Oceania 2011 Alaskan cruise shore excursions

By guest blogger Steve Newman

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.

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 South-east 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 pasttime 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, a Sea Kayaking Adventure and ‘ZipRider,’ the World’s Largest Zip-Line. These excursions - and more are offered - to guests on board Oceania Cruises’ 684-guest Regatta (above) – 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 costs from £1,406 per person for bookings received by December 31, based on 2 sharing, including a $1,000 onboard credit, all meals, complimentary bottled water and soft drinks.

To find out more, visit OceaniaCruises.co.uk or check with the specialst luxiry cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Oceania's Second Phase of Fleet Enhancements

By guest blogger Steve Newman

As part of the company’s ongoing fleet enhancements, the most significant product investment in the company’s history, Oceania Cruises has announced the second phase of its 'Pillars of Distinction' initiative. The multi-million-dollar upgrades are in addition to the previously announced physical enhancements being made during the regularly scheduled dry-docks for Regatta (above), Insignia and Nautica.

The latest fleet enhancements include:

· An expanded menu of “Jacques Pepin Signature Items” in the Grand Dining Rooms, which include Cotes d’Agneau Grillees – grilled lamb chop served with ratatouille and lamb gravy with thyme, and Gambas Sauté Provençal – sautéed shrimp in olive oil from Nice with garlic, parsley and tomatoes.

· Evening menus in the Terrace Café will focus on regional specialities from the area where the ship is sailing, in addition to each evening’s ever-changing range of traditional favourites.

· Gourmet VIP canapé service for all suite guests now includes a wider array of speciality, gourmet-inspired delicacies which are presented on new, custom-designed china.

· A free shuttle service in more than 90 ports worldwide where the ship is docked away from the city centre.

· Dramatically faster internet speeds as a result of a new partnership with MTN.

· Complimentary in-suite newspaper delivery for Owner’s, Vista and Oceania suites.

· Upgraded bath amenities and toiletries in all accommodations, including Bvlgari for Concierge-level and suite guests.

· Laptops, currently featured in all Owner’s and Vista suites on Regatta, Insignia and Nautica, will be added to all Penthouse Suites.

· iPads for all Owner’s, Vista and Oceania suites.

The new Pillars of Distinction amenities will also be extensively featured on Oceania's new Marina, scheduled for delivery in January 2011, and her sister ship Riviera, which joins the fleet in April 2012. They will be introduced on board Regatta, Insignia and Nautica in the spring of 2011.

To find out more about Oceania Cruises, visit OceaniaCruises.co.uk or call the UK specialist cruise agents The Cruise Line Ltd.