Alaska: Grand Mountain Marvels- Cruisetour 7B (Pre Tour)

Royal Caribbean®

Everything about Alaska is massive — from the 90-pound cabbages grown in the Matanuska Valley to the coastline that's longer than all the other U.S. states combined. North America's tallest peak, Denali, beckons from the center of the state and its wild, beating heart, Denali National Park. Hike through this vast wilderness, where taiga forests full of pines and spruce stretch below the towering peaks. Sail by the icy beauty of some of the world's most impressive glaciers, from the Hubbard Glacier and the Tracy Arm Fjord. Cruise to Alaska to rent a bike and pedal along Anchorage's Coastal Trail for sweeping views of the rugged forests and the expansive ocean.

Included Extras

Executive Member Benefit

  • Executive Members receive an annual 2% Reward, up to $1,000, on qualified Costco Travel purchases

Digital Costco Shop Card

  • Member Exclusive: Digital Costco Shop Card with every Royal Caribbean® sailing†

Sailing Itinerary

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

Day 1 Fairbanks

Overview

 
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If the story of the founding of Fairbanks had happened anywhere else, it wouldn't be told so proudly, for the city's father was a swindler, and its undignified birth contained an element of chance not usually admitted in polite society. As the popular story goes (and the historians' version is fairly close), it seems that in 1901, E. T. Barnette decided to get rich by starting a gold-mining boomtown like the others that had sprouted from Dawson City to Nome as the stampeders of 1898 sloshed back and forth across the territory from one gold find to the next. He booked passage on a riverboat going up the Tanana with his supplies to build the town, having made an understanding with the captain that, should the vessel get stuck, he would lighten the load by getting off with the materials on the nearest bank. Unfortunately, the captain got lost. Thinking he was heading up a slough on the Tanana, he got sidetracked into the relatively small Chena River. That was where the boat got stuck and where Barnette got left, and that was where he founded Fairbanks. Fortunately for Barnette, an Italian prospector named Felix Pedro had been looking for gold in the hills around the new trading post, and made a strike on the Tanana. On that news, Barnette dispatched his Chinese cook off to Dawson City to spread the word. The cook's story showed up in a newspaper that winter, and a stampede of hundreds of miners ensued, heading toward Fairbanks in weather as cold as -50°F. Barnette's town was a success, but the cook nearly got lynched when the stampeders found out how far he'd exaggerated the truth. Much more gold was found later, however, and half the population of Dawson City came down river to Fairbanks. Barnette had made it big. The town's future was assured thanks to a political deal. Barnette did a favor for the territory's judge, James Wickersham, by naming the settlement for Wickersham's ally in Congress, Sen. Charles Fairbanks of Indiana, who later became vice president. Wickersham then moved the federal courthouse to Fairbanks from Eagle--he loaded his records on his dogsled and mushed here, establishing the camp as the hub of the region. Wickersham's story is interesting, too. He was a notable explorer, Alaska's first real statesman as a nonvoting delegate to Congress, and father of the Alaska Railroad. Houses he lived in are preserved at Alaskaland in Fairbanks and in Juneau just up the hill from the capitol building. Barnette didn't do as well in history's eyes: He was run out of the town he founded for bank fraud. Fairbanks is Alaska's second-largest city now, with a population of about 30,000 in the city limits and 82,000 in the greater metropolitan area, but it has never learned to put on airs. It sprawls, broad and flat, along big highways and the Chena. It's a friendly, easygoing town, but one where people still take gold and their independence seriously. They're still prospecting and mining for gold around here, fighting off environmental regulation, and maintaining a traditional Alaskan attitude that it's us against the world. Fairbanks is the birthplace of strange political movements, including the secessionist Alaskan Independence Party. It's an adamant, loopy, affable place; it doesn't seem to mind being a little bizarre or residing far from the center of things. And that makes it an intensely Alaska city, for those are the qualities Alaskans most cherish in their myth of themselves. Fairbanks can strike a visitor a couple of ways, depending on what you expect and what you like. Fairbanks can come across as a provincial outpost, a touristy cross between Kansas and Siberia. Driving one of the franchise-choked commercial strips, you can wonder why you went out of your way to come here, and the deserted downtown area can be downright depressing. Or you can relax and take Fairbanks on its own terms, as a fun, unpretentious town that never lost its sense of being on the frontier. My children love it here. There's plenty for families to do in Fairbanks, much of it at least a little corny and requiring drives to widespread sites at the university, on the Chena River, in the gold mining area north of town, and at a big town park called Alaskaland. (You must have wheels in Fairbanks.) There are good opportunities for hiking and mountain biking, and great opportunities for canoeing and slow river float trips.

