Alaska Cruisetours Online Announces their 2011 Alaska Cruise and Cruisetour Programs

Alaska Cruisetours Online Announces their 2011 Alaska Cruise and Cruisetour Program br /br /Twenty Two Ships from Princess, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Norwegian Cruise Lines to Offer Gulf of Alaska and Inside Passage Sailings for 2011 including new Alaska offers from Disney Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises. br /br /Ninety Eight Cruise Tour Choices Give Travelers Many Ways to Enjoy the Wilderness; Affordable Options Start at Just $299 for Three Days at Denali National Park.br /(May 03, 2010) -- Whether it’s mushing dog sleds across glaciers or flightseeing over the Arctic Circle, Alaska Cruise tours Online will offer guests an unrivaled Alaska adventure vacation in 2011. br /br /Travelers can choose a seven-night northbound or southbound itinerary between Vancouver, Whittier or Seward, Alaska, via the Inside Passage, or a seven-night roundtrip Alaska itinerary from Seattle. As well as a 10 Alaska cruise from San Francisco. br /br /Alaska Cruisetours Online 2011 Alaska programs offer travelers a full range of cruise and cruise tour options from 7 cruise lines, whether they want to just cruise the Inside Passage, Gulf of Alaska or visit ports-of-call such as Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, Sitka, Anchorage, Homer, Haines or Kodiak, Alaska. br /br /On select itineraries, guests will enjoy a day ashore at Icy Strait Point near Hoonah, the largest Tlingit Indian village in Alaska. They can visit the Native Heritage Center to learn Tlingit history and culture through exhibits and live performances. They can also go wildlife watching, flightsee above Glacier Bay, book a charter fishing excursion or ride the world's longest zip line.br /br /Guests can also explore; Vancouver, Victoria or Nanaimo, British Columbia in Canada. Most cruises feature scenic cruising in Glacier Bay, the Tracy Arm fjord and past the Hubbard Glacier – North America’s largest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.br /br /Alaska native guides, naturalists and park rangers come aboard at key times to share their knowledge of local culture, history, glaciers and wildlife with guests. There are more than 250 optional shore excursions so travelers can maximize their Alaska experience with everything from sea kayaking and wildlife watching to history, art and cuisine. Guests can go mushing across a snow-covered glacier on a dog sled in Juneau or and cheer on lumberjack teams in Ketchikan as they compete in events such as axe throwing and log rolling. In Skagway, guests can choose to hike the first two miles of the Chilkoot Trail, the centerpiece of gold rush history, and raft down the Taiya River and then voyage from Icy Strait Point to Point Adolphus, the region’s premier whale watching destination, on a whale and marine mammals cruise.br /br /Guests can also choose to explore Denali National Park in depth, plan independently, or take a fully escorted cruise, or venture off the beaten path. The season opens for sale May 13th with special rates that include adding three days at Denali to a cruise for just $299. br /br /“Alaska Cruisetours Online 2011 Alaska cruises and cruise tours offer travelers a variety of ways to take in Alaska’s wonders, from mild to wild. They can explore by cruise ship, deluxe motorcoach, glass domed private rail cars and even by float plane.” br /br /The 2011 lineup offers 10- to 15-night cruise and land vacations that combine a seven-night cruise with a pre- or post-cruise tour into Alaska's majestic and wild interior. Guests can explore the Alaskan frontier aboard signature deluxe motorcoaches and glass-domed train cars, which offer dazzling glass windows, affording guests sweeping vistas and breathtaking views of Alaska’s untamed landscape as it unfolds. br /br /Most packages feature overnights in Denali with included activities into the National Park for the chance to spot grizzly bear, caribou, wolf, moose and dall sheep – known as the “Big Five” – and include overnights at charming and rustic lodges. With Princess cruises exclusive Direct to the Wilderness program, guests step right from their ship onto luxury railcars that transport them directly to the Denali area. br /br /The season includes a total of 326 Alaska departures aboard 22 ships sailing during May to September.br /br /New to Alaska cruising for 2011 is Disney Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises.br /br /Disney Cruise line will sail north weekly on roundtrip Vancouver cruises to picture-perfect Alaska and guests can behold all kinds of wildlife, from bald eagles and bears to sea otters and whales—and surrender to scenic nature views, ice-blue glaciers, gushing waterfalls, snow-capped mountains and pristine fjords.br /br /Disney Cruise Line's 7-Night Alaskan Cruise sails aboard the Disney Wonder to where fur traders and gold prospectors once walked, where land animals and sea life abound. From the historic gold-mining town of Skagway to the ice fields of Juneau's Mendenhall Glacier, the Alaska amp; Pacific Coast ports of call offer a magical adventure. Ports of call include Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Tracy Arm and Vancouver, Canada—plus 2 days at sea.br /br /For a more luxury cruise experience, Oceania offers for the first time 10, 12 and 14 day Alaska cruises.br /br /nbsp;"America’s largest state, Alaska truly knows no bounds. Stretching beyond the imagination, it is a land of staggering natural beauty. Virgin forests blanket the hills, snow-mantled mountains soar high into the sky, and ancient glaciers creep toward the sea, oblivious to the passage of time. Even the cities, so youthful and spirited, blend in seamlessly. Alaska remains a beacon for those who hold Mother Nature dear, and