However, as others have said, while you're cruising down the inner passage, it really doesn't matter. Research your cruise ship and ports of call. Weve gathered cruises in all size categories (from a couple of hundred passengers to nearly 5,000), as ship size is often one of the biggest factors when selecting a cruise. RCL. But even if you make a mistake and book the "wrong side" of the ship, you'll still have a lovely view! In a busy port, you might step out on your balcony to discover the only view you have is the side of a neighboring shipand its passengers on their own balconies! We've done San Fran 3 times and next year the 14 day RT from LAX. Love Cruise Fever?Sign Up to Our FREE Newsletter! While restaurants and public spaces are opulently designed, the ship maintains a comfortable, friendly vibe. Karina35. Silver Wind. Interior staterooms are budget-friendly options with plenty of space and thoughtful touches, or you can upgrade to ocean view, balcony, or suite categories for some extra perks (like marble bathrooms with a tub and two sinks). Answered: HELP..I am overwhelmed with reading up on the various cruise lines in Alaska! An impressive four large Royal Caribbean cruise ships sail the Alaskan coasts. Safari Endeavor. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Royal Viking Line ROYAL VIKING SKY 1973 Cruise Ship Model by Montego Products at the best online prices at eBay! A room on a higher deck provides more desirable views, as well as being closer in proximity to the pool deck. The 684-passenger ship features creations of celebrity chef Jacques Pepin in the main dining room and two surcharge-free speciality restaurants. The ports seem to be the same but the land portion differs. Also, we've taken the Los Angeles-Alaska roundtrip cruises three times. The term starboard comes from the Old English steorbord, meaning the side on which the ship is steered. Is port or starboard better when the ship is docked? At other ports, its up to the captain to choose how they want to position their ship. Cabin Location Tips for Cruises to Alaska. But what you say is true, no matter where your room is, you can always find a perfect place on deck for great views. Which side of a cruise ship is better? However you get there, Haines is worth a visit for plenty of reasons. I suggest you look for cruise ships with single cabins. Mount Roberts Tramway is a fun gondola right in Juneau, Alaska. This is really not an issue as the temperature will be chilly at sea, regardless of when we sail. No matter which side of the ship your cabin in on, what you miss seeing while going north, you will see when going south. June through August are the warmest months, while April and October will make for a colder cruise. June is the ideal time to cruise in Alaska. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Youll also find massage showerheads, magnifying mirrors, terry bathrobes, Egyptian cotton towels, Elemis luxury bath products, and fresh fruit (upon request) in your stateroom. Dont have a lot of time for your Alaskan vacation? Guests setting sail on Carnival Luminosa can expect hospitality and fun that's pure, unmistakable Carnival, with so many fan-favorite onboard features like the flavors of Alchemy Bar , Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and RedFrog Rum Bar; the entertainment of Playlist . In determining this list, we evaluated numerous customer reviews and considered whether the cruise line has collected any accolades in recent years. "Port" has the same number of letters as "left," so it is the left side of the ship. You're going to have a great cruise. Ship farthest berth (Port side) (I think.). Silver Muse. At that point it turns around 180 and sails northwest, back toward Florida. Regatta offers an experience that's close to luxury without being all inclusive or priced sky high. While both the forward and aft cabins can feel a higher degree of motion in rough seas, the forward provides a little less movement. Canada's TFI International scoops up UPS Freight for $800m. Chefs make a point of shopping locally in each port and bringing their bounty back to the ship to incorporate into the cuisine, such as reindeer and venison sausage, birch syrup, and, of course, King and Sockeye salmon. Although this tale has been passed around for decades (it even makes an appearance in the classic childrens film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, when Grandpa Potts sings about his posh method of travel), theres zero evidence that its true. Immersive dining at Le Petit