Day 2 Fairbanks

Overview

 
select to open Fairbanks pictures - Opens a dialog

If the story of the founding of Fairbanks had happened anywhere else, it wouldn't be told so proudly, for the city's father was a swindler, and its undignified birth contained an element of chance not usually admitted in polite society. As the popular story goes (and the historians' version is fairly close), it seems that in 1901, E. T. Barnette decided to get rich by starting a gold-mining boomtown like the others that had sprouted from Dawson City to Nome as the stampeders of 1898 sloshed back and forth across the territory from one gold find to the next. He booked passage on a riverboat going up the Tanana with his supplies to build the town, having made an understanding with the captain that, should the vessel get stuck, he would lighten the load by getting off with the materials on the nearest bank. Unfortunately, the captain got lost. Thinking he was heading up a slough on the Tanana, he got sidetracked into the relatively small Chena River. That was where the boat got stuck and where Barnette got left, and that was where he founded Fairbanks. Fortunately for Barnette, an Italian prospector named Felix Pedro had been looking for gold in the hills around the new trading post, and made a strike on the Tanana. On that news, Barnette dispatched his Chinese cook off to Dawson City to spread the word. The cook's story showed up in a newspaper that winter, and a stampede of hundreds of miners ensued, heading toward Fairbanks in weather as cold as -50°F. Barnette's town was a success, but the cook nearly got lynched when the stampeders found out how far he'd exaggerated the truth. Much more gold was found later, however, and half the population of Dawson City came down river to Fairbanks. Barnette had made it big. The town's future was assured thanks to a political deal. Barnette did a favor for the territory's judge, James Wickersham, by naming the settlement for Wickersham's ally in Congress, Sen. Charles Fairbanks of Indiana, who later became vice president. Wickersham then moved the federal courthouse to Fairbanks from Eagle--he loaded his records on his dogsled and mushed here, establishing the camp as the hub of the region. Wickersham's story is interesting, too. He was a notable explorer, Alaska's first real statesman as a nonvoting delegate to Congress, and father of the Alaska Railroad. Houses he lived in are preserved at Alaskaland in Fairbanks and in Juneau just up the hill from the capitol building. Barnette didn't do as well in history's eyes: He was run out of the town he founded for bank fraud. Fairbanks is Alaska's second-largest city now, with a population of about 30,000 in the city limits and 82,000 in the greater metropolitan area, but it has never learned to put on airs. It sprawls, broad and flat, along big highways and the Chena. It's a friendly, easygoing town, but one where people still take gold and their independence seriously. They're still prospecting and mining for gold around here, fighting off environmental regulation, and maintaining a traditional Alaskan attitude that it's us against the world. Fairbanks is the birthplace of strange political movements, including the secessionist Alaskan Independence Party. It's an adamant, loopy, affable place; it doesn't seem to mind being a little bizarre or residing far from the center of things. And that makes it an intensely Alaska city, for those are the qualities Alaskans most cherish in their myth of themselves. Fairbanks can strike a visitor a couple of ways, depending on what you expect and what you like. Fairbanks can come across as a provincial outpost, a touristy cross between Kansas and Siberia. Driving one of the franchise-choked commercial strips, you can wonder why you went out of your way to come here, and the deserted downtown area can be downright depressing. Or you can relax and take Fairbanks on its own terms, as a fun, unpretentious town that never lost its sense of being on the frontier. My children love it here. There's plenty for families to do in Fairbanks, much of it at least a little corny and requiring drives to widespread sites at the university, on the Chena River, in the gold mining area north of town, and at a big town park called Alaskaland. (You must have wheels in Fairbanks.) There are good opportunities for hiking and mountain biking, and great opportunities for canoeing and slow river float trips.

