Alaska: Alaska Wilderness Spectacular - Cruisetour 8A (Post Tour)

Royal Caribbean®

See more of Alaska's spectacular scenery in unrivaled comfort traveling the full length of the Alaska Railroad in the glass-domed railcars of The Wilderness Express.

Included Extras

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Sailing Itinerary

Note: Cruise itineraries are subject to change. Please verify ports and times directly with the cruise line.

Day 1 Port of Call Vancouver Departure 11:59p.m.

Overview

 
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Vancouver, a bustling west coast seaport in British Columbia, is among Canada’s densest, most ethnically diverse cities. A popular filming location, it’s surrounded by mountains and also has thriving art, theatre, and music scenes. Vancouver Art Gallery is known for its works by regional artists, while the Museum of Anthropology houses preeminent First Nations collections.

Day 2 Cruising
Day 3 Cruising
Day 4 Port of Call Ketchikan Arrival 7:00a.m. Departure 5:00p.m.

Overview

 
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A city in southeast Alaska on an island in the Alexander Archipelago. A supply point for miners during the gold rush of the 1890s, it is now a major port and tourist center on the Inside Passage. Population: 7,450.

Day 5 Port of Call Sitka Arrival 7:00a.m. Departure 4:00p.m.

Overview

 
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One look at lovely Sitka and you'll know why Alexander Baranof, governor of the Russian American Company, decided to build his "castle" here. With views of island-studded waters and stately spruce forests reaching the water's edge, Sitka is considered Alaska's most beautiful seaside town. Sitka's past is a unique blend of Tlingit culture and Russian history. Our historic and scenic community is situated on Baranof Island, nestled between forested mountains and the great Pacific Ocean, on the outer waters of Alaska's Inside Passage. Sitka offers a combination of Native culture, Russian history, and Alaskan wilderness which will provide a diverse and unequaled experience. Wildlife adds to Sitka's natural beauty. Our mild climate, rich habitat, and relatively low human population make Sitka one of the best places to view wildlife. Nearby waters are a popular feeding ground for humpback whales in the late fall and early spring. Summertime provides a wonderful opportunity to view tufted puffins and other sea birds at St. Lazaria National Wildlife Refuge. While out on the ocean, you may also spot sea otters, sea lions, and other marine wildlife. Sitka lies at the heart of the largest temperate rainforest in the world, the Tongass National Forest. Enjoy the fresh outdoors on well-marked mountain trails. Take to the water for a picturesque boat trip or kayaking adventure among nearby islands or charter a boat to nearby fishing grounds to fish for world-class salmon and halibut.

Day 6 Port of Call Skagway Arrival 7:00a.m. Departure 4:00p.m.

Overview

 
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Skagway, with a population of 862, is located in the Upper Lynn Canal at the northernmost point on the Inside Passage in Southeast Alaska, 100 air miles north of Juneau and 110 road miles south of Whitehorse, Yukon Territory. The City of Skagway is geographically the largest city in Alaska with 455 square land miles.Skagway's history and spectacular natural setting combine to create unparalleled sightseeing and recreation opportunities. Poke around on your own, or select from a variety of commercial tours. Either way, you will be amply rewarded with the sights and activities in and around Skagway.

Day 7 Port of Call Hubbard Glacier Arrival 8:00a.m. Departure 11:00a.m.

Overview

 
select to open Hubbard Glacier pictures - Opens a dialog

Stretching over 90 miles long and covering over 1,350 square miles in area, Hubbard Glacier is the largest tidewater glacier in North America. It is also one of the most impressive, a 300-foot wall of ice rising sheer and jagged from the ocean. You may hear the rumble and see the monumental splash as the glacier severs into great ice chunks, known as "calves."

Day 8 Port of Call Seward Arrival 5:00a.m.