Oceania's Regatta will explore from north to south, even calling upon Anchorage itself and charmingly remote Kodiak."br /Oceania's Regatta will cruise the breathtaking fjords of the Inside Passage and the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska’s unique treasures unfold. Guests can stroll the wooden sidewalks of Skagway, an authentic gold rush town. Ride a horse drawn trolley through Ketchikan, the “Salmon Capital of the World.” Learn about Tlingit Indian traditions and totem poles in Sitka. Hike along Mendenhall Glacier on the outskirts of Juneau, the state capital. Explore the glaciers of College Fjord and natural wonders just outside Seward. The deeper you delve into Alaska, the more amazing its culture and beauty become.br /br /Featured Cruise Linebr /br /For 2011 Princess Cruises combines a seven-day "Voyage of the Glaciers" cruise with three to eight additional nights on land exploring Alaska's interior. Travelers can choose from four types of land and sea packages -- Denali Explorer, On Your Own, Off the Beaten Path and Connoisseur. All Princess cruise tours include the company's exclusive wilderness lodges, rail or motorcoach travel, plus the top two attractions in the state -- Glacier Bay National Park and Denali National Park, where visitors spend at least two nights exploring the wonders of this area.br /br /Cruises -- Princess offers three itineraries to the majestic glaciers, historic towns and scenic waters of Alaska with sailings from seven to 10 days.br /br /Voyage of the Glaciers -- The line's famed Gulf of Alaska route between Vancouver and Whittier (for Anchorage) features calls at Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway with daylight cruising in Glacier Bay National Park and the 16 glaciers of College Fjord (or Hubbard Glacier on southbound sailings). Diamond Princess and Coral Princess sail on Saturdays and Island Princess offers new Wednesday departures for a total of 54 sailing choices between May 18 and September 17, 2011.br /br /Inside Passage from Seattle -- Golden Princess and Sapphire Princess offer convenient weekend departures on seven-day roundtrip itineraries from Seattle along the scenic Inside Passage with calls at Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Victoria, B.C. Passengers will enjoy dramatic glacier viewing in either Glacier Bay National Park (Golden Princess) or Tracy Arm (Sapphire Princess). The two ships will sail on 37 departures between May 14 and September 17, 2011. br /br /Inside Passage from San Francisco -- Sea Princess again sails from the "City by the Bay" on 10-day roundtrip cruises. The ship offers 13 voyages from San Francisco featuring the scenery of Glacier Bay National Park or Tracy Arm, stops at Victoria and Juneau, plus two other calls in Ketchikan, Skagway, Haines, Sitka or Icy Strait Point. Departures sail between May 10 and September 7, 2011. br /br /Cruise Tours -- Princess cruise tours offer passengers a complete land and sea Alaska experience with vacations ranging from 10 to 15 nights. All cruise tour options include at least two nights in the Denali National Park area, stays at Princess' own riverside wilderness lodges, and a seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers sailing including Glacier Bay National Park. br /br /Denali Explorer -- Featuring multiple nights at the line's own Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and/or Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, these tours also offer the exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness rail service between the Whittier cruise terminal and the dramatic Denali National Park area. Most also offer the opportunity to explore Fairbanks or Anchorage.br /br /On Your Own -- A new option for independent-minded travelers, these tours offer a more affordable and flexible way to see the Heart of Alaska. Tours do not include any pre-planned excursions, giving travelers time to create their own experience.br /br /Off the Beaten Path -- For those who want to explore Denali and beyond, these tours offer options to the Kenai Peninsula with stays at Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge or Wrangell-St. Elias National Park with stays at Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge. Passengers can even choose to venture to the state's far north into the Arctic Circle and Prudhoe Bay.br /br /Connoisseur -- These cruise tour options offer the services of a professional tour director and additional time for passengers to experience the Great Land. Travelers can choose from more of these extended itineraries in 2011, with most meals and enhanced sightseeing options included as well.br /br /Gulf of Alaska cruises and cruise tours for 2011 are available for reservations on May 13, 2010. br /br /Fares begin at $649 per person for an inside cabin for seven-day cruise only voyages, and $948 for an inside cabin and a 3 night land stay for cruise tours. br /br /Rates do not include government fees and taxes. All cruise lines reserve the right to impose a fuel surcharge at anytime, even after the cruise or cruise tour is fully paid for. At the present time, there are no fuel surcharges.br /For more information visit www.alaskacruisetoursonline.com or call 800.365.1445 for more information.div class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9902695-8010053278465088492?l=cruisenews.blogspot.com' alt='' //div

NCL’s Year of Freestyle Vacation Continues

As was mentioned before, Norwegian Cruise Lines is offering a series of promotions during this "wave" season. First up was the Epic, now Alaska and Panama Canal sailings are on sale, with up to 6-category upgrade and 50% reduced deposits, along with onboard credit on select sailings!This offer is good through January 31. If you're interested, call or email me at amber@cruiseresource.com!