Day 2 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 3 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 4 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 4 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 5 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 5 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 a 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 events, 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 years and an aggressive style make this - and not the capital city of Juneau - the state's power center. In addition to acting as the center for oil development in the state, 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 6 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 a 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 events, 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 years and an aggressive style make this - and not the capital city of Juneau - the state's power center. In addition to acting as the center for oil development in the state, 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 6 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, 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 anytime of year and experience the real Alaska!

Day 7 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, 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 anytime of year and experience the real Alaska!

Day 7 Port of Call Seward Departure 8:00pm

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, 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 anytime of year and experience the real Alaska!

Day 8 Port of Call Hubbard Glacier Arrival 2:00pm Departure 5:00pm

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 9 Port of Call Juneau Arrival 9:00am Departure 8:00pm

Overview

 
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Considered the "gem" of Southeast Alaska, the city is nestled against the ocean, tucked tight against the mountains and back-dropped by the lush green of the largest national forest in the United States, the Tongass. Visitors will find that Juneau is not only the state's capital, but it's also a melting pot of history, unique topography and jaw-dropping scenery that is found nowhere else on the planet. Whether it's wildlife viewing, glacier trekking, ziplining or just shopping for locally created artwork, visitors to this remote yet extraordinary region will certainly find a bit of "Alaska" to take home.

Day 10 Port of Call Skagway Arrival 7:00am Departure 5:00pm

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 10 Port of Call Haines Arrival 7:00pm Departure 11:00pm

Overview

 
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At the northern end of America's longest fjord, Haines shares a border with 20 million acres of protected wilderness. The heart of Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park is less than 25 miles by air from downtown Haines, and Canada's Kluane National Park and Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park are just up the road. As you can imagine, opportunities for outdoor recreation are endless. And this is just part of what makes Haines the Alaska of your dreams! Haines' friendly people can take you rafting, canoeing, kayaking, or jetboating; flying over Glacier Bay (you can even land on a glacier!); riding around town in a horse-drawn carriage, or by bus or van to all of Haines' attractions; hiking the area's beautiful trails or to the summit of spectacular peaks. See birds, wildlife, and meadows full of flowers in our lush forests, on our ocean shores, or along the banks of our rivers. Fish for halibut, salmon and trout. In winter our wilderness becomes a vast playground for skiing, snowshoeing, dogsledding and snowmobiling. Whatever you do, bring your camera, because Haines is a photographer's paradise. While you're in Haines, explore our cultural heritage at Sheldon Museum, and at Alaska Indian Arts in historic Fort Seward, or learn about the area's natural history through taxidermy at the American Bald Eagle Foundation. Browse Haines' galleries for exquisite artistry of the Chilkoot and Chilkat Tlingits and other resident artists. Haines has a busy, year-round calendar of events, so come for a festival, a bicycle race, or for the Southeast Alaska State Fair in August. Most evenings during summer you can feast at a salmon bake and enjoy a fascinating performance by native dancers. In winter you'll be among birdwatchers and photographers from around the world as the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve hosts the planet's largest gathering of American bald eagles -- thousands of them at a time feasting on a banquet of spawning salmon! As daylight fades, the Northern Lights may put on a show, and you'll always find a warm place to snuggle up -- or a hot spot to dine & dance! -- after a day of playing in the snow. Perhaps best of all, Haines' scenic streets are never over-crowded, yet they offer everything you'll need while you're on the road: lodging, RV parks and private campgrounds, restaurants and bars, supermarkets and hardware stores, gas stations and garages, bookstores, galleries and gift shops, clothing stores and outdoor outfitters, as well as excellent medical and dental services. Haines even has a public swimming pool, a small airport, a tennis court, and a visiting veterinarian! For these and many other reasons, the guest register at the Haines Visitor Center is filled with "Favorite place on our entire trip!" comments from both highway travelers and cruise ship passengers. Come spend some time with us! Find out why people are discovering Haines to be the Alaska of their dreams.

