Oceania Cruises to Showcase New Culinary Tours
and Imaginative Itineraries
MIAMI, Sept. 12,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Oceania
Cruises®, the world's leading culinary- and
destination-focused cruise line, is offering more than a dozen
immersive explorations of Alaska
in 2025, taking travelers beyond typical tourist sights to discover
the unique perspectives, local culture, soaring glaciers, and
pristine wilderness of "The Last Frontier." An Oceania Cruises
first, the 1,250-guest Riviera™ will sail her first
season in Alaska making her the
first and only cruise ship in the region designed for foodies, by
foodies, where travelers will enjoy the best of the 49th state,
paired with the Riviera's luxurious small-ship ambiance and
myriad of gourmet culinary experiences.
The 2025 Alaska season takes place from May through September,
offering a variety of itineraries ranging from seven to 12 days
that depart from Seattle,
Vancouver, and Whittier. Each itinerary features both
lesser-known and iconic ports such as Homer, Sitka,
and Juneau, giving travelers
plentiful opportunities to engage with the destination on an
entirely new level through Native tribe site visits, national park
excursions, wildlife encounters, and more. Each sailing also
features a naturalist on board to offer expert insights into the
incredible biodiversity of Alaska,
covering everything from whales to bears and seals.
"We're thrilled to bring our 1,250-guest Riviera to
Alaska for the very first time,"
said Frank A. Del Rio, President of
Oceania Cruises. "Our elegant, ultra-premium small-ship experience
offers the perfect juxtaposition to Alaska's outdoor adventures, and with
Riviera being 30 to 50 percent smaller than other premium
cruise lines sailing in the region, we're able to bring our guests
to lesser-known, more remote ports, for a true immersion into this
fascinating destination."
The timeless allure of Alaska
means it is a perfect destination for multi-generational
gatherings; teens, parents, and grandparents alike will marvel at
the majesty of the landscape and the amazing wildlife. Oceania
Cruises' popular Alaska Explorer Youth Program is available on all
voyages in the region in 2025. Designed for children between the
ages of 5 to 12 years old, the program will include engaging games,
activities, and Alaska-inspired
special events, where young adventurers will be supervised by
experienced and enthusiastic youth counselors.
To further enhance Oceania Cruises' robust cruise itineraries,
guests have the option to include a pre- or post-cruise land
program where they'll have the opportunity to explore even more of
Alaska. Among the land programs
offered is Discover Denali, where travelers will enjoy one
show-stopping vista after another, including North America's highest peak, while exploring
Denali National Park, the first
national park created specifically to protect wildlife.
Covering a mind-blowing six million acres, Denali offers true
insight into the 49th state. With over two full days in the
park, Oceania Cruises' guests will revel in a fully escorted
experience including travel by domed railcar and along scenic
byways through the iconic wilds of Alaska. Wildlife-spotting
opportunities abound – including bald eagles, caribou, and
Dall sheep – alongside marveling at glacial-fed rivers and the
chance to see the original ranger's cabin, once the only
outpost in the vast park. The four day / three night program
also features an Alaskan Native presentation on the history of
the land and a natural history tour.
Shipboard Highlights of Riviera – The Only True Foodie
Ship in Alaska
The beautifully reinspired 1,250-guest Riviera offers an
unparalleled experience to curious world travelers. Guests will
enjoy incredibly spacious standard staterooms measuring an
astounding 291 square feet, with all categories of staterooms
having been stunningly reimagined with luxurious furnishings,
thoughtful design touches, and larger showers. Riviera is
the only true foodie ship sailing in Alaska, boasting one chef for every 10 guests
and seven open-seating gourmet restaurants including the four
always included specialty dining venues: the Polo Grill Steakhouse;
Italian Toscana; Asian-fusion Red
Ginger; and French restaurant, Jacques.
In addition, Oceania Cruises incorporates the culinary scene of
The Last Frontier into its guest experience through new hands-on
cooking classes in The Culinary Center and the Chef's Market
Dinners in the Terrace Café curated by the onboard culinary team
using fresh, local ingredients from the region.
Savor Alaska – Oceania
Cruises Culinary Shore Excursion Highlights
As the only true foodie ship sailing in Alaska, Oceania Cruises' Riviera offers
an abundance of food-focused excursions where travelers can be
immersed in the culinary scene of the 49th state.
Alaskan Coastal Brunch Escape & Cruise, Juneau: Cruise through the pristine waters
of Juneau and onto a remote speck
of an island in Stephens Passage for a classic Alaskan-style
brunch. While cruising to the remote Colt
Island, visitors will look for humpback whales and other
marine life. After settling in, enjoy a hearty brunch at the
seaside Orca Point Lodge featuring entrées prepared with locally
sourced ingredients all while admiring the serenity of the setting
and the panoramic views of the wilderness.
Exclusive Crabbing Experience, Ketchikan: Set out on a private charter to
prime fishing grounds where you'll help the crew set crab pots and
reel in Dungeness crabs, a true Alaskan delicacy. As the pots
settle, enjoy fishing, breathtaking scenery, and insights into
sustainable fishing practices. Once the catch is in, head to shore
for a campfire feast featuring your fresh crabs in a
saffron-infused bouillabaisse, followed by a rhubarb-blueberry
crisp and hot coffee.