Overview

 
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Situated at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula, Seward is one of Alaska’s oldest and most scenic communities. Known as the "Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park" Seward is a picturesque town located 126 miles south of Anchorage. Visitors can easily reach us via the Seward Highway Scenic Byway, the Alaska Railroad, bus, air, or cruise ship. Upon your arrival, you will discover our bustling harbor and historic downtown district filled with quaint shops and art galleries. Experience trophy sport fishing, glacier and wildlife cruises, sailing, hiking, kayaking, flightseeing, summer dog sled rides, and more. Seward is also a winter wonderland offering cross-country skiing and snowmachining adventures. At 3,022 feet, towering Mt. Marathon provides a breathtaking backdrop for the town. Behind Mt. Marathon and extending down the coast lies the Harding Icefield, measuring 35 by 20 miles. Flowing from the Harding Icefield are many glaciers, eight of which are tidewater glaciers, calving icebergs into the sea, and reaching the coastline between Seward and Homer. A wide range of accommodations, restaurants, RV parks, tent camping, and visitor services are available. Wherever you go in Seward, you’ll find friendly hospitality and a sense of pride among our residents. We invite you to visit our community any time of year and experience the real Alaska!

Day 8 Seward

Overview

 
select to open Seward pictures - Opens a dialog

Situated at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula, Seward is one of Alaska’s oldest and most scenic communities. Known as the "Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park" Seward is a picturesque town located 126 miles south of Anchorage. Visitors can easily reach us via the Seward Highway Scenic Byway, the Alaska Railroad, bus, air, or cruise ship. Upon your arrival, you will discover our bustling harbor and historic downtown district filled with quaint shops and art galleries. Experience trophy sport fishing, glacier and wildlife cruises, sailing, hiking, kayaking, flightseeing, summer dog sled rides, and more. Seward is also a winter wonderland offering cross-country skiing and snowmachining adventures. At 3,022 feet, towering Mt. Marathon provides a breathtaking backdrop for the town. Behind Mt. Marathon and extending down the coast lies the Harding Icefield, measuring 35 by 20 miles. Flowing from the Harding Icefield are many glaciers, eight of which are tidewater glaciers, calving icebergs into the sea, and reaching the coastline between Seward and Homer. A wide range of accommodations, restaurants, RV parks, tent camping, and visitor services are available. Wherever you go in Seward, you’ll find friendly hospitality and a sense of pride among our residents. We invite you to visit our community any time of year and experience the real Alaska!

Day 8 Anchorage

Overview

 
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Amid the wild countryside that crowds around it on all sides, Anchorage has grown into a spirited, cosmopolitan city - by far Alaska's largest and most sophisticated. The relative affluence of its largely white-collar population - with a sprinkling of olive drab from nearby military bases - attracts fine restaurants and pricey shops, first-rate entertainment, and world-class sporting events. Flashy modern towers punctuate the skyline, and colorful flowers spill from hundreds of baskets on downtown lampposts. Traffic from the city's busy international airport, served by more than 15 international and domestic airlines, lends a more cosmopolitan air than you might expect from a city with only 258,000 residents - nearly half the people in the state. Yet despite the 14 McDonald's, 2 Wal-Marts, and a 16-plex movie theater, the city has not entirely lost touch with its frontier spirit. Sled dog races are still revered, and moose and bear sightings in downtown Anchorage or on the Coastal Trail that rims the water are not uncommon. First incorporated in 1920, Anchorage is still a young city. Its citizens' median age of 30 and aggressive style make this - and not the capital city of Juneau - the state's power center. In addition to acting as the state's oil development center, Anchorage hustles its living as a government, banking, transportation, and communications hub. Anchorage residents are primarily from elsewhere in America - they include oil workers from such conservative oil-patch states as Oklahoma and Texas - and the attitudes they bring have fueled the conservative, pro-development mentality that characterizes the city and Alaska as a whole. Although representing less than 8% of the population, Alaskan Native peoples add an important cultural dimension. A growing Asian population is also having an impact, with well-stocked Asian food stores and restaurants an increasingly familiar sight. Boom and bust periods followed major events: an influx of military bases during World War II; a massive buildup of Arctic missile-warning stations during the Cold War; reconstruction following the devastating Good Friday earthquake of 1964; and in the late 1960s the biggest bonanza of all - the discovery of oil at Prudhoe Bay and the construction of the trans-Alaska pipeline. Not surprisingly, Anchorage positioned itself as the perfect home for the new pipeline administrators and support industries, and it attracts a large share of the state's oil tax dollars. In the last decade, Anchorage has become an increasingly important focus of travelers to Alaska. The central location, relatively mild climate, and excellent transportation system make it a natural place to begin or end a trip.

