Alaska's Booming In 2014

We knew we chose Alaska as our Cover Story in this month's edition of World of Cruising magazine (publishing on January 20) for a good reason - it is promising to be THE boom cruise region of the world this year.

Their latest press release details record cruise traffic, new itineraries and new shore excursions for 2014, with some truly wonderful additions to the already feature-packed experience of an Alaskan cruise.

Here's what they say:

Perched on the Arctic Circle, high above the ‘lower 48’ - the spectacular 49th state of the United States of America hogs all the top ten highest mountains in the union and is one to watch in 2014 as more and more travellers seek crowd-free, wilderness destinations. Not only is Alaska the largest US state – making up an area the the size of California, Texas and Montana combined – but it is also the least densely populated and boasts the largest area of national parklands.

Yet Alaska is very accessible and easy to travel around. It appeals to a wide range of demographics, whether adventurous or laid back and, new for 2014, the Southeast Alaska Independent Living (SAIL) is providing information and services to visitors with limited mobility or physical, visual, or hearing impairments in the Juneau area (sailinc.org). Visitor numbers to Alaska in summer 2013 grew by 7 per cent (1,693,800) compared to summer 2012, and more are expected this year.

Alaska By Sea

Taking a cruise is really the perfect way to see the vast tracts of south-east Alaska and a total of 30 large cruise ships are scheduled to call here in 2014, while there will be an increase in itineraries for small-ship cruise lines (as highlighted in this month's World of Cruising).

Icy Straight Point: both Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruises will add Icy Strait Point, a small-ship cruise port located 30 miles west of Juneau, as a port of call for two ships, the Celebrity Solstice and Norwegian Pearl.

Alaska - it's a whale of a time!

Wrangell’s Alaska Charters & Adventures is now offering full-day whale-watching tours on the calm, pristine waters of the Inside Passage. A custom-built 35-foot aluminum cabin-style boat, enough to fit six passengers, provides wildlife viewing potential from both the inside seats and the deck areas (www.alaskaupclose.com).

Alaska Sea Adventures is offering visitors the unique experience of viewing wildlife in Alaska during spring herring trips in the 2014 season. The small luxury cruise operator will point out views of bald eagles, whales, seals, sea lions and various seabirds (yachtalaska.com).

Featuring stunning views by catamaran, Kenai Fjords Tours will add a new 150-passenger catamaran to its 12-vessel fleet, offering more visitors the chance to travel through Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park to view wildlife and glaciers (www.kenaifjords.com).

And that's just a small taste of what's on offer in the big state of Alaska - you'll just have to make sure you are subscribed to our new issue this month for more!

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a very special, limited-time offer to save 50% off a full year's subscription, which includes six issues PLUS our new year-end Cruise Directory. That means a year's worth of Europe's leading cruise publication will be only £15. Check out the special rate on this link!

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More Reasons To Try An Un-Cruise Adventure

You may remember we featured a cruise in Alaska with Un-Cruise Adventures in the most recent edition of World of Cruising (which you can still see on this link - pages 32-36), and we also featured the voyage in day-by-day blogs here at Time Spent At Sea, a series that earned a nomination in the 2013 Avis A-List Awards for travel blogs.

You can still see the blogs, starting with Day One, on this link. So you can tell we are committed Un-Cruise fans, and are always on the lookout for news from this highly distinctive and original adventure-cruise line.

With that in mind, here are some snippets about their forthcoming cruises for 2014 aboard their luxury period style of the unique SS Legacy (above), which we can thoroughly recommend as well worth looking into.

Alaska

From June 15 through August 17, there will be 10 departures of a new Alaska’s Golden History cruise that bring the 1890s Klondike Gold Rush alive. The 7-night cruise visits Wrangell, Petersburg, Sitka, Glacier Bay National Park, Haines and Skagway, while Frederick Sound and Icy Strait are also prime whale-watching territory. An 11-night Gold Rush Legacy cruise between Seattle and Juneau (and reverse) will be offered in June and August.

Columbia and Snake Rivers

From March through May and September through November, week-long cruises depart round-trip from Portland, Oregon, to explore the history and scenery of the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Areas visited include the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Clarkston, Hells Canyon, Walla Walla, Washington Wine Country, The Dalles and Astoria, all of which offer another rare and history-rich cruise experience. 

More info: call (in the US) 1888-862-8881 or visit www.un-cruise.com.

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this year - 50 per cent OFF the regular rate AND the chance to win a cruise in our free prize draw offer. See this link!

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Regent's Deals Of The Week

Some great offers from Regent Seven Seas today, including a great Alaska cruise next May. It's all about booking early, you see...