Chef, where augmented reality intersects with luxury cuisine, private verandas, complimentary fitness classes, plus unlimited access to the Persian Garden and complimentary dining at Blu, Autism-friendly cruising, including sensory-friendly films and toys, and dietary options, Accessible staterooms with grab bars, roll-in showers, and wider doors, 2,218 passengers put this squarely in the mid-size ship category, You wont find the over-the-top party-like activities of larger ships (which could also be a plus). The net is spread across the water and then catches the fish. Of course, some ports are tender ports, and your ship will drop anchor in the harbor. Due to environmental reasons, I'm not going on long cruises but I've done a river cruise in Egypt. Round-Trip Seattle, Consider Which Side Of The Ship - Sailing with Holland America Line on an . Dry docked in 2021 for a routine refurbishment, this Quantum Class ship holds 4,905 passengers and truly offers something for everyone. Her work has appeared in such publications as Reader's Digest, Oxygen, and more. Denali National Park is a major draw for many visitors, but its also worth exploring alternative options such as the Kenai Peninsula, Copper River Center or Katmai National Park . There are a large number of long-time cruisers who love the aft cruise ship staterooms. Passengers tend to be mature and well-traveled. Plus, its the best way to experience the iconic Inside Passage, the most popular route for cruise ships departing from Seattle and Vancouver from May through September. But those with starboard cabins will have sunsets for the first half of the cruise, and sunrises for the final few days. . Oceania prides itself on fine dining and an upscale yet comfortable ambiance -- and Regatta is no exception. Disney Cruise LIne 6 Pin Lot: 3D Alaska Goofy & Stitch, Castaway Club, 3D Ears . Well - for departure from San Francisco, port side viewing would be best if you plan on being in your cabin during sail away. He would stare intently at the paper for a few minutes, then lock it back up. Follow along on this incredible voyage! Unfolding the paper, he suddenly went very pale. My preferences are southbound, due to my intense interest in sailing Vancouver Island in day light. The best side of the ship just depends on the direction youre sailing. Haines doesnt have a lot of cruise ships that call in its port, but it does have some. This lingo emerged around the 16th century, as colonization of the New World boomed. What Royal Caribbean Ship Should You Pick in Alaska? After a recent sailing, realization of that fact came flooding back to me, prompting this post and some good reasons not to choose a balcony. Get Cruise Savvy with our FREE Newsletter! Launched in 1962, the MV Matanuska is one of nine public ferries operating on the Alaska Marine Highway System. Have a great vacation! Read Also: What Cruise Lines Sail From Baltimore. A letter from a long-lost love? All-inclusive sailing with no extra charge, infinity pool and multiple hot tubs, Each room comes with binoculars for wildlife spotting, Ship just debuted in November 2021 and its first sailing with American Queen Voyages was May 2022. Inside Passage. The Discovery Princess had her naming ceremony in April of 2022, so shes a brand-new addition to the lines fleet. Thread Tools Search this Thread Sep 12th, 2001, 01:26 PM #1 Sally Guest . The Millennium offers Edge series staterooms with Infinite Verandaat the touch of a button, your entire living space becomes the veranda, which means you can walk right out to the waters edge. Started June 21, 2021, By Following the arrows, you can see that the ship starts out traveling southeast until it reaches St. Kitts. You are sailing to Alaska and you have a balcony. Thats exactly what youll get on the Seabourn Odyssey. Theres nothing inherently better about either the port side or the starboard side of a cruise ship. Crab trap or Kobli is the best local traditional method to catch crabs. That starboard location gave nearly continuous viewing of the west coast as we sailed. In Summer 2021, Quantum of the Seas joins sister ship Ovation of the Seas in Seattle for our biggest, boldest Alaska season ever. But if youre sailing in a balcony or veranda stateroom, you might want to choose to stay on a specific side of the ship based on the direction of your itinerary. Manage Settings The brand-new Discovery Princess is the final Royal Class ship that will debut just in time for the 2022 Alaska cruise season. One of the most magical ways to explore Alaskas expansive coastline, stunning snow-capped mountains, mystic fjords, lush rainforests, awe-inspiring glaciers, and protected wildlife is by sea. Best New Ship: Princess Cruises. Submit your best tip in the comments! Best Ultra-Luxury: Seabourn Cruises. The exception would be Glacier Bay. I learned something new today and had fun reading this article. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'shouldbecruising_com-leader-2','ezslot_15',606,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-leader-2-0');Per the story, it was more expensive to book these coveted staterooms, and wealthy passengers would have their tickets stamped with the acronym POSH to show that they had paid for the best rooms. You May Like: Cruise Lines Leaving Out Of Jacksonville Fl. Here lie more than enough towering snow-capped mountains, breathtaking calving glaciers, extraordinary wild animals and quirky (if over-trafficked) frontier towns to wow hundreds of thousands of cruisers annually. Promenade deck is best. Your Alaskan cruise is ready to set sail, so which ship will you choose for your adventure through the Last Frontier? Should you pick a port or starboard cabin for a one-way cruise, like in Alaska? Oceanview. Seven Seas Explorer is the top-ranked ship overall. A former flight attendant, she now prefers cruise ships over airplanes and spends several months each year cruising and exploring cruise ports. And 99% of the staterooms on Celebrity Edge have king-size beds, featuring Celebrity eXhale bedding and Cashmere mattresses. When youre not off exploring Alaskas many wonders, keep busy at the casino, take in an after-dinner production of Tuxedo (a fresh take on the Rat Pack) or Gatsbys (a 1920s-era musical romp) or chill out and choose a book from the English-style library with 2,000 options. We enjoyed cruising the Inside Passage while eating our room service breakfast from our balcony watching the little icebergs float by. This chart features a representative from every major line in the mainstream and luxury markets, from the intimate and upscale Silver Muse to mega-ships like Norwegian Bliss. Cruise guests will receive a free Medallion device with a complimentary lanyard, which allows you to do things like open your cabin door, track onboard purchases, find family and friends, locate venues, and check daily activities. During the Glacier Bay day, the captain (and/or pilot) will rotate the ship so everyone gets a view of every angle and your chance of seeing calving is luck's draw! Forward Or Aft? How do I contact TForce Freight?. This means less dependency on elevators. Take in seldom-seen backcountry views aboard our domed railcars as you travel between Anchorage and Denali National Park. Save. Why cant we just use left and right to refer to the sides of a ship? Cruises range from 10 to 14 days.Passengers can choose to leave from San Francisco or Los Angeles. Balcony Cabins. In 2008, a record total of 886,039 cruise passengers passed through the city, surpassing the number for Vancouver, BC, the other major departure point for Alaska cruises. The left side saw mostly ocean, making the port side a good choice for those who liked to feel they had left their land-based cares and woes behind right up front. This question is worth considering because they are very different experiences. A great clarification post. The 2,112-passenger ship features the line's much-loved Giovanni's Table and Izumi Japanese Cuisine, a 200-square-foot outdoor movie screen, rock climbing wall and a nursery for babies and toddlers. Choosing a single cabin prevents you from paying the pesky single supplement price. Port side is the left-hand side of a cruise ship when facing towards the front or bow of the ship, while Starboard is the right-hand side of the ship. If you have a hard time remembering the difference between port and starboard, youre not alone! 15 Best Alaska Cruises. The ship, with its ocean-liner-style exterior and Art Nouveau interior, makes a statement: "elegance" and "family friendly" don't have to be mutually exclusive. Empty nesting led her to Retirement Awaits as the Project Lead. The summer months are a peak season, with longer daylight hours and average temperatures in the 60s. In the same breath, some suggestions for choosing a cabin location specific to Alaska cruising. Here is a list of everything you should do to prepare for your first cruise: Collect all of your travel documents. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Best Cruise Destinations for Nature-Lovers. As the right side was the steerboard side or star board side, the left side was the port side. U.S. News ranks 35 Best Cruises to Alaska based on an analysis of reviews and health ratings. Nevertheless, it sounds like both sides are good. Giada De Laurentiis Named Godmother of Oceania Cruises New Ship Vista, Norwegian Cruise Line Announces 2023 Meet the Winemaker Series, P&O Arvia Naming Ceremony Will Feature Olly Murs, Carnival Now Offering Guy Fieri and Sammy Hagars Santo Tequila Fleetwide, Princess Cruises Introduces Welcome Home Program, https://shouldbecruising.com/privacy-policy/, Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise, 10 Funniest Cruise Jokes That Will Make You Laugh. Be sure to check out SeaWalk, a walkway that cantilevers off the side of the ship and has a glass bottom so guests can see below and above. The S in starboard is closer to the R in right (R S). What more could you want?? So the left side of the ship became known as the port side. Not to mention a card room, casino, library, observation bar, and beauty salon. For more info, please read myDisclosure Policy. As such, hydrophones are used onboard Zodiacs to listen to the voices of Alaskas whales in real-time. Then the ship turns north, and there isn't much to see from either side of the ship until Alaska. Weather. I hope it's helpful when you book your first cruise! But with todays modern ships, why do we still use these old terms? If youre passionate about the finer things in life, Celebrity Cruises may very well speak to your soul. Respi Mee Sup Sabahiiat. There is something to be said for the calming feeling of watching the wake from the back of a cruise ship. An all-inclusive trip from your front door and back again, the Silver Muse is Alaskan cruising in style. Disclaimer: I may receive a small commission when you make a purchase from a link on this site, at no added charge to you. Looking back, was it the right decision? But those with starboard cabins will have sunsets for the first half of the cruise, and sunrises for the final few days. Launched in 2016, Ovation of the Seas is a modern Quantum Class cruise ship offering 7-night itineraries departing Seattle. Like Juneau, Ketchikan is relatively easy to get around on your own and has a bus system that takes you to most places. Youll see from our chart below that dozens of ships are sailing Alaska in 2020. The left side is called port because ships with steerboards or star boards would dock at ports on the opposite side of the steerboard or star. And I use the same memory suggestions to remember port and starboard. Although there is little difference, I would prefer the port side for Glacier Bay. Thats a lot of information to parse as you determine which ship is right for you, so consider a cruise line that caters to your specific needs or interests. The Napaili cruise started on the Hanalei bay side of Kauai to the end of the Napali coast line. Why? As such, technology is a big part of the experience. Theres was once a rumour that derived from the 1930s that sailing between the UK and India, certain passengers would request port out, starboard home, or POSH a way to protect themselves from the high heats of the sun and take advantage of the cool breezes. Enjoy the magical moments spent exploring the far end of the Misty Fjords on Zodiac, learn more about the local wildlife and geology during lectures with the Expedition Team, and kayak along Hubbard Glacier. With the Explorer tour Rockies Explorer and Alaska Cruise (2024), you have a 19 days tour package taking you through Vancouver, Canada and 12 other destinations in North America. The MV Matanuska is a passenger and car ferry operating a 19-hour overnight route between Juneau and Ketchikan, with stops in Petersburg and Wrangell, Alaska. You will be cruising in the Park for nearly nine hours. All 98 cabins face out (no inside cabins), and 68 of those feature step-out balconies. There are several options for onboard dining (aside from complimentary in-suite dining), including a fine dining option, The Grill by world-renowned chef Thomas Keller, and an open-kitchen style option for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Regardless of cabin location, Alaska cruising offers a bunch of photo opportunities that become really addictive, really fast. 2022 Alaska Cruises Are Going Strong, But Supply Chain, Employment Issues Remain, Cruise ship in Alaska (Photo: Holland America Line). The word starboard is the combination of two old words: stor and bord . Not really! When a cruise ship is docked at a port, one side