Day 8 Anchorage

Overview

 
select to open Anchorage pictures - Opens a dialog

Amid the wild countryside that crowds around it on all sides, Anchorage has grown into a spirited, cosmopolitan city - by far Alaska's largest and most sophisticated. The relative affluence of its largely white-collar population - with a sprinkling of olive drab from nearby military bases - attracts fine restaurants and pricey shops, first-rate entertainment, and world-class sporting events. Flashy modern towers punctuate the skyline, and colorful flowers spill from hundreds of baskets on downtown lampposts. Traffic from the city's busy international airport, served by more than 15 international and domestic airlines, lends a more cosmopolitan air than you might expect from a city with only 258,000 residents - nearly half the people in the state. Yet despite the 14 McDonald's, 2 Wal-Marts, and a 16-plex movie theater, the city has not entirely lost touch with its frontier spirit. Sled dog races are still revered, and moose and bear sightings in downtown Anchorage or on the Coastal Trail that rims the water are not uncommon. First incorporated in 1920, Anchorage is still a young city. Its citizens' median age of 30 and aggressive style make this - and not the capital city of Juneau - the state's power center. In addition to acting as the state's oil development center, Anchorage hustles its living as a government, banking, transportation, and communications hub. Anchorage residents are primarily from elsewhere in America - they include oil workers from such conservative oil-patch states as Oklahoma and Texas - and the attitudes they bring have fueled the conservative, pro-development mentality that characterizes the city and Alaska as a whole. Although representing less than 8% of the population, Alaskan Native peoples add an important cultural dimension. A growing Asian population is also having an impact, with well-stocked Asian food stores and restaurants an increasingly familiar sight. Boom and bust periods followed major events: an influx of military bases during World War II; a massive buildup of Arctic missile-warning stations during the Cold War; reconstruction following the devastating Good Friday earthquake of 1964; and in the late 1960s the biggest bonanza of all - the discovery of oil at Prudhoe Bay and the construction of the trans-Alaska pipeline. Not surprisingly, Anchorage positioned itself as the perfect home for the new pipeline administrators and support industries, and it attracts a large share of the state's oil tax dollars. In the last decade, Anchorage has become an increasingly important focus of travelers to Alaska. The central location, relatively mild climate, and excellent transportation system make it a natural place to begin or end a trip.

Day 8 Anchorage

Overview

 
select to open Anchorage pictures - Opens a dialog

Amid the wild countryside that crowds around it on all sides, Anchorage has grown into a spirited, cosmopolitan city - by far Alaska's largest and most sophisticated. The relative affluence of its largely white-collar population - with a sprinkling of olive drab from nearby military bases - attracts fine restaurants and pricey shops, first-rate entertainment, and world-class sporting events. Flashy modern towers punctuate the skyline, and colorful flowers spill from hundreds of baskets on downtown lampposts. Traffic from the city's busy international airport, served by more than 15 international and domestic airlines, lends a more cosmopolitan air than you might expect from a city with only 258,000 residents - nearly half the people in the state. Yet despite the 14 McDonald's, 2 Wal-Marts, and a 16-plex movie theater, the city has not entirely lost touch with its frontier spirit. Sled dog races are still revered, and moose and bear sightings in downtown Anchorage or on the Coastal Trail that rims the water are not uncommon. First incorporated in 1920, Anchorage is still a young city. Its citizens' median age of 30 and aggressive style make this - and not the capital city of Juneau - the state's power center. In addition to acting as the state's oil development center, Anchorage hustles its living as a government, banking, transportation, and communications hub. Anchorage residents are primarily from elsewhere in America - they include oil workers from such conservative oil-patch states as Oklahoma and Texas - and the attitudes they bring have fueled the conservative, pro-development mentality that characterizes the city and Alaska as a whole. Although representing less than 8% of the population, Alaskan Native peoples add an important cultural dimension. A growing Asian population is also having an impact, with well-stocked Asian food stores and restaurants an increasingly familiar sight. Boom and bust periods followed major events: an influx of military bases during World War II; a massive buildup of Arctic missile-warning stations during the Cold War; reconstruction following the devastating Good Friday earthquake of 1964; and in the late 1960s the biggest bonanza of all - the discovery of oil at Prudhoe Bay and the construction of the trans-Alaska pipeline. Not surprisingly, Anchorage positioned itself as the perfect home for the new pipeline administrators and support industries, and it attracts a large share of the state's oil tax dollars. In the last decade, Anchorage has become an increasingly important focus of travelers to Alaska. The central location, relatively mild climate, and excellent transportation system make it a natural place to begin or end a trip.