MIAMI TO MIAMI on Seven Seas Navigator for 7 nights on February 23 for £1,999pp based on two sharing an H category suite (subject to availability).

The highlights of the cruise include Miami, Key West, Belize City, Roatan and Cozumel, with up to 30 free excursions plus a 1-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay in Miami (Concierge Suites and above).

VANCOUVER TO VANCOUVER on Seven Seas Navigator for 7 nights on 21. For £2,299pp based on two sharing an H category suite (subject to availability). Highlights include Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Wrangell and Prince Rupert Sound, with up to 31 free excursions, plus a 1-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay in Vancouver (Concierge Suites and above).

As ever with Regent, it is a truly all-inclusive luxury experience:

• FREE flights and transfers.
• FREE 1-night pre-cruise Luxury Hotel Package.
• FREE unlimited shore excursions on every cruise.
• ALL inclusive onboard: fine dining, premium spirits and fine wines, gratuities and entertainment.

More info: call 023 8068 2280 or visit www.rssc.com.

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this year - 50 per cent OFF the regular rate AND the chance to win a cruise in our free prize draw offer. See this link!

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An Alaskan Un-Cruise Adventure - Pt 7, Wrangell

Continuing our magnificent Alaska cruise experience with Un-Cruise Adventures on their unique SS Legacy...

Legacy Cruise Day 7

After staying overnight in the Petersburg channel, we were greeted by thick fog in the morning, denying us a second look at the town as we sailed on to today’s rendezvous in the equally small and fishing-based community of Wrangell.

The sound of the ship’s foghorn kept us company through the moody morning mist, but, before long, it was replaced by stunning blue sky overhead and a truly brilliantly sunny day. The Morning highlight today was provided by a chance to indulge in that classic riverboat (and Gold 

Rush steamer) activity – Texas hold 'em poker.

Under the guidance of Hotel Manager Neil, we enjoyed some spirited card-sharping in the wonderful Pesky Barnacle Saloon (below), complete with whisky, of course, and actually managed to while away a full two hours before lunch, swapping chips and make (often outrageous) bets in best play-acting fashion. 

It proved a completely amusing and utterly novel and authentic way to pass a glorious morning in south-east Alaska and we were certainly ready for something to eat at the end of our marathon card session. Lunch was then followed by today’s inclusive tour (although there was an alternative one, to take in the major bear-viewing site of nearby Anan, a 30-minute jet-boat ride away, with guaranteed unobstructed wildlife viewing in the company of

an armed guide – it sounded compelling but, at $300/person, a bit rich for us). 

Two buses arrived to carry us off to the nearby Norton Museum, where Wrangell’s long – and often highly volatile and lawless – history was laid out in clear fashion. Next stop was the town’s Totem park, where a Native Tahltan tribe member told us his family history, as well as that of the local tribespeople.

It was refreshing to hear this summer had been marked by a major gathering of peoples from all over the north-west coast here in Wrangell, and the central ceremonial Chief Shakes Tribal House had been the focal point of a big re-dedication ceremony involving the Tlingit tribe and other First Nation peoples.

Our driver/guide then took us off to the famous petroglyph beach to the north of town, where we marvelled at these 2,000-plus-year-old markings in the rocks hereabouts – and took rubbings of them with the stems of ferns! Finally, it was back in town for a quick look around (not the longest of tours, it has to be said) while continuing to enjoy the clear sense of community and

purpose that Wrangell appears to have in abundance.

Like Petersburg, this is almost totally a working fishing town, and the vast majority of cruise lines never visit this little gem, which is both a shame and a blessing.

Back aboard, the magnificently sunny day continued long into the evening, affording some magnificent photos of the surrounds and our departure from the harbour, with dinner spent dodging out to the aft deck to snap away as the blue gave way to magnificent oranges and pinks.

This evening, it was the turn of female interpreter Arika to provide the women’s view of the Gold Rush, with another one-person presentation in the main lounge. It sparked some pleasant follow-up conversation about the region’s history in general, and the female perspective of it, before it was time to turn in for the night.

Tomorrow we have a much bigger port to explore – Ketchikan, plus, weather permitting, the potential enthrallment of Misty Fjords National Park.

To learn more about Un-Cruise adventures, call 1888 862 8881 in the US; or visit www.un-cruise.com. In the UK, specialist cruise agents The Cruise Line can also help with bookings.