Day 11 Port of Call Icy Strait Arrival 6:30am Departure 3:00pm

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 12 Port of Call Ketchikan Arrival 10:00am Departure 7:00pm

Overview

 
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A city of 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 13 Cruising
Day 14 Port of Call Vancouver Arrival 7:00am

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.

Tour Highlights

Day 1 Fairbanks

From the airport, your transfer (included) brings you to your hotel to meet your Adventure Specialist. The Golden Heart City, with its lively summer ambience, is then yours to explore. Overnight at Pike's Waterfront Lodge. *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 2 Fairbanks/Denali

Discover local heritage and culture while cruising the Chena River on an old-fashioned sternwheeler then board the deluxe motor coach for the scenic drive to Denali. From 4:30 p.m., Denali is yours to explore. Your Adventure Specialist can recommend optional activities, from guided hikes to adventures like flightseeing or rafting down the Nenana River (additional fees apply). Overnight at Denali Park Village.

Day 3 Denali

Spend the day in Denali National Park traveling into the unspoiled wilderness on the lookout for wildlife on the Denali Natural History Tour. Afterwards, your time is your own. Peruse the exhibits at the museum-like visitor center, stroll the trails or relax back at the lodge. Overnight at Denali Park Village.

Day 4 Denali/Talkeetna

Enjoy more of the outdoors in Denali before boarding the glass-domed cars of the Wilderness Express® for the train journey to Talkeetna. From 5:30 p.m., enjoy free time in Alaska's funkiest small town, whose historic main street is lined with roadhouse restaurants, cafes, brew pubs and unique shops. Overnight at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge.

Day 5 Talkeetna/Anchorage

Spend the day discovering Talkeetna's spectacular setting. Take an optional flight sight seeing excursion to the mountain, or visit Talkeetna Lakes Park, home to otters and other animals (additional fees apply). Then in the late afternoon, board the Wilderness Express® for the trip to Alaska's big city. From 8:00 p.m., experience Anchorage's unique nightlife: restaurants, craft breweries and city trails are abuzz in the evening sunlight. Overnight at the Anchorage Marriott.

Day 6 Anchorage/Seward

The day begins with a guided visit of the acclaimed Anchorage Museum and a brief city tour. Then enjoy free time downtown for lunch, shopping and exploring on your own, before your deluxe motor coach takes you along the Chugach Mountains to the coast. From 5:00 p.m., the historic port town of Seward is yours to discover. Stroll the historic downtown, one of Alaska’s oldest communities, or hike a trail that is so close to a glacier, you can hear the ice crackling. Overnight at Seward Windsong Lodge.

Day 7 Seward

Enjoy a relaxing morning before heading to Seward's small-boat harbor, where you'll take the Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise, exploring the wildlife-rich coastal habitats and stopping for lunch on Fox Island. Bid your Adventure Specialist goodbye at the pier where you’ll board the ship.

Onboard the Radiance of the Seas

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

Costco Member Reviews

Linger longer in iconic destinations onboard a ship designed for exploration. Dazzling with the most glass of any Royal Caribbean® ship, Radiance of the Seas® is perfect for glacier gazing in Alaska and soaking up the sun in the tropics. When you aren’t chasing adventure onshore, unwind poolside while taking in the views, stretch your muscles on the Rock Climbing Wall, and sing along to show-stopping performances onboard.

Onboard Activities

Activities & Services (included in cruise)

Rock-Climbing Wall

  • Card Room
  • Casino
  • Disco/Nightclub
  • Movies
  • Theater/Show Lounge
  • Fitness Center
  • Sauna/Steam Room
  • Pool - Children's
  • Pool - Outdoor
  • Rock-Climbing Wall
  • Sports Facilities
  • Whirlpool/Jacuzzi
  • Bars/Lounges
  • Library
  • Children's Indoor Play Area
  • Children's Outdoor Play Area
  • Educational Classes
  • Organized Age Specific Activities
  • Teen Center or Disco
  • Teen Programs
  • Business Center
  • Concierge Desk
  • Conference Center
  • Duty-Free Shops/Boutiques
  • Elevators
  • Religious Services
  • Safe Deposit Boxes

Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)

Full-Service Spa

  • Game Arcade
  • Beauty Salon
  • Fitness Classes
  • Full-Service Spa
  • Spa Services/Massage
  • Educational Programs
  • Internet Center
  • 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 Room

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.