Why Cruise Alaska?

Why Cruise Alaska?



For drama and beauty, few places anywhere in the world can match the splendor of Alaska. And few things can provide a richer, more comprehensive Alaskan experience than an Alaska cruise or cruisetour. At each port, you'll discover riches of another kind as we introduce you to the cultural and historical wonder that makes Alaska one of the most exciting destinations you'll ever encounter.


Standing at the edge of a rainbow field of wildflowers, you admire nature's quiet and epic majesty. Then, something stirs - a rustling in the brush as a huge moose rises from rest and wanders off. A moment like this could only happen in Alaska. Welcome to the Great Land.


You never forget them - the vivid impressions from your first visit to Alaska. A 10-story crystal-blue river of ice in Glacier Bay National Park, icebergs calving into the tidewater with a thunderous crack. The spectacular and untamed wildlife, from a nesting eagle high in a Sitka spruce to a family of brown bears foraging along a rocky beach. Your first glimpse of the soaring, silent magnificence of Mt. McKinley. It's everything you ever imagined - and all you traveled so far to see. This is one of life's greatest adventures. One you'll want to plan carefully so you don't miss a thing.


And the 2010 season offers some of the best opportunities ever for experiencing the Great Land, by land and sea. From thrilling voyages on large and small ships to cruisetours featuring exclusive glass domed traincars. Reasoning suggests that more glass means better viewing, so when  they designed these traincars they had one goal in mind: to make them the  most luxurious and spacious glass-domed traincars in Alaska. Guests enjoy wide leather reclining seats. And you won't miss a single view while  sampling Alaskan cuisine onboard. Enjoy the ride as you pass waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, lakes, wildlife and an abundance of fauna and foliage. You should head to the Observation Platform for some fresh Alaska
air. Perhaps to get a closer view of a moose in the wild. Visit the Certified Alaska Experts at www.alaskacruisetoursonline.com who offer you a wide variety of options to one of travel's greatest destinations.

Get the Most Out of Every Moment. Go Beyond the Sea.

A Cruisetour to Alaska is truly the best of both worlds.You'll enjoy the personal attention and lavish onboard amenities that make a cruise such a delightful way to experience the Alaskan coastline. On an escorted or hosted multi-night land journey, you'll travel onboard luxurious glass-domed traincars, discovering the interior at its most beautiful and its most authentic. There are over 98 Cruisetours to Alaska, offered by 4 cruise lines: Princess, Holland America, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, each of which allows you to stay in lodging that reflects Alaska's character and history, from deluxe hotels to old-time lodges. And on escorted tours
throughout your adventure you'll be accompanied by a Tour Director, who will serve as both guide and personal concierge.

Alaska Cruisetour Experts Introduces New Alaska Cruisetour Designed With Families In Mind

Family Fun Tour Adds Value with Variety of Included Extras and Discounted Fares

With its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and plethora of active adventure opportunities, Alaska offers the perfect family vacation. To make it easier for families to plan a trip to the 49th state, Alaska Cruisetour Experts ( www.alaskacruisetourexperts.com ) and Princess Cruises have added a fun new cruisetour option designed especially with family groups in mind.

The 12-night cruisetour offers the best of Alaska by land and sea and includes a variety of special features not usually included in a cruisetour package. Families will have the opportunity to travel on a jetboat, pan for gold, take an interactive tour of Denali National Park, and experience what Alaska is like in the winter when it's many degrees below zero.

The cruisetour appropriately numbered: FUN is offered at a 25 percent discount for all berths, so all members of the family are included in the special pricing.

The Family Fun cruisetour includes a seven-night Voyage of the Glaciers cruise plus a five-night land tour featuring one night at Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, two nights at Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and two nights at Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge. At sea, families can also take advantage of Princess' many onboard programs especially for children, including a special Junior Ranger program in Glacier Bay National Park.

"Alaska is a wonderful travel destination with kids, so we wanted to make it easy and affordable to plan the perfect Alaska experience for everyone in the family."

In addition, the following special extras are included in the tour:

Daily Breakfast - Everyone in the family can start their morning off with the most important meal of the day.

Direct-to-the-Wilderness Rail Service with Lunch - Princess' acclaimed Direct-to-the-Wilderness rail service gets families to their wilderness lodge faster, and includes lunch aboard the train.