Be sure to read the full report of the cruise in the Autumn edition of World of Cruising, out September 20. You can subscribe here: www.worldofcruising.co.uk/subscribeOrder.html 

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An Un-Cruise Alaska Delight

Un-Cruise Adventures has added two wonderful themed cruises on their Active Adventure sailings in South-East Alaska this summer as the 60-guest Wilderness Adventurer welcomes guest experts on board for a photography theme on June 8 and an Alaska Insider theme on July 13. 

“Our guest experts offer additional insights to complement our own expedition team and adventure activities,” said Tim Jacox, executive vice president of sales and marketing. “It’s an added benefit for sailing on these two dates.”

Photography with Amy Gulick

On the June 8 the Eastern Coves adventure, nature photographer and author Amy Gulick joins the trip to share photography tips, lessons and techniques she’s learned over the years as an award-winning photographer and writer. Gulick is a founding Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers and her images have been featured in premium publications such as Outdoor Photographer, Audubon, National Wildlife and Nature’s Best Photography.  Guests will receive an autographed copy of her book “Salmon in the Trees: Life in Alaska’s Tongass Rain Forest.”

The week-long Eastern Coves itinerary sails from Juneau to Ketchikan while adventuring through Tracy Arm Wilderness, Frederick Sound, Thomas Bay, Behm Canal, Misty Fjords National Monument and a half-day port call in Wrangell, one of Alaska’s oldest towns.   Rates on this date begin at $3,195 per person, double occupancy. A $200pp travel credit is offered.

Alaska Insider with John and Jan Straley

On the July 13 Western Coves adventure, long-time local residents John and Jan Straley board for a week of storytelling—fact and fiction—on all things Alaska and insights on humpback and killer whales. John, a poet and author of detective fiction, has won awards over the years for his novels set in Alaska. Jan is a marine biologist and well-known for her extensive studies of whales. She is assistant Professor of Biology at the University of Alaska Southeast and affiliate faculty at University of Alaska Fairbanks, School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences.

The week-long Western Coves itinerary sails from Ketchikan to Juneau, and explores wilderness areas including El Capitan Passage, Chatham Strait, Frederick Sound, Stephen’s Passage, Endicott Arm and Fords Terror, with a half-day port call at the Tlingit village of Klawock. Rates on this date begin at $3,195pp.

Both Active Adventure sailings include wildlife and whale watching, kayaking, hiking, skiff excursions exploring the coastline, glacier viewing, stand up paddle-boarding and a guided tour in Klawock or Wrangell. Snorkelling and overnight camping ashore are available for a fee. Un-Cruise Adventures also recently confirmed six theme departures on Luxury Adventures aboard the 86-guest Safari Endeavour in Alaska. Themes include photography, marine biology, ornithology and wine from two prominent North-West wineries. 

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's luxury adventure-cruise specialists.

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Alaska Unleashed with InnerSea Discoveries

With more vessels and itinerary choices in Alaska than any previous year, un-cruise adventure operator InnerSea Discoveries and American Safari Cruises has unveiled 2013 rates and dates for its fleet of expedition vessels and yachts. New in 2013, a refurbished Safari Legacy joins the fleet of yachts while InnerSea Discoveries schedules three Alaska Unleashed cruises for the utmost in active adventures.

The 88-guest Legacy, an elegant vessel reminiscent of a gold-rush coastal steamer with Victorian décor, debuts with American Safari Cruises in summer 2013. Sailing week-long cruises between Ketchikan and Juneau, Alaska, the vessel visits Skagway, Haines, Sitka, Petersburg, Wrangell, Glacier Bay and the remote fishing village of Pelican. On board, a Living History programme focuses on the storied past of Alaska, including the Klondike gold rush and historical characters such as naturalist and author John Muir, outlaw Soapy Smith and prospector Skookum Jim. Legacy Leaders and local guest storytellers bring the history and spirit of the past alive with period re-enactments and lively presentations.

“The Safari Legacy will be unique within our fleet and adds an option for those interested in exploring the port towns and history of Alaska,” said Tim Jacox, executive vice president of sales and marketing. “We’ll also offer more days inside Glacier Bay National Park, with six boats making regular visits, most for multiple days of exploration.”

Adventurers interested in more technical hikes, longer kayaking trips and more opportunities to be active out in the wilderness can choose to sail on one of three week-long Alaska Unleashed cruises aboard the Wilderness Adventurer. On these exclusive adventures, guest capacity is reduced from 60 to 36 guests to enable a more rigorous slate of outdoor activities. Dates are June 8, July 13 and August 10. For this advanced adventure programme, rates start at $5,595 per person based on double occupancy.

