Sunday, March 31, 2024

Finding a Cruise Travel Agent

american cruise companies

A cruise line is a company that operates cruise ships and markets cruises to the public.[1] Cruise lines are distinct from passenger lines which are primarily concerned with transportation of their passengers. The itinerary includes ample time for river watching between the ports of Sacramento, Stockton, and Napa (where the ship has two full days). A day anchored in Vallejo provided time for a San Francisco shuttle, a city tour and an excursion to Alcatraz. Upon the return of the guests on tours and the final shuttle, the ship spent the late afternoon and early evening cruising San Francisco Bay, including crossing under both the Golden Gate and Bay bridges. With bright clear skies, the captain managed a complete close-up circle of Alcatraz, which he told us is not always possible. After the champagne departure from Portland and a stop at Astoria, Oregon, the ship passes through the Columbia River Gorge.

american cruise companies

ACL-American Cruise Lines acquires 4 paddlewheelers/riverboats from AQV-American Queen Voyages

american cruise companies

The vessel (American Constellation) was followed by the sistership American Constitution (2018). In January 2023 ACL announced the fleetwide introduction of high-speed (Starlink-provided) satellite internet and Wi-Fi services. Starlink's LEO satellites (positioned at low Earth orbit) provide stable and fast internet connections to moving marine vessels and ACL beta-tested the service in 2022. As a promo, in 2023, ACL offered the Starlink Wi-Fi and the shipboard Room Service complimentary. These new ships, built at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Maryland, are a testament to premier nautical engineering and safety equipment, as well as state-of-the-art navigation. On board a sophisticated aesthetic and an unprecedented level of comfort accommodate modern expectations.

Florida Gulf Coast & Keys Cruise

American Cruise Lines Expands Coastal Cruising with New Class of Ships - The Maritime Executive

American Cruise Lines Expands Coastal Cruising with New Class of Ships.

Posted: Fri, 12 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

The next day, guests can learn about one of the most consequential battles of the Civil War at Vicksburg National Military Park before setting sail for the vibrant capital city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The ship then returns to New Orleans, where guests can stay longer or catch a flight home. History buffs will love this nine-day cruise along the Upper Mississippi and Illinois rivers aboard American Queen Voyages' 245-passenger American Countess paddle wheeler. The itinerary offers guests a chance to explore the idyllic river towns that inspired the Father of American Literature.

Silversea Cruises

Admire the breathtaking scenery that has inspired the country’s most legendary writers, artists, and musicians. Admire the colorful Art Deco architecture of Miami’s South Beach, and taste Cuban cuisine in Little Havana. Browse the shops along Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, and explore the canals by gondola.

This eight-day round-trip cruise takes in historic estates, military sites, and comunities bursting with Cajun and Creole culture. After departing New Orleans, the Viking Mississippi stops in the Louisiana towns of Darrow and St. Francisville, which boast Greek Revival mansions, Spanish moss-draped avenues, and even a haunted house. Day four brings travelers to the oldest city on the river, Natchez, Mississippi, home to a rich African American heritage.

Complete Mississippi

Further, the cruises aren’t just designed to welcome children, but also go a long way in ensuring they have the most amazing and memorable vacation of their lives. Several of the cruises have in-built LEGO play areas, small water parks, and virtual reality movie theaters. Princess Cruises offers a number of itineraries that call on the ports of the scenic Pacific coast. Some international cruise lines like MSC Cruises and Cunard also have ships that homeport in the U.S. The best time to cruise in the USA will vary greatly depending on the region.

Day nine, finds the the ship at La Crosse, Wisconsin, famous for its rugged terrain and breathtaking vistas. The final port is Red Wing, Minnesota, home to beautifully preserved artisan workshops, factories, and pioneer-era architecture. After disembarking, passengers can explore nearby Minneapolis before going home. You don't need to fly to Europe for a river cruise, with new ships and routes creating even more options right here in the United States. Some of the most scenic itineraries traverse the Mississippi, Hudson, Columbia, and Snake rivers, showcasing natural, cultural, and historical attractions along the way. Passengers can visit wineries in Washington, taste Creole cuisine in New Orleans, or learn about the Siege of Vicksburg right where it happened.

