WHY IT RATES: Travelers looking to visit Alaska will be able to sail to the dream destination with Royal Caribbean.—Donald Wood, Breaking News Senior Writer.
Royal Caribbean International begins to unveil the lineup of adventures in store for 2021-22 with the opening of its Alaska itineraries. The cruise line invites guests to set course for awe-inspiring views and thrilling adventures in the Last Frontier on returning favorites Ovation, Radiance and Serenade of the Seas in summer 2021. For the second consecutive year, Royal Caribbean will bring three ships to the region–each featuring the brand’s first line of spa staterooms–and offer varying 7-night itineraries sailing from Seattle, Vancouver, British Columbia; and Seward, Alaska. The cruise line’s 2021 Alaska sailings are now open for bookings.
—Ovation will sail the Last Frontier as the largest ship in the region. The Quantum Class ship’s series of 7-night cruises roundtrip from Seattle include destination highlights such as state capital Juneau and Skagway, Alaska.
—Radiance is set to embark on 7-night, open-jaw itineraries between Seward and Vancouver. Guests will enjoy exhilarating sights, from Hubbard Glacier to the Inside Passage.
—Vacationers looking to take in the stunning scenery of Canada can sail roundtrip from Vancouver aboard Serenade on 7-night adventures that include time in Ketchikan, Alaska and cruising through Tracy Arm Fjord.
—Before and after the Alaska season, Serenade and Radiance will island-hop and visit Kailua, Hilo and Lahaina, Hawaii. Radiance’s 10-night itineraries–from Honolulu, Hawaii or Vancouver–will each offer a late-night call in Lahaina, while Serenade’s 11-night sailing from Honolulu features an overnight stay in the far-flung locale.
—All three ships will debut Royal Caribbean’s spa staterooms. The brand-new lineup of balcony accommodations will allow guests to relax in between adventures with an array of amenities and perks, including priority spa reservations, lush bedding and bath products, tranquil décor, daily delivery of tea, water and coffee; and priority boarding at embarkation.
Go Bold on Ovation of the Seas
Ovation returns for a third consecutive year to deliver unparalleled adventures against the jaw-dropping backdrop of Alaska’s picturesque landscapes. Whether from the North Star or the RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator, guests will have panoramic views of the scenic landscape, wildlife-filled fjords and the lush scenery of Alaska’s Inside Passage–all from on board. The 7-night itineraries roundtrip from Seattle will visit the best of the region, including Skagway, where vacationers can retrace the steps of the historic Klondike Gold Rush and visit a restored 19th-century railroad depot; and Juneau, to go dogsledding over the Mendenhall Glacier or explore centuries-old mining trails.
After exploring storied destinations, travelers will come back to enjoy the ship’s unique lineup of signature Royal Caribbean experiences. From the FlowRider surf simulator and RipCord by iFly, to the SeaPlex, the largest and most revolutionary indoor active space at sea–which features a trapeze school, full-size basketball court, roller-skating rink and bumper cars–there is adventure for all ages. For those who want to dial it down and relax after their action-packed days, travelers can kick back at the Vitality Spa and the indoor or outdoor pools that offer front-row seats of the spectacular surroundings. Vacationers can also delight their palates at Chops Grille, Izumi or Jamie’s Italian before catching one of Royal Caribbean’s award-winning original productions.
Adventure Awaits on Radiance and Serenade of the Seas
Bringing back bucket-list adventures, Radiance and Serenade of the Seas will, once again, sail among the untouched wilderness. Radiance will offer alternating southbound and northbound 7-night itineraries between Vancouver and Seward. Guests will have the opportunity to see the magnificent landscapes of this stunning region firsthand with calls to Icy Strait Point, Sitka and Skagway, and as they sail through the Inside Passage and by Hubbard Glacier.
Explorers of every kind on board Radiance can extend their time with overnight stays before or after their cruise with 3- to 7-night Cruisetour packages. On these immersive journeys, travelers will be able to visit the famed Denali National Park and Preserve with local experts, hike the Exit Glacier, kayak and bike by Eklutna Lake, and more.
Serenade, returning for a second summer Alaska season, will offer 7-night roundtrip sailings from Vancouver and visit Ketchikan–the gateway to the wild landscapes and seascapes of Tracy Arm Fjord; Skagway, Sitka and Juneau. With a variety of experiences to choose from, guests can make lifelong memories as they embark on once-in-a-lifetime shore excursions like dog sledding in Skagway or soaring to new heights on a helicopter ride for a bird’s-eye view of the mountains and glaciers nearby in Juneau.
Radiance and Serenade of the Seas tout ocean-facing glass elevators and floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, allowing for every vacationer to have breathtaking views of the Last Frontier. The two Radiance Class ships have much for guests to experience on board as well, including the exhilarating rock-climbing wall that towers over the ocean at 40 feet tall, poolside movie nights under the stars, guest-favorite dining venues such as Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table and Izumi.
For more information, reach out to your local travel agent.
SOURCE: Royal Caribbean press release.