Specialising in active adventures in the wilderness, InnerSea Discoveries’ three expedition vessels include the 60-guest Adventurer and 76-guest Wilderness Discoverer and Wilderness Explorer. The upscale fleet of American Safari Cruises includes the 12-guest Safari Spirit, 22-guest Safari Quest, 36-guest Safari Explorer, 86-guest Safari Endeavour and 88-guest Safari Legacy.

For more booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's luxury cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

PS: The new edition of World of Cruising magazine is now available online. Follow this link to read it and enjoy cruising even more!

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High Cuisine and Totem Poles

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Author, lecturer and naturalist Terry Breen will lecture on board Oceania Cruises' summer Alaska cruises on the elegant 684-passenger Regatta when the new itineraries debut in May. Breen will give enrichment lectures and share personal insights with guests as they explore the Inside Passage and lesser-known Alaskan ports.

With 19 years of expedition experience, Terry Breen has honed her love for cultural anthropology and exploration and has become an acclaimed area specialist. Author of The Cruiser Friendly Onboard Guide series, the first and only guides that explore the world as seen from the decks of a cruise ship, Breen will share her invaluable insight and understanding of Alaska's celebrated sights and uncultivated wilderness with guests.

- 12-day Alaskan Grandeur starting at £1406 per person -

Oceania's Alaskan Grandeur itinerary operates between San Francisco and Vancouver on May 26 and again August 14. Fares start from £1406 per person, based on two sharing. Ports include: Astoria, Wrangell, Juneau, Hoona, Sitka (called "Shee Atika" by the Tlingit Indians, then "New Archangel" by the Russians who moved in next) ousted and Ketchikan. Totem poles are one of Ketchikan's main attractions and the best places to view them are the Saxman Native Village (above) and Totem Bight State Park. Guests can also learn about the local cultures and ecosystems at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Centre.

As a special highlight, Pacific Northwest specialties will be featured during lunch in the casual Terrace Café and in the ship's elegant Grand Dining Room. Regional specialities will also be showcased in all four of the ship's open-seating restaurants, all of which are available with no surcharge.

Provisions are bought locally whenever possible and the ship's executive chef seeks the freshest catch and shellfish, making on-the-spot decisions. Consequently, not all selections will always be available and there may be surprise menu additions. Depending on the voyage and venue, appetisers might include Fresh Halibut Velouté - a creamy fish soup with saffron rice and julienne leeks - or Alaskan King Crab Legs, sure to be a guest favourite.

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New Small Ship Line offers Adventure Cruises

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Small-ship line InnerSea Discoveries, sister company to American Safari Cruises, offers exhilarating cruises in Alaska in 2011 that go beyond the norm. Each of the four itineraries ranging from 7 to 14 nights is designed to take advantage of the wonder and wildlife that are hallmarks of the Alaskan wilderness. Rather than just being an observer, guests are invited to participate in daily included activities such as kayaking, hiking, stand-up paddle boarding, fishing, exploration by small water craft and more.

The numerous activities offered cater to all levels of abilities. Guests choose the pace that appeals to them, such as a tranquil paddle along the shoreline, a robust guided six-hour paddle and hike at Deep Cove or quietly exploring pristine waters such as Yes Bay by stand-up paddle board.

There are options galore, including just relaxing on board to watch for sea and wildlife with a favourite beverage in hand from the on-deck hot tub!

All itineraries feature a port call at the authentic town/communities of Wrangell or Klawock to mingle with the locals who look forward to sharing stories about their rugged history and native heritage.

Choose from four adventure itineraries:

• The 7-night South-east Alaska’s Inner Reaches Western Coves, Ketchikan to Juneau
• 7-night Alaska’s Inner Reaches Eastern Coves, Juneau to Ketchikan
• 14-night Alaska’s Inside Passage Ultimate Adventure (combined Western and Eastern Coves itineraries), from Juneau round-trip
• And the 14-night Wilderness Passages of Discovery, Seattle to Juneau or reverse.

The itineraries are purposely flexible as nature sets the schedule and the floor-show. If a pod of Humpback whales are frolicking in Frederick Sound, the ship makes time to stop and linger.

Travelling with a maximum of 49 like-minded guests aboard the expedition ships Wilderness Adventurer and Wilderness Discoverer, guests can expect exemplary service, delicious cuisine with an emphasis on local foods served family style or buffet depending on the day’s activities, a 1:3 crew to guest ratio and access to top notch gear. The on and off-ship experiences are accentuated by experienced naturalists who present topical information and serve as guides on excursions.

Prices for the 7-night cruises start at $1,795 per person, double occupancy, and include transfers and all activities, except the optional excursions available at a few select wilderness stops. Port charges of $167 per person per week, massages and spirits are extra.

For more information, log on to http://www.innerseadiscoveries.com/

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