Vacations By Rail Introduces New Train Vacations in Alaska

A train trip through Alaska’s Denali National Park © 2013 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Chicago-based specialty travel company Vacations By Rail has added five new Alaska train vacations to its product line: Alaska Rails and Trails, Alaska Wilderness Tour, Deluxe Alaska Sampler, Alaska By Daylight, and Glacier Cruise & Interior Alaska.

Vacations range from 6 to 10 days and include visits to the state’s popular cities and sights including Seward, Talkeetna, Kenai Fjords National Park, Spencer Glacier, Prince William Sound, Fairbanks, and Denali National Park. Best of all, each package includes travel aboard one or more of the Alaska Railroad’s iconic trains including the Glacier Discovery Train, Denali Star Train, and Coastal Classic Train, traveling scenic routes throughout the state.

Train vacations depart daily from May/June to August/September 2013 and start at $1,299 land-only, per person based on double occupancy.

Visit Vacations By Rail’s web site at www.vacationsbyrail.com for detailed itineraries, departure dates and pricing for new Alaska rail vacations as well as the company’s complete collection of train vacations to destinations around the globe. To book an Alaska train vacation, contact a rail specialist at 1-877-929-7245 or book online.

Vacations By Rail is a leading North American seller of rail travel and tours. Travelers can choose from a large selection of independent rail vacations, escorted rail tours, and luxury rail journeys around the world. Vacations By Rail also provides virtually every European rail pass and ticket to meet customers’ European travel needs. For more information on Vacations By Rail and the company’s products, visit www.vacationsbyrail.com or call 1-877-929-7245.

See also: Royal Caribbean’s ‘cruisetour’ brings passengers into heart of Alaska – Denali

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Princess Cruises’ Sale through April 19 Offers “Sky High Savings” on Alaska and Europe Cruise Vacations

Princess Cruises is offering a way for passengers to ease the cost of getting to their dream Europe or Alaska cruise with a special “Sky High Savings” sale that offers airfare savings of up to $1,000 for two. Running through April 19, the promotion also offers up to $2,000 off the cruise fare per stateroom, as well as up to $100 in free onboard spending money per stateroom.

The “Sky High Savings” sale offers deals on cruises throughout Europe, including sailings to the Greek Isles, British Isles and Scandinavia & Russia. Travelers will also save on cruises and cruisetours to the natural wonders of Alaska, where they can explore the best of the state by land and sea.

In addition to special fares, passengers booking balcony staterooms or above will receive an onboard credit of $100 (for sailings 10 days or longer) or $50 (cruises up to nine days), and those booking interior or oceanview staterooms can get credits of $50 (cruises 10 days or longer) to $25 (cruises up to nine days).

More information about the cruise sale and pricing can be found at www.princess.com/sale.

Samples of the available Sky High Savings cruise deals include:

• Greek Isles cruise – 12 days: $1,779 interior (was $2,379); $2,379 balcony (was $3,379). Air savings: $500
• British Isles cruise – 12 days: $1,839 interior (was $2,439); $2,539 balcony (was $3,439). Air savings: $400
• Scandinavia & Russia cruise – 11 days: $1.869 interior (was $2,369); $2,669 balcony (was $3,369). Air savings: $400
• Gulf of Alaska cruise – 7 days: $899 interior (was $1,259); $1,559 balcony (was $2,159). Air savings: $250
• Alaska cruisetour – Denali Explorer – 10 nights: $1,476 interior (was $1,730); $1,976 balcony (was $2,340). Air savings: $150

Air savings available to passengers booking Princess eZAir flights in conjunction with the cruise. Princess eZAir gives passengers easy and full control of their flights and the ability to seamlessly coordinate them with their cruise itinerary. Featuring real-time pricing and flight availability, immediate flight confirmation, competitive airfares, and next port protection in the event of flight delays, the innovative program provides passengers and their travel agents the ease of a single booking source for both air and cruise reservations. Travelers using Princess eZAir can choose air carriers and flights, as well as select their preferred cabin level and seating, all with no extra customization fee.

All cruise and air prices are per person, based on double occupancy and include government fees and taxes. The “Sky High Savings” sale runs through April 19, 2013, and is available to residents of the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com.

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Princess Cruises Named “Best Cruise Line in Alaska” by Travel Weekly

Riding the sightseeing train at Denali National Park in Alaska on a cruisetour. Princess Cruises, which offers an extensive selection of cruisetours in Alaska, has once again received top honors as the “Best Cruise Line in Alaska” © 2012 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Princess Cruises has once again received top honors as the “Best Cruise Line in Alaska” in the annual Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards. This marks the fifth year in a row, and the eighth time, that the company has been recognized with this distinction by the respected magazine’s travel agent readers for its Alaska cruises and cruisetours.

