If sledding with huskies in Juneau, exploring the wild Yukon in Skagway, and searching for bears in Ketchikan sound like perfect thrill-seeking journeys, guests aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Alaska cruises are in for some new adventures, courtesy of the line’s recently introduced shore excursion offerings. With more than 135 tours available in Southeast Alaska alone, Royal Caribbean’s Explorations! program encourages guests to discover Alaska, and other Royal Caribbean ports-of-call, in unique and unexpected ways. Shore excursions are offered for guests of all ages, and at every activity level, for virtually every Royal Caribbean cruise itinerary.

“Our new Alaska shore excursions offer rich and scenic regional experiences on land, at sea and even in the sky,” said Craig Milan, senior vice president, Land Operations for Royal Caribbean International. “We pride ourselves in continually adding new and enriching tours for all guests, as their palette for adventure is ever-changing.”

  Following are highlights of the 2007 Alaska shore excursion offerings:

    * Dog Sledding on the Mendenhall Glacier (Juneau) - By helicopter, guests
    can view crevasses and glacier-carved peaks from above, and, by land,
    experience awe-inspiring scenery while sledding through the natural
    beauty of Alaska, all under the direction of the Mendenhall Glacier
    dogsled camp.
    * Photo Safari by Land & Sea (Juneau) - During a breathtaking journey
    through the waterways of Juneau’s Channel Islands, guests can capture
    the attractions and marine wildlife through photography lessons with a
    professional coach.
    * Yukon Exploration & White Pass Scenic Railway (Skagway) - Guests travel
    by motor coach along the Skagway River Canyon over the summit of White
    Pass into Canada’s scenic and historic Yukon Territory. Following the
    footsteps of the original gold seekers, guests explore the popular
    Yukon sites of Pitchfork Falls, the White Pass Summit and Dead Horse
    Gulch. Travel back to Skagway on the White Pass and Yukon route
    railroad for a scenic and historic rail journey.
    * Glacier Point Wilderness Safari (Skagway) - Visitors travel through
    deep fjords, rain forests and majestic mountains on a guided wilderness
    safari. Their adventure includes a catamaran cruise through Alaska’s
    deepest fjord, a nature walk offering breath-taking views of the
    Davidson Glacier tumbling into the lake below, and canoeing amid blue
    icebergs.
    * Anan Creek Bear Watch (Ketchikan) - Available to a limited number of
    guests, this exclusive excursion transports passengers by float plane
    to one of the most coveted bear-viewing venues in Alaska. Few natural
    settings provide a unique wildlife expedition as remote and beautiful
    as Anan Creek.
    * Mountain Point Snorkeling Adventure (Ketchikan) - Travelers can immerse
    themselves in Alaska’s sea world when they snorkel the calm and clear
    waters of Mountain Point, while observing multicolored sea stars,
    urchins, sea cucumbers and giant sunflower stars.
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