Three Rivers Jetboat Tour (Mt. McKinley) - An exhilarating alternative to taking a motorcoach to Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, this tour travels from Talkeetna to the lodge by jetboat, with stops along the river to view historic encampments and learn about the native wildlife.

Arctic Blast (Denali) - Family members can experience winter in Alaska - in the summertime. This special chamber is chilled to wintertime temperatures, so visitors can find out what happens to hot water when it is thrown in the air and whether soap bubbles can survive the cold.

Music of Denali Dinner Theater (Denali) - This rollicking musical comedy tells the legend of the first expedition to the summit of Mt. McKinley, accompanied by a hearty, family-style meal featuring smokehouse ribs and Alaska salmon.

Experience Alaska with Alaska Geographic Tour (Denali) - A more intimate tour of Denali National Park, this special experience includes a variety of interactive experiences, including an enhanced view of the Denali ecosystem and current research taking place. The narrated bus tour takes guests 15 miles into the park to a beautiful river valley where they embark on a short walk to the historic Savage River Camp, where they can participate in a number of hands-on experiences.

Denali Sourdough Expedition Breakfast (Denali) - While fueling up for the day with a family-style, Alaskan roadhouse-style breakfast, guests experience an unforgettable journey up Denali through breathtaking images in Laurent Dick's Climb Denali. Participants have the opportunity to meet this real mountain climber and ask questions about mountain climbing.

Riverboat Cruise and El Dorado Goldmine Tour (Fairbanks) - Families can enjoy traveling on an authentic sternwheeler for a fully-narrated cruise along the Chena River and try their hands at gold panning at the El Dorado Gold Mine, where they will learn about Alaska's gold mining history.

"This is really the ultimate family vacation"

Alaska Cruisetour Experts are offering fares for the Alaska Family Cruisetour (#FUN) that start at $1,743 per person for the first and second berths, and $1,191 per person for the third and fourth berth passengers.

Alaska Cruisetour Experts and Princess offer a variety of land/sea Alaska experience with itineraries ranging from three to eight nights. All cruisetour options feature at least two nights in the Denali National Park area, stays in Princess' own riverside wilderness lodges, and a seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers sailing with Glacier Bay National Park.

Additional information about Princess Alaska Cruises and Tours is available through a Certified Alaska Expert, by calling 800.365.1445, or by visiting the company's website at http://www.alaskacruisetourexperts.com/

About Princess Cruises in Alaska:
One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess is a global cruise and tour company operating a fleet of 17 modern ships renowned for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities, all provided in an environment of exceptional customer service. Princess is a leader in Alaska vacations, offering immersive land/sea vacations that feature the state's "must see" attractions, including Glacier Bay National Park and Denali National Park. Princess owns and operates five wilderness lodges nestled in scenic riverside locations throughout the state, as well as a fleet of deluxe motorcoaches and glass-domed Princess railcars - giving travelers the opportunity to combine cruise, rail and lodge options to see all the best of Alaska.

Disney Cruise Line Sets Sail for America’s Last Frontier: Disney Wonder Bound for Alaska in 2011

DISNEY CRUISE LINE ALASKA BOUND: On Sept. 11, 2009, Disney Cruise Line announced plans to sail to Alaska in 2011. This will be the first time Disney Cruise Line will sail to Alaska and the first time a Disney cruise ship will call the West Coast home for an entire year. During 2011, the ship will depart Vancouver, B.C. for Alaska and sail seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises from the Port of Los Angeles.Disney Wonder Also to Sail Mexican Riviera; Disney Magic to Spend Summer in Europe

For the first time ever, Disney Cruise Line will offer Alaskan cruises during a four-month season of seven-night sailings aboard the Disney Wonder in summer 2011. Combining the natural wonder and adventurous spirit of Alaska with the unparalleled, family-friendly experience provided by Disney Cruise Line, the Disney Wonder will depart out of Vancouver, B.C., calling on popular ports such as Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.

Before and after the 2011 summer season in Alaska, the Disney Wonder will sail seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises from the Port of Los Angeles to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta.

"We're excited to offer this incredible choice of itineraries for 2011, with cruise vacation options for every family - whether that's outdoor adventure in Alaska, the beauty and culture of Europe, folklore and pageantry of Mexico or tropical fun in the Caribbean," said Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz. "The unique advantage of Disney Cruise Line is that we offer a customized ship experience that brings families together, while still catering to the personalized vacation needs of every guest who sails with us."

Disney Cruise Line also will offer a number of repositioning cruises and special sailings in 2011, including a 15-night Panama Canal crossing, two 14-night transatlantic voyages, a five- and six-night cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver, and Vancouver to Los Angeles, with first-ever stops in San Francisco and Victoria, B.C., and 10- and 11-night holiday sailings to the Mexican Riviera and the eastern Caribbean.

Guests will be able to book Disney Wonder and Disney Magic itineraries for the 2011 season beginning Sept. 28, 2009.

