Carnival Expands Alaska Shore!
Ray Goldenberg
I received this press release from Carnival and thought it would be of
interest. If you have missed any of my news' postings, they are
available on my web site.
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Ray
LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
http://www.lighthousetravel.com
CARNIVAL EXPANDS ALASKA SHORE EXCURSIONS
WITH A NUMBER OF NEW TOURS FOR EXPLORING THE ‘LAST FRONTIER’
Adventures include eco-friendly options and a ‘Deadliest Catch’ tour
MIAMI (May 16, 2008) — Alaska is one of the world’s most
beautiful destinations and Carnival Cruise Lines has expanded its
shore excursion offerings in the “Last Frontier” with 10 exciting new
tours that cater to adventure lovers and history buffs alike.
Carnival’s summer 2008 lineup of new shore excursions includes
everything from fascinating historical and cultural tours to
glass-blowing demonstrations and a trip on one of the Bering Sea
fishing boats from the reality program, “Deadliest Catch.”
Carnival will offer more than 120 different shore excursion
choices in total on its seven-day itineraries aboard the
2,124-passenger Carnival Spirit. Voyages depart northbound from
Vancouver or southbound from Whittier/Anchorage, with each itinerary
introducing guests to Alaska’s stunning beauty through scenic cruising
opportunities.
“Alaska is an incredibly diverse and naturally beautiful
region where we can offer a wide variety of excursions that are unique
to only that part of the world, “ said Mico Cascais, Carnival’s vice
president of tour operations. “Today’s cruisers want more hands-on,
eco-friendly shore excursions, and our tour program is continuously
evolving to meet the demands of our guests.”
Guests have the option of sailing one of three seven-day
itineraries: Southbound, Northbound or Glacier Bay. Each itinerary
provides incredible views with scenic cruising through the Inside
Passage, Lynn Canal, Prince William Sound, College Fjord and Glacier
Bay as Carnival Spirit makes its way to Alaska’s most popular port
towns including Sitka, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan.
In Skagway, the Gateway to the Klondike, cruisers can now take
part in the new “Golden Glassblowing Experience.” This hands-on outing
allows guests to sculpt their own work of art complete with 24-karat
gold and have the finished product packed and shipped home as the
ultimate souvenir. Also making a debut this season is the “Takshanuk
Mountain Trail by 4x4.” This journey begins with a scenic cruise
aboard a high-speed catamaran down North America’s longest and deepest
fjord. A four-wheel drive “mule,” or heavy-duty golf cart, continues
the journey, taking guests to beautiful waterfalls and crystal clear
creeks before reaching sub-alpine meadows, followed by a gourmet lunch
and fast-ferry return to the ship.
Skagway, located in the upper Lynn Canal, is considered the
northernmost point in Southeast Alaska and features wooden sidewalks,
old-fashioned saloons and horse-drawn carriages serving as reminders
of the Alaska gold rush days. Those seeking a golden treasure can opt
for the “Gold Fever Adventure,” which allows guests to pan for gold on
an active claim.
Joining Ketichkan’s array of excursions are four new
experiences, including the “Bear Creek Zip Line and Challenge Course.”
This eco-rainforest adventure begins with an all-terrain vehicle ride,
suitable for beginners and experts, and features zip lines, tree
platforms, a skywalk, a rainforest swing, rope-bridge and a spruce
slide. Those seeking a more relaxing day can explore Revillagigedo
Island, which boasts the world’s largest collection of totem poles, or
opt for the “Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary, Eagles & Totems,” an
eco-exploration with a guided nature hike, bald eagle viewing and
interaction with reindeer.
Foodies also are in for a treat with Carnival’s latest
culinary offering in Ketchikan — “The Alaskan Chef’s Table, A Cultural
Affair.” This culinary tour allows guests to see how local produce is
caught and then crafted into a sumptuous Alaskan dinner party. This
excursion keeps on giving once guests return home, as they receive a
unique keepsake box featuring recipes for the dishes served so they,
too, can re-create the fun for friends and family.
Those wanting to get a little more up-close and personal with
their Alaskan fare may want to board the Aleutian Ballard for the
“Bering Sea Crab Fisherman” experience. The Aleutian Ballard, the king
crab fishing vessel made famous by the Discovery Channel’s original
series “Deadliest Catch,” invites guests calling at Ketchikan to sail
and learn how these boats operate and to hear first-hand accounts of
the crews’ Bering Sea exploits.
Juneau, America’s largest capital city geographically, also
presents an incredible opportunity for cruisers. Here guests can board
their own private custom-built catamaran, complete with captain and
naturalist, to explore the region’s ice-carved fjords and rugged
coast. This “Wild Coast Exploration by Private Boat” accommodates up
to six guests and lets them set a course for watching whales, bears
and eagles, or hauling in their own catch of the day.
While calling at Sitka, history enthusiasts who take “Sitka's
Cultural & Colonial Russian Tour” will gain an appreciation for the
island community. Participants will delve into the region’s history at
the Sheldon Jackson museum, the oldest exhibit of Indian and Eskimo
artifacts in Alaska; view a former World War II PBY Aircraft Base, and
visit St. Michael’s Cathedral — home to priceless religious artwork
dating back to the late 15th century.
Back on board, Carnival Spirit’s activities cater to the whole
family with relaxing spa experiences or dining options such as the
elegant reservations-only Nouveau Supper Club, and children’s programs
for three different age groups — Camp Carnival for kids, Circle C for
’tweens and Club O2 for teens.
Carnival Spirit also offers indoor and outdoor promenades, a
variety of entertainment options and a diversity of nightclubs,
lounges and live music venues. Additionally, 80 percent of the
staterooms aboard the Carnival Spirit offer either an ocean view or
balcony – ideal for scenic Alaska cruising.
For additional information and reservations, contact any
travel agent.
Carnival Cruise Lines, a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:
CCL; NYSE: CUK), is a proud member of the exclusive World’s Leading
Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Holland America
Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, and The Yachts of
Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to
quality and value, our member lines appeal to a wide range of
lifestyles and budgets. Together, we offer exciting and enriching
cruise vacations to the world’s most desirable destinations.