Alaska: Homer Adventure & Interior Wildlife - Cruisetour 10A (Post Tour)

Royal Caribbean®

Seven nights northbound Alaska and Hubbard Glacier cruise onboard Ovation of the Seas® followed by a six night post cruise. Escorted land tour to Homer, Alyeska, Denali and Anchorage.

Included Extras

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Sailing Itinerary

Note: Cruise itineraries are subject to change. Please verify ports and times directly with the cruise line.

Day 1 Port of Call Vancouver Departure 11:30pm

Overview

 
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Vancouver, a bustling west coast seaport in British Columbia, is among Canada’s densest, most ethnically diverse cities. A popular filming location, it’s surrounded by mountains and also has thriving art, theatre, and music scenes. Vancouver Art Gallery is known for its works by regional artists, while the Museum of Anthropology houses preeminent First Nations collections.

Day 2 Cruising
Day 3 Port of Call Ketchikan Arrival 7:00am Departure 6:00pm

Overview

 
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A city in southeast Alaska on an island in the Alexander Archipelago. A supply point for miners during the gold rush of the 1890s, it is now a major port and tourist center on the Inside Passage. Population: 7,450.

Day 4 Port of Call Icy Strait Arrival 11:00am Departure 8:00pm

Overview

 
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Humpback whales feed in Icy Strait above North Chichagof Island, an important travel corridor for many marine mammals, including federally threatened Steller's sea lions. The area's coastal marshes and mudflats are important as resting areas for shorebirds and waterfowl and provide spring-feeding areas for brown bears. Marbled murrelets feed in large numbers within the waters of Icy Strait and nest in the island's coastal old-growth forest.

Day 5 Port of Call Sitka Arrival 7:00am Departure 4:00pm

Overview

 
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One look at lovely Sitka and you'll know why Alexander Baranof, governor of the Russian American Company, decided to build his "castle" here. With views of island-studded waters and stately spruce forests reaching the water's edge, Sitka is considered Alaska's most beautiful seaside town. Sitka's past is a unique blend of Tlingit culture and Russian history. Our historic and scenic community is situated on Baranof Island, nestled between forested mountains and the great Pacific Ocean, on the outer waters of Alaska's Inside Passage. Sitka offers a combination of Native culture, Russian history, and Alaskan wilderness which will provide a diverse and unequaled experience. Wildlife adds to Sitka's natural beauty. Our mild climate, rich habitat, and relatively low human population make Sitka one of the best places to view wildlife. Nearby waters are a popular feeding ground for humpback whales in the late fall and early spring. Summertime provides a wonderful opportunity to view tufted puffins and other sea birds at St. Lazaria National Wildlife Refuge. While out on the ocean, you may also spot sea otters, sea lions, and other marine wildlife. Sitka lies at the heart of the largest temperate rainforest in the world, the Tongass National Forest. Enjoy the fresh outdoors on well-marked mountain trails. Take to the water for a picturesque boat trip or kayaking adventure among nearby islands or charter a boat to nearby fishing grounds to fish for world-class salmon and halibut.

Day 6 Port of Call Skagway Arrival 7:00am Departure 4:00pm

Overview

 
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Skagway, with a population of 862, is located in the Upper Lynn Canal at the northernmost point on the Inside Passage in Southeast Alaska, 100 air miles north of Juneau and 110 road miles south of Whitehorse, Yukon Territory. The City of Skagway is geographically the largest city in Alaska with 455 square land miles.Skagway's history and spectacular natural setting combine to create unparalleled sightseeing and recreation opportunities. Poke around on your own, or select from a variety of commercial tours. Either way, you will be amply rewarded with the sights and activities in and around Skagway.

Day 7 Port of Call Hubbard Glacier Arrival 8:00am Departure 11:00am

Overview

 
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Stretching over 90 miles long and covering over 1,350 square miles in area, Hubbard Glacier is the largest tidewater glacier in North America. It is also one of the most impressive, a 300-foot wall of ice rising sheer and jagged from the ocean. You may hear the rumble and see the monumental splash as the glacier severs into great ice chunks, known as "calves."

Day 8 Port of Call Seward Arrival 5:00am

Overview

 
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Situated at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula, Seward is one of Alaska’s oldest and most scenic communities. Known as the "Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park" Seward is a picturesque town located 126 miles south of Anchorage. Visitors can easily reach us via the Seward Highway Scenic Byway, the Alaska Railroad, bus, air, or cruise ship. Upon your arrival, you will discover our bustling harbor and historic downtown district filled with quaint shops and art galleries. Experience trophy sport fishing, glacier and wildlife cruises, sailing, hiking, kayaking, flightseeing, summer dog sled rides, and more. Seward is also a winter wonderland offering cross-country skiing and snowmachining adventures. At 3,022 feet, towering Mt. Marathon provides a breathtaking backdrop for the town. Behind Mt. Marathon and extending down the coast lies the Harding Icefield, measuring 35 by 20 miles. Flowing from the Harding Icefield are many glaciers, eight of which are tidewater glaciers, calving icebergs into the sea, and reaching the coastline between Seward and Homer. A wide range of accommodations, restaurants, RV parks, tent camping, and visitor services are available. Wherever you go in Seward, you’ll find friendly hospitality and a sense of pride among our residents. We invite you to visit our community any time of year and experience the real Alaska!