Disney Wonder 2011 Schedule
Departing out of Vancouver, the Disney Wonder will sail a total of 18 seven-night cruises to Alaska for the 2011 summer season, calling on Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan.

As part of the new Alaska itinerary, Disney Cruise Line guests will be able to experience breathtaking natural vistas, an abundance of wildlife and the rich history and customs of Alaska's native culture. On their Alaskan adventure, guests may catch a glimpse of a brown bear, bald eagle or humpback whale, and explore magnificent glaciers and fjords in Juneau. In Ketchikan, guests can fish for some of the largest wild salmon in the world and learn about local culture through hand-carved totem poles. In Skagway, Disney Cruise Line guests can traverse panoramic landscapes by railway, or pan for gold like miners from the famous Klondike gold rush.

The first-ever Disney cruise to Alaska will depart on May 3 with the last cruise of the season scheduled for Aug. 30. Rates for the seven-night Alaskan itinerary start at $939 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

To prepare for the Alaska sailings, a brand-new venue called Outlook Cafe will be added to the Disney Wonder during dry dock in October. Located high atop deck 10, the 2,500-square-foot Outlook Cafe is a stylish retreat for guests to relax and enjoy a beverage or cocktail as they peer out through floor-to-ceiling, curved glass windows at breathtaking vistas. The design of Outlook Cafe is sophisticated with contemporary Art Deco inspiration. An elegant spiral staircase connects Outlook Cafe with the existing Cove Cafe one deck below. The 65-seat lounge has a granite-topped cocktail bar with comfortable seating throughout the space, all providing picture-perfect views of the surrounding landscapes.

Book-ending the 2011 summer season in Alaska, the Disney Wonder will sail seven-night itineraries to the Mexican Riviera. Rates for the seven-night Mexican Riviera itinerary start at $639 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.
Disney Wonder 2011 - Alaska and Mexican Riviera

Seven-Night Alaska
5/3 to 9/6
Itinerary:
Vancouver, At Sea ,Tracy Arm , Skagway , Juneau ,Ketchikan ,At Sea , Vancouver

Prior to repositioning to Alaska, the Disney Wonder will sail a special 10-night Mexican Riviera voyage, including a stop at Manzanillo.

A leader in the family cruise segment, Disney Cruise Line delivers a vacation experience that every member of the family feels was created especially for them.

All pricing reflects a category 11C standard inside stateroom, Government Taxes and Fees not included. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line, to book a vacation or for more detail on offer terms and conditions, guests can contact Cruise Direct Online at 800.365.1445

SOURCE Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line Sets Sail for America’s Last Frontier: Disney Wonder Bound for Alaska in 2011

DISNEY CRUISE LINE ALASKA BOUND: On Sept. 11, 2009, Disney Cruise Line announced plans to sail to Alaska in 2011. This will be the first time Disney Cruise Line will sail to Alaska and the first time a Disney cruise ship will call the West Coast home for an entire year. During 2011, the ship will depart Vancouver, B.C. for Alaska and sail seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises from the Port of Los Angeles.Disney Wonder Also to Sail Mexican Riviera; Disney Magic to Spend Summer in Europe

For the first time ever, Disney Cruise Line will offer Alaskan cruises during a four-month season of seven-night sailings aboard the Disney Wonder in summer 2011. Combining the natural wonder and adventurous spirit of Alaska with the unparalleled, family-friendly experience provided by Disney Cruise Line, the Disney Wonder will depart out of Vancouver, B.C., calling on popular ports such as Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.

Before and after the 2011 summer season in Alaska, the Disney Wonder will sail seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises from the Port of Los Angeles to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta.

"We're excited to offer this incredible choice of itineraries for 2011, with cruise vacation options for every family - whether that's outdoor adventure in Alaska, the beauty and culture of Europe, folklore and pageantry of Mexico or tropical fun in the Caribbean," said Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz. "The unique advantage of Disney Cruise Line is that we offer a customized ship experience that brings families together, while still catering to the personalized vacation needs of every guest who sails with us."

Disney Cruise Line also will offer a number of repositioning cruises and special sailings in 2011, including a 15-night Panama Canal crossing, two 14-night transatlantic voyages, a five- and six-night cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver, and Vancouver to Los Angeles, with first-ever stops in San Francisco and Victoria, B.C., and 10- and 11-night holiday sailings to the Mexican Riviera and the eastern Caribbean.

Guests will be able to book Disney Wonder and Disney Magic itineraries for the 2011 season beginning Sept. 28, 2009.

Disney Wonder 2011 Schedule
Departing out of Vancouver, the Disney Wonder will sail a total of 18 seven-night cruises to Alaska for the 2011 summer season, calling on Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan.