Day 9 Anchorage

Overview

 
select to open Anchorage pictures - Opens a dialog

Amid the wild countryside that crowds around it on all sides, Anchorage has grown into a spirited, cosmopolitan city - by far Alaska's largest and most sophisticated. The relative affluence of its largely white-collar population - with a sprinkling of olive drab from nearby military bases - attracts fine restaurants and pricey shops, first-rate entertainment, and world-class sporting events. Flashy modern towers punctuate the skyline, and colorful flowers spill from hundreds of baskets on downtown lampposts. Traffic from the city's busy international airport, served by more than 15 international and domestic airlines, lends a more cosmopolitan air than you might expect from a city with only 258,000 residents - nearly half the people in the state. Yet despite the 14 McDonald's, 2 Wal-Marts, and a 16-plex movie theater, the city has not entirely lost touch with its frontier spirit. Sled dog races are still revered, and moose and bear sightings in downtown Anchorage or on the Coastal Trail that rims the water are not uncommon. First incorporated in 1920, Anchorage is still a young city. Its citizens' median age of 30 and aggressive style make this - and not the capital city of Juneau - the state's power center. In addition to acting as the state's oil development center, Anchorage hustles its living as a government, banking, transportation, and communications hub. Anchorage residents are primarily from elsewhere in America - they include oil workers from such conservative oil-patch states as Oklahoma and Texas - and the attitudes they bring have fueled the conservative, pro-development mentality that characterizes the city and Alaska as a whole. Although representing less than 8% of the population, Alaskan Native peoples add an important cultural dimension. A growing Asian population is also having an impact, with well-stocked Asian food stores and restaurants an increasingly familiar sight. Boom and bust periods followed major events: an influx of military bases during World War II; a massive buildup of Arctic missile-warning stations during the Cold War; reconstruction following the devastating Good Friday earthquake of 1964; and in the late 1960s the biggest bonanza of all - the discovery of oil at Prudhoe Bay and the construction of the trans-Alaska pipeline. Not surprisingly, Anchorage positioned itself as the perfect home for the new pipeline administrators and support industries, and it attracts a large share of the state's oil tax dollars. In the last decade, Anchorage has become an increasingly important focus of travelers to Alaska. The central location, relatively mild climate, and excellent transportation system make it a natural place to begin or end a trip.

Day 9 Talkeetna

Overview

 
select to open Talkeetna pictures - Opens a dialog

Once the site of a Tanaina Indian village and later in the middle of a gold rush, Talkeetna (named for the "River of Plenty") got a big boost when the Alaska Railroad established a construction camp at the river junction early in the 20th century. Now the town is the base for mountain-climbing expeditions in the Alaska Range and activities on the three rivers. With its casual lifestyle, Talkeetna might be considered the "earth mother" of the Susitna Valley.

Day 10 Talkeetna

Overview

 
select to open Talkeetna pictures - Opens a dialog

Once the site of a Tanaina Indian village and later in the middle of a gold rush, Talkeetna (named for the "River of Plenty") got a big boost when the Alaska Railroad established a construction camp at the river junction early in the 20th century. Now the town is the base for mountain-climbing expeditions in the Alaska Range and activities on the three rivers. With its casual lifestyle, Talkeetna might be considered the "earth mother" of the Susitna Valley.

Day 10 Denali National Park

Overview

 
select to open Denali National Park pictures - Opens a dialog

Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska is the very heart of the rugged Alaskan Interior. Denali National Park and Preserve is home to six million acres of wilderness. North America's highest mountain, Mt. McKinley. Glaciers and a sub-arctic ecosystem are found in Denali National Park and Preserve. An internationally designated bio-sphere preserve, Denali National Park and Preserve is home to abundant moose, caribou, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, and wolves Denali National Park and Preserve is a place with fascinating Native American culture and history. It is a place where hearty adventurers panned for gold and dog sleds, backpacks and mountaineering gear are common. Alaska is the place of the Midnight Sun. Denali National Park and Preserve is a place where you can live out your Alaska travel dreams, whether they be wild adventures or serene contemplations. Denali National Park and Preserve is a must-see part of your Alaskan vacation.

