An Alaskan cruise with Royal Caribbean is truly a once in a lifetime holiday as you explore the ‘last frontier’. Take an adventure on the wild side as you sail by the icy beauty of some of the world’s most impressive glaciers, from the Hubbard Glacier to the Tracy Arm Fjord, hike some of the most beautiful mountains in the world, feel the thrill on snow sledding and ziplining escapades, see wildlife such as bears, whales and eagles up close and journey deeper into Alaska on train rides that take you past some of the most breath-taking scenery you will witness anywhere in the world.
Royal Caribbean have a number of ships that sail to Alaska. If you are planning on a family cruise holiday an itinerary onboard Ovation of the Seas or Quantum of the Seas are the ones for you. With lots of onboard activities to keep the whole family entertained during the days spent cruising at sea.
The Flowrider® is a huge hit with the kids (young and old!) The surf’s always up on this 12m long surf simulator. Positioned at the back of the boat, try out your surfing skills while looking out over the glaciers of Alaska. The thrills continue on the with a skydiving session at RipCord® by iFLY® a groundbreaking simulator that lets you experience what it’s like to float on air without ever leaving the deck. Just suit up and let the wind carry you away inside a transparent chamber.
One of the real highlights of Ovation of the Seas is of course the North Star, a glass pod that rises 300ft in the air from which you can enjoy panoramic views of the jaw dropping beauty of the Alaskan landscape around you. As Royal Caribbean themselves say – the view has never been wilder!
The fun continues as the Alaskan sun starts to set. Ovation of the Seas has lots of fantastic bars and restaurants onboard for you to try out. Whether you have had a day cruising at sea and fancy a more formal evening or are arriving back onboard after a fun filled day of onshore excursions and just want something simple and relaxed, there is something to suit every mood. After dinner you can head to one of the many bars onboard, take in a show, go to the movies or dance the night away!
If travelling as a couple or group of adults, Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas are still great options as well but you could also consider sailing on Serenade of the Seas or Radiance of the Seas. Built to travel even further into the last frontier, these two ships are better suited for adults. They aim to ‘bring the outdoors onboard’ with plenty of opportunities to soak up the surrounding landscape. From enjoying brunch in glass galleries, to unwinding in the Solarium’s steamy whirlpools gazing out over glaciers or movie nights under the stars, the beauty of Alaska surrounds you wherever you go.
But of course all the fun onboard is only the start of what a cruise holiday has to offer! It’s time to get exploring.
Royal Caribbean has a number of different Alaskan cruise itineraries ranging from 3-9 nights but the most common is a 7 night cruise. You can chose from an Alaska Glacier cruise itinerary, a Hubbard Glacier cruise itinerary or an Alaska Inside Passage cruise itinerary and no matter which you go for you will get to visit some fantastic ports and take part in onshore excursions that will release your wild side and give you memories that last forever.
At Icy Strait Point, Brave the ZipRider®, the world’s longest zip line, and enjoy amazing views of the forest as you race from a mountain peak at 60 miles per hour. It’s also a great spot to go on a whale watching tour as this is where Humpback whales call home.
Juneau is another real highlight of an Alaskan cruise, a city framed by the snow capped Mount Juneau and Mount Roberts and home to misty rainforests, massive glaciers and plentiful wildlife, here you will find yourself tundra trekking over Mendenhall Glacier, gold panning in Last Chance Basin, heading on a seafaring safari on the lookout for whales, seals and sea lions or just enjoying the the city’s picturesque central area offers centuries-old bars, boutique shops and historical landmarks.
Fans of fishing will want to pick a cruise that visits Ketchikan, the ‘salmon capital of the world’. Pay a visit to Ketchikan Creek Waterfall where if you are lucky you might get a glimpse of the famous salmon runs where bears wander into the creek and try to catch the leaping salmon in their mouths. Ketchikan is also home to Tongass National Forest, the biggest national forest in the USA and a great place to spot deer, seals, bald eagles and bears.
To experience some of the best scenery Alaska has to offer chose a cruise that includes a stop at Skagway. This tiny town was the scene of the famous Klondike Gold Rush over 100 years ago and it is from here you can take a vintage train ride along the White Pass and Yukon Route narrow-gauge railway. See the beauty of Bridal Veil Falls, Dead Horse Gulch and Glacier Gorge unfold before you while climbing the 880-metre incline of White Pass.
Are you thinking of taking an Alaskan cruise? Check out our top tips for an Alaskan cruise for more information and check out our amazing cruise holiday deals. Our travel experts are on hand to help you plan your dream Alaskan adventure.
