- Source provided by Touring Mediterraneo
The breathtaking vistas of Alaska’s coastline lend themselves to making an ideal “destination-based” cruise itinerary. Nobody knows this more than those who have had a whale of a time on board Royal Caribbean International & Celebrity Cruises ships, sailing between Vancouver up to various points along the rugged and dramatic shoreline of British Columbia and Alaska.
Your adventures begin when you fly out to Vancouver, Canada’s most beautiful city. Vancouver is famous for being clean and green, and at 999 acres Vancouver’s famous Stanley Park is North America’s largest urban park. Stroll through historic Gastown and colourful Chinatown; visit the Sunken Gardens; enjoy a panoramic view of the City from Grouse Mountain; shop in the bustling City centre featuring Robson Street. Enjoy the heritage of Vancouver’s oldest attraction at the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Take a day trip to Victoria, a bit of Olde England on Vancouver Island. Highlights include a 90-minute cruise across Georgia Strait and through the beautiful Gulf Islands; visit Butchart gardens, drive through the Uplands and Oak Bay scenic residential areas and explore the Empress Hotel, shops and attractions around the Inner Harbour.
From Vancouver’s busy port you will board your cruise ship, either a Royal Caribbean “Radiance”-class or a Celebrity “Millennium”-class ship. The Radiance-class ship incorporates the variety of activity and entertainment options of the Voyager-class (like rock climbing), the sleek profile of the Sovereign-class, and the wealth of windows, glass doors and canopies of the Vision-class – plus some surprises of her own, like the first self-levelling pool tables at sea! Ocean lovers will welcome her spectacular use of glass covering half of the ship’s exterior. Likewise, the “Millennium”-class ships carry through Celebrity’s art and culinary visions but also achieve firsts in their own right, from all-glass elevator banks to spa cafes to alternative restaurants that pay homage to great ocean liners.
The stunning scenery of Alaska is legendary and because the state has so few roads, the best way to experience it is from the sea. Nowhere is comparable to Alaska; its many coastal fjords are reminiscent of Norway, but Alaska offers so much that is unique. Alaska has more glaciers than anywhere else. One glacier on its own is amazing but imagine the experience of cruising past 15 or 16 glaciers in one area. A freshness fills the air, and the pure unsullied surroundings bring tranquillity and a feeling of renewal to all that visit here. In each port that you visit on your cruise ship, you will have an opportunity to take one or more shore excursions – salmon fishing, whale watching, helicopter flight seeing, float-plane water taxi ride, and so much more – experiences designed for all who wish to experience Alaska up close and personal!
Your cruise ends in Vancouver, and you will be able to travel back to Malta feeling as refreshed as only an encounter with nature in all its glory can leave you. However you might wish to take advantage of one of the most fantastic things about Vancouver: it’s a great place from which to take a side trip into the nearby Rocky Mountains of British Columbia. The Canadian Rockies are considered by many to be the most beautiful mountains in the world, filled with inspiring scenery, wildlife and a multitude of recreational activities for all ages. It is advisable to rent a car and visit famous resorts like Kelowna, Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper and Kamloops, world-renowned for their scenic beauty and historic pasts.
Another option while you are on this side of the world is to visit Las Vegas. This sizzling city in the middle of the Mojave Desert has become THE place to visit in the U.S. The sheer variety of entertainment and attractions, make Las Vegas the Entertainment Capital of the World! Fun is what Las Vegas is all about. There’s a buzz in the air that you don’t get anywhere else. They say New York never sleeps but neither does Las Vegas – truly living up to its slogan “Open 24 hours”! You will behold dramatic sights of a skyline that includes a huge pyramid, a mediaeval castle and 1,100ft-high tower with two thrill rides on the top! Then there’s the gaming – card and dice games, race and sports betting, slot machines – you name it, Vegas has it. Not that Las Vegas is just about gaming. The fabulous shows are unlike anything you’ve ever seen before and by night, the millions of dazzling lights outside the hotels are a show in themselves. And where else could you find theme parks and major attractions in all the best hotels? There are so many reasons to visit Las Vegas, you’ll be asking yourself why you haven’t been before!
Combining Las Vegas with Vancouver, the Canadian Rockies, and an Alaska Cruise for example, is an option that many people have taken. These all returned with glowing praises to match the glow on their faces that only an encounter with nature and wildlife at their best can give you! After all, Alaska is like nowhere else on earth with its unique, pristine wilderness of towering mountains, spectacular glaciers, silent fjords and magnificent wildlife. Experience the fascinating ports steeped in pioneering history and ancient native tradidions which truly make Alaska the last frontier - all this while enjoying the amenities of a floating palace! The 5 star premium ships of Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises make your vacation more than just a cruise…. It’s the ultimate holiday experience!