Day 11 Denali National Park

Overview

 
select to open Denali National Park pictures - Opens a dialog

Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska is the very heart of the rugged Alaskan Interior. Denali National Park and Preserve is home to six million acres of wilderness. North America's highest mountain, Mt. McKinley. Glaciers and a sub-arctic ecosystem are found in Denali National Park and Preserve. An internationally designated bio-sphere preserve, Denali National Park and Preserve is home to abundant moose, caribou, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, and wolves Denali National Park and Preserve is a place with fascinating Native American culture and history. It is a place where hearty adventurers panned for gold and dog sleds, backpacks and mountaineering gear are common. Alaska is the place of the Midnight Sun. Denali National Park and Preserve is a place where you can live out your Alaska travel dreams, whether they be wild adventures or serene contemplations. Denali National Park and Preserve is a must-see part of your Alaskan vacation.

Day 11 Denali National Park

Overview

 
select to open Denali National Park pictures - Opens a dialog

Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska is the very heart of the rugged Alaskan Interior. Denali National Park and Preserve is home to six million acres of wilderness. North America's highest mountain, Mt. McKinley. Glaciers and a sub-arctic ecosystem are found in Denali National Park and Preserve. An internationally designated bio-sphere preserve, Denali National Park and Preserve is home to abundant moose, caribou, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, and wolves Denali National Park and Preserve is a place with fascinating Native American culture and history. It is a place where hearty adventurers panned for gold and dog sleds, backpacks and mountaineering gear are common. Alaska is the place of the Midnight Sun. Denali National Park and Preserve is a place where you can live out your Alaska travel dreams, whether they be wild adventures or serene contemplations. Denali National Park and Preserve is a must-see part of your Alaskan vacation.

Day 12 Denali National Park

Overview

 
select to open Denali National Park pictures - Opens a dialog

Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska is the very heart of the rugged Alaskan Interior. Denali National Park and Preserve is home to six million acres of wilderness. North America's highest mountain, Mt. McKinley. Glaciers and a sub-arctic ecosystem are found in Denali National Park and Preserve. An internationally designated bio-sphere preserve, Denali National Park and Preserve is home to abundant moose, caribou, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, and wolves Denali National Park and Preserve is a place with fascinating Native American culture and history. It is a place where hearty adventurers panned for gold and dog sleds, backpacks and mountaineering gear are common. Alaska is the place of the Midnight Sun. Denali National Park and Preserve is a place where you can live out your Alaska travel dreams, whether they be wild adventures or serene contemplations. Denali National Park and Preserve is a must-see part of your Alaskan vacation.

Day 12 Fairbanks

Overview

 
select to open Fairbanks pictures - Opens a dialog

If the story of the founding of Fairbanks had happened anywhere else, it wouldn't be told so proudly, for the city's father was a swindler, and its undignified birth contained an element of chance not usually admitted in polite society. As the popular story goes (and the historians' version is fairly close), it seems that in 1901, E. T. Barnette decided to get rich by starting a gold-mining boomtown like the others that had sprouted from Dawson City to Nome as the stampeders of 1898 sloshed back and forth across the territory from one gold find to the next. He booked passage on a riverboat going up the Tanana with his supplies to build the town, having made an understanding with the captain that, should the vessel get stuck, he would lighten the load by getting off with the materials on the nearest bank. Unfortunately, the captain got lost. Thinking he was heading up a slough on the Tanana, he got sidetracked into the relatively small Chena River. That was where the boat got stuck and where Barnette got left, and that was where he founded Fairbanks. Fortunately for Barnette, an Italian prospector named Felix Pedro had been looking for gold in the hills around the new trading post, and made a strike on the Tanana. On that news, Barnette dispatched his Chinese cook-off to Dawson City to spread the word. The cook's story showed up in a newspaper that winter and a stampede of hundreds of miners ensued, heading toward Fairbanks in weather as cold as -50°F. Barnette's town was a success, but the cook nearly got lynched when the stampeders found out how far he'd exaggerated the truth. Much more gold was found later, however, and half the population of Dawson City came downriver to Fairbanks. Barnette had made it big. The town's future was assured thanks to a political deal. Barnette did a favor for the territory's judge, James Wickersham, by naming the settlement for Wickersham's ally in Congress, Sen. Charles Fairbanks of Indiana, who later became vice president. Wickersham then moved the federal courthouse to Fairbanks from Eagle--he loaded his records on his dogsled and mushed here, establishing the camp as the hub of the region. Wickersham's story is interesting, too. He was a notable explorer, Alaska's first real statesman as a nonvoting delegate to Congress, and the father of the Alaska Railroad. Houses he lived in are preserved at Alaska and in Fairbanks and Juneau just up the hill from the capitol building. Barnette didn't do as well in history's eyes: He was run out of the town he founded for bank fraud. Fairbanks is Alaska's second-largest city now, with a population of about 30,000 in the city limits and 82,000 in the greater metropolitan area, but it has never learned to put on airs. It sprawls, broad and flat, along big highways and the Chena. It's a friendly, easygoing town, but one where people still take gold and their independence seriously. They're still prospecting and mining for gold around here, fighting off environmental regulation, and maintaining a traditional Alaskan attitude that it's us against the world. Fairbanks is the birthplace of strange political movements, including the secessionist Alaskan Independence Party. It's an adamant, loopy, affable place; it doesn't seem to mind being a little bizarre or residing far from the center of things. And that makes it an intensely Alaska city, for those are the qualities Alaskans most cherish in their myth of themselves. Fairbanks can strike a visitor a couple of ways, depending on what you expect and what you like. Fairbanks can come across as a provincial outpost, a touristy cross between Kansas and Siberia. Driving one of the franchise-choked commercial strips, you can wonder why you went out of your way to come here, and the deserted downtown area can be downright depressing. Or you can relax and take Fairbanks on its terms, as a fun, unpretentious town that never lost its sense of being on the frontier. My children love it here. There's plenty for families to do in Fairbanks, much of it at least a little corny and requiring drives to widespread sites at the university, on the Chena River, in the gold mining area north of town, and at a big town park called Alaskaland. (You must have wheels in Fairbanks.) There are good opportunities for hiking and mountain biking and great opportunities for canoeing and slow river float trips.