ACL ships cruise mainly in the USA, including Alaska, West and East Coast, the USA's biggest rivers (Mississippi, Tennessee, Potomac, Columbia, Snake, Hudson), also in Florida (St George River). American Cruise Lines offers the newest fleet in America, each ship accommodating just 90 to 180 guests. We offer 6 unique ship styles, including a new class of Patriot Class, Coastal Cats, Classic Paddlewheelers, Constellation Class Ships, Independence Class, and the only modern American Riverboats. We have become the industry leader by continuing to introduce new and innovative ships each year, with the most diverse fleet in the country.

He and the captain both talked a bit about the strength of the company's training programs that allow them to promote heavily from within. He said the percentage of newbies isn't always that low, but repeaters are a big part of the business model. Next cruise bookings onboard were encouraged daily, but it was a relatively soft sell approach.

American Queen cruise line going out of business - Winona Post

American Queen cruise line going out of business.

Posted: Fri, 01 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Discover Hemingway’s legacy in laid-back Key West, find your inner rock star in Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture, or explore the interesting mix of cultures in New Orleans. ACL's 2023 schedule (ship American Jazz) included the company's first-ever California voyage. In May 2023 ACL announced the introduction of the 34-night/35-day "Civil War Battlefields Cruise" visiting all major battlefields from the American Civil War ( ) in 13 states.

All of that works together to make it easy for the ship to maneuver through tight turns and at a variety of depths, while providing a smooth ride for passengers. Here are our first impressions of American Cruise Line's new itinerary and American Jazz, from the line's relatively new American Riverboat class of ships. You can search for a CLIA-certified travel agent on the organization's website.

Silversea has a long list of accolades from various outlets including being the “Ultra-luxury Cruise Line of The Year” and the “Expedition/Adventure Cruise Line of the Year” in 2024. Prior to the pandemic, cruise ships were one of the most desirable avenues for entertainment, leisure, and luxury. Each year, cruise lines would dispatch hundreds of ships, each packed with hundreds or thousands of travelers, sailing into the seven seas for weeks at a time. However, come 2020, the allure of clinking glasses and poolside sunbathing dissipated into thin air as these luxury watercrafts became hotspots for COVID-19 infestation.

While most of the material online pertained to reviews on specific ships, our interest was intended towards comparing Cruise Lines rather than individual voyagers. Using a consensus approach, we shortlisted the cruise lines which had been recommended most frequently. The 10-night / 11-day "Grand Historic South" itinerary is roundtrip from Charleston SC to destinations along southeast USA's Intracoastal Waterway. 8-day / 7-night "Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise" (visiting 8 ports) is a roundtrip departing from NYC/New York City NY. All call ports are in the New York state and include Catskill, Albany, Kingston/Hyde Park, West Point, Sleepy Hollow, and NYC (overnight stay before debarkation).

Accommodating just 180 guests, each ship ensures a personalized experience on board with our dedicated crew and onshore led by our expert guides. This revolutionary fleet features the largest-in-class staterooms, including single occupancy options, with full-size bathrooms, private balconies, and large opening picture windows. Our fleet allows us to provide a genuine and customized exploration of areas inaccessible to large ships and crowds, and to explore each region in the most meaningful way possible. With land never out of sight, our small ships are a practical alternative to ocean cruising, allowing for more time to savor the scenery. Our small ship river cruises offer a more intimate look at American Ports and cities along your route. From charming small towns to gracious southern ports, the American Cruise Lines fleet will bring you to your desired destination in luxury and comfort.

Any ACL guest booking river cruises on Mississippi or Columbia rivers gets absolutely free shore excursions. This is a year-round deal and the complimentary land tours are offered in each port of call. Our annual cruise guide provides an in-depth look at the amazing U.S. ports and destinations we visit, our modern fleet of riverboats, excursions and adventures on shore, our onboard amenities and personalized services, and more. For arts and culture lovers, the eight-day Music Cities Cruise along the Mississippi, Ohio, and Cumberland rivers presents an opportunity to visit several charming cities and towns in the South.