of the ship sometimes has a better view than the other. The story goes that youd have a better view on a round-trip voyage by booking a port stateroom on the first part of the trip, and a starboard cabin on the returnPort Out, Starboard Home. Royal Caribbean. Is there really a difference between the port vs. starboard side? Read full review. Thankfully river cruise ships are much smaller than the ocean-going megaships, so its always just a quick walk to the top deck for a panoramic view of everything. This is the best Alaska cruise port for shopping, with delightful Creek Street and the streets surrounding it offering up more local art and gifts than many other ports . When navigating a ship, its important that all of the crew are on the same page with which side of the ship is which. While I could afford the balcony stateroom, I chose to take an inside instead. States where coin pushers are legal. Youll see plenty of gorgeous scenery on either side of the shipbut you can always consult your itinerary map to see if the views youre interested in will be on the port or the starboard side. Every cabin on the 700-passenger Seven Seas Mariner is a suite with a balcony and at least 252 square feet of space. One of the best things about Ketchikan is its impressive number of totem poles. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'shouldbecruising_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_20',609,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0');Once upon a time, there was a famous sea captain. No formal nights mean the pressure to dress up for dinner is dictated by fellow passengers, not the cruise line. Alaska is the ultimate cruise destination, with jaw-dropping vistas and untouched landscapes. Cook My Catch dining program for guests on select fishing excursions, puppies in the Piazza brings sled dog puppies onboard for guests to cuddle, adults-only wellness and relaxation deck, Princess ships feature Ocean Medallion wearable technology for a seamless, contact-free cruise experience, One of the most affordable Alaskan cruise options, Gratuities and specialty restaurants not included. The line has tailored the experience onboard (kids' programming, dining) and off (unique, if pricey, shore tours) to appeal to cruisers of all ages. Hi Renata, I've been pleased to see that so many of the large cruise lines have been making huge strides over the past few years in terms of environmental friendliness, from waste disposal to using more clean-burning fuels. In those five cruises we've been on the port side twice and the starboard side three times. The 60-year-old ship operates for passengers and cars on . We did Hawaii on NCL aboard the Pride of America. If you turn around 180, suddenly what was on your right is now on your left! 1973 Royal Viking Line Long . Anyone familiar with Southampton-based Celebrity Silhouette, will feel right at home on Celebrity Solstice (the first in class), which has one of the best interior architecture designs at sea, and passenger flow is excellent. In 2022, I took 10 cruises to 12 different countries, including incredible destinations like Portugal, Alaska, Israel and the Canary Islands.My husband and I greatly . We plan on a balcony cabin. (The only risk here is that you might enjoy the ships myriad amenities so much that youll forget to check out Alaska.). Royal Caribbean sends four ships to Alaska each year, but our top recommendation is Ovation of the Seas. Seattle vs. Vancouver: Where Should You Start Your Alaska Cruise? The upshot: This is an all-inclusive luxury ship attracting both mature couples and affluent families. And speaking of unlimited food, youll be treated to five-course dinners along with 180-degree panoramic views. Although in some situations it can be truelets say youre doing a transatlantic cruise from your home in Florida to a European port, and back home again. The image below is an example of a closed-loop cruise in the Caribbean, round trip from Fort Lauderdale. Bonus on Holland America Line: delicious Split Pea soup is served to warm chilled cruise travelers. When we think of left and right, its usually from our own perspective. Do you have Cruise Fever too? The only time we were really glad to be on the Port side was at Tracy Arm. