By Erin Kirkland
Alaska Travel Expert, about.com
[post_ads_2]It's hard to visit an Alaska port city without seeing the regal ships owned by longtime favorite Princess Cruises. Consistently voted fan favorites by industry experts, Princess Cruises has sailed the Alaska market since 1968, showcasing history, industry, and recreation of the 49th state. A recognized leader in large-ship cruising, Princess is constantly adapting onboard and onshore experiences to keep current with trends and provide guests with an authentic experience, no matter the destination.
In Alaska,
the concept of authenticity is critical, with the state's stunning
visual backdrops and attention from the rest of the world. Thanks to
reality television and a vibrant interest from the adventure travel
market, Alaska remains one of the top scenic destinations in the world.
Princess Cruises, then, felt it was appropriate to evolve, and evolve
they have with several new programs and products geared toward an
appreciation of Alaska, and make traveling on land or sea even simpler.
North to Alaska[post_ads_2]
Featuring four categories of immersive experiences, Princess Cruises' 'North to Alaska' program brings the state to the passenger, with food to history to chats with locals. The Klondike Festival and Midnight Sun Party sends guests back to the 1890's, with gold-panning opportunities, sled dog presentations, Native Alaskan art projects, and a big deck party to celebrate Alaska's famous 'Midnight Sun.' A Taste of Alaska delivers fresh, Alaska seafood to the plates and palates of guests, with opportunities to sample specialties from local port favorites in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. Alaska for Kids! applies hands-on learning with a dose of fun for youth, with the Jr. Ranger program, Deadliest Catch Crab Sort Challenge, and gold-rush activities. The Real Alaskans are a treat, with multi-media presentations about topics important to Alaska's history and current events. Learn about the life of a lumberjack, or find out what it takes to mush a dog team to Nome, and listen in on the perspectives offered by Alaska authors. Returning favorite speakers like Libby Riddles, the first woman to win the famous Iditarod Sled Dog Race, and storyteller Steve Hites are guaranteed to keep passengers on the edgs of their seats.
Discovery at Sea[post_ads_2]
Partnering with Discovery Communications (TM) to further the all-ages educational component of an Alaska cruise, Princess is now offering onboard and onshore activities centered around Alaska's natural world. The Deadliest Catch crab fleet is explored via the Aleutian Ballad, featured in this popular reality television show; Discovery at Sea experiences provide insight into the truths behind some of Alaska's deepest mysteries with MythBusters, while How It's Made delves into the mechanics of producing a reality show onboard a ship. Everyone will shiver during Shark Week, with games and activities centered around the sea's most-feared fish. Children will enjoy exploring the fauna of Alaska with Animal Planet For Kids, where Alaska's unique wildlife take center stage with artistic opportunities, dress-up, games, and crafts. Check the shore excursion listings for icons showcasing these programs.
Pre-Paid Packages and Options[post_ads_2]
Considering a land and sea tour? Princess is a leader in combining a cruise with multiple-day land tours. Always full of options, the company has now rolled out a pre-paid meal package for the land portion of Alaska Land and Sea Vacations, making it even easier to dine in comfort and style while traveling.
Know someone who's always wanted to take a cruise, or wish to surprise a loved one during a trip? Princess now offers gift cards, available for purchase in any denomination, that may be used for onboard purchases or toward booking a cruise.