Day 8 Seward

Overview

 
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Situated at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula, Seward is one of Alaska’s oldest and most scenic communities. Known as the "Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park" Seward is a picturesque town located 126 miles south of Anchorage. Visitors can easily reach us via the Seward Highway Scenic Byway, the Alaska Railroad, bus, air, or cruise ship. Upon your arrival, you will discover our bustling harbor and historic downtown district filled with quaint shops and art galleries. Experience trophy sport fishing, glacier and wildlife cruises, sailing, hiking, kayaking, flightseeing, summer dog sled rides, and more. Seward is also a winter wonderland offering cross-country skiing and snowmachining adventures. At 3,022 feet, towering Mt. Marathon provides a breathtaking backdrop for the town. Behind Mt. Marathon and extending down the coast lies the Harding Icefield, measuring 35 by 20 miles. Flowing from the Harding Icefield are many glaciers, eight of which are tidewater glaciers, calving icebergs into the sea, and reaching the coastline between Seward and Homer. A wide range of accommodations, restaurants, RV parks, tent camping, and visitor services are available. Wherever you go in Seward, you’ll find friendly hospitality and a sense of pride among our residents. We invite you to visit our community any time of year and experience the real Alaska!

Day 8 Seward

Overview

 
select to open Seward pictures - Opens a dialog

Situated at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula, Seward is one of Alaska’s oldest and most scenic communities. Known as the "Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park" Seward is a picturesque town located 126 miles south of Anchorage. Visitors can easily reach us via the Seward Highway Scenic Byway, the Alaska Railroad, bus, air, or cruise ship. Upon your arrival, you will discover our bustling harbor and historic downtown district filled with quaint shops and art galleries. Experience trophy sport fishing, glacier and wildlife cruises, sailing, hiking, kayaking, flightseeing, summer dog sled rides, and more. Seward is also a winter wonderland offering cross-country skiing and snowmachining adventures. At 3,022 feet, towering Mt. Marathon provides a breathtaking backdrop for the town. Behind Mt. Marathon and extending down the coast lies the Harding Icefield, measuring 35 by 20 miles. Flowing from the Harding Icefield are many glaciers, eight of which are tidewater glaciers, calving icebergs into the sea, and reaching the coastline between Seward and Homer. A wide range of accommodations, restaurants, RV parks, tent camping, and visitor services are available. Wherever you go in Seward, you’ll find friendly hospitality and a sense of pride among our residents. We invite you to visit our community any time of year and experience the real Alaska!

Day 8 Homer

Overview

 
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Homer's leading mystic, the late Brother Asaiah Bates, always maintained that a confluence of metaphysical forces causes a focus of powerful creative energy on this little seaside town. It's hard to argue. Homer is full of creative people: artists, eccentrics, and those who simply contribute to a quirky community in a beautiful place. Indeed, Brother Asaiah may have been the quintessential Homerite, although perhaps an extreme example, with his gray ponytail, extraordinary openness and generosity, and flowery rhetoric about "the cosmic wheel of life." Homer is full of outspoken, unusual, and even odd individualists--people who make living in the town almost an act of belief. I can say this because I'm a former Homerite myself. The geography of Homer--physical as well as metaphysical--has gathered certain people here the way currents gather driftwood on the town's pebble beaches. Homer is at the end of the road; the nation's paved highway system comes to an abrupt conclusion at the tip of the Homer Spit, almost 5 miles out in the middle of Kachemak Bay, and believers of one kind or another have washed up here for decades. There were the "barefooters," a communal group that eschewed shoes, even in the Alaska winter (Brother Asaiah came with them in the early 1950s). There are the Russian Old Believers, who organize their strictly traditional communities around their objection to Russian Orthodox church reforms made by Peter the Great. There are the former hippies who have become successful commercial fishermen after flocking here in the late 1960s to camp as "spit rats" on the beach. And there are even the current migrants--artists and retired people, fundamentalist preachers and New Age healers, wealthy North Slope oil workers, and land-poor settlers with no visible means of support--all people who live here simply because they choose to. The choice is understandable. Homer lies on the north side of Kachemak Bay, a branch of the lower Cook Inlet of extraordinary biological productivity. The halibut fishing, especially, is exceptional. The town has a breathtaking setting on the spit and a wildflower-covered bench high above the bay. The outdoors, especially on the water and across the bay, contains wonderful opportunities. The arts community has developed into an attraction of its own. There are several exceptional galleries and the Pratt Museum, which has a national reputation. You'll be disappointed, however, if you expect a charming little fishing town. Poor community planning has created a town that doesn't live up to its setting. Homer Spit in summer is a traffic-choked jumble of cheap tourist development and RVs. Homer began to take its modern form after two events: In the 1950s the Sterling Highway connected it to the rest of the world, and in 1964 the Good Friday earthquake sank the spit, narrowing a much larger piece of land with a small forest into the tendril that now barely stands above the water. If not for constant reinforcement by the federal government, the spit long since would have become an island, and Homer would hardly exist. As long as it survives, however, the town makes the most of that unique finger into the sea. Whether or not it is a cosmic focal point, it certainly is an exceptional launching point to one of the world's great marine recreation areas.

