Crystal Cruises to Offer Seven Alaska Itineraries in 2016

alaskan brown bear
Photo by Dreamstime/Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises has announced its lineup of seven Alaska itineraries for 2016, ranging from seven to 10 days onboard Crystal Serenity. Here are the highlights:

Heli-Hike and White Pass Railway takes guests high above the Sawtooth Mountains, through the wilderness via train, and on a four- to five-mile hike along the Skagway River to the Laughton Glacier. Bears, moose and mountain goat sightings are an added perk (from Skagway, Alaska).

Glacier flightseeing and dog sledding is another combo adventure that highlights two of Alaska’s most popular sports. It takes travelers via helicopter to the top of Denver Glacier before entering the world of mushing, guided by the professionals of the Iditarod Dog Races (from Skagway). A second “musher’s camp” dog sledding adventure is offered from Juneau.

Whale-watching eco-adventure affords views of orcas and humpback whales, as well as Stellar sea lions, harbor seals and more. Participants will also learn from the Marine Conservation Alliance Foundation about how the animals are identified and protected.

ATV adventure through the Tongass National Forest allows travelers the opportunity to visit Alaskan Brown Bears and Sitka Black Tail Deer in their common habitat as they cruise along the rough terrain via 4x4, stopping for sea views of whale spouts and sea otters in the distance (from Sitka).

Fly fishing by floatplane travels far into the Alaskan wilderness to a remote spot not accessible by road, where the catch-and-release fishing expedition begins in pursuit of salmon, Dolly Varden, cutthroat trout or steelhead.

Dozens of other Crystal Adventures offer glacier treks, kayaking excursions, photography-focused expeditions, highlights of Alaska’s Russian and native heritage, ziplining, wildlife encounters and preservation education, and crab feeds. Travelers can also enjoy observing nature from the comfort of the luxury ship as it transits Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier. Additionally, a five-night Extended Land Program through Denali National Park will be offered for guests sailing on the August 16 Northwest Passage voyage from Anchorage to New York

Crystal Serenity’s 2016 Alaska cruise season runs from June 19 through August 16, with a spring Asia voyage and a late-August Northwest Passage route also featuring Alaskan calls and adventures. For bookings by December 31, 2015, travelers can enjoy additional “Book Now” savings, with all-inclusive cruise fares starting at $2,915 per person.

Visit www.crystalcruises.com