Day 13 Fairbanks

Overview

 
select to open Fairbanks pictures - Opens a dialog

If the story of the founding of Fairbanks had happened anywhere else, it wouldn't be told so proudly, for the city's father was a swindler, and its undignified birth contained an element of chance not usually admitted in polite society. As the popular story goes (and the historians' version is fairly close), it seems that in 1901, E. T. Barnette decided to get rich by starting a gold-mining boomtown like the others that had sprouted from Dawson City to Nome as the stampeders of 1898 sloshed back and forth across the territory from one gold find to the next. He booked passage on a riverboat going up the Tanana with his supplies to build the town, having made an understanding with the captain that, should the vessel get stuck, he would lighten the load by getting off with the materials on the nearest bank. Unfortunately, the captain got lost. Thinking he was heading up a slough on the Tanana, he got sidetracked into the relatively small Chena River. That was where the boat got stuck and where Barnette got left, and that was where he founded Fairbanks. Fortunately for Barnette, an Italian prospector named Felix Pedro had been looking for gold in the hills around the new trading post, and made a strike on the Tanana. On that news, Barnette dispatched his Chinese cook-off to Dawson City to spread the word. The cook's story showed up in a newspaper that winter and a stampede of hundreds of miners ensued, heading toward Fairbanks in weather as cold as -50°F. Barnette's town was a success, but the cook nearly got lynched when the stampeders found out how far he'd exaggerated the truth. Much more gold was found later, however, and half the population of Dawson City came downriver to Fairbanks. Barnette had made it big. The town's future was assured thanks to a political deal. Barnette did a favor for the territory's judge, James Wickersham, by naming the settlement for Wickersham's ally in Congress, Sen. Charles Fairbanks of Indiana, who later became vice president. Wickersham then moved the federal courthouse to Fairbanks from Eagle--he loaded his records on his dogsled and mushed here, establishing the camp as the hub of the region. Wickersham's story is interesting, too. He was a notable explorer, Alaska's first real statesman as a nonvoting delegate to Congress, and the father of the Alaska Railroad. Houses he lived in are preserved at Alaska and in Fairbanks and Juneau just up the hill from the capitol building. Barnette didn't do as well in history's eyes: He was run out of the town he founded for bank fraud. Fairbanks is Alaska's second-largest city now, with a population of about 30,000 in the city limits and 82,000 in the greater metropolitan area, but it has never learned to put on airs. It sprawls, broad and flat, along big highways and the Chena. It's a friendly, easygoing town, but one where people still take gold and their independence seriously. They're still prospecting and mining for gold around here, fighting off environmental regulation, and maintaining a traditional Alaskan attitude that it's us against the world. Fairbanks is the birthplace of strange political movements, including the secessionist Alaskan Independence Party. It's an adamant, loopy, affable place; it doesn't seem to mind being a little bizarre or residing far from the center of things. And that makes it an intensely Alaska city, for those are the qualities Alaskans most cherish in their myth of themselves. Fairbanks can strike a visitor a couple of ways, depending on what you expect and what you like. Fairbanks can come across as a provincial outpost, a touristy cross between Kansas and Siberia. Driving one of the franchise-choked commercial strips, you can wonder why you went out of your way to come here, and the deserted downtown area can be downright depressing. Or you can relax and take Fairbanks on its terms, as a fun, unpretentious town that never lost its sense of being on the frontier. My children love it here. There's plenty for families to do in Fairbanks, much of it at least a little corny and requiring drives to widespread sites at the university, on the Chena River, in the gold mining area north of town, and at a big town park called Alaskaland. (You must have wheels in Fairbanks.) There are good opportunities for hiking and mountain biking and great opportunities for canoeing and slow river float trips.