Day 9 Homer

Overview

 
select to open Homer pictures - Opens a dialog

Homer's leading mystic, the late Brother Asaiah Bates, always maintained that a confluence of metaphysical forces causes a focus of powerful creative energy on this little seaside town. It's hard to argue. Homer is full of creative people: artists, eccentrics, and those who simply contribute to a quirky community in a beautiful place. Indeed, Brother Asaiah may have been the quintessential Homerite, although perhaps an extreme example, with his gray ponytail, extraordinary openness and generosity, and flowery rhetoric about "the cosmic wheel of life." Homer is full of outspoken, unusual, and even odd individualists--people who make living in the town almost an act of belief. I can say this because I'm a former Homerite myself. The geography of Homer--physical as well as metaphysical--has gathered certain people here the way currents gather driftwood on the town's pebble beaches. Homer is at the end of the road; the nation's paved highway system comes to an abrupt conclusion at the tip of the Homer Spit, almost 5 miles out in the middle of Kachemak Bay, and believers of one kind or another have washed up here for decades. There were the "barefooters," a communal group that eschewed shoes, even in the Alaska winter (Brother Asaiah came with them in the early 1950s). There are the Russian Old Believers, who organize their strictly traditional communities around their objection to Russian Orthodox church reforms made by Peter the Great. There are the former hippies who have become successful commercial fishermen after flocking here in the late 1960s to camp as "spit rats" on the beach. And there are even the current migrants--artists and retired people, fundamentalist preachers and New Age healers, wealthy North Slope oil workers, and land-poor settlers with no visible means of support--all people who live here simply because they choose to. The choice is understandable. Homer lies on the north side of Kachemak Bay, a branch of the lower Cook Inlet of extraordinary biological productivity. The halibut fishing, especially, is exceptional. The town has a breathtaking setting on the spit and a wildflower-covered bench high above the bay. The outdoors, especially on the water and across the bay, contains wonderful opportunities. The arts community has developed into an attraction of its own. There are several exceptional galleries and the Pratt Museum, which has a national reputation. You'll be disappointed, however, if you expect a charming little fishing town. Poor community planning has created a town that doesn't live up to its setting. Homer Spit in summer is a traffic-choked jumble of cheap tourist development and RVs. Homer began to take its modern form after two events: In the 1950s the Sterling Highway connected it to the rest of the world, and in 1964 the Good Friday earthquake sank the spit, narrowing a much larger piece of land with a small forest into the tendril that now barely stands above the water. If not for constant reinforcement by the federal government, the spit long since would have become an island, and Homer would hardly exist. As long as it survives, however, the town makes the most of that unique finger into the sea. Whether or not it is a cosmic focal point, it certainly is an exceptional launching point to one of the world's great marine recreation areas.

Day 10 Homer

Overview

 
select to open Homer pictures - Opens a dialog

Homer's leading mystic, the late Brother Asaiah Bates, always maintained that a confluence of metaphysical forces causes a focus of powerful creative energy on this little seaside town. It's hard to argue. Homer is full of creative people: artists, eccentrics, and those who simply contribute to a quirky community in a beautiful place. Indeed, Brother Asaiah may have been the quintessential Homerite, although perhaps an extreme example, with his gray ponytail, extraordinary openness and generosity, and flowery rhetoric about "the cosmic wheel of life." Homer is full of outspoken, unusual, and even odd individualists--people who make living in the town almost an act of belief. I can say this because I'm a former Homerite myself. The geography of Homer--physical as well as metaphysical--has gathered certain people here the way currents gather driftwood on the town's pebble beaches. Homer is at the end of the road; the nation's paved highway system comes to an abrupt conclusion at the tip of the Homer Spit, almost 5 miles out in the middle of Kachemak Bay, and believers of one kind or another have washed up here for decades. There were the "barefooters," a communal group that eschewed shoes, even in the Alaska winter (Brother Asaiah came with them in the early 1950s). There are the Russian Old Believers, who organize their strictly traditional communities around their objection to Russian Orthodox church reforms made by Peter the Great. There are the former hippies who have become successful commercial fishermen after flocking here in the late 1960s to camp as "spit rats" on the beach. And there are even the current migrants--artists and retired people, fundamentalist preachers and New Age healers, wealthy North Slope oil workers, and land-poor settlers with no visible means of support--all people who live here simply because they choose to. The choice is understandable. Homer lies on the north side of Kachemak Bay, a branch of the lower Cook Inlet of extraordinary biological productivity. The halibut fishing, especially, is exceptional. The town has a breathtaking setting on the spit and a wildflower-covered bench high above the bay. The outdoors, especially on the water and across the bay, contains wonderful opportunities. The arts community has developed into an attraction of its own. There are several exceptional galleries and the Pratt Museum, which has a national reputation. You'll be disappointed, however, if you expect a charming little fishing town. Poor community planning has created a town that doesn't live up to its setting. Homer Spit in summer is a traffic-choked jumble of cheap tourist development and RVs. Homer began to take its modern form after two events: In the 1950s the Sterling Highway connected it to the rest of the world, and in 1964 the Good Friday earthquake sank the spit, narrowing a much larger piece of land with a small forest into the tendril that now barely stands above the water. If not for constant reinforcement by the federal government, the spit long since would have become an island, and Homer would hardly exist. As long as it survives, however, the town makes the most of that unique finger into the sea. Whether or not it is a cosmic focal point, it certainly is an exceptional launching point to one of the world's great marine recreation areas.