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Top 6 Dirtiest Cruise Ships-CDC Publishes Its List Oceania Insignia. However, if you're skimping, any area in the cruise ship's deck could offer a great view of the points of interest during an Alaskan . While this is not true of all cruise ships, some ships have a sloping aft. Carnival Luminosa is new to the Carnival fleet and we'd say this ship is all set to make a first impression.. The Sky Suite in the Retreat, for instance, includes a long list of curated amenities (e.g., a shore excursion credit, premium drinks, wi-fi, tips, and onboard credit), endless views, a Personal Retreat Host, private dining, and exclusive spaces, like the Retreat Lounge and Sundeck. Some people have reported seeing bears on shore from the ship, but we've never been that lucky. This went on for years, and his crew became very curious. With more than two dozen mainstream ships plying Alaska's island-filled southeast region from May to September, passengers certainly have options. Best All-Inclusive Ship: American Queen Voyages. Review the options of the staterooms in that category for the ship of your choice. So, if Glacier Bay is a must, be sure to select a cruise that features it. Additionally, there is a forward-viewing deck thats open to the public. HomeBlogCruise Tips Cruise News Cruise DestinationsAboutContactResourcesFeatured PressPrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyDisclosure PolicyTerms of Use. The Sun Is Really Not An Issue - Depending how early or late in the Alaska season you sail, the presence of the sun early or late in the morning is rarely annoying. Why study a MAP of Alaska? And bring awe-inspiring wilderness views into every room even Interior staterooms with Virtual Balconies. Between the gentle rocking of the ship and the Ultra Tranquility Bed, youre sure to sleep like a baby. These are fixed locations of the cruise ship, which are . All-inclusive option includes WiFi, unlimited drinks, Signature Expeditions program offers expert guides who give lectures and take guests on intimate excursions, Each cabin is a suite; there are no interior cabins, Ship was reimagined in 2021, with additional dining experiences, a new World Spa, and infinity pool, Fewer entertainment options than on larger ships. Sometimes governmental regulations specify how ships need to be arranged at a certain port. You won't find any rock climbing walls or quirky pool games on Holland America's Nieuw Amsterdam, which prides itself on dining and a relaxed, traditional cruising experience. It should also be noted that sometimes, passengers can sometimes smell exhaust from the ships funnels on their aft balconies. Also Check: Jacksonville Fl Cruise Port Parking. Holland America Lines Koningsdam offers everything long-time cruisers appreciate, from a comfortable size and price point to onboard activities and numerous dining options. CC Help Jenn Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Every journey features two glacier-viewing experiences, which can include Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord. Passengers shell out up-front, but enjoy included amenities such as return airfare, a luxury hotel stay, shore excursions, speciality restaurants, alcoholic beverages and gratuities. This is a wonderful place to try kayaking for the first time! But even if the word posh didnt come from port out, starboard home, you might be wondering if the legend remains because theres some truth to it. Sail away: Port side - view of San Francisco. I was on a tight budget on my first cruise to Alaska. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, Ports: Juneau; Ketchikan; Victoria, BC; Skagway; Glacier Bay National Park and Tracy Arm Fjord (scenic cruising), Park ranger and native Huna interpreters on Glacier Bay sailings, Junior Rangers program teaches kids about local wildlife, Alaskan salmon dishes available every night, Live music abounds at the Queen's Lounge, Lincoln Center Stage and Billboard Onboard, Culinary Arts Center offers cooking classes by Food & Wine Magazine, Main pool has a retractable roof for inclement weather, Ports: Juneau; Ketchikan; Skagway; Victoria, BC; and Glacier Bay National Park (scenic cruising), Local cuisine from restaurants like Tracy's King Crab Shack in Juneau and Skagway's Bonanza Bar and Grill served onboard, Top-deck party with live music, dancing under the midnight sun and more, Puppies in the Piazza (sled dog puppies come onboard for a day), Broadway productions by award-winning composer Stephen Schwartz, Chocolate-lovers can enjoy special desserts, wine tastings and spa treatments, Hidden gem: Terrace Pool offers breathtaking wake views, Ports: Juneau; Skagway; Ketchikan; Victoria, BC; and Glacier Bay National Park and Tracy Arm Fjord (scenic cruising), Educational guides teach little