This year marks the 50th anniversary of Alaska’s statehood, and Cruise West has some phenomenal Alaska cruise deals and itineraries on offer to celebrate.

Cruise West began offering cruises in Alaska in 1973, and has risen to become one of the premier small ship Alaska cruise lines.  Their ships carry no more than 140 guests, ensuring an intimate experience and allowing them to get up close and personal to the glaciers that are the highlight of any Alaska cruise itinerary.

Cruise West has arranged to bring on board a great lineup of special guests on select itineraries, including Vic Fisher and Jack Coghill, both of whom signed the original Alaska statehood document in 1959.  Also featured are former Governor of Alaska Tony Knowles and Dick Mackey, the very first Iditarod dog sled racing champion.

Food lovers won’t be disappointed either, as Cruise West has gone all out to ensure they provide the best of local Alaskan cuisine.  Breakfasts will include local berries and birch tree syrup, sure to give maple syrup lovers a new taste experience.  Of course, no Alaskan cruise would be complete without seafood, and the state’s world famous salmon, black cod, halibut and crab will be in abundant supply.

To make things even more attractive, Cruise West is offering an additional $50 onboard credit for anyone celebrating a 50th birthday or wedding anniversary.  If you can book early you can take advantage of some great discounts that bring starting prices down to just $999 per person.

Source: PR Newswire

Much has been reported about the major Alaska cruise lines struggling to meet the new environmental regulations due to take effect in 2010. The latest development, though, is that it may in fact be impossible for them to do so with current technology.

While there are land-based systems that would help them meet the requirements of the 2010 law, none of them have been adapted to use for cruise vessels. A best guess is that it will take at least two years, if not longer, to enable Alaska cruise ships to take advantage of them. Some new technologies, including a refrigerator-sized system that could remove ammonia from waste water, are still very much in the experimental stage.

Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line seem to be the furthest ahead in working towards satisfying the new requirements. Companies estimate they are spending in the range of $3 million to $5 million on every ship just in water treatment systems. Alaska cruise line standards are much stricter than the city waste water regulations of the ports where they dock.

Source: Juneau Empire

Cruise West is perhaps one of the best known companies offering small ship, luxury Alaska cruises.  In a move towards lowering their carbon footprint and embracing the Internet, they have just announced a webinar on their departures for the upcoming season.  The presentation will be sure to provide lots of great information and shouldn’t be missed.  More details are available at their site.

Cruise West’s Alaska cruises begin on May 20 this year, with itineraries traveling in both directions between Ketchikan and Juneau.  Ports of call include Tracy Arm, Frederick Sound, Juneau, Skagway, Haines, Glacier Bay, Petersburg, Sitka, the Misty Fjords and Metlakatla.  You can expect to see a range of wildlife including whales, bears, and eagles.

For anyone looking to save some money off their normal $3,999 per person and up prices, Cruise West is offering discounts of as much as $550 per cabin on early bookings until March 27 .  If you’ve been considering a cruise with the luxury small ship Alaska cruise line, this is a great offer you shouldn’t miss.

Source: The Province

Vancouver is an increasingly popular port of departure for one-way Alaska cruises headed to or from Seward or Whittier.  But with so many choices, how do you select an Alaska cruise line that’s just right for your trip?  The good news is that with a little research, you can narrow down your options relatively quickly.

If a family Alaska cruise is what you are interested in, there are three Alaska cruise lines using the port of Vancouver.  Carnival Cruise Lines is noted for its family friendly tours and bills itself as the “fun ship” for good reason.  Norwegian Cruise Line tries to promote a more casual approach to cruising, and is another popular choice for families with children.  Royal Caribbean International is the final choice for a family cruise to Alaska, with a focus on adventure with such onboard attractions as a rock climbing wall and putting greens.

If you are more interested in a luxury Alaska cruise, you also have a number of choices.  Celebrity Cruises is a more upmarket option known for its gourmet dining and luxurious amenities.  Holland America Line is another alternative that looks to provide an elegant, traditional onboard experience.  Finally, Princess Cruises is unique in that it runs a number of its own lodges in Alaska, and its onboard amenities are of high quality.

If you are looking for a small ship Alaska cruise, your choices are more limited, but the options are all excellent.  Cruise West has been in the business for a very long time and has the smallest ship capacity of just over 100 passengers, enabling it to cruise to places where larger ships can’t visit. Regent Seven Seas accommodates about 700 guests on its Alaska cruise tours, and every cabin is an outside suite with a balcony.  Silversea is the favorite of Conde Naste Traveler magazine, and operates ships with just under 400 passengers, making it a nice intermediate option.

One thing’s for sure, with so many great options, you’re bound to find an Alaska cruise departing from Vancouver that’s just right!

Source: The Vancouver Sun

For anyone looking to save a few pennies on their next Alaskan cruise, the 2009 edition of the Alaskan TourSaver has been announced and has some great 2-for-1 deals.

For day trippers, there’s a full day cruise from Juneau deep into Glacier Bay National Park. The per couple package price is $350 for the lodge and an additional $186 for airfare.

Rail enthusiasts will love the Alaska Railroad package, leaving from Whittier and heading out on a scenic tour to a glacier.  The price for two people is only $84.

To take advantage of the deals, you have to purchase the TourSaver for $99.95 to take advantage of the over 130 2-for-1 offers included.  Definitely a smart purchase for anyone looking for some great Alaska cruise deals.

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