The Ultimate Adventure

Alaska’s majestic landscapes and seemingly untouched terrain continue to beckon travelers to explore and discover in new ways, an area in which Crystal Cruises – the world’s most awarded cruise line – has pioneered throughout its 25 years of ultra-luxury cruising. In 2016, the line’s Crystal Serenity will sail seven voyages of seven and 10 days, offering intrepid luxury travelers literally hundreds of opportunities to immerse themselves in the countless facets of Alaska’s culture, outdoor adventures and resident wildlife, while enjoying the exclusivity and elegance for which Crystal is known.

«With all of our Crystal Adventures, it is our goal to bring the destinations to life for our guests by offering authentic, memorable experiences,» says Crystal’s president and CEO, Edie Rodriguez. «The spirit of adventure permeates every part of life in Alaska, naturally, we strive to showcase this culture to travelers in every possible way.»

Offering experiences that cater to virtually every interest, Crystal’s roster of Alaskan adventures in 2016 can be enjoyed from virtually any vantage point, by air, sea, land and glacier, with many adventures combining several of these.

Just a sampling of the intrepid highlights includes:
Heli-Hike and White Pass Railway, which takes guests high above the Sawtooth Mountains, through the wilderness via train, and on a four- to five-mile hike along the Skagway River to the magnificent Laughton Glacier. Bears, moose and mountain goat sightings are an added perk (from Skagway, Alaska).

Glacier flightseeing and dog sledding, another combo adventure that highlights two of Alaska’s most popular sports, taking travelers via helicopter to the top of Denver Glacier, where they’ll marvel at the endless sea of peaks and glaciers beyond before entering the world of mushing, guided by the professionals of the Iditarod Dog Races (from Skagway). A second «musher’s camp» dog sledding adventure is offered fromJuneau.

Whale-watching eco-adventure, combining a favorite activity in Alaska’s waters with the Marine Conservation Alliance Foundation’s efforts to preserve the wilderness shorelines; affording views of orcas and humpback whales, as well as Stellar sea lions, harbor seals and more. All while educating participants about how the animals are identified and protected.

ATV adventure through the Tongass National Forest, allowing travelers the opportunity to visit Alaskan Brown Bears and Sitka Black Tail Deer in their common habitat as they cruise along the rough terrain via 4×4, stopping for sea views of whale spouts and sea otters in the distance (from Sitka).

Crystal Serenity’s 2016 Alaska cruise season runs from June 19 through August 16, with a spring Asia voyage and a late-August Northwest Passage route also featuring Alaskan calls and adventures. For bookings by December 31, 2015, travelers can enjoy additional «Book Now» savings, with all-inclusive cruise fares starting at $2,915 per person.