Day 10 Alyeska

Overview

 
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Alyeska Resort is Alaska's premier year-round destination resort and largest ski area. With an average annual snowfall of over 700 inches, non-existent lift lines, diverse terrain, and unparalleled views, Alyeska has something for everyone! Nestled at the base of majestic Mount Alyeska is the 307-room Alyeska Prince Hotel, Alaska's only AAA four-diamond property. Conveniently located at the hotel, you will find restaurants and lounges, a fitness center, rental and repair shops, ticket windows, and distinctive sports and gift shops. The Alyeska Tram and ski slopes are only steps away, making this a true ski-in/ski-out resort. Alyeska boasts 9 lifts; 2,500 feet of vertical fun; a base elevation of 250 feet above sea level which means plenty of oxygen; 2,000 vertical feet of night lighting; and more daylight hours than any other U.S. ski area beginning in mid-February. The ski day lasts from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm with night skiing until 9:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays through mid-March. Skiing starts around Thanksgiving with daily operations through mid-April and weekend skiing through Memorial Day, conditions permitting.

Day 11 Alyeska

Overview

 
select to open Alyeska pictures - Opens a dialog

Alyeska Resort is Alaska's premier year-round destination resort and largest ski area. With an average annual snowfall of over 700 inches, non-existent lift lines, diverse terrain, and unparalleled views, Alyeska has something for everyone! Nestled at the base of majestic Mount Alyeska is the 307-room Alyeska Prince Hotel, Alaska's only AAA four-diamond property. Conveniently located at the hotel, you will find restaurants and lounges, a fitness center, rental and repair shops, ticket windows, and distinctive sports and gift shops. The Alyeska Tram and ski slopes are only steps away, making this a true ski-in/ski-out resort. Alyeska boasts 9 lifts; 2,500 feet of vertical fun; a base elevation of 250 feet above sea level which means plenty of oxygen; 2,000 vertical feet of night lighting; and more daylight hours than any other U.S. ski area beginning in mid-February. The ski day lasts from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm with night skiing until 9:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays through mid-March. Skiing starts around Thanksgiving with daily operations through mid-April and weekend skiing through Memorial Day, conditions permitting.

Day 11 Denali National Park

Overview

 
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Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska is the very heart of the rugged Alaskan Interior. Denali National Park and Preserve is home to six million acres of wilderness. North America's highest mountain, Mt. McKinley. Glaciers and a sub-arctic ecosystem are found in Denali National Park and Preserve. An internationally designated bio-sphere preserve, Denali National Park and Preserve is home to abundant moose, caribou, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, and wolves Denali National Park and Preserve is a place with fascinating Native American culture and history. It is a place where hearty adventurers panned for gold and dog sleds, backpacks and mountaineering gear are common. Alaska is the place of the Midnight Sun. Denali National Park and Preserve is a place where you can live out your Alaska travel dreams, whether they be wild adventures or serene contemplations. Denali National Park and Preserve is a must-see part of your Alaskan vacation.

Day 12 Denali National Park

Overview

 
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Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska is the very heart of the rugged Alaskan Interior. Denali National Park and Preserve is home to six million acres of wilderness. North America's highest mountain, Mt. McKinley. Glaciers and a sub-arctic ecosystem are found in Denali National Park and Preserve. An internationally designated bio-sphere preserve, Denali National Park and Preserve is home to abundant moose, caribou, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, and wolves Denali National Park and Preserve is a place with fascinating Native American culture and history. It is a place where hearty adventurers panned for gold and dog sleds, backpacks and mountaineering gear are common. Alaska is the place of the Midnight Sun. Denali National Park and Preserve is a place where you can live out your Alaska travel dreams, whether they be wild adventures or serene contemplations. Denali National Park and Preserve is a must-see part of your Alaskan vacation.

Day 13 Denali National Park

Overview

 
select to open Denali National Park pictures - Opens a dialog

Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska is the very heart of the rugged Alaskan Interior. Denali National Park and Preserve is home to six million acres of wilderness. North America's highest mountain, Mt. McKinley. Glaciers and a sub-arctic ecosystem are found in Denali National Park and Preserve. An internationally designated bio-sphere preserve, Denali National Park and Preserve is home to abundant moose, caribou, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, and wolves Denali National Park and Preserve is a place with fascinating Native American culture and history. It is a place where hearty adventurers panned for gold and dog sleds, backpacks and mountaineering gear are common. Alaska is the place of the Midnight Sun. Denali National Park and Preserve is a place where you can live out your Alaska travel dreams, whether they be wild adventures or serene contemplations. Denali National Park and Preserve is a must-see part of your Alaskan vacation.

