Cruise Nation Features Alaska Wilderness

We are huge fans of Alaska cruises here at World of Cruising, and here is something a bit different that promises to provide even more of that Big Country experience - award-winning tour operator Cruise Nation has launched new Alaskan cruise packages for this year with adventurous travellers firmly in mind.

In particular, intrepid cruisers can expect to sail through the wondrous ice landscape of the Tracy Arm Fjord, enjoy stop-offs at Alaska’s capital city, Juneau, and the fascinating gold rush town of Skagway, as well as stays in Seattle and Vancouver on an Alaskan cruise break with a difference.

The Alaskan cruises are part of Cruise Nation’s increasingly popular Smart Package options, which provide first-time cruisers and established cruise passengers with exclusive deals at unbeatable prices. Time-consuming DIY holidays are also given a run for their money as the packages come with free added extras, including free hotel stays and room upgrades.

Cruise Nation managing director Phil Evans explained: “Our new packages take full advantage of the awe-inspiring Alaskan wilderness and are going some way to shift the perception that cruise holidays only take in the fail-safe itineraries of the Mediterranean and Caribbean. We’re really excited to launch our new range, as they were created with the adventurous cruise traveller in mind, who wants to explore more of the world, whilst enjoying all the comforts and camaraderie of a cruise."

Get onboard an Alaska Glacier Bay Cruise and enjoy mini breaks in Vancouver and Seattle  from £1,299pp (a saving of £500pp), plus two free night stays in Vancouver and Seattle and a balcony room, if booked by March 31.

Return flights from London Heathrow are included in the price, departing on April 26 on the Carnival Miracle. This cruise holiday with a difference will begin with a 2-night stay in Vancouver, where visitors can wander around its top museum and gallery attractions all to the backdrop of its majestic snow-capped mountains. 

The Alaskan cruise will then take in the sights of Juneau, as well as fascinating Skagway, before sailing past the impressive ice landscapes of Glacier Bay (pictured). The Alaskan voyage will then end in Seattle, where there will be one night to explore the city’s bohemian Pike Place Market and travel to the top of the iconic Space Needle for incredible views of the city.

More info: call 0800 408 0758 or visit www.cruisenation.com. 

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Alaska Theme Cruises From Un-Cruise

If you thought Alaska was all about the scenery and the wildlife, think again. Un-Cruise Adventures have just announced a wonderful series of typical small-ship cruise that are combined with experts in music, photography, marine biology and wine on seven theme cruises this summer. 

Guest experts sail on week-long cruises aboard both the 88-guest S.S. Legacy and 86-guest Safari Endeavour (above) in south-east Alaska.

The S.S. Legacy, a replica coastal steamer sailing between Juneau and Ketchikan, hosts the 1940s style group Letters From Home on the June 22 voyage. The group performs three-part harmonies, tap dancing and comedy. The Alaska’s Golden History cruise also focuses on the history of the Klondike Gold Rush and includes a shore excursion in each port.

Meanwhile, the Safari Endeavour, sailing round-trip from Juneau on a week-long Discoverers’ Glacier Country itinerary, hosts six themed cruises. The cruise spends two days exploring by land and sea inside Glacier Bay and remote wilderness areas. Hiking, kayaking, whale-watching, skiff excursions, stand-up paddle-boarding and wildlife watching are the main activities, but guest experts on board will provide additional activities for those interested.

Fresh, innovative cuisine is served on all vessels, with guests enjoying attentive, friendly service and a casual, relaxed atmosphere. Charters and group incentives are also available. And, for more on the Un-Cruise style in Alaska, be sure to check out our latest issue on this link.

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

The new edition of World of Cruising is now out, and you can see the digital version online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate for 2014, see this link. 

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Free Alaska Shore Excursions With American Cruise Lines

Wildlife, history and native culture all meet in south-east Alaska; it is an amazing area of scenic beauty and cultural experiences unlike anywhere else of earth (hence our feature on it in the current issue of World of Cruising - check out the digital version online on this link). 

And American Cruise Lines are offering a real bonus on their 8-day round-trip cruise from Juneau this summer, discovering areas like Petersburg, Tracy Arm and Sawyer Glacier. Visitors get to see incredible natural beauty, majestic wildlife and experience first-class onboard service on one of ACL's small ships.

For a limited time only, guests who reserve a stateroom on this Alaska cruise will receive FREE shore excursions AND a Pre-Night hotel stay in the magnificent city of Juneau.

Once on the cruise, you will be able to watch humpback whales frolic in the cool waters of the Gulf of Alaska as you cruise through Alaska’s Inside Passage. The pristine coves and inlets offer superb opportunities to view sea lions, orcas, harbour seals and porpoise in their natural habitat. The 94-passenger American Spirit is also ideal as a viewing point for the array of breathtaking sights, from orcas surfacing alongside the ship to Tlingit totem poles pointing to the skies with astonishing mountain peaks behind them.

This unforgettable, personalised cruise experience starts at only $5,350 per person with Free Guided Shore Excursions and a Free Pre-Cruise hotel night in Juneau.

