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Off the beaten track in Alaska

9th December 2010 Print

Alaska’s celebrated sights and wild wilderness will provide the backdrop for four brand-new Oceania Cruises’ summer 2011 itineraries, featuring off-the-beaten-path ports of call and an ‘Alaskan Immersion’ collection of interactive shore excursions.

Oceania Cruises’ president, Bob Binder, says “We are delighted to help our clients experience the `real’ Alaska, with sightseeing tours and excursions that are designed to provide guests an immersive, insightful Alaskan cultural experience.”

The ‘Alaskan Immersion’ excursions include:

• Wild Alaska Culinary Extravaganza – this one-of-a-kind culinary class is led by a local host and culinary expert who takes guests through the steps of preparation and grilling Alaskan seafood, before indulging in the results. The inventive menu includes wild salmon, Dungeness crab, halibut and plenty of other local delicacies plucked from the sea.

• The Bering Sea: Crab Fisherman’s Tour – led by a seasoned Bering Sea captain and crew aboard Aleutian Ballad, the storied crab boat on the Discovery Channel series, “Deadliest Catch” the adventure begins in the calm, protected waters of coastal Ketchikan. Skilled fishermen haul in crab pots and lines from the depths, revealing all manner of sea life, including king crab, shark, octopus, prawns and rock fish. Common tour sights also include bald eagles, seals, otters, sea lions and whales.

• Musher’s Camp & Sled Dog Discovery – this enriching activity allows guests to experience a one-mile, round-trip expedition on a wheeled sled pulled by a husky team through Southeast Alaska’s temperate rainforest. There will be time to cuddle husky puppies and take a guided walk through the musher’s camp to learn more about this northern pastime and the people who have dedicated their lives to it.

• Kodiak Guided River Fishing – a day of fishing for salmon, trout and halibut followed by an outdoor barbecued salmon bake is a quintessential Alaskan experience. Expert guides will personally scout seven possible fishing sites for a successful day, including rivers, shorelines, ocean bays and inlets. Following the tour, guests can have their fish vacuum-packed to carry on board or have it shipped to a destination of their choice.

Other distinctive excursions for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure-seekers include:

• Golf Prince Rupert – the picturesque Prince Rupert Centennial Golf Course is regarded as one of the best in Alaska and the Northern British Columbia coast. This par-71, 5,526-yard, 18-hole course was built in 1967 near the base of Mount Hayes. The layout winds through the coastal rainforest and numerous creeks cross the lush, green fairways.

• Sea Kayaking Adventure – this full-day excursion allows guests to truly experience nature, not just observe it. Paddling at a relaxed pace affords ample time to take in the unspoiled coast within Kachemak Bay State Park, the first state park in all of Alaska.

• ‘Ziprider,’ World’s Largest Zip-Line – adrenalin thrills can be had on the world’s largest and longest zip-line over the treetops and down a mountain at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. Guests can zoom along 300 feet above the dense green forest and take in sweeping views of Port Frederick and Icy Strait.

These excursions and more are offered to guests on board Oceania Cruises’ 684-guest Regatta – an intimate ship acclaimed for its open-seating gourmet dining (no surcharges), luxurious public rooms and staterooms and warm, attentive service.

Oceania Cruises’ 10-day Alaska sailing cost from £1406 per person for bookings received by 31st December 2010, based on 2 sharing, including all meals, complimentary bottled water and soft drinks.

To find out more about Oceania Cruises, visit: OceaniaCruises.co.uk