Australians are choosing to cruise Alaska in record numbers, as premium cruise line Celebrity Cruises prepares to send three ships to the region for the 2018 summer season to cater to the incredible demand.
“The number of Australians choosing an Alaskan cruise with Celebrity has grown by more than 100 per cent over the past five years – a phenomenal increase which is significantly higher than the industry-wide upward trend for Alaska cruising,” said Adam Armstrong, managing director, Celebrity Cruises Australia & New Zealand.
Industry-wide, CLIA reported that Australians choosing to cruise Alaska increased by 25.5 per cent in 2016, while Celebrity Cruises saw growth of over 65 per cent during the same year.
“It’s no surprise cruising in the region is growing at such a rate of knots amongst Australians, given Alaska is one of the most spectacular destinations in the world, renowned for its distinct and diverse flora, fauna and landscapes. What’s more, exploring it from the comfort of a modern luxury Celebrity ship allows you to experience incredible sights and wildlife which can only be seen from the water,” Armstrong continued.
Between May and September 2018, thousands of Australians will experience Alaska’s magnificent scenery onboard three of Celebrity’s beautifully modern cruise ships; Celebrity Solstice, Australia’s highest rated cruise ship according to Berlitz, Celebrity Millennium and Celebrity Infinity.
Together, the three ships will offer 50 Alaskan itineraries and visit 13 different ports of call, including scenic cruising through some of the region’s most famous waterways, such as the Hubbard Glacier, Tracy-Arm Fjord and Alaska’s Inside Passage.
And in 2019, Celebrity’s capacity in the region will increase by 20% when Solstice’s sister ship Celebrity Eclipse joins the Alaska-based fleet, taking the place of Celebrity Infinity, which will transition to Europe.
Adding a USA or Canada land-based holiday to a cruise itinerary has never been simpler with four diverse departure points to choose from – Vancouver (Canada), British Columbia (Canada), Seattle (Washington, USA) and Seward (Alaska, USA).
And to help guests really get under the skin of Alaska, Celebrity offers 11 distinct Cruisetours ranging from nine to 13 nights, letting Australian travellers pair a modern luxury sailing with a guided land tour that takes them deep into the heart of the last frontier, complete with luxury motor coaches, glass-domed trains, authentic lodging and a knowledgeable, local tour director who’s with them every step of the way.
During their cruise, guests can choose from 500 unique shore excursions, including the most popular shore excursions amongst Australians travellers; White Pass Railroad and Alaskan Dog-Sled Experience in Skagway, and the Mount Roberts Tramway in Juneau.
Back onboard, Celebrity ships are known for their modern spaces, luxurious personal touches together with the finest in wine and dining. In addition, Celebrity Solstice boasts the Lawn Club; a half acre of real, manicured grass on the top deck where guests can enjoy the perfectly paired Taste of Film experience.
Celebrity Solstice will sail predominantly from Seattle in the USA in 2018, operating seven-night Tracy-Arm Fjord and Alaska Inside Passage itineraries, with calls to Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway in Alaska, as well as Victoria in British Columbia. Celebrity Infinity will sail from Vancouver in Canada, operating seven-night roundtrip Hubbard Glacier and Inside Passage itineraries, with calls to Icy Strait Point, Juneau and Ketchikan in Alaska. Meanwhile, Celebrity Millennium will offer a variety of seven and eight-night open-jaw options from either Vancouver, British Columbia or Seward, Alaska.
Celebrity Millennium departs Vancouver for Seward on 10 May 2018 for an eight-night Alaska itinerary, marking the start of Celebrity Cruises’ Alaska cruising season.
Balcony fares start from AU$2,219/NZ$2,499 per person, twin share for a seven-night sailing on Celebrity Solstice, departing Vancouver on 11 May 2018 and calling at Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway in Alaska, Victoria in British Columbia, Canada, together with scenic cruising through Alaska’s Inside Passage and the Tracy Arm Fjord. Ending in Seattle, the fare includes savings of up to $200 per person plus a free Premium Beverage Package per person and US$300 Onboard Credit per stateroom.
For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.celebritycruises.com.au, phone 1800 754 500 or call your travel agent.
SOURCE: Celebrity Cruises