expedition on a wheeled sled pulled by a husky team through South-east Alaska’s temperate rainforest. There will be time to cuddle husky puppies and take a guided walk through the musher’s camp to learn more about this northern pasttime and the people who have dedicated their lives to it.

· Kodiak Guided River Fishing – a day of fishing for salmon, trout and halibut followed by an outdoor barbecued salmon bake is a quintessential Alaskan experience. Expert guides will personally scout seven possible fishing sites for a successful day, including rivers, shorelines, ocean bays and inlets. Following the tour, guests can have their fish vacuum-packed to carry on board or have it shipped to a destination of their choice.

Other distinctive excursions for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure-seekers include Golf, a Sea Kayaking Adventure and ‘ZipRider,’ the World’s Largest Zip-Line. These excursions - and more are offered - to guests on board Oceania Cruises’ 684-guest Regatta (above) – an intimate ship acclaimed for its open-seating gourmet dining (no surcharges), luxurious public rooms and staterooms and warm, attentive service.

Oceania Cruises’ 10-day Alaska sailing costs from £1,406 per person for bookings received by December 31, based on 2 sharing, including a $1,000 onboard credit, all meals, complimentary bottled water and soft drinks.

To find out more, visit OceaniaCruises.co.uk or check with the specialst luxiry cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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