Best Alaska Cruises 2024 Alaskan Cruise Deals

alaskin cruise

Get up close to Mother Nature’s masterpieces and listen for the crash of “white thunder”. Visit wilderness playgrounds like Glacier Bay National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – along with even more natural wonderlands like Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, College Fjord and Hubbard Glacier. Situated on the Kenai Peninsula overlooking the Kenai River, the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge® is surrounded by mountains, rivers and wilderness inviting you to explore. Adventure through Chugach National Forest, cruise past Kenai Fjords National Parks’ glaciers or fish along the Kenai River.

We Bring Alaska On Board

Discover the best things to do in Alaska, where its vast landscapes, glaciers, wildlife, and rich history offer endless opportunities for adventure. There's a reason why the best way to cruise Alaska is with Norwegian – we've got something for every type of traveler. The newly revitalized Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Spirit bring that and more with beautifully renovated spaces and staterooms. Sip a cocktail with spectacular views from the coziest spot at Spinnaker Lounge or take a dip in one of five luxurious hot tubs. Pay airfare for one guest, and you'll automatically lock-in roundtrip flights for two. Secure these savings online by choosing your nearest airport in step one of your cruise booking, and enjoy air-to-sea made easy.

Direct-to-the-Wilderness® Alaska Rail Service

Often referred to as the "Little Switzerland", Valdez is known for its breathtaking panorama of snow-capped mountains and glaciers. It is also well-known for its role in the transportation of crude oil from the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, which ends in Valdez. Explore the charming waterfront area and take in the flavors of Valdez through culinary experiences at restaurants such as the Valdez Brewery and the Fat Mermaid.

Cruise Endicott Arm Fjord

On all of its Alaska cruises, a Huna Native Interpreter comes aboard Holland America Line ships to share the history of the Tlingit people. Alaska cruises first made their debut in 1881, when the Pacific Coast Steamship Company began cruising the Inside Passage aboard its two ships, the Ancon and the Idaho. Today, with over 20 cruise lines and small ships sailing Alaska’s waterways, there are plenty of options for travelers to choose from during the Alaska cruise season, which runs every year from April through October. If you’re planning a bucket list trip, we’ve selected the best Alaska cruises for every type of travel style in 2024, from the adventure-focused to the super luxurious.

Best Time To Cruise Alaska

There are hikes, kayaking, mountain biking, ziplining, and dog sledding for more energetic travelers. On an Alaska cruise, you’ll experience everything from raw, untamed natural wonders on an extravagant scale to rich history, buzzing cities, vibrant and delicious cuisine, and a warm welcome. Choose the style to suit your personal taste, from Destination Highlights to Small Group Discoveries, or even custom-designed Private Journeys.

What to Pack for An Alaskan Cruise: A Complete Checklist - Travel + Leisure

What to Pack for An Alaskan Cruise: A Complete Checklist.

Posted: Thu, 18 Apr 2024 21:11:15 GMT [source]

If you haven’t booked travel arrangements yet, now is the time

When booking a hotel in Seattle or Vancouver (or Anchorage/Seward for one-way itineraries), you will want to book a hotel in a convenient location. Search for shore excursions on websites like GetYourGuide.com and ShoreExcursionsGroup.com, and compare them to what you see on Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner. If prices are lower, or if there’s availability on a tour that’s sold out on the Cruise Planner, there’s no harm in booking through a third party.

alaskin cruise

Inside Passage Roundtrip Seattle

The line will send six ships to Alaska in 2024, with tour offerings to Denali, Fairbanks and Anchorage. However, it's the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam that offers some of the most interesting cruise tour itineraries out there. It can be hard to figure out which cruise ship will deliver your idea of a "bucket list" experience in The Last Frontier. I’m a Florida-based freelance travel and lifestyle journalist who has embarked on more than a dozen cruises, including several to Alaska. As a traveler, I am just as comfortable bicycling through Italian olive groves and SCUBA diving the wall of sharks in French Polynesia as I am sipping bubbles in a Champagne house and dining at Michelin-starred restaurants.

alaskin cruise

Katmai National Park cruisetour

Our award-winning North to Alaska program brings local personalities, culture and cuisine on board and ashore to immerse you in all things Alaska during your cruise to the Great Land. Whether served up in jams, candies, pies or cobblers, Alaskan blueberries, high-bush cranberries and other local wild berries are a staple when it comes to Alaskan summer eats. Whether you're curious about Alaska native culture or other Alaska traditions, here's how to make these an integral part of your trip up north. The best Alaska food to try on a cruise includes king crab, salmon, fry bread, birch syrup, wild berries and more.

