The great Alaskan adventure is underway: Royal Caribbean is back and the first cruise line to sail to the Last Frontier since September 2019. The Serenade of the Seas has kicked off the season, returning this summer with the first of a series of 7-night cruises from Seattle. This return marks a moment of celebration for the cruise industry, local labor, regional suppliers, and Alaskan communities that were significantly impacted by the absence of cruise tourism, which typically accounts for more than 60% of the state's visitors and generates over $3 billion for its economy each year. 97% of those traveling aboard the Serenade are fully vaccinated.
The Serenade, a local favorite, sets sail for classic cities and picturesque towns like Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, and Icy Strait Point (Alaska), as well as the stunning Endicott Arm fjord and Dawes Glacier. It will be joined by the Ovation of the Seas in Seattle starting August 13, completing Royal Caribbean's grand return to Alaska in 2021.
“Alaska cruises are finally back, and we’re thrilled to be the first to return. Alaska is one of the most popular destinations among our guests,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.
Once again, families and passengers of all ages can venture out to explore Alaska's pristine wilderness by sea after more than a year. The views will be available to everyone aboard the Serenade, thanks to ocean-facing glass elevators and floor-to-ceiling windows that keep the spectacular scenery—and wildlife sightings—in full view. In addition, the Serenade of the Seas offers a 40-foot ocean-view rock wall, poolside movie nights under the stars, and restaurants inspired by a world of flavors, such as Chops Grille, Giovanni's Table, and Izumi.
With stunning glaciers, an extensive coastline, and mountainous scenery between charming ports of call, Royal Caribbean's Alaska cruises also offer passengers firsthand experiences through local experts who showcase the region's carefully preserved traditions and their influence on cultures, both past and present.
The Serenade of the Seas is the first ship in the cruise industry to return to Alaska and the second in the Royal Caribbean fleet to welcome passengers to the United States, after the Freedom of the Seas sailed from Miami to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend. Thirteen Royal Caribbean ships will be sailing around the world at the end of August, including the Ovation of the Seas, which is set to sail seven-night adventures to Skagway, Sitka, and Juneau, Alaska, and through the famed Inside Passage. The cruise line recently extended the Ovation's Alaska season through October with four additional sailings.
Cruisers sailing to Alaska can do so with peace of mind, as Royal Caribbean requires all crew members and guests of vaccination age to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Starting August 1, the vaccination age requirement for travelers will be lowered from 16 to 12 years old. The vaccination policy is one of several measures the cruise line is taking to safeguard the well-being of all passengers, crew members, and communities in every port of call.
Before resuming its Alaskan operations, the Serenade of the Seas successfully completed a simulated voyage and received a Conditional Sailing Certificate from the U.S. CDC.
