Bookings are now open for Royal Caribbean International’s 2012 Alaska cruises onboard Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas, marking the brand’s 23rd consecutive year sailing in the region.

Radiance of the Seas will sail seven-night north and southbound itineraries between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seward, Alaska, while Rhapsody of the Seas will sail a series of seven-night cruises, roundtrip from Seattle. Royal Caribbean International is also introducing a brand-new series of 20 cruisetours, ranging from 10 to 18 nights.

Betsy O’Rourke, senior vice president of Marketing, Royal Caribbean International said:
“Experiencing the pristine beauty of Alaska is high on many holiday makers’ to-do lists and Royal Caribbean International’s portfolio of Alaska cruises and cruisetour land packages will provide guests with adventures of a lifetime.”

For 2012, Royal Caribbean International will debut three new Alaska cruisetours onboard Radiance of the Seas’ seven-night itineraries between Vancouver and Seward, creating 10 to 13-night cruise and land holidays. All Royal Caribbean International Alaska cruisetours are escorted by dedicated Royal Caribbean Adventure Specialists. Included is a 12-night programme geared toward families, featuring a Resurrection Bay & Wildlife cruise, where participants can take in the region’s dramatic cliffs, alpine glaciers, marine life and seabirds, with a trip to Fox Island – a nature lover’s delight; and excursions to the Anchorage Museum & Imaginarium, where families learn and explore art, history and science through play. The cruisetour also includes an excursion to Denali National Park, complete with experiences designed specifically with families in mind.

A Canadian Rockies six night cruisetour will combine the destinations of Calgary, Banff, Jasper, Vancouver and Victoria with an overnight train journey aboard VIA Rail and accommodation at world-renowned Fairmont hotels. An 18-night Ultimate Cruisetour couples the Canadian Rockies pre-cruise with a five-night post-cruise Alaska land tour.

Radiance of the Seas’ seven-night northbound cruise schedule, from Vancouver to Seward, will cruise the Inside Passage and call at Alaska’s Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Hubbard Glacier (cruising). The southbound journey will reverse the itinerary. Sailing from Seattle, Rhapsody of the Seas’ seven-night cruises will sail the Inside Passage, calling at Juneau and Skagway, sailing past Tracy Arm Fjord and Sawyer Glacier.

Guests can enjoy an array of shore excursions for an additional charge, for example:
At Icy Strait Point, guests can take a ride down a 1,300 ft. mountainside on the world’s largest zip line, for birds-eye views of Port Frederick, Icy Strait and the expansive wilderness
The Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour at Ketchikan takes guests onboard the Aleutian Ballad crab boat to explore the coastline scenery and learn about Alaskan sea life
Alaska Gold Rush & Skagway Highlights is a family friendly adventure onboard the White Pass and Yukon Railway with a stop at the Klondike Gold Fields to offer guests a chance to pan for their own gold

Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas are both fitted with multi-deck glass windows, offering views of Alaska’s landscape. Guests can climb to the top of the ships’ rock-climbing walls for an even more thrilling view from the ship’s highest point.

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 22 ships currently in service.  The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Australia, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and New Zealand.