As part of the new Alaska itinerary, Disney Cruise Line guests will be able to experience breathtaking natural vistas, an abundance of wildlife and the rich history and customs of Alaska's native culture. On their Alaskan adventure, guests may catch a glimpse of a brown bear, bald eagle or humpback whale, and explore magnificent glaciers and fjords in Juneau. In Ketchikan, guests can fish for some of the largest wild salmon in the world and learn about local culture through hand-carved totem poles. In Skagway, Disney Cruise Line guests can traverse panoramic landscapes by railway, or pan for gold like miners from the famous Klondike gold rush.

The first-ever Disney cruise to Alaska will depart on May 3 with the last cruise of the season scheduled for Aug. 30. Rates for the seven-night Alaskan itinerary start at $939 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

To prepare for the Alaska sailings, a brand-new venue called Outlook Cafe will be added to the Disney Wonder during dry dock in October. Located high atop deck 10, the 2,500-square-foot Outlook Cafe is a stylish retreat for guests to relax and enjoy a beverage or cocktail as they peer out through floor-to-ceiling, curved glass windows at breathtaking vistas. The design of Outlook Cafe is sophisticated with contemporary Art Deco inspiration. An elegant spiral staircase connects Outlook Cafe with the existing Cove Cafe one deck below. The 65-seat lounge has a granite-topped cocktail bar with comfortable seating throughout the space, all providing picture-perfect views of the surrounding landscapes.

Book-ending the 2011 summer season in Alaska, the Disney Wonder will sail seven-night itineraries to the Mexican Riviera. Rates for the seven-night Mexican Riviera itinerary start at $639 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.
Disney Wonder 2011 - Alaska and Mexican Riviera

Seven-Night Alaska
5/3 to 9/6
Itinerary:
Vancouver, At Sea ,Tracy Arm , Skagway , Juneau ,Ketchikan ,At Sea , Vancouver

Prior to repositioning to Alaska, the Disney Wonder will sail a special 10-night Mexican Riviera voyage, including a stop at Manzanillo.

A leader in the family cruise segment, Disney Cruise Line delivers a vacation experience that every member of the family feels was created especially for them.

All pricing reflects a category 11C standard inside stateroom, Government Taxes and Fees not included. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line, to book a vacation or for more detail on offer terms and conditions, guests can contact Cruise Direct Online at 800.365.1445

SOURCE Disney Cruise Line

Carnival to Sue Alaska Over Head Tax?

In comments today to reporters aboard the Seabourn Odyssey's maiden voyage, Carnival Corporation head Mickey Arison indicated they are anticipating a suit against the State of Alaska over the $50/person head tax which was voted on and enacted a little over 2 years ago.

Citing a recent US Supreme Court case in which a similar tax against oil tankers in Alaska was struck down, Arison indicated they've tried to work with the State, but to no avail.

I've long been an opponent of this tax. Having mostly grown up in Alaska, and worked in tourism there, I understand the importance of it to the State. However, I was not surprised by its passing, as the proponents did a good job of couching it in environmental terms (many of those provisions have been "delayed" by the Alaska Legislature as currently unenforceable due to technology issues), and also maintained that the tax wouldn't affect the visitor numbers.

While it's debatable whether or not the tax directly has had an impact on people booking, when you combine it with the economic situation and general downward pressure this past season on cruise fares, it's clear that the cruise lines cannot continue to operate in Alaska at the same levels. Several lines are pulling out ships for next season, as the actual fares for the passengers are too low to sustain operations. Fewer ships will likely increase fares and help their bottom line. Sometimes Alaska (and other locations historically) has forgotten that ships are movable assets - if the economic climate is such that they can make more in other locations, they will move the ships to where the passengers want to sail.

Passengers see the price as the total package - base fare, non-questionably fees (erroneously called Port Charges) and taxes. When taxes are too large a percentage of what the market is willing to pay to cruise in Alaska, lowering what the cruise lines themselves can make, then that's an unsustainable proposition, and the cruise lines will and have reacted.

By the way, fewer ships in Alaska was the result many of the originators of the tax bill wanted, as they had been long term, ardent anti-cruise activists, and the tax and associated regulations were one way they had to push forward that agenda. It was far less about $$$ and more about punitive measures against the industry they vehemently disliked. But they "sold" it to the voters couched in monetary terms and pro-environmental stances, many of which were outdated (the lines already had higher standards) or unreasonable (no technology exists to accommodate the requirements at this time).

It will be interesting to watch this case progress. As someone who was intimately involved in Alaska politics for many years, I know that historically Alaska has been a good partner to cruising. One US Senator's wife was a ship's godmother as I recall. I hope that relations can find an acceptable resolution, as the State of Alaska and cruising both need one another and the relationship has to be more or less in balance.

If you'd like to read the USA Today article, it can be found at CruiseLog,

Star Princess Live Blog Pre-Cruise Backgrounder

On May 17th, we will be blogging live aboard Star Princess for a week long cruise to Alaska. In advance of our Alaska adventure, here's some backgound on our home-away from-home for a week; Star Princess.

