Per a press release issued on May 13th, Royal Caribbean Group opened the 2024 Alaska sailing season with the debut of two of its newest game-changing ships and an expanded community support program committed to fostering relationships with Alaska businesses, including new ways for guests to experience the Last Frontier’s unique local culture.
Beginning this weekend, Silversea’s Silver Nova and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Edge will sail the region’s larger-than-life natural wonders through September 2024, visiting popular destinations such as Ketchikan, Juneau and the Endicott Arm.
In addition, Royal Caribbean Group is bringing to life its SEA the Future commitment to sustain the planet, energize communities and accelerate innovation through a new Salmon Walk experience in Ketchikan, as well as unique access to a variety of local products and retailers, and a continued partnership with Sitka Sound Science Center.
“This year is poised to be an exceptional cruising season in Alaska and it’s an honor for us to provide the best experiences for our guests while supporting vibrant local communities,” said Wendy Lindskoog, Regional Vice President, Alaska, Royal Caribbean Group. “With exciting new ships and local partnerships aimed at energizing the communities we visit, we remain committed to connecting our guests to the beauty and rich culture of Alaska, responsibly.”
Two New Ships in Alaska
Silver Nova and Celebrity Edge bring two of the Group’s newest class of ships to Alaska’s shores. Silversea’s Silver Nova, with its innovative, horizontal design and suites with 270-degree views, introduces an immersive and luxurious experience for Alaska guests. The 728-guest ship is the newest addition to the Silversea fleet and arrives in Alaska for the first time on May 11 in Ketchikan.
Celebrity Edge is the first ship in Celebrity Cruises’ award-winning Edge Series, renowned for its groundbreaking ship design. She offers travelers a truly captivating journey along the Alaska coast. With a cutting-edge outward-facing design, the ship connects guests with the sea and Alaska communities like never before. Celebrity Edge made its debut in Alaska on May 13th in Juneau.
Returning to Alaska this season from Royal Caribbean Group’s fleet are: Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, and Brilliance of the Seas from Royal Caribbean International; Celebrity Summit and Celebrity Solstice from Celebrity Cruises; and Silver Shadow, Silver Muse, and Silver Wind from Silversea, providing vacationers with a variety of experience and vacation duration options.
Royal Caribbean Group’s Ongoing Commitment to the Community
Through collaborations with local cultural organizations and small businesses, Royal Caribbean Group is also offering vacationers an unmatched opportunity to immerse themselves in Alaska’s authentic culture and supporting the community with unique resident programs, including:
- Ketchikan Salmon Walk: New this season, and in partnership with the Tongass Historical Museum, the Salmon Walk offers guests an opportunity to learn about salmon migration and their lifecycle in Ketchikan Creek. The nearly two-mile, self-guided walk winds through the town, engaging guests with placards featuring art by renowned local artists like Ray Troll, Nathan Jackson and Marvin Oliver.
- Locally Sourced Products: In partnership with local businesses, the Group procures local products for guests to enjoy onboard, including seafood from Seafood Producers Cooperative and Alaska Specialty Seafood, spirits from Skagway Spirits, and more.
- Locals Onboard: Over the past three cruising seasons, the Group’s partnership with Skagway-based Voyij.com, the online marketplace where more than 250 Alaska small businesses, retailers and artists sell their crafts, has driven more than $1 million in sales. In addition, Royal Caribbean International’s “Locals Onboard” entertainment program with Voyij.com brings authentic and immersive experiences onto the brand’s ships.
- Sitka Sound Science Center’s Scientists in the Schools (SIS): The SIS program aims to foster a passion and appreciation for science and nature among Sitka’s youth while creating a meaningful educational experience, incorporating classroom visits from scientists into the curriculum at each grade level in Sitka schools, creating a pipeline of scientific experiences during the entire academic career of Sitka’s K-12 students. The program benefited 960 students from nine schools last year with the Group’s support.
