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Juneau soon to become Times Square!
Royal Caribbean International this week announced adventurers can set course for Alaska with their choice of four world-class cruise ships in summer 2023. Three bold, returning favorites, Ovation, Quantum and Radiance of the Seas, will be joined by Enchantment of the Seas to offer families and all travelers a variety of ways to experience the Last Frontier and its majestic glaciers, breathtaking wildlife and charming towns. Now open to book, the new, far-reaching lineup of 7-night cruises will sail from Seattle, Washington; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Seward, Alaska between May and September 2023.
Following summer 2022, Royal Caribbean’s boldest Alaska season yet, the cruise line’s return in 2023 will be its second consecutive year with four ships in the region. From Mendenhall Glacier to the Inside Passage, to onboard memory-making thanks to unique experiences such as simulated skydiving on RipCord by iFly and taking in awe-inspiring views through acres of glass, vacationers have in store cool thrills from one day to the next.
Ovation and Quantum of the Seas Cruising from: Seattle
Both Ovation and Quantum will deliver unparalleled, signature adventures against the jaw-dropping backdrop of Alaska’s picturesque landscapes for the second consecutive summer, sailing from Seattle. Whether from North Star – a world-recordholder as the highest viewing deck on a cruise ship – or the RipCord by iFly skydiving experience, guests will have panoramic views of the scenic fjords, sweeping mountains and pristine wilderness – all from on board.
On Ovation’s cruises, departing on Fridays, travelers can discover the best of Alaska from one charming town to the next. Extended stays also offer adventure seekers more time to explore in Skagway, Alaska, where one can retrace the steps of the historic Klondike Gold Rush and visit a restored 19th-century railroad depot; and state capital Juneau, Alaska, which offers dogsledding across Mendenhall Glacier and explorations of centuries-old mining trails. Plus, vacationers can head to the road less traveled at Ward Cove near Ketchikan where they can take in the unspoiled scenery along the Tongass Narrows and the wildlife that calls it home, like sea lions, bald eagles and porpoise.
Departing on Mondays, Quantum’s stunning itineraries will bring travelers up close to the massive Dawes Glacier after sailing through the impressive Endicott Arm, alongside visits to four coastal communities, including Ketchikan, Alaska, and Victoria, British Columbia. When heading ashore, travelers can look forward to immersing themselves in the local culture while at destinations like Sitka and Icy Strait Point, Alaska, home to the rich history of the Tlingit and activities ranging from kayak island-hopping to whale watching and fishing.
In between exploring storied destinations, guests can enjoy both award-winning ships’ memorable Royal Caribbean experiences. From the FlowRider surf simulator and rock climbing wall to the SeaPlex, the largest indoor activity complex at sea – which features bumper cars, a full-size basketball court, roller-skating rink and more – vacationers of all ages can get their adrenaline pumping. To wind things down after an action-packed day, travelers can kick back at the Vitality Spa and the indoor or outdoor pools that double as front-row seats to see the spectacular surroundings the region offers. Guests can also delight their palates with a world of flavors at restaurants like American steakhouse Chops Grille, the Asian-inspired Izumi or Jamie’s Italian before catching the cruise line’s original entertainment productions.
Radiance and Enchantment of the Seas
Cruising from: Seward and Vancouver | Vancouver
Radiance will, once again, sail alternating southbound and northbound itineraries that depart from Seward and Vancouver. Travelers will have the opportunity to discover the region’s magnificent landscapes firsthand when visiting Icy Strait Point, Sitka and Skagway, and as they sail the Inside Passage and by Hubbard Glacier.
The thrills continue on board Radiance with an exhilarating, 40-foot-tall rock climbing wall, poolside movie nights under the stars and guest-favorite dining venues, such as Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table and Izumi. Plus, on deck are endless views through expansive ocean-facing glass elevators and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Enchantment makes its way to the Pacific coast for its debut Alaska season, sailing roundtrip from Vancouver. Vacationers have in store more glaciers than one, Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm fjord, and inspiring destinations like Haines, Ketchikan – the gateway to the wild landscapes and seascapes – Skagway and Juneau.
At each destination, guests can make lifelong memories on a variety of once-in-a-lifetime excursions. The experiences run the gamut from dogsledding in Skagway, alpine off-roading with an all-terrain vehicle, canoeing, kayaking and soaring to new heights on a helicopter ride for a bird’s-eye view of the mountains and glaciers. A day of thrills can end with unplugging and unwinding on board Enchantment at the indoor and outdoor pools and whirlpools, Vitality Spa, and a lineup of bars, lounges and restaurants – from Park Café to Chops Grille.