Exclusive Flightseeing & The Taste of Alaska,
Ketchikan: Fly over the
stunning Tongass National Forest in a DeHavilland Beaver floatplane, landing at Salmon
Falls Resort for a feast of iconic Alaskan dishes. Soar over
America's largest national forest, with views of sea cliffs,
fjords, and misty peaks. You may even spot black bears and humpback
whales. After landing in Clover Pass Inlet, tour the fishing resort
before enjoying a classic Alaskan lunch featuring crab cakes,
soy-glazed salmon, and baked halibut.
Sitka Culinary Adventure, Sitka: Explore the gastronomy of
Sitka, a city once known as the
"Paris of the Pacific." As
Alaska's second-largest seafood exporter, Sitka is a culinary hub with rich cultural
influences. You'll sample locally brewed beers made with glacial
water, taste versatile sea salts from Alaska Pure Sea Salt Company,
and enjoy Russian dumplings at Sitka Pelmeni, honoring the city's
Russian heritage. Additional tastings may include cod tips,
reindeer hot dogs, ceviche, and chowder, all crafted with locally
sourced ingredients.
Succulent Seafood Sampling, Juneau: Sample a variety of seafood at
iconic downtown spots while learning about Alaska's sustainable fishing practices. Start
at a memorial honoring commercial fishermen before tasting smoked
king salmon at Taku Smokeries. At Tracy's King Crab Shack, enjoy
king crab bisque and a crab cake, followed by smoked salmon dip,
caviar, and kelp salsa at Taste Alaska! At Deckhand Dave's, savor
rockfish tacos, then finish with halibut ceviche and a blueberry
mojito at the Crystal Saloon.
Hook & Cook at Salmon Falls, Ketchikan: Known as the Salmon Capital of
the World, Ketchikan offers the
chance to reel in chum, sockeye, king, silver, pink salmon, and
possibly halibut, cod, or rockfish. Fish the waters off
Ketchikan in a state-of-the-art
boat, then enjoy your fresh catch, perfectly cooked at Salmon Falls
Resort. Your catch will be prepared at Timbers Restaurant in the
resort and paired with delicious side dishes.
Tongass Hike & Taste of Alaska, Ketchikan: Hike a challenging but
rewarding two-mile coastal gravel trail through the Tongass
National Forest, led by a guide who will point out local flora and
fauna. The steep, rocky Coast Guard Beach trail offers stunning
beach views as your reward. Afterward, enjoy a three-course seafood
lunch at Salmon Falls Resort, featuring locally sourced salmon,
halibut, and crab cakes, paired with a local craft beer or
wine.
Alaska Voyage Highlights:
Alaska Reflections: 8 days from Vancouver to Whittier visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Hoonah and Sitka. Departs May
13.
Explorer's Alaska: 8
days from Whittier to Vancouver visiting Hoonah, Skagway, Sitka, Ketchikan and Prince
Rupert. Departs May 21.
Wilds of Alaska: 12
days from Vancouver to
Whittier visiting Klawock, Ketchikan, Wrangell, Hoonah, Haines, Juneau, Sitka, Kodiak
and Homer. Departs May 29.
Alaskan Accolades: 7 days from Whittier to Vancouver visiting Hoonah, Haines, Juneau and Ketchikan. Departs June
10.
Majestic Alaska: 9 days from Vancouver to Seattle visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Haines, Wrangell and Victoria. Departs June
17.
Gems of The Last Frontier: 12 days from
Seattle to Seattle visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Hoonah, Haines, Sitka, Wrangell, Klawock and Victoria. Departs June
26 & July 17.
Wonders of Alaska: 9 days from Seattle to Seattle visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka and Victoria. Departs July
8.
Radiant Alaska: 10 days from Seattle to Seattle visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Hoonah, Sitka
and Victoria. Departs July 29.
Frontier Adventures: 10 days sailing from
Seattle to Seattle visiting Ketchikan, Sitka, Haines, Juneau, Wrangell and Victoria. Departs August 8.
For additional information on Oceania Cruises' small-ship
luxury, exquisitely crafted cuisine, and expertly curated travel
experiences, visit OceaniaCruises.com, call 855-OCEANIA, or speak
with a professional travel advisor.
About Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises® is
the world's leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line.
The line's eight small, luxurious ships carry a maximum of 1,250
guests and feature The Finest Cuisine at Sea® and
destination-rich itineraries that span the globe. Expertly curated
travel experiences are available aboard the designer-inspired,
small ships, which call on more than 600 marquee and boutique ports
in more than 100 countries on seven continents, on voyages that
range from seven to more than 200 days. Oceania Cruises®
has two additional ships on order scheduled for delivery in 2027
and 2028 or 2029[1]. Oceania Cruises® is a
wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
(NYSE: NCLH). To learn more, visit www.nclhltd.com.
[1] Delivery for the second Oceania Cruises ship
is contractually scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2028, but may
be delayed to 2029.
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