Day 13 Denali National Park

Overview

 
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Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska is the very heart of the rugged Alaskan Interior. Denali National Park and Preserve is home to six million acres of wilderness. North America's highest mountain, Mt. McKinley. Glaciers and a sub-arctic ecosystem are found in Denali National Park and Preserve. An internationally designated bio-sphere preserve, Denali National Park and Preserve is home to abundant moose, caribou, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, and wolves Denali National Park and Preserve is a place with fascinating Native American culture and history. It is a place where hearty adventurers panned for gold and dog sleds, backpacks and mountaineering gear are common. Alaska is the place of the Midnight Sun. Denali National Park and Preserve is a place where you can live out your Alaska travel dreams, whether they be wild adventures or serene contemplations. Denali National Park and Preserve is a must-see part of your Alaskan vacation.

Day 13 Talkeetna

Overview

 
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Once the site of a Tanaina Indian village and later in the middle of a gold rush, Talkeetna (named for the "River of Plenty") got a big boost when the Alaska Railroad established a construction camp at the river junction early in the 20th century. Now the town is the base for mountain-climbing expeditions in the Alaska Range and activities on the three rivers. With its casual lifestyle, Talkeetna might be considered the "earth mother" of the Susitna Valley.

Day 13 Anchorage

Overview

 
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Amid the wild countryside that crowds around it on all sides, Anchorage has grown into a spirited, cosmopolitan city - by far Alaska's largest and most sophisticated. The relative affluence of its largely white-collar population - with a sprinkling of olive drab from nearby military bases - attracts fine restaurants and pricey shops, first-rate entertainment, and world-class sporting events. Flashy modern towers punctuate the skyline, and colorful flowers spill from hundreds of baskets on downtown lampposts. Traffic from the city's busy international airport, served by more than 15 international and domestic airlines, lends a more cosmopolitan air than you might expect from a city with only 258,000 residents - nearly half the people in the state. Yet despite the 14 McDonald's, 2 Wal-Marts, and a 16-plex movie theater, the city has not entirely lost touch with its frontier spirit. Sled dog races are still revered, and moose and bear sightings in downtown Anchorage or on the Coastal Trail that rims the water are not uncommon. First incorporated in 1920, Anchorage is still a young city. Its citizens' median age of 30 and aggressive style make this - and not the capital city of Juneau - the state's power center. In addition to acting as the state's oil development center, Anchorage hustles its living as a government, banking, transportation, and communications hub. Anchorage residents are primarily from elsewhere in America - they include oil workers from such conservative oil-patch states as Oklahoma and Texas - and the attitudes they bring have fueled the conservative, pro-development mentality that characterizes the city and Alaska as a whole. Although representing less than 8% of the population, Alaskan Native peoples add an important cultural dimension. A growing Asian population is also having an impact, with well-stocked Asian food stores and restaurants an increasingly familiar sight. Boom and bust periods followed major events: an influx of military bases during World War II; a massive buildup of Arctic missile-warning stations during the Cold War; reconstruction following the devastating Good Friday earthquake of 1964; and in the late 1960s the biggest bonanza of all - the discovery of oil at Prudhoe Bay and the construction of the trans-Alaska pipeline. Not surprisingly, Anchorage positioned itself as the perfect home for the new pipeline administrators and support industries, and it attracts a large share of the state's oil tax dollars. In the last decade, Anchorage has become an increasingly important focus of travelers to Alaska. The central location, relatively mild climate, and excellent transportation system make it a natural place to begin or end a trip.

Day 14 Anchorage

Overview

 
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Amid the wild countryside that crowds around it on all sides, Anchorage has grown into a spirited, cosmopolitan city - by far Alaska's largest and most sophisticated. The relative affluence of its largely white-collar population - with a sprinkling of olive drab from nearby military bases - attracts fine restaurants and pricey shops, first-rate entertainment, and world-class sporting events. Flashy modern towers punctuate the skyline, and colorful flowers spill from hundreds of baskets on downtown lampposts. Traffic from the city's busy international airport, served by more than 15 international and domestic airlines, lends a more cosmopolitan air than you might expect from a city with only 258,000 residents - nearly half the people in the state. Yet despite the 14 McDonald's, 2 Wal-Marts, and a 16-plex movie theater, the city has not entirely lost touch with its frontier spirit. Sled dog races are still revered, and moose and bear sightings in downtown Anchorage or on the Coastal Trail that rims the water are not uncommon. First incorporated in 1920, Anchorage is still a young city. Its citizens' median age of 30 and aggressive style make this - and not the capital city of Juneau - the state's power center. In addition to acting as the state's oil development center, Anchorage hustles its living as a government, banking, transportation, and communications hub. Anchorage residents are primarily from elsewhere in America - they include oil workers from such conservative oil-patch states as Oklahoma and Texas - and the attitudes they bring have fueled the conservative, pro-development mentality that characterizes the city and Alaska as a whole. Although representing less than 8% of the population, Alaskan Native peoples add an important cultural dimension. A growing Asian population is also having an impact, with well-stocked Asian food stores and restaurants an increasingly familiar sight. Boom and bust periods followed major events: an influx of military bases during World War II; a massive buildup of Arctic missile-warning stations during the Cold War; reconstruction following the devastating Good Friday earthquake of 1964; and in the late 1960s the biggest bonanza of all - the discovery of oil at Prudhoe Bay and the construction of the trans-Alaska pipeline. Not surprisingly, Anchorage positioned itself as the perfect home for the new pipeline administrators and support industries, and it attracts a large share of the state's oil tax dollars. In the last decade, Anchorage has become an increasingly important focus of travelers to Alaska. The central location, relatively mild climate, and excellent transportation system make it a natural place to begin or end a trip.