Chops Grille

Specialty Dining

Café Latte-tudes: Caffeine fix, coffee break, or after-dinner cappuccino – drop by this café for sweets, people watching and specialty coffee beverages. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Chef's Table: A once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience – join guests in an exclusive enclave to savor 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.

Giovanni's Table: A casual Italian trattoria with indoor and al fresco seating, Giovanni's Table offers rustic dishes with a contemporary flair, including toasted herb focaccia, pastas, braised meat dishes and stews, served family-style. 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.

Samba Grill: A churrascaria with personality and flair, featuring a variety of meats and seafoods carved tableside straight from the skewer, plus a wide selection of soups, salads and appetizers at the buffet. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Windjammer

Casual Dining

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.

Park Cafe: A casual-eats deli cafe offering made-to-order salads, paninis and freshly prepared sandwiches. Don't miss the signature "Kummelweck" roast beef sandwich – a guest favorite.

Sorrento's Pizza: There's nothing more satisfying than a great slice of pizza — and Royal Caribbean has spent years perfecting the recipe at Sorrento's. Whether you're into classics, like cheese and Margherita, or specialty pies, like the meat-loaded Carnivore or the pineapple, bacon and BBQ-infused Caribbean Dream, Sorrento's serves up perfection in every slice.

Windjammer: 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).


Disclaimer regarding ship dining

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.

Interior (Category: 4V)

Category: 4V

  • Our most budget-friendly option
  • A cozy and comfortable retreat
  • Perfect for long naps after an adventure-filled day

Beds

  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
  • One single sofa bed in staterooms with up to 3 or 4 guests

Size

  • Stateroom: 170 sq. ft.

Interior (Category: 3V)

Category: 3V

  • Our most budget-friendly option
  • A cozy and comfortable retreat
  • Perfect for long naps after an adventure-filled day

Beds

  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
  • One single sofa bed in staterooms with up to 3 or 4 guests

Size

  • Stateroom: 170 sq. ft.

Interior (Category: 2V)

Category: 2V

  • Our most budget-friendly option
  • A cozy and comfortable retreat
  • Perfect for long naps after an adventure-filled day

Beds

  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
  • One single sofa bed in staterooms with up to 3 or 4 guests

Size

  • Stateroom: 170 sq. ft.

Interior (Category: 1V)

Category: 1V

  • Our most budget-friendly option
  • A cozy and comfortable retreat
  • Perfect for long naps after an adventure-filled day

Beds

  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
  • One single sofa bed in staterooms with up to 3 or 4 guests

Size

  • Stateroom: 170 sq. ft.

Studio Interior (Category: 2W)

Category: 2W

  • Sized perfectly for solo adventurers
  • One of our most budget-friendly options
  • Same amenities as all other staterooms

Beds

  • One full-size bed

Size

  • Stateroom: 108 sq. ft.

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.

Ocean View (Category: 1N)

Category: 1N

  • Budget-friendly with a view of the ocean
  • Your very own in-stateroom window
  • Great for families with small children

Beds

  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
  • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 3 or 4 guests

Size

  • Stateroom: 170 sq. ft.

Ocean View (Category: 2N)

Category: 2N

  • Budget-friendly with a view of the ocean
  • Your very own in-stateroom window
  • Great for families with small children

Beds

  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
  • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 3 or 4 guests

Size

  • Stateroom: 170 sq. ft.

Ocean View (Category: 3N)

Category: 3N

  • Budget-friendly with a view of the ocean
  • Your very own in-stateroom window
  • Great for families with small children

Beds

  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
  • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 3 or 4 guests

Size

  • Stateroom: 170 sq. ft.

