Northern Europe & Alaska cruises on sale
Exchange beaches for glaciers with Royal Caribbean
 Danny Lehman / Corbis Sail away on a 7-night Alaska cruise from Seattle in May from $549. |
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Book by: ASAP
Travel by: Select dates through August 7, 2009
The deal
It’s never too soon to start thinking about next year’s vacation, and when the allure of the Caribbean begins to lose its luster, it may be time for a more “grown up” getaway. While many people make the switch to popular (but pricey) Mediterranean voyages, right now you can save a bundle by booking ahead on way-north cruises to ports of call in Scandinavia, Russia, and Alaska These editorially selected itineraries from Royal Caribbean International are chockfull of incredibly scenic adventures including glaciers, national parks, fjords and off-the-path historical port cities. Northern Europe cruises start as low as $199 on board the Vision of the Seas, while its sister ship, the Rhapsody of the Seas heads to Alaska from just $549. So this time around, leave the tropical beaches behind and experience a truly unique and affordable voyage, far away from the crowded, “been there, done that” Caribbean scene.
4-night sailing from London to Amsterdam & Oslo from $199
If you’ve always been curious about the storied city of Amsterdam, this 4-night cruise on offer from Orbitz.com is your chance to sample the capital — and save — with interior cabins starting from just $199. Oceanview cabins are also available starting from $249. After setting sail May 3, 2009 from London (Harwich), Amsterdam is the next stop and main attraction on this voyage. Spend two full days biking the quiet streets, visiting the Van Gogh museum and Anne Frank house, or taking a boat ride in the maze of peaceful canals. Let’s not forget about Amsterdam’s reputation as a nightlife hotspot due to its red-light district and coffee shops where marijuana and the potent liquorice-flavored drink, Absinthe, are widely available. After spending the last day at sea, the final disembarkation port is Oslo, Norway, where the ship will pass by some incredible scenery like the Oslo Fjord.
Northern European sailing adventures from $499
Explore exotic Russia, Sweden, and Estonia aboard with cabins available from just $499. After disembarking from Stockholm, the first featured port on this 4-night cruise is St. Petersburg, where each summer the White Night Festival kicks off with incredible ballet, opera, and classical music performances. During the summer, temperatures range between 50 and 75 degrees, allowing comfortable conditions for exploring the city’s many lively streets, town squares, and imperial palaces. Upon arriving in the next port of call in Tallinn, Estonia, there is an overwhelming sense of stepping back in time, as medieval architecture makes up much of this city. In addition, there are many art galleries and handicraft shops to browse during the port visit before returning to Stockholm. This specially-priced cruise sails June 20, 2009.
Early-booking Scandinavia sailing from $349
Leaving from Stockholm, Sweden on August 7, 2009, this 4-day Scandinavian excursion will first anchor in Visby, Sweden. Located on the island of Gotland, Visby is surrounded by a 13th century stone wall that was named one of the “Seven Wonders of Sweden.” The city is also famous for its narrow cobbled streets and ancient churches like the beautifully restored Cathedral of St. Mary's. After exploring Visby, spend a day at sea before the next stop in Scandinavia’s oldest capital — Oslo, Norway. Most visitors flock to Akershus Fortress, the hilltop castle overlooking the harbor, where guided tours are available though the restored halls and dark dungeons. The final port of call on this voyage is Copenhagen, the “bike city” where visitors can cruise around free of charge on city-owned bicycles. Interior cabins begin at $349, with oceanview staterooms available from $449.
7-night Alaska cruise from Seattle in May from $549
Sailing to the last American frontier usually comes with hefty costs, especially since many voyages wrap up in Alaskan cities or Vancouver, requiring passengers to pay for their flights back home, too. However, this 7-night cruise, which sets sail on May 15, 2009, conveniently embarks and disembarks in Seattle, and is priced from just $549. Long before Juno (the movie), Juneau, Alaska’s capital city, has been known for its laid-back atmosphere, breathtaking backdrop, and outdoor activities. Following a visit to Juneau, the next stop is Skagway, where tourists can hike the wilderness, visit the Gold Rush National Historical Park, or take a guided tour. Up next is an incredible voyage through Tracy Arm, where passengers can get an up close view of the wildlife as the ship sails through the fjord. The final port of call is Victoria, B.C. before the ship returns to Seattle. Additional embarkation dates onboard the Rhapsody of the Seas are also available throughout the summer for this itinerary at slightly higher prices.
The dollars
All quotes are per person and based on double occupancy. Rates cover accommodations, meals and entertainment on the ship. Fees and taxes, as well as shore excursions, personal expenses, alcoholic beverages and tips are additional.
The catch
Book now, many of these sailings have just one embarkation date available!
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