Onboard Experience:
Star Princess entered service in 2002, The Star at 108 gross tons ,has 18 decks, 1,301 cabins and eighty percent of her outside cabins have balconies. She has 28 wheelchair accessible cabins (18 outside, 10 inside). There were 2,800 passengers on board with a crew of 1,200 which is a great passenger to crew ratio. Her crew is listed as British and Italian. High over her stern, fully 18 stories above sea level is the Skywalker's Night Club (Deck 17) accessible by a moving walkway. The moving sidewalk you ride up to Skywalkers is one of the most breathtaking views on any ship. Our group's business meetings will be held in Skywalkers.

Star Princess offers multiple dining venues, four large outdoor deck areas (over 1.7 acres of space), multiple sports facilities, four pools, and nine hot tubs. As a result, Star feels very spacious.

Star Princess décor can best be described as a refined, understatedly elegant atmosphere, with hand-painted murals and etched glass partitions in the dining rooms. Little apparent expense was spared on materials, with rich fabrics, beautiful woods, and marble everywhere, all topped of with a $2 million art collection aboard the ship. The cabins are tastefully decorated in soft, inoffensive shades -- beiges, creams and muted pinks.

Things to do onboard:
The Vista Show lounge presents production shows, cabaret, comedians and magicians. The Wheelhouse Bar and the Explorers' Lounge offering cabaret, trivia competitions, art auctions, and pre-dinner dancing. Churchill's Lounge, is used for the cognac and cigars set.

The main gathering spot, the maple-paneled atrium paneled, has boutiques, cafés and public rooms on each of its three levels, all connected by a circular glass staircase. A string quartet adds to the airy ambiance. There is a Casino with slot machines and gaming tables. You can view live sports on ESPN in the Sports Bar, or recline in leather chairs while perusing any of hundreds of books in the beautiful library.

Restaurants:
The three main restaurants, Amalfi,( for traditional dining 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. ) Portofino and Capri Dining Rooms,( for personal choice dining ) seating from 486 to 504 passengers, feature hand-painted murals and etched-glass partitions. The drapes and carpeting in the main dining areas absorb sound efficiently enough to preclude diners having to holler across the table to one another.

Personal Choice Dining offers either traditional cruise dining (In the Amalfi), with a set seating time (6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.) and the same waiter and tablemates each evening, or new restaurant-style seating, allowing passengers to dine when and with whom they choose, with each party seated at its own table, as at a restaurant ashore (offered in the other two dining rooms). Restaurant-style diners may be seated in either of the two elegant main dining rooms any time between 5:30 and 9:30 p.m.. Personal Choice is great if you do not want to rush to dress for dinner in the traditional way after a long day ashore.

Sabatini's, (surcharge $20 per person) described above, seats 100, the Sterling Steakhouse features Angus beef and other grilled red meats (surcharge $15 per person). The Horizon Court is open 24 hours per day, with menu service at night, plus casual breakfast and luncheon buffet. There's also a festive pizzeria. For $100 per couple, you can book the Ultimate Balcony Dinner, to be served by a butler who discreetly makes himself scarce behind drapes or out in the hall between courses. The ship's photographer snaps a complimentary photo while you're eating.

Service:
While Princess has a well-deserved reputation for good service securely footed in its British roots, truly personalized service may be too much to expect on a ship this size. That noted, cabin stewards and waiters are both efficient and personable. And rote processes that should be standardized and well executed on other ships but often fail miserably, such as efficient disembarkation, are generally practiced and polished to the point of excellence here.

Tipping:
A charge of $10 per person per day (including children) is automatically added to your stateroom account for dining and stateroom personnel. This applies to all passengers, adult and child alike, whether or not they choose traditional or personal choice dining. The amount may be increased or lowered at the Purser's Reception desk during the cruise. A 15 percent gratuity is automatically added to all beverage tabs. Gratuities for spa, casino and other staff are at your discretion.

Staterooms:
710 of the 1300 staterooms have balconies, up to 257 sq. feet. Standard inside staterooms are 160 sq. ft., while outside cabins range from 168 to 210 sq. feet. Mini-suites with private verandas are 325 sq. feet. Vista Suites,range from 515 to 800 sq. feet. All staterooms have color TV with CNN and movies, a radio and small refrigerator, and spacious bathrooms with storage space and hair dryers.

The Ship:

Gala Deck 4 has the Medical Center.

Plaza Deck 5 forward has a laundromat and cabins. Midship are the Art Gallery, Reception and tour offices, the Lobby Bar, library and card room and on board shops. Toward aft is the Capri Dining Room and the galley.

Fiesta Deck 6 forward is the Princess Theater (with stairs to the theater), Shooters Bar, the Video Arcade, the Grand Casino, the Reception desk, boutiques and the Portofino Dining Room, the galley and the Amalfi Dining Room aft.