Day 13 Fairbanks

Overview

 
select to open Fairbanks pictures - Opens a dialog

If the story of the founding of Fairbanks had happened anywhere else, it wouldn't be told so proudly, for the city's father was a swindler, and its undignified birth contained an element of chance not usually admitted in polite society. As the popular story goes (and the historians' version is fairly close), it seems that in 1901, E. T. Barnette decided to get rich by starting a gold-mining boomtown like the others that had sprouted from Dawson City to Nome as the stampeders of 1898 sloshed back and forth across the territory from one gold find to the next. He booked passage on a riverboat going up the Tanana with his supplies to build the town, having made an understanding with the captain that, should the vessel get stuck, he would lighten the load by getting off with the materials on the nearest bank. Unfortunately, the captain got lost. Thinking he was heading up a slough on the Tanana, he got sidetracked into the relatively small Chena River. That was where the boat got stuck and where Barnette got left, and that was where he founded Fairbanks. Fortunately for Barnette, an Italian prospector named Felix Pedro had been looking for gold in the hills around the new trading post, and made a strike on the Tanana. On that news, Barnette dispatched his Chinese cook-off to Dawson City to spread the word. The cook's story showed up in a newspaper that winter and a stampede of hundreds of miners ensued, heading toward Fairbanks in weather as cold as -50°F. Barnette's town was a success, but the cook nearly got lynched when the stampeders found out how far he'd exaggerated the truth. Much more gold was found later, however, and half the population of Dawson City came downriver to Fairbanks. Barnette had made it big. The town's future was assured thanks to a political deal. Barnette did a favor for the territory's judge, James Wickersham, by naming the settlement for Wickersham's ally in Congress, Sen. Charles Fairbanks of Indiana, who later became vice president. Wickersham then moved the federal courthouse to Fairbanks from Eagle--he loaded his records on his dogsled and mushed here, establishing the camp as the hub of the region. Wickersham's story is interesting, too. He was a notable explorer, Alaska's first real statesman as a nonvoting delegate to Congress, and the father of the Alaska Railroad. Houses he lived in are preserved at Alaska and in Fairbanks and Juneau just up the hill from the capitol building. Barnette didn't do as well in history's eyes: He was run out of the town he founded for bank fraud. Fairbanks is Alaska's second-largest city now, with a population of about 30,000 in the city limits and 82,000 in the greater metropolitan area, but it has never learned to put on airs. It sprawls, broad and flat, along big highways and the Chena. It's a friendly, easygoing town, but one where people still take gold and their independence seriously. They're still prospecting and mining for gold around here, fighting off environmental regulation, and maintaining a traditional Alaskan attitude that it's us against the world. Fairbanks is the birthplace of strange political movements, including the secessionist Alaskan Independence Party. It's an adamant, loopy, affable place; it doesn't seem to mind being a little bizarre or residing far from the center of things. And that makes it an intensely Alaska city, for those are the qualities Alaskans most cherish in their myth of themselves. Fairbanks can strike a visitor a couple of ways, depending on what you expect and what you like. Fairbanks can come across as a provincial outpost, a touristy cross between Kansas and Siberia. Driving one of the franchise-choked commercial strips, you can wonder why you went out of your way to come here, and the deserted downtown area can be downright depressing. Or you can relax and take Fairbanks on its terms