Oceania Cruises has unveiled its upcoming Alaskan cruises, which will feature a wide variety of unique experiences in their itineraries. With more ports to explore and longer stays, Oceania Cruises offers travelers a completely different and more authentic Alaska.
Sailing comfortably from San Francisco, Seattle, Seward, and Vancouver, adventurous travelers can cruise for 7, 10, 11, 12, or 14 days on itineraries sailing from Seattle or Vancouver, or between Vancouver and Seward, Seattle and Vancouver, San Francisco and Vancouver, or Vancouver and Los Angeles. The itineraries include a wealth of popular destinations combined with a group of off-the-beaten-path ports inaccessible to larger ships, such as Haines, Kodiak, Prince Rupert, Wrangell, and Nanaimo.
“Those fortunate enough to travel with us to the last frontier of North America will do so with the expectation of experiencing truly unique adventures. We have created dozens of shore excursions to offer our guests the most authentic ways to explore Alaska like a local,” said Bob Binder, President and CEO of Oceania Cruises.
More Extensive Itineraries – Oceania Cruises' unique itineraries combine more ports and experiences and spend more time in port to give travelers the opportunity to see and do everything they desire in this unique land of history, nature, and adventure. In most ports, the Regatta docks early in the morning and almost always departs at 6:00 p.m. or later, sometimes even around 11:00 p.m.
Unique experiences:
Explore a glacier on foot and by helicopter – The majestic Mendenhall Glacier, just outside Juneau, Alaska’s capital, is a slow-moving river of ice that has captivated naturalists like John Muir since the late 19th century. You’ll board a modern five- to six-passenger helicopter and fly over rugged terrain as you approach the glacier. Upon landing, you’ll walk across the glacier’s surface in special boots, accompanied by a guide who will lead you along the safest and most interesting path, providing educational information about glacier formation, life cycles, and the impact of glaciers on the landscape.
Discover the lives of the most intrepid fishermen – From Ketchikan, you can board the Aleutian Ballad, one of the most famous fishing boats, which even appears on the popular Discovery Channel television show, Extreme Fishing. On this adventure, you'll navigate the tranquil, protected waterways, taking in the breathtaking scenery of Southeast Alaska while listening to the stories of the most adventurous men who have sailed these waters. During the trip, you'll see all kinds of marine creatures being caught. You'll see crabs, sharks, octopuses, lobsters, and rockfish. This catch is carefully placed in an on-deck aquarium before being released back into its natural habitat.
Experience Russian Tea Time – Alaska may seem like a thoroughly American destination these days, but it was once part of Russia, and while Sitka was the former Russian capital, Russian influence permeates the entire state, evident in both architecture and traditions. In Kodiak, the Russian legacy lives on at the Kodiak Inn, where traditional Russian tea, a variation of the classic English tea, is a must. Instead of scones and sandwiches, savor borscht, Russian cakes, and pirozhki while being entertained by the Balalaika Players, a local band performing traditional music from the homeland. While the tour includes visits to Cannery Row, the heart of Kodiak's fishing economy, as well as a Russian Orthodox church and a local art gallery, Russian tea time is the undisputed highlight.
Humpback Whale Watching Kayak Trip – From the charming little harbor of Icy Strait Point, you'll hop into a two-person kayak and paddle through the protected waters around Port Fredrick. As you kayak through the calm waters with a guide, you'll discover the secrets to spotting humpback whales feeding along the same route you'll be paddling. These nutrient-rich waters of the icy strait are also home to orcas, sea lions, otters, and seals.
During the excursion, you may also reach an area frequented by bald eagles and, with luck, witness one of these majestic creatures swooping down to snatch a fish with its talons.
Jetboat Tour of Frozen Lakes and Rivers – While Wrangell offers a glimpse into traditional Alaskan life, a jetboat tour through the 500,000-acre Stikine-LeConte Wilderness is a spectacular escape into an area revered by the famous American naturalist John Muir. The Stikine River is the fastest-flowing navigable river in the United States, and you'll travel its waters in a jetboat specially designed for this adventure. During the tour, you might spot elk, bears, or deer in the towering mountains, watch salmon spawning in its waters, or relax to the sound of thundering waterfalls. Midway through the journey, you can stop in a desert area to enjoy fine wine and a selection of gourmet cheeses.
With 324 brand-new suites and staterooms, plus dramatically refurbished public spaces, Oceania Cruises' Regatta is a one-of-a-kind ship that will sail Alaskan waters starting in September 2019. As part of an upgrade program known as OceaniaNEXT, the Regatta shines with new Italian crystal chandeliers, spaces adorned with designer residential furniture by Baker and Donghia, and walls and floors draped with designer fabrics and upholstery by Rubelli and Kravet. It boasts four unique open-seat restaurants serving the finest cuisine at sea, a fitness center and spa, eight lounges and bars, and a Monte Carlo-style casino. And all this for just 684 guests on board, served by 400 professional staff members.