Tour Highlights

Day 8 Seward/Homer

Board your deluxe motor coach for a scenic drive by the famous Kenai River, home to some of the largest salmon in the world, on your way to Homer. After arriving in the city, stroll the harbor and learn about Alaska’s rich fishing history from a local expert as you take in views of the stunning Kachemak Bay. From 3:30 p.m., Homer is yours to explore. Visit the local museum, souvenir shops, or simply enjoy a peaceful walk by the bay. Overnight in Homer. *Alaska Cruisetour arrival times are tentative. The tour component of your escorted Cruisetour vacation is comprised of tour guide escort, included experiences, lodging and transportation as described. Optional excursions are not included. Meals are not included unless specified as an inclusion.

Day 9 Homer

Craft your own unique Alaskan adventure in Homer. Visit the remote communities of Halibut Cove or Seldovia by ferry. Or stay in town and stroll Homer Spit, enjoying its art galleries, seafood restaurants, and beaches that stretch four and half miles into Kachemak Bay (additional fees apply). Overnight in Homer.

Day 10 Homer/Alyeska (Girdwood)

In the morning, enjoy a scenic drive on your deluxe motor coach to Alyeska. Along the way, enjoy a stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to view many of Alaska's indigenous animals up close. From 3:30 p.m., Alyeska is yours to explore. Meander up Alyeska Mountain along trails abundant with wildflowers or relax in the sublime luxury of Hotel Alyeska. Overnight at Hotel Alyeska.

Day 11 Alyeska (Girdwood)/Denali

Begin your day with a deluxe motor coach ride to Denali, stopping at Palmer, a quaint town situated in view of the breathtaking Chugach and Talkeetna Mountain ranges, for a visit to a local farm. On your arrival in Denali, a local expert will introduce you to Denali National Park and its incredible taiga forests and rolling tundra with the 'Welcome to the Subarctic' presentation. From 7:30 p.m., Denali is yours to discover. Explore the trails that surround your Alaskan lodge, set on the banks of the Nenana River, or book an optional land excursion (additional fees apply). Overnight at Denali Park Village.

Day 12 Denali

Spend a morning immersed in the beauty of Alaska's natural landscapes as you head deep into Denali National Park on the Tundra Wilderness Tour. Along the way, watch for Alaska's "Big Five": caribou, moose, bear, gray wolves, and Dall sheep. After your tour, Denali is yours to explore. If you're feeling adventurous, let your Tour Director book an optional flightseeing journey with up-close views of the tallest peak in North America (additional fees apply). Overnight at Denali Park Village.

Day 13 Denali/Anchorage

In the morning, enjoy a scenic drive on your deluxe motor coach to Talkeetna where you'll board the Wilderness Express®. Soak in spectacular views of the stunning landscape from your glass-domed railcar on your journey to Anchorage. From 8:30 p.m., Anchorage is yours to explore. Enjoy the evening as you dine and stroll the beautiful city under the late evening sun. Overnight at the Anchorage Marriott.

Day 14 Anchorage

Your Tour Director will see that you are transferred to the Anchorage airport (included) for your flight home.

Onboard the Ovation of the Seas

Cruise FPO 6 select to open Ovation of the Seas pictures - Opens a dialog

Costco Member Reviews

Go scenery scoping from the unrivaled perspective of the North Star®, the highest vantage point on any cruise ship. Gaze at brilliant blue glaciers and majestic waterfalls from the pool deck as you sail through Endicott Arm. Then refuel with delicious, globally inspired dishes and robot-crafted cocktails as fresh as the crisp mountain air outside. And in between adventures onshore, fill each sea day with thrilling activities like surf sessions on the FlowRider®, simulated skydiving on RipCord®by iFLY®, and so much more.

