Despite uncertainty for the brand in Alaska this year, Victory Cruise Lines (VCL) is already gearing up for 2022 and 2023 in the region with news that it will launch a second expedition ship in two years. Set to join the new Ocean Victory is a sister ship, Ocean Discoverer, in 2023.
“Cruisers yearn to travel again, as evidenced by 2021 and 2022 inquiries and our webinar popularity with guests and travel partners,” said Kari Tarnowski, senior vice president of marketing for American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC) and VCL, in a press release. “Opening up 2023 to satisfy that wanderlust had to be done. It is an exciting moment for our company and valued guests as we grow together with a mutual desire to discover new destinations and rediscover those places special to us once again.”
Opening up 2023 to satisfy that wanderlust had to be done.
The 202-guest Discoverer will make its maiden voyage on May 12, 2023, departing from Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica, and first repositioning to San Diego, Calif., on its way to Alaska. Once in the northwestern state, the ship will embark on 11- and 12-day adventures between Sitka, Alaska, and Vancouver, B.C., or Sitka and Seattle. Also in 2023, Ocean Victory will make similar trips between Vancouver and Sitka.
The release of 2023 itineraries comes earlier than ever before as advisors and clients signal a pent-up demand for cruises closer to home, according to the Hornblower family companies AQSC and VCL. What’s more, both brands are offering savings of up to $1,200 per cabin on 2023 itineraries when booked by April 30, 2021.
Once they begin sailing again, guests will find that each line has upgraded their onboard amenities for 2021 including complimentary beer, wine, spirits and specialty coffees from bars and lounges, as well as morning smoothies from a juice bar. Cuisine has been further enhanced with USDA prime meats and fresh lobster, Rounding out the inclusions are one-night, pre-cruise hotel stays and hop-on-hop-off tours by Shore Excursions of America, which was recently acquired by Hornblower Group.
The Details
American Queen Steamboat Company
www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com
Victory Cruise Lines
www.victorycruiselines.com