For even more of the south-east Alaska charm, American Cruise Lines also offer an 11-night Alaska Inside Passage cruise, from Seattle to Juneau. 

This unforgettable journey cruises the protected waters of the Inside Passage while docking regularly to explore the natural scenery, historic treasures and local communities along the way.

Early Bird Discount: Book early and Save $400 or more per stateroom on this cruise.

More info: call (in the US) 1800 460 4518 or visit www.americancruiselines.com.

The new edition of World of Cruising is now out, and you can see the digital version online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate for 2014, see this link.

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An Alaskan Un-Cruise Adventure - Part 4

Continuing our magnificent Alaskan voyage with Un-Cruise Adventures on their unique new SS Legacy...

Legacy Cruise Day 4

After the majestic quality of Glacier Bay, we had hoped today we would be slightly more relaxing, with another day just sailing the region – this time mainly in Icy Strait – to soak up the immensity of Alaska. Not quite.

Today turned out to be one of the most fascinating, eye-opening, astonishing – and exhausting – days we could imagine.

It began in relatively sedate style with a series of more humpback sightings, with these big, indolent creatures lazily drifting by and waving their great tales at us in passing.

A course diversion into secluded Whitestone Bay afforded a view of black-tail deer on the

shore, yet another testament to the unscheduled nature of our sea days, where the ship can wander pretty much wherever it fancies in search of wildlife.

Lunchtime was marked in typical fashion, with a table appetiser and then a choice of sandwich or salad, before it was time for another turn on deck, taking advantage of Legacy’s supreme array of open deck space, in the bow, on the top deck, along the covered promenade deck and right aft, almost at water level, as well as from the forward-facing main lounge and the aft Pesky Barnacle Saloon (truly, one of the great little bars at sea!).

With not much on the horizon – apart from the non-stop epic panorama of the Alaskan vista – we wandered up to the wheelhouse, where the open-bridge policy invites passengers to drop by at almost any time.

First Mate Katie showed us around the tools of her trade, explaining the variety of bridge equipment at the ship’s disposal, along with, surprisingly, the traditional ship’s wheel – non of that fancy modern joy-stick rubbish here!

With the hour approaching 3.30 – the appointed time for the afternoon activity sessions, of either a poker tournament in the Pesky Barnacle with Captain Danno or a knot-tying demonstration in the lounge with deckhand Kristen– our Captain paid a quick wheelhouse visit to ensure all was well but quickly noticed some tell-tale movement in the distance.

Quick as a flash, he made a course correction and headed in that direction, at the same time grabbing the intercom to announce, “Orcas on the starboard bow!” Sure enough, Capt Danno had spotted a pod of around 8 killer whales heading along roughly our course, and it took only a minor deviation to draw alongside.

For the next hour or so, with the engines idle, we watched, enthralled, as these classical mammalian sea-hunters went about their business, diving hither and thither individually and in groups.

No sooner had we started up again, though, than there was more activity on the horizon, a series of humpback blows moving in earnest towards a sheltered bay on Chichagof Island.

Here we could see some serious concerted activity close to the shore as the group of 6-8 whales circles and dived, circled and dived, moving increasingly in earnest. The reason soon

became clear in truly amazing fashion as, right before our startled eyes, the humpbacks proceeded to demonstrate the art of bubble-net feeding in classic wildlife documentary manner.

Over and over again, they dived, spun a tight web of circular water, surrounded it with bubbles – then dived up through the middle to surface, mouths agape, in the midst of a heaving mass of herring.

It was a genuine ‘Wow!’ moment of awe-inspiring proportions, not least because the whales maintained this feeding frenzy for more than 3 HOURS, coming up as a hungry group again and again in the tight circle of bubbles they had woven under water. The scene was one of nature at its finest – and an absolute triumph for the Un-Cruise unstructured cruise style.

Almost numb with elation, we stumbled down to a late dinner to compare notes in total wonder with our fellow passengers. The evening concluded with another presentation from our period re-enactors, this time with Prospector Jake Thompson telling us all about his gold mining activities – and sorry tales of nearly striking it rich.

It was a weary group that made it to bed that night – tired but truly thrilled by the day’s events. It would be hard to imagine topping the spectacle. But we would.

Tomorrow - Sitka.

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: http://www.worldofcruising.co.uk/subscribeOrder.html

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An Un-Cruise Alaska Adventure - Part 3

Legacy Cruise – Day 3

Still giddy from the previous day’s huge amount of sight-seeing and wildlife-viewing – especially the bears – we knew today would also be another long and involving one, albeit without leaving the ship.

Today we would be in the magnificent United Nations biosphere reserve of Glacier Bay, arriving at 6am to pick up our Park Ranger guide for the day and not leaving again until after dinner.

We were therefore wide awake at 5.59am (and not just due to the big time difference in Alaska!) and up with our cold-weather gear on and binoculars in hand in time to watch the grand entry into this stunning realm of glaciers and wildlife.

To say it was a memorable day would be a major understatement (despite some intermittently gloomy weather, that actually added a rather moody quality to the proceedings).