Onboard Activities

Activities & Services (included in cruise)

Two70 Theater

  • Card Room
  • Casino
  • Disco/Nightclub
  • Movies
  • Theater/Show Lounge
  • Fitness Center
  • Pool - Adults Only
  • Pool - Children's
  • Pool - Outdoor
  • Pool - Indoor/Covered
  • Rock-Climbing Wall
  • Sports Facilities
  • Water Slide
  • Whirlpool/Jacuzzi
  • Bumper Cars
  • Roller Skating
  • RipCord by iFLY® Skydiving Simulator
  • NorthStar℠ (select times)
  • FlowRider® surf simulator
  • Art Gallery
  • Internet Center
  • Children's Indoor Play Area
  • Educational Classes
  • Educational Programs
  • Organized Age Specific Activities
  • Teen Center or Disco
  • Teen Programs
  • Concierge Desk
  • Duty-Free Shops/Boutiques
  • Elevators
  • Religious Services
  • Safe Deposit Boxes

Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)

Bumper Cars

  • Game Arcade
  • Beauty Salon
  • Fitness Classes
  • Full-Service Spa
  • Spa Services/Massage
  • Library
  • Dry Cleaning/ Laundry Service
  • Infirmary/Medical Center
  • Wedding/Vow Renewal

Costco Travel makes every effort to verify the accuracy of all information provided. Additional fees for amenities or services may be charged by the cruise line. Amenities or services may be discontinued or revised by the cruise line without notice. Staterooms designated as wheelchair-accessible do not necessarily meet ADA requirements. Costco Travel is not responsible for inaccuracies or provider modifications.

Dining

Main Dining

Main Dining

Main Dining Room: Sweeping, multi-level ambience, world-class cuisine and extraordinary personal service from a dedicated wait staff. Royal Caribbean's main dining room serves exceptional, multi-course meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Wonderland

Specialty Dining

Chef's Table: A once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience – join guests in an exclusive enclave to savour a five-course, gourmet menu specially prepared and presented by the Chef de Cuisine. Every course pairs with a wine chosen to enhance your enjoyment of the dish. The menu, wine selections and price vary from ship to ship and itinerary. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Chops Grille℠: Royal Caribbean's popular signature steakhouse, featuring grade-A premium cuts of steak cooked to your specifications, plus fresh seafood, hearty side dishes and signature desserts in an upscale, contemporary setting. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Coastal Kitchen: Exclusively for suite guests and Pinnacle Club members, Coastal Kitchen fuses Mediterranean influences with farm-fresh flavors from California. Filled with Pacific Coast favorites and Med-inspired entrees, the menu here rotates to spotlight delicious, seasonal ingredients. And you can pair every bite with a glass or bottle of wine off a list that includes vintages from the sun-kissed valleys of Napa to the golden-green hills of Tuscany. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Fish & Ships℠: Order up batter-fried favorites at Fish & Ships℠ — the new seafood spot that's just within splashing distance of the pool. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Izumi: The traditional Japanese dishes at Izumi will impress you with pure, delicate flavors, freshness of ingredients and impeccable presentation. Choose from sushi rolls, sashimi and more. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver: Chef Jamie Oliver may be one of Britain’s most famous food exports, but it’s his intense passion for Italian cooking and the Italian way of life that drives the menu at Jamie’s Italian. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

La Patisserie: Fuel your morning at La Patisserie. This café-style eatery, exclusively available upon Quantum Class ships, serves up coffee and pastries and is ideal for an on-the-go breakfast. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Wonderland: Our chefs twist their culinary kaleidoscopes to invent an elaborate dreamscape of never-before-seen fare. The story begins as you open the menu and find your element - Sun, Ice, Fire, Water, Earth and Dreams. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Solarium Bistro

Casual Dining

Café Promenade: The multi-level Royal Promenade is the heart of our ships – and the best spot for people watching. Pick a table with a view at Café Promenade, serving Starbucks or illy coffee, snacks, pastries and sandwiches throughout the day and into the night – so you can enjoy the action when you please.

Dog House: How do you build your dog? Take a seat at the counter for traditional hot dogs, brats, sausages and other delicious linked meats, plus a variety of toppings to split a long bun.

Solarium Bistro: A hearty but healthful lunch destination in Solarium with lighter options for breakfast and lunch. Try soups and stews, crepes, salad bars, fresh-cut fruits and more.

Sorrento's Pizza: For an authentic New York pizzeria experience, head to Sorrento's for fully-loaded pies right out of the oven. Sample rotating creations from chorizo to Hawaiian to Pizza Florentine – with classic cheese and pepperoni always on call.

The Café @ Two70°: The Café @ Two70° is a gourmet marketplace that lets you pick the view. Choose from a variety of savory hot-pressed sandwiches, salads custom-made to your liking, homemade soups and more.

Windjammer Café: A culinary destination loaded with an array of delicious food for every meal and snack time – all with spectacular views and a comfortable, casual atmosphere. Browse multiple serving stations featuring pastas, omelettes made-to-order, global cuisine, salads, soups, sandwiches, meat-carving, and tons of tantalizing desserts.

Room Service: Room service is available 24-hours a day (a convenience charge applies to each order placed).


Times, costs and other specifics are outside the control of Costco Travel. All information is at the sole discretion of the cruise line and is subject to change without notice. Dining time and table size preferences are submitted to the cruise line on a first-come, first-served request basis and are confirmed aboard ship. Questions, concerns and/or special needs regarding dining arrangements must be addressed with the maitre d' hotel aboard ship. Every effort is made to accommodate travelers' preferences; however, Costco Travel cannot guarantee dining arrangements. In specialty restaurants, space is limited and reservations are recommended. A cover charge and dress code may apply.

Staterooms

Interior staterooms include a wide array of amenities for your whole family to enjoy.