Ocean View (Category: 4N)

Category: 4N

  • Budget-friendly with a view of the ocean
  • Your very own in-stateroom window
  • Great for families with small children

Beds

  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
  • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 3 or 4 guests

Size

  • Stateroom: 170 sq. ft.

Connecting Ocean View (Category: CO)

Category: CO

  • Connects to the room next door
  • Get "double" the space by booking both
  • Great for families

Beds

  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed

Size

  • Stateroom: 170 sq. ft.

Spacious Ocean View (Category: 4M)

Category: 4M

  • Extra square footage at a great value
  • Perfect if you need that little extra space
  • Your very own in-stateroom window

Beds

  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed

Size

  • Stateroom: 170 sq. ft.

Ultra Spacious Ocean View (Category: 1K)

Category: 1K

  • Even more square footage
  • Dedicated bunk bed area
  • Perfect for families or groups

Beds

  • Two two twin beds that convert to a Royal King
  • One double sofa bed
  • One twin bed or two Pullman beds

Size

  • Stateroom: 265 sq. ft.

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.

Spacious Ocean View Balcony (Category: 1B)

Category: 1B

  • Extra square footage at a great value
  • Perfect if you need that little extra space
  • Private balcony with chairs for those pristine ocean views

Beds

  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
  • One single sofa bed in staterooms with up to 3 guests
  • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4 or 5 guests

Size

  • Stateroom: 204 sq. ft.
  • Balcony: 41 sq. ft.

Spacious Ocean View Balcony (Category: 2B)

Category: 2B

  • Extra square footage at a great value
  • Perfect if you need that little extra space
  • Private balcony with chairs for those pristine ocean views

Beds

  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
  • One single sofa bed in staterooms with up to 3 guests
  • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4 or 5 guests

Size

  • Stateroom: 204 sq. ft.
  • Balcony: 41 sq. ft.

Spacious Ocean View Balcony (Category: 3B)

Category: 3B

  • Extra square footage at a great value
  • Perfect if you need that little extra space
  • Private balcony with chairs for those pristine ocean views

Beds

  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
  • One single sofa bed in staterooms with up to 3 guests
  • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4 or 5 guests

Size

  • Stateroom: 204 sq. ft.
  • Balcony: 41 sq. ft.

Spacious Ocean View Balcony (Category: 4B)

Category: 4B

  • Extra square footage at a great value
  • Perfect if you need that little extra space
  • Private balcony with chairs for those pristine ocean views

Beds

  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
  • One single sofa bed in staterooms with up to 3 guests
  • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4 or 5 guests

Size

  • Stateroom: 204 sq. ft.
  • Balcony: 41 sq. ft.

Connecting Balcony (Category: CB)

Category: CB

  • Balcony stateroom that connects to the room next door
  • Get "double" the space by booking both
  • Great for families

Beds

  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed

Size

  • Stateroom: 179 sq. ft.
  • Balcony: 41 sq. ft.

Ocean View Balcony (Category: 1D)

Category: 1D

  • Our standard balcony stateroom
  • Pristine views of the ocean
  • Private balcony with chairs

Beds

  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal king bed
  • One single sofa bed in staterooms with up to 3 guests
  • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4 guests

Size

  • Stateroom: 179 sq. ft.
  • Balcony: 20 - 41 sq. ft.

Ocean View Balcony (Category: 2D)

Category: 2D

  • Our standard balcony stateroom
  • Pristine views of the ocean
  • Private balcony with chairs

Beds

  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal king bed
  • One single sofa bed in staterooms with up to 3 guests
  • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4 guests

Size

  • Stateroom: 179 sq. ft.
  • Balcony: 20 - 41 sq. ft.

Ocean View Balcony (Category: 3D)

Category: 3D

  • Our standard balcony stateroom
  • Pristine views of the ocean
  • Private balcony with chairs

Beds

  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal king bed
  • One single sofa bed in staterooms with up to 3 guests
  • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4 guests

Size

  • Stateroom: 179 sq. ft.
  • Balcony: 20 - 41 sq. ft.