Promenade Deck 7 forward is the Princess theater balcony with wheelchair access ramps and the last three rows reserved for passengers with limited mobility. The last row had room for wheelchairs and seats for companions. Excellent! When going toward midship there is the Promenade Bar, the Internet Cafe, Tequila's alternative dining, the lovely wedding chapel and the boutiques. These venues are arranged along a serpentine corridor. Toward aft is the Explorers Showroom, the Wheelhouse Bar, Sabatini's Trattoria and the photo shop (there is excellent photography on board with formal and black and white sittings available). All the way aft is the Vista Lounge with an intimate design and stage. All seats here have a great view of the stage.

Emerald Deck 8, Dolphin Deck 9, Caribe Deck 10, Baja Deck 11 and Aloha Deck 12 are all staterooms and there are laundromats on every deck.

Lido Deck 14 has staterooms forward. Toward midship are Neptune's Reef and pool area, Mermaid's Tail Bar, Prego Pizza, Trident Grill and the Conservatory. Midship are the Calypso Reef and pool. Aft are the Horizon Food Court & Terrace and the Outrigger Bar.

Sun Deck 15 forward has the gymnasium with many types of exercise machines, the Oriental Lotus Spa and current pool. Here Vincent enjoyed the whirlpool and Mary the current pool, whose temperature was perfect! This area is decorated with an Asian theme with murals, a statue in lotus position and a huge gong resembling a bell. It is very beautiful, especially in the morning. Midship are the Tradewinds Bar and Princess Links with putting green and golf course simulator. Aft is the Fun Zone and Off Limits, the teen area.

Sports Deck 16 forward is Center Court, the jogging track and the top deck of Fun Zone and Off Limits.

Sky Deck 17 is the Skywalker's Night Club suspended high above the ship.

Dining Hints:

Start out each morning with s continental breakfast in your stateroom: juice, coffee, tea, milk, cold cereals, rolls, Danish or croissants. Then if your real hungry, go to teh Horizon Court for as huge buffet breakfast later in the morning.

Lunch is always available in the dining room or the Horizon Court buffet on Deck 14.

Want to dress casual, choose to have dinner at the Horizon Court Buffet.

Just for Kids:

The Princess Fun Zone has three categories: Princess Pelicans ages 3 to 7 yrs. (enroll from morning to night if you like); Princess Pirateers ages 8 to 12 yrs., with activities such as arts and crafts, sports tournaments, ship board Olympics, Scavenger Hunts, and "Edutainment"); The Off Limits, for ages 13 to 17 yrs., has a teen center with video games, movies, giant screen TV, ping pong, and jukeboxes. There are Teen Only Disco and Dinner Parties, Sports Tournaments and Shipboard Olympics. We have noticed on cruises that the youngsters, like the adults, soon find each other and have a great time.

Money-Saving Advice:

If you are on a tight budget, you will want to keep a handle on onboard spending – the casino, liquor, art sales, jewelry sales, photographs, souvenirs, etc. There are plenty of temptations to spend money – don’t. Other wise at the end of the cruise you will get "sticker shock" when you get your bill!

Making Alaska Cruise Tours Easier

When speaking with clients about Alaska Cruisetours (cruise plus land portion in Alaska), most people do want to do the combination, but what stops a lot of people from considering it is not the time frame and duration, but rather the concerns over the cost of flying into Alaska and returning from Vancouver or the reverse (called open-jaw air).

Princess must be getting the same resistance, as they've created the first round-trip Cruisetour from Seattle! While you still sail one-way between Vancouver and Alaska, Princess had created a package so that they'll transport you round-trip from Seattle. Smart move!

The itinerary is:

• Motorcoach trip Seattle to Vancouver
• 7 day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise
• Direct to the Wilderness rail service
• 2 nights Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge
• Natural History Tour into Denali National Park
• 2 Nights Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge
• Air flight Anchorage to Seattle
• 1 night Seattle

This is a 12-day Cruisetour with prices starting at $1,499/person for an Inside cabin and $2,049/person for a Balcony (May 16 departure for these prices). This is an excellent value to have the convenience and savings of a round-trip Seattle airfare, with the benefit of being able to experience more of Alaska, by land and sea, on a Cruisetour.

Royal Caribbean Europe and Alaska Dollar Off!

The next in the series of special pricing offers as part of Royal Caribbean's November First Time Cruisers Month Event is here! Book a selected Alaska or Europe cruise between November 17 and 23, and receive up to $200/cabin savings!

The full list of offers and applicable savings can be found at Royal Caribbean Alaska and Europe Cruise Dollars Off Savings. Find something you like? You know what to do!

Confused about options and itineraries in Alaska or Europe? You're not alone! Know that I've traveled extensively in Europe and actually grew up mostly in Alaska. Call or email me with all your questions. That's what I'm here for!