  • Studio Interior (Category: 2W)

    Category: 2W

  • Connecting Interior (Category: CI)

    Category: CI

  • Interior with Virtual Balcony (Category: 1U)

    Category: 1U

  • Interior with Virtual Balcony (Category: 2U)

    Category: 2U

  • Interior with Virtual Balcony (Category: 3U)

    Category: 3U

  • Interior with Virtual Balcony (Category: 4U)

    Category: 4U

  • Guarantee - Inside (Category: ZI)

    Category: ZI
    This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

  • Guarantee - Quad Interior Stateroom (Category: ZQ)

    Category: ZQ
    This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

Spectacular sights and amazing views from the comfort of your stateroom.

  • Spacious Ocean View (Category: 3M)

    Category: 3M

  • Spacious Ocean View (Category: 4M)

    Category: 4M

  • Ocean View (Category: 1N)

    Category: 1N

  • Ocean View (Category: 2N)

    Category: 2N

  • Guarantee - Oceanview (Category: YO)

    Category: YO
    This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

  • Guarantee - Quad Oceanview Stateroom (Category: YQ)

    Category: YQ
    This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

Enjoy the ambiance of our neighborhood balcony staterooms that overlook the Central Park and Boardwalk neighborhoods or take in breathtaking views from your Ocean View balcony stateroom.

  • Connecting Balcony (Category: CB)

    Category: CB

  • Obstructed Ocean View Balcony (Category: 1E)

    Category: 1E

  • Obstructed Ocean View Balcony (Category: 2E)

    Category: 2E

  • Studio Ocean View Balcony (Category: 2F)

    Category: 2F

  • Ocean View Balcony (Category: 1D)

    Category: 1D

  • Ocean View Balcony (Category: 2D)

    Category: 2D

  • Ocean View Balcony (Category: 3D)

    Category: 3D

  • Ocean View Balcony (Category: 4D)

    Category: 4D

  • Guarantee - Ocean View Balcony Stateroom (Category: XB)

    Category: XB
    This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

  • Guarantee - Quad Balcony Stateroom (Category: XQ)

    Category: XQ
    This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

Exclusive experiences, inclusive amenities, luxury accommodations and more.

  • Royal Loft Suite (Category: RL)

    Category: RL

  • Owner's Loft Suite (Category: OL)

    Category: OL

  • Grand Loft Suite (Category: GL)

    Category: GL

  • Sky Loft Suite (Category: SL)

    Category: SL

  • Owner's Suite - 1 Bedroom (Category: OS)

    Category: OS

  • Grand Suite - 2 Bedrooms (Category: GT)

    Category: GT

  • Grand Suite with Large Balcony - 1 Bedroom (Category: GB)

    Category: GB

  • Grand Suite - 1 Bedroom (Category: GS)

    Category: GS

  • Junior Suite with Large Balcony (Category: J1)

    Category: J1

  • Junior Suite (Category: J3)

    Category: J3

  • Junior Suite (Category: J4)

    Category: J4

  • Sky Junior Suite (Category: JY)

    Category: JY

  • Guarantee - Suite (Category: WS)

    Category: WS
    This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

Deck Plan

Cruise Ship
Deck 16
Key to Symbols
SymbolDescription
Stateroom for occupancy 5 and upStateroom for occupancy 5 and up
Stateroom for occupancy up to 4Stateroom for occupancy up to 4
Accessible stateroomAccessible stateroom
Stateroom has an obstructed viewStateroom has an obstructed view

Ship Facts

Ovation of the Seas ship image
  • Ship Name: Ovation of the Seas
  • Year Built: 2016
  • Year Entered Present Fleet: 2016
  • Ship Class: Quantum
  • Maximum Capacity: 4,905
  • Number of Passenger Decks: 16
  • Number of Crew: 1,500
  • Officers' Nationality: Norwegian
  • Ocean-View without Balcony: 148
  • Ocean-View with Balcony: 1,446
  • Total Inside Staterooms: 375
  • Tonnage (GRT): 168,666
  • Capacity Based on Double Occupancy: 4,430
  • Country of Registry: The Bahamas
  • Total Staterooms: 2,091
  • Suites with Balcony: 125
  • Crew/Hotel Staff Nationality: International
Costco Travel makes every effort to verify the accuracy of all information provided. Additional fees for amenities or services may be charged by the hotel, resort or cruise line. Amenities or services may be discontinued or revised by the provider without notice. Hotels, resorts, ships or accommodations designated as wheelchair-accessible do not necessarily meet ADA requirements. Costco Travel is not responsible for inaccuracies or provider modifications.

Costco Member Reviews

Available Dates & Prices

Departure Date

Inside Stateroom

Ocean View Stateroom

Balcony Stateroom

Suite Stateroom

Terms & Conditions

*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy and is valid for select stateroom categories only. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for details.

†One Digital Costco Shop Card per room/stateroom, per stay. The exact amount of the Digital Costco Shop Card will be calculated during the booking process. The Digital Costco Shop Card promotion is nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. A Digital Costco Shop Card will arrive by email approximately 10 days after the start of your cruise. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for additional information.

Ship's registry: The Bahamas

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    Package ID: RCIOVAALK20260610CT