We took in three main glaciers and several minor ones; we approached within a half a mile of the extensive Margerie Glacier and were rewarded with an immense display of ‘calving’ as several large pieces of the glacier front fell into the fjord with resounding cracks; we enjoyed

an ultra-rare sailing into the protected harbour seal colony of John Hopkins Inlet (where only small ships may venture at certain times of the year); and we got up close to the boisterous male sea-lion colony on South Marble Island, where a pinniped game of ‘king of the hill’ was in full swing.

In between we marvelled at the immensity of the glaciers and the deep mountains they spring from; enjoyed two more immaculate meals in the Klondike Dining Room; watched eagerly for humpback whales, and were rewarded with two fine showings, including one massive breaching; and counted sea otters, more seals and sea-lions, harbour porpoises and a massive variety of birdlife – such as puffins, cormorants and kittiwakes – among the great vastness of the Bay.

As if all that nature wasn’t enough, we were then regaled after dinner with another presentation from our costumed Victorian character actors in the Grand Salon, providing four fascinating vignettes of the life and times – and key glacial studies – of Scots naturalist John Muir (who went on to urge

President Teddy Roosevelt to start the National Parks programme) and gain even more insight into the Bay.

Truly, another amazing Un-Cruise Adventure day aboard the Legacy, but there is more to come – MUCH more, as we head tomorrow for a day cruising Icy Strait in search of more whales!

To learn more about Un-Cruise adventures, call 0877 263 9888 in the UK; 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: http://www.worldofcruising.co.uk/subscribeOrder.html.

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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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Junior Rangers To Inspire Kids on Crystal's Alaska Cruises

With multi-generational family bookings on the rise, Crystal Cruises is putting a special focus on family-friendliness for its Alaska summer series, with all-ages excursions, an extended Junior Activities programme and an alliance with the National Park Service for a Junior Rangers programme.

When Crystal Symphony (above) sails through Glacier Bay this May to August, park rangers will come on board to lead kid-friendly activities and presentations about the area’s natural history. Through interactive projects and activity books, children and teens can become park Junior Rangers, earning official badges and certificates.

“The adult rangers ask children to pledge to ‘help take care of special places’,” explains Vice President International Sales & Marketing, Philip Ordever. “Such innovative and collaborative education ensures that kids take a greater interest in the beautiful destinations they’re visiting.”

Complementing this programme will be extended hours of stimulating, tiered, on-board activities for children aged 3-17, led by Crystal-staffed Junior Activities Directors. Kids can meet for board games or arts and crafts in Crystal’s Fantasia playroom, for Sony PlayStation® 3, Nintendo Wii™ or Xbox 360TM video games in the Waves arcade, or participate in behind-the-scenes happenings like galley tours, scavenger hunts, sushi-making classes, and backstage costume “dress-up”.

Families can also take advantage of Hollywood Theatre movies, Library DVD and book check-outs, piano lessons, babysitting services or favourite “finicky eater” foods throughout the ship. On land, there are dozens of shore excursions designated as “family friendly”.

Nine 12-night San Francisco round-trips visit Victoria, Vancouver, Sitka, Juneau, Skagway/Haines, Ketchikan and either Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay. Departure dates are May 9 and 21; June 2, 14, 26; July 8 and 20; and August 1 and 13. Fly-cruise prices are from £3,998 per person, including return economy class flights, 12 nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window with all meals and soft drinks, port taxes and a $500 per person onboard credit.

In addition, Crystal is offerings its guests a choice of two fabulous options – they can choose either a free upgrade to World Traveller Plus or a complimentary three-night pre- or post-cruise land package in San Francisco that includes three nights accommodation at the five-star The Clift, a half-day city tour followed by a trip to Alcatraz Island, a full day wine-tasting tour to Sonoma and Napa Valley, a romantic Champagne dinner and use of an exclusive concierge service.

For more info, visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk or luxury cruise agents The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Spectacular Anchorage

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Well, the Gold Rush may be long over, but there is another stampede starting to happen as more and more dedicated cruisers discover the natural wonders of Alaska.

Imagine standing on your private veranda watching humpbacked whales breaching, eagles soaring above you and then being one of the privileged few on Earth to spend a whole day in Glacier Bay National Park.

All of these - and much more - are now available from Holland America's 2011 Alaska cruise programme. The company have been cruising to Alaska longer than anyone else and also take tours into Canada's Yukon territory.

But it's the way that these comfortable mid-size ships seem dwarfed by snow-capped mountains that literally sit on the shoreline that stays longest in your memory here.

There are a wide range of cruises on offer in this marvellous area of the world, where names like Seattle, Anchorage, British Columbia and Vancouver are all steeped in Northwest history, to become vivid memories along with many of the smaller coastal places such as Kodiak, Skagway and Homer, still clinging to their pioneer heritage.

The scenery on this tour is simply breathtaking, from the stunning glaciers to the sheer beauty of sailing through the Inside Passage - a collection of islands and channels running along the coast (see above).

And, if you want to do your bit for the environment, Holland America have an excellent online check-in system as well to cut out on all that unnecessary paper.

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