“We’re delighted and honored that the true travel experts – travel agents – continue to recognize our Alaska cruise program each year,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “We’re passionate about the Great Land and sharing it with visitors, and this award acknowledges that we offer the best Alaska vacation experience in the industry.”

Drawing upon more than 40 years of experience cruising the 49th state, Princess Cruises offers Gulf of Alaska and Inside Passage sailings and an extensive selection of cruisetours, with accommodations at five Princess-owned and operated, scenic wilderness lodges. The company’s immersive Alaska experience is created by combining a seven-day Gulf of Alaska cruise, including two distinct glacier viewing opportunities, with a land tour ranging from three to nine nights, along with travel by glass-domed railcars.

In addition to experiencing the state’s charming port towns, spectacular scenery and marine life while on a Princess ship, passengers who extend their vacation with a land tour will explore Alaska’s dramatic interior including at least one night among the wilderness of Denali National Park, one of the state’s top attractions. And only Princess offers Direct-to-the-Wilderness rail travel to give visitors more time in the Denali area.

Princess’ 2012 Alaska cruise season features seven ships, including a fourth ship added to the Gulf of Alaska route, and three ships sailing the Inside Passage. They will depart on 122 voyages, and travelers can choose from more than 20 different cruisetour options.

Additional information about cruises to Alaska and Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com.

About Princess Cruises
One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess is a global cruise and tour company operating a fleet of 16 modern ships renowned for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities and exceptional customer service. Princess is a leader in Alaska travel, offering immersive land/sea vacations that feature the state’s “must see” attractions, including Glacier Bay National Park and Denali National Park. Princess owns and operates five wilderness lodges nestled in scenic riverside locations throughout the state, as well as a fleet of deluxe motorcoaches and glass-domed Princess railcars – giving travelers the opportunity to combine cruise, rail and lodge options to see all the best of Alaska. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

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Skis, Sleds and Softball on Snowshoes: Anchorage packs three wild events into 10 winter days

Looking for winter fun, a true Alaska experience and a dash of adventure? Three huge events spice up late February and early March in Anchorage. Spanning 10 days, Anchorage Fur Rendezvous, the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race® and the Tour of Anchorage fill the city with winter activities to suit any interest.

From February 24 to March 4, 2012, Anchorage Fur Rendezvous, or “Rondy” as it’s known locally, features dozens of events that make the most of the Alaska winter. Wild events like outhouse races, the Frostbite Footrace, snowshoe softball and Yukigassen – a team snowball fight tournament – mean lots of fun and plenty of friendly competition for bragging rights. This year, Rondy marks the fifth annual Running of the Reindeer. In which participants make a mad dash down Fourth Avenue alongside live reindeer. Rondy also is home to the World Championship Sled Dog Races, the premier short-distance sled dog race. But just as Rondy reaches its pinnacle, another event – perhaps the most iconic Alaska event – kicks off in Anchorage.

The 1,049 mile Iditarod starts in downtown Anchorage on March 3, 2012, as mushers, dogs and sleds line Fourth Avenue and spectators pack the sidewalks in anticipation of the “Last Great Race.” After a mile and a half on city streets, the course speeds through forested trails, greenbelts and parks of Anchorage. But this is merely the beginning; in the days ahead, mushers face daunting terrain, treacherous weather and vast wilderness on their way to Nome. But even after the last team has left Anchorage, the weekend holds another big event.

See the city of Anchorage and get a good workout in the process. On March 4, 2012, the annual Tour of Anchorage takes full advantage of the city’s vast trail system for the ultimate cross-country skiing event. Part of the American Ski Marathon Series, North America’s longest running and largest citizen’s racing and touring series, the Tour of Anchorage also celebrates its 25th year in 2012. With 50K, 40K and 25K routes, it’s all about endurance. Whether speeding to the finish line or taking a more leisurely pace, the Tour of Anchorage is a great way to experience Alaska through the trail system.

For more information on Anchorage’s wild adventures and urban delights, visit www.Anchorage.net.

See also:

Alaska Heritage Tours Turn a Stopover in Anchorage into a Wilderness Exploration

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www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

Princess Cruises Features Alaska Deals with “After Thanksgiving” Sale

A view of Mt McKinley in Denali National Park, Alaska and the sightseeing plane that takes you up close.Travelers dreaming of visiting the splendor of Alaska’s wilderness have an opportunity for savings on cruises and cruisetours to the 49th state with Princess Cruises’ first-ever After Thanksgiving Alaska Sale © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

 

Travelers dreaming of visiting the splendor of Alaska’s wilderness have an opportunity for savings on cruises and cruisetours to the 49th state with Princess Cruises’ first-ever After Thanksgiving Alaska Sale.

Running from November 25-29, the sale offers passengers up to $1,000 in savings and up to a $50 onboard credit on one of the cruise line’s popular cruisetour vacations, which combine a Gulf of Alaska cruise with rail travel to Denali and stays at Princess’ exclusive wilderness lodges. For those who opt to see Alaska by sea only, the sale provides a free balcony upgrade and up to $100 onboard credit.