Stressing over making it to the airport in time is not worth it; instead, the general rule of thumb is to avoid booking flights before noon. Although your cruise itinerary might say you arrive at 6AM on disembarkation day, this does not mean you can get off your ship at 6AM. It takes time for your ship to dock, get cleared by local authorities, and prepare for disembarkation.

It's known for great fishing (salmon, halibut and trout) and an eagle preserve — because eagles know where the best fish can be found. Alaska cruise weather can be chilly (in the 40s to 50s) first thing in the morning and at night. However, if it's a sunny summer day, temperatures can shoot into the 70s and even low 80s.

Holland America Line Set to Debut New 'Glacier Day' and Enhanced Alaska-Focused Experiences on Every Alaska ... - PR Newswire

Holland America Line Set to Debut New 'Glacier Day' and Enhanced Alaska-Focused Experiences on Every Alaska ....

Posted: Wed, 17 Apr 2024 14:15:00 GMT [source]

Popular Inside Passage ports of call include Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Haines and Skagway. When you want to go will depend on which activities you want to do, how you feel about cool weather and rain, and the price. Cruises at the beginning (April and May) and end (September and October) of Alaska's cruise season are generally a bit cheaper than those in June, July and August. The ship's captain has the flexibility to seek out the best remote islands and bays for beachcombing, tide pooling, hiking and kayaking adventures. The 450-passenger Seabourn Odyssey throws a dash of adventure into its luxurious surroundings. Alaska has become a hot spot for multigenerational family travel, with grandparents taking their kids and grandkids of all ages on a memory-making holiday.

Or, you might enjoy a bit of scenic cruising by LeConte Glacier (where the big ships don't go) then continue the fun with hiking and biking the trails of Ideal Cove. Guided skiff tours will take guests in search of Alaskan wildlife in remote bays and secret coves. Alaskan-owned and -operated Alaskan Dream Cruises dates back to 1970 when its parent company, Allen Marine, founded by Bob and Betty Allen, launched with the St. Michael.

Although ships in the same class, such as Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, share similarities, they still offer varied dining venues, entertainment, and decor. Our Princess fleet includes ships that range from our smaller vessels to large ships. From a balcony stateroom, marvel at the glaciers passing by before enjoying local seafood in one of our many eateries during your seven-day Alaska cruise.

An elegant and spacious Alaska cruise ship with fresh floral arrangements and garden-inspired décor. Choose from seven refreshingly uncrowded ships for a front-row seat to Alaska's splendor. With more than 20 animal sanctuaries and sightseeing excursions, we bring you closer to creatures great and small.

Cruise lines often run sales in the fall or in the early months of the year (a period known in the cruise industry as "wave season"). You can take advantage of discounted fares, free upgrades or complimentary add-ons, such as Wi-Fi, gratuities, restaurant meals, beverage packages and tours. Some of the most desirable cabins might be sold out; being flexible about your sail date or itinerary can help. If you're interested in Alaska's Gold Rush history, Skagway — 90 miles northwest of Juneau — is a port you shouldn't miss. In fact, it's the gateway to the Klondike and Dawson's mining district in Canada's Yukon territory, where prospectors searched for gold in the late 1890s.

No matter which itineraries you choose to sail on from Seattle or Vancouver, the best way to maximize your Alaska cruise is with a CruiseTour. Added onto the beginning or end of your sailing, CruiseTours let you dive deeper into the Last Frontier with a few days spent on land under the midnight sun. It’s also home to the towering Denali, part of the Alaska Range and the tallest peak in America. Head deeper into the frozen wilderness with one of our Alaska Cruisetours on board Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Spirit, combining your cruise with an immersive land vacation that goes beyond the expected. Spanning from 11- to 14-days, these cruise vacation packages include overnight stays in Denali, Anchorage, Fairbanks, Homer, Talkeetna, and Valdez. Exclusive to Norwegian, all Cruisetours are led by local Alaskan guides to provide you with an authentic Alaska experience.

The Rainbow House hosts Grand Opening Ceremony for LGBTQ+ shelter

Table Of Content The Academy Museum's Director of Film Programs K.J. Relth-Miller Classic Movie Club Pleasant Street to hold grand openi...