Ocean View Balcony (Category: 4D)

Category: 4D

  • Our standard balcony stateroom
  • Pristine views of the ocean
  • Private balcony with chairs

Beds

  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal king bed
  • One single sofa bed in staterooms with up to 3 guests
  • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4 guests

Size

  • Stateroom: 179 sq. ft.
  • Balcony: 20 - 41 sq. ft.

Ocean View Balcony (Category: 5D)

Category: 5D

  • Our standard balcony stateroom
  • Pristine views of the ocean
  • Private balcony with chairs

Beds

  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal king bed
  • One single sofa bed in staterooms with up to 3 guests
  • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4 guests

Size

  • Stateroom: 179 sq. ft.
  • Balcony: 20 - 41 sq. ft.

Guarantee - Balcony (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.

Owner's Suite - 2 Bedrooms (Category: OT)

Category: OT

  • High-occupancy two-bedroom and two-bathroom suite
  • Perfect for groups or families

Beds

  • Two sets of two twins beds that convert to a Royal King bed
  • One double sofa bed

Size

  • Stateroom: 584 sq. ft.
  • Balcony: 151 sq. ft.

Junior Suite (Category: J3)

Category: J3

  • Our standard suite for luxury
  • Private balcony with two chairs
  • Live the suite life on a budget

Beds

  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
  • One double sofa bed

Size

  • Stateroom: 299 sq. ft.
  • Balcony: 66 sq. ft.

Grand Suite - 1 Bedroom (Category: GS)

Category: GS

  • Ample space, including a living room and full bathroom with a tub
  • Private balcony with seating
  • "Grandest" suite in the fleet

Beds

  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
  • One double sofa bed

Size

  • Stateroom: 385 sq. ft.
  • Balcony: 106 sq. ft.

Royal Suite - 1 Bedroom (Category: RS)

Category: RS

  • Extra-large suite with expansive square footage
  • Panoramic views with a large balcony
  • Living area with baby grand piano

Beds

  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
  • One double sofa bed

Size

  • Stateroom: 952 sq. ft.
  • Balcony: 172 sq. ft.

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

Category: OS

  • Larger and more luxurious than our one bedroom Grand Suites
  • Put the extra square footage to use as you kick back and relax

Beds

  • Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
  • One double sofa bed

Size

  • Stateroom: 532 sq. ft.
  • Balcony: 57 sq. ft.

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 13
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
Stateroom for occupancy up to 3Stateroom for occupancy up to 3

Ship Facts

Radiance of the Seas ship image
  • Ship Name: Radiance of the Seas
  • Year Built: 2001
  • Year Refurbished: 2011
  • Year Entered Present Fleet: 2001
  • Ship Class: Radiance
  • Maximum Capacity: 2,466
  • Number of Passenger Decks: 12
  • Number of Crew: 894
  • Officers' Nationality: Norwegian
  • Ocean-View without Balcony: 247
  • Ocean-View with Balcony: 578
  • Total Inside Staterooms: 246
  • Tonnage (GRT): 90,090
  • Capacity Based on Double Occupancy: 2,143
  • Country of Registry: The Bahamas
  • Total Staterooms: 1,071
  • Suites with Balcony: 64
  • 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.

Available Dates & Prices

Departure Date

Inside Stateroom

Ocean View Stateroom

Balcony Stateroom

Suite Stateroom

Departure Date - 06/15/2024

Inside Stateroom

$3,073

Ocean View Stateroom

N/A

Balcony Stateroom

N/A

Suite Stateroom

N/A

Departure Date - 06/29/2024

Inside Stateroom

$3,061

Ocean View Stateroom

$3,327

Balcony Stateroom

$4,211

Suite Stateroom

$5,917

Departure Date - 07/27/2024

Inside Stateroom

$3,166

Ocean View Stateroom

N/A

Balcony Stateroom

N/A

Suite Stateroom

N/A

Terms & Conditions

*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy, 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: RCIRADALK20220604CT