Oceania Cruises upgauges Alaska deployment for 2025

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Oceania Cruises is offering more than a dozen immersive explorations of Alaska in 2025 aboard the 1,250-guest Riviera which will sail her first season of the 49th US state. Riviera‘s arrival provides a significant uplift in capacity for Oceania Cruises in Alaska, when compared to the recent season which was operated by the 656-passenger Regatta. The 2025 Alaska season runs from May through September, featuring itineraries ranging from seven to 12 days that depart from Seattle, Vancouver, and Whittier. Each itinerary features both lesser-known and iconic ports such as Homer, Sitka, and Juneau, giving travellers plentiful opportunities to engage with the destination on an entirely new level through Native tribe site visits, national park excursions, wildlife encounters, and more.

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Each sailing also features a naturalist on board to offer expert insights into the incredible biodiversity of Alaska, covering everything from whales to bears and seals. “We’re thrilled to bring our 1,250-guest Riviera to Alaska for the very first time,” said Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises. “Our elegant, ultra-premium small-ship experience offers the perfect juxtaposition to Alaska’s outdoor adventures, and with Riviera being 30 to 50% smaller than other premium cruise lines sailing in the region, we’re able to bring our guests to lesser-known, more remote ports, for a true immersion into this fascinating destination.” To further enhance Oceania Cruises’ robust cruise itineraries, guests have the option to include a pre- or post-cruise land program where they’ll have the opportunity to explore even more of Alaska. Among the land programs offered is Discover Denali, where travellers will enjoy one show-stopping vista after another, including North America’s highest peak, while exploring Denali National Park. The four day / three night program also features an Alaskan Native presentation on the history of the land and a natural history tour.

As the only “true foodie ship” sailing in Alaska, Oceania Cruises’ Riviera offers an abundance of food-focused excursions where travellers can be immersed in the culinary scene. Among the options are;

Exclusive Crabbing Experience, Ketchikan: Set out on a private charter to prime fishing grounds where you’ll help the crew set crab pots and reel in Dungeness crabs, a true Alaskan delicacy. As the pots settle, enjoy fishing, breathtaking scenery, and insights into sustainable fishing practices. Once the catch is in, head to shore for a campfire feast featuring your fresh crabs in a saffron-infused bouillabaisse, followed by a rhubarb-blueberry crisp and hot coffee.

Sitka Culinary Adventure, Sitka: Explore the gastronomy of Sitka, a city once known as the “Paris of the Pacific.” As Alaska’s second-largest seafood exporter, Sitka is a culinary hub with rich cultural influences. You’ll sample locally brewed beers made with glacial water, taste versatile sea salts from Alaska Pure Sea Salt Company, and enjoy Russian dumplings at Sitka Pelmeni, honoring the city’s Russian heritage. Additional tastings may include cod tips, reindeer hot dogs, ceviche, and chowder, all crafted with locally sourced ingredients.

Succulent Seafood Sampling, Juneau: Sample a variety of seafood at iconic downtown spots while learning about Alaska’s sustainable fishing practices. Start at a memorial honoring commercial fishermen before tasting smoked king salmon at Taku Smokeries. At Tracy’s King Crab Shack, enjoy king crab bisque and a crab cake, followed by smoked salmon dip, caviar, and kelp salsa at Taste Alaska! At Deckhand Dave’s, savor rockfish tacos, then finish with halibut ceviche and a blueberry mojito at the Crystal Saloon.

Tongass Hike & Taste of Alaska, Ketchikan: Hike a challenging but rewarding two-mile coastal gravel trail through the Tongass National Forest, led by a guide who will point out local flora and fauna. The steep, rocky Coast Guard Beach trail offers stunning beach views as your reward. Afterward, enjoy a three-course seafood lunch at Salmon Falls Resort, featuring locally sourced salmon, halibut, and crab cakes, paired with a local craft beer or wine.

Oceania Cruises’ Alaska 2025 deployment aboard Riviera include the following options.

• Alaska Reflections: 8 days from Vancouver to Whittier visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Hoonah and Sitka – Departs 13 May.
• Explorer’s Alaska: 8 days from Whittier to Vancouver visiting Hoonah, Skagway, Sitka, Ketchikan and Prince Rupert – Departs 21 May.
• Wilds of Alaska: 12 days from Vancouver to Whittier visiting Klawock, Ketchikan, Wrangell, Hoonah, Haines, Juneau, Sitka, Kodiak and Homer – Departs 29 May.
• Alaskan Accolades: 7 days from Whittier to Vancouver visiting Hoonah, Haines, Juneau and Ketchikan – Departs 10 June.
• Majestic Alaska: 9 days from Vancouver to Seattle visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Haines, Wrangell and Victoria – Departs 17 June.
• Gems of The Last Frontier: 12 days from Seattle to Seattle visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Hoonah, Haines, Sitka, Wrangell, Klawock and Victoria – Departs 26 June 26 and 17 July.
• Wonders of Alaska: 9 days from Seattle to Seattle visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka and Victoria – Departs 8 July.
• Radiant Alaska: 10 days from Seattle to Seattle visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Hoonah, Sitka and Victoria – Departs 29 July.
• Frontier Adventures: 10 days sailing from Seattle to Seattle visiting Ketchikan, Sitka, Haines, Juneau, Wrangell and Victoria – Departs 8 August.

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