After an abbreviated 2021 cruise season in Alaska, 2022 is looking to be one of the biggest years ever for travel to The Last Frontier.
Greatly supporting the rebound of Alaska cruising is the newly announced reopening of cruise travel in Canada — starting in early April — where many ships embark and disembark Alaskan visitors.
“The completion of this guidance by Transport Canada, Canada Border Services Agency, Public Health Agency of Canada and port officials will allow us to sail our Alaska and Canada/New England seasons as planned,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line (HAL). “This is a positive step for everyone who loves to travel to these regions and for all of the businesses in Canada that we support through tourism.”
HAL is particularly excited about this upcoming season because it marks the brand’s 75th year visiting the region, which is longer than any other cruise line. Besides commemorating the anniversary this year, the line will newly feature one or more of Alaska’s famed glacier destinations and showcase several fresh weeklong itineraries between Whittier, Alaska, and Vancouver (roundtrip from Seattle).
Further programming will extend to “Alaska Up Close” cultural events such as EXC (Explorations Central) Talks lecture series, meeting native Alaskans, tasting local food and catching BBC Earth’s “Alaska in Concert."
Cunard Line, Princess Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line's Plans for Alaska
Other Carnival Corporation brands — Cunard Line, Princess Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line — are similarly gearing up for Alaska this year.
“Amidst the myriad choices, Cunard's signature voyage offering, in tandem with the wild frontier of Alaska, is uniquely captivating and distinctive in many ways," said Jamie Paiko, vice president of sales, Cunard North America. "Guests enjoy the line's hallmark experiences and amenities in a large ship environment but with fewer guests on ships of her size. And this year we are excited to debut our new 'Ice White Ball' with 'Taste of Alaska' Gala dining menu.”
Meanwhile, Princess will have six ships in Alaska this year embarking on a dozen itineraries and 140 total departures. The line’s latest Discovery Princess will lead Crown Princess, Grand Princess, Majestic Princess, Royal Princess and Ruby Princess on a variety of routes that will include more than 20 cruise tour options extending shoreside.
The corporation’s most luxurious option, Seabourn, will cater to just 458 guests onboard Seabourn Odyssey in Alaska between Vancouver and Juneau from May to September. Clients can select weeklong one-ways or 14-day roundtrips from the Canadian port of embarkation. Alternatively, there will be four 10- and 11-day options leaving from and returning to Vancouver.
Small Ship Cruises to Alaska in 2022
If clients are already considering a trip to Alaska on a smaller ship, American Queen Voyages, Lindblad Expeditions and UnCruise Adventures are among those offering more intimate experiences.
The newly rebranded American Queen Voyages (formerly American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Lines) is readying to introduce its new Ocean Victory expedition ship in Alaska this year on extensive 12- and 13-day routes. The 186-guest vessel will accommodate deep exploration via kayak and Zodiac.
Lindbland Expeditions, a veteran of Alaska, is set to have four ships in the region for 2022 to offer a wide variety of cruise lengths from six to 15 days between May and September.
“All voyages will provide guests the wild, iconic Alaska experience Lindblad Expeditions has honed over nearly 40 years of expedition discovery,” according to the line. “Guests will witness the exhilarating wildness only accessible via small, nimble ships as they explore deep into remote Alaska — surrounded by extraordinary wildlife and epic landscapes.”
Promising more departures than any other cruise line, UnCruise Adventures is pulling out all the stops. Beginning in April and running all the way until October, the small ship line will sail 14 itineraries across seven vessels.
“April, May and early June are the driest months of the year in Juneau, and due to our maritime climate, are not unduly cold,” said Captain Dan Blanchard, owner and CEO of UnCruise. “This, combined with meeting Alaska towns and people before the summer rush, makes the early season a treat for those who love to explore and step out of the norm.”