“The breathtaking glaciers, pristine wilderness and amazing wildlife of Alaska have made it one of our passengers’ favorite destinations,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “Cruisetour travelers will enjoy our own wilderness lodges and private rail cars during their land tours, which mesh perfectly with our popular Alaska cruises. And what better time to get the family together to plan next year’s travel than at Thanksgiving.”

Examples of sale fares available include:

• 10-day Denali Explorer cruisetour starting at $1,213 in May; $1,740 for August departures
• 13-day Off the Beaten Path cruisetour starting at $1,618 in May; $2,373 for August departures
• 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise starting at $699 in May; $999 for August departures
• 7-day Inside Passage cruise starting at $749 in May; $899 for August departures

The After Thanksgiving Alaska Sale begins on “Black Friday” November 25 at 12:00 am PST and runs through 11:59 pm PST on Tuesday, November 29. The sale is available to residents of the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico. Reservations made during the sale require a non-refundable deposit.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com.

See also:

RESEARCH & EARLY BOOKING ARE KEY TO GETTING THE MOST FROM ALASKA CRUISE

For more travel features, visit:

www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

Princess Cruises Announces Winners of 2011 Alaska Region Shore Excursion Awards

A boy snatches a salmon from the river in Ketchikan © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com.

Each year, Princess Cruises marks the end of the Alaska season with shipboard awards ceremonies celebrating the year’s favorite local tour operators. The line’s 12th annual C.R.U.I.S.E. service awards have just been handed out, honoring the best shore excursion experiences and guides in most ports on Alaska itineraries, based largely on passenger feedback throughout the season.

Award winners were chosen from the extensive line-up of Alaska and Pacific Northwest shore excursions offered to Princess passengers, and recognize the most popular tours, individual guides and dock representatives in many of the communities where Princess ships call. The awards highlight the important role played by local tour operators in each community as part of a passenger’s overall cruise experience. Winners are determined primarily by tour scores and comments made on passenger surveys.

“It’s always gratifying to recognize these local tour operators who go above and beyond to provide our passengers with unforgettable experiences in Alaska and British Columbia,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “We know that a passenger’s time in port and their activities while on land are a significant part of their cruise experience, especially in such an exciting place as Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.”

The C.R.U.I.S.E. (Courtesy, Respect, Unfailing in Service Excellence) program is the longest running customer service program in the cruise industry. The Alaska awards began in 2000 and cap off a season-long effort to recognize the role that Princess’ tour partners play in passengers’ cruise experiences. Tour Guide of the Season and Dock Representative of the Season award winners receive $100, a letter of commendation, a plaque, a tour of the ship and lunch onboard with their family. Operators of the Shore Excursion of the Season receive a plaque, a letter of commendation, a tour of the ship and lunch onboard for company officials.

The 2011 winners are:

Juneau:
Co-Shore Excursions:
Helicopter Glacier Trek, NorthStar Trekking
Taku Glacier Lodge Flight & Feast, Wings Airways and Taku Lodge
Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer, Allen Marine Tours

Co-Tour Guides:
Joe Pawelek, Gold Rush Tours / TEMSCO Helicopters
Stacy La Mascus, Gastineau Guiding Company

Dock Representative:
Nathan Barzee, Allen Marine Tours

Ketchikan:
Co-Shore Excursions:
Back Country Zodiac Expedition, Ketchikan Outdoors
Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour, Commercial Fishing Adventures
Rainforest Canopy & Zipline Expedition, Alaska Canopy Adventures

Co-Tour Guides:
Annie Bauer, Snorkel Alaska
Rob Holston, Lighthouse Excursions

Dock Representative:
Jill Gates, The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

Skagway:
Co-Shore Excursions:
Glacier Discovery by Helicopter, TEMSCO Helicopters
Golden Glassblowing Experience at Jewell Gardens, Jewell Gardens
Heli-Hike & Rail Adventure, Packer Expeditions

Co-Tour Guides:
Matt Hall, Alaska Icefield Expeditions / TEMSCO Helicopters
Matt Hayashida, Gold Rush Sled Dogs / Klondike Gold Fields

Dock Representative:
Julie Martin, White Pass & Yukon Route

Vancouver:
Shore Excursion:
City Sights & Capilano Canyon Walk, Rockwood Adventures

Victoria:
Shore Excursion:
City Highlights & High Tea at the Empress Hotel, TMS Gateway Tours

Whittier:
Shore Excursion:
Kayaking in Prince William Sound, Alaska Sea Kayakers

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com.

See also:

RESEARCH & EARLY BOOKING ARE KEY TO GETTING THE MOST FROM ALASKA CRUISE

Alaska Heritage Tours Turn a Stopover in Anchorage into a Wilderness Exploration