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Alaska’s awe-inspiring glaciers, abundant wildlife and Native American culture are best showcased on a seagoing vacation. In fact, the panoramic vistas from open decks and balcony staterooms combined with passenger-pleasing facilities, amenities and services, aboard today’s feature-filled cruise ships make these vessels the ideal way to enjoy the stunning scenery of the "Great Land," according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

The Alaska cruise season extends from early May to mid-September, and voyages typically range from seven to 14 days. The cruise ships that serve Alaska vary in size and style from floating resorts carrying 2,000 guests to intimate vessels that accommodate 382.

Many Alaska itineraries take vacationers to the Inside Passage, which serves as a gateway to Alaska’s magnificent Southeast, and features the historic port towns of Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka and Haines. Inside Passage cruises also enable guests to experience the stunning natural scenery of Glacier Bay National Park.

Travelers can also opt for Gulf of Alaska cruises, which typically sail north- and southbound between Vancouver and Seward, the port for Anchorage. These itineraries feature many of the charming towns offered on Inside Passage cruises, and also visit glittering Hubbard Glacier and College Fjord.

Alaska cruisers also have the opportunity to participate in optional shore excursions ranging from "flightseeing" across the Juneau Ice Field by helicopter to kayaking Alaskan waterways. And most CLIA cruise lines also offer extended land packages before or after the voyage, taking passengers deeper into Alaska via rail and featuring stays at wilderness lodges and sightseeing in Denali National Park.

Prospective cruise visitors to Alaska are well advised to book immediately. "The 2005 Alaska season was a veritable sellout," said Terry L. Dale, CLIA’s president and CEO. "CLIA-member travel agents reported that those travelers who attempted to book in mid-season last year were left with very few choices."

Following Is A List Of Alaska Programs Offered In 2006 By

 CLIA Member Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Spirit operates a series of 16 seven-day Glacier Route cruises northbound from Vancouver and southbound from Whittier/Anchorage May 17 through August 30; and three Glacier Bay cruises roundtrip from Vancouver May 10, and September 6 and 13.

Celebrity Cruises deploys three ships, Infinity, Mercury and Summit, on itineraries of seven to 14 nights from Vancouver, San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles and Ensenada, Mexico. Depending on the itinerary, highlights might include Hubbard Glacier, Icy Strait Point and the Inside Passage.

Eight Holland America Line ships sail Alaskan waters on seven-day Glacier Bay Inside Passage itineraries round-trip from Vancouver; seven-day Alaskan Explorer cruises roundtrip from Seattle; and seven-day, one-way Glacier Discovery cruises between Seward and Vancouver. Statendam calls on the newly introduced Icy Strait Point and cruises Glacier Bay National Park on all southbound and northbound departures

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Star sails primarily on Glacier Bay itineraries round-trip from Seattle. Norwegian Sun, sailing round-trip from Seattle, and Norwegian Wind sailing round-trip from Vancouver, operate mostly on Sawyer Glacier sailings. Highlights of both itineraries include the Inside Passage, Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.

Princess Cruises features 122 departures on seven ships, offering a variety of experiences on vessels that range from 1,590 passengers to 2,670 passengers. Travelers can choose from Gulf of Alaska cruise-tours – featuring Princess’ exclusive Direct to the Wilderness rail transfer service – or roundtrip Inside Passage sailings from Seattle and San Francisco.

Luxury line Radisson Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Mariner sails Alaska itineraries from May to September, primarily on seven-night voyages between Vancouver and Whittier with calls at Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Sitka. An unusual, 14-night sailing from Whittier to Tokyo departs September 20.

Royal Caribbean International deploys three ships on seven-night itineraries. Radiance of the Seas sails on alternating north- and southbound itineraries between Vancouver and Seward; Serenade of the Seas operates roundtrip from Vancouver; and Vision of the Seas sails primarily on cruises roundtrip from Seattle.

Silversea Cruises offers 11 luxury itineraries from nine to 14 days aboard Silver Shadow, with departures from Anchorage, Vancouver and San Francisco. A 14-day voyage on May 29 from Tokyo positions the ship in Anchorage, offering calls in Japan, Russia and Alaska.

For additional information on Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), please visit their website at Cruising.org

 

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Last Modified: 01/14/06