ones about the state's nature and culture in the kids' club, Alaskan craft beers served in bars throughout the ship, "Jersey Boys" Broadway-style show headlines main theater, Activities include go-kart racetrack, laser tag and waterslides, Select solo cabins feature virtual ocean views, Ports: Juneau; Ketchikan; Skagway; Icy Strait Point; the Inside Passage and Hubbard Glacier (scenic cruising), Bike and Brew: biking, drinking and glacier viewing excursion, Onboard naturalist offers insight into the region's flora and fauna, Crew doles out flannel blankets and hot cocoa on deck, Activities include a rock climbing wall and mini-golf, Exterior glass elevators have great views, Ports: Juneau; Ketchikan; Skagway; Tracy Arm Fjord; Victoria, BC; and the Inside Passage (scenic cruising), Naturalists onboard for high-interest areas, Local performers bring Alaskan culture aboard, Blankets and hot chocolate for nature viewing, Award-winning bars specialise in crafted cocktails, Boutique dining options, from crepes to spa cuisine, Entertainment options combine singing, dancing and aerial acrobatics, Ports: Juneau; Ketchikan; Skagway; Icy Strait Point; Tracy Arm Fjord and Hubbard Glacier (scenic cruising), "Frozen" deck party includes themed dining, dancing and games, Educational Junior Ranger program for kids, Fun photo op: characters dress up in outdoor gear, Unique dining scheme: rotate among three venues with the same waiters, Multiple adults-only spaces for daytime and after-hours fun, Ports: Juneau; Ketchikan; Skagway; Victoria, BC; and Glacier Bay National Park and Tracy Arm Fjord (scenic cruising), Onboard naturalist alerts passengers to wildlife sightings, Educational games and crafts teach kids about Alaskan culture, Adults-only Serenity hot tubs are perfect to soak up views, Seuss at Sea program for kids with parade, story time, Dine at Bonsai Sushi, one of our favorite sushi restaurants at sea, Ports: Juneau; Ketchikan; Skagway; Sitka; Wrangell; Homer; Victoria, BC; the Inside Passage; Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm Fjord (scenic cruising), Complimentary backpacks, water bottles and parkas for excursions, Speakers include noted historians and conservationists, Local Alaskan seafood is incorporated into evening menus, La Dame is the only Relais & Chateaux restaurant at sea, All accommodations are suites, most of which have balconies, Butler service included in every suite category, Ports: Juneau; Ketchikan; Sitka; Wrangell; Haines; Inian Islands; Rudyerd Bay (Misty Fjords); Icy Strait Point; Tracy Arm Fjord or Endicott Arm (scenic cruising); Prince Rupert; Klemtu and Alert Bay, BC, Ventures by Seabourn naturalists lead guided kayak and Zodiac tours, "Caviar on Ice" deck party (twist on Caviar in the Surf), Passengers receive complimentary all-weather jackets, Restaurants offer dishes by Michelin-star chef Thomas Keller, Six outdoor whirlpools are perfect for soaking up the views, Intuitive service and all-inclusive fares, Homeports: San Francisco, Seward and Vancouver, Ports: Juneau; Ketchikan; Sitka; Skagway; Icy Strait Point; Wrangell; Astoria (Oregon); Prince Rupert; Victoria, BC; Hubbard Glacier; Tracy Arm Fjord; Sawyer Glacier; the Inside Passage and Outside Passage (scenic cruising), Award-winning lecturer Terry Breen onboard most Alaska sailings, Alaskan menu items include halibut and king crab legs, 1:1.6 passenger-to-crew ratio means more personalized service, Dining options include steakhouse and French restaurant, All bathrooms have bathtub/shower combos and L'Occitane bath products, Homeports: Seattle, Vancouver and San Francisco, Ports: Juneau; Ketchikan; Skagway; Sitka; Icy Strait Point; Wrangell; Haines; Astoria; Prince Rupert; Victoria, BC; Hubbard Glacier; the Inside Passage and Outside Passage (scenic cruising), Unique itineraries with "off the beaten path" ports, Main dining room serves fresh Alaskan salmon and halibut, Guest speakers give lectures on history, culture and nature, Range of cabins, from cozy insides to opulent Owner's Suites, Afternoon tea with a string quartet is a real treat, Ports: Juneau; Ketchikan; Skagway; Sitka; Prince Rupert; Victoria, BC; Icy Strait Point; Glacier Bay National Park; Tracy Arm Fjord; the Inside Passage and Hubbard Glacier (scenic cruising), Visits a variety of scenic cruising destinations, Expedition team onboard includes National Geographic expert, Optional voluntourism opportunity in every itinerary, Accommodations boast sleek, Four Seasons-esque design, Select "Pure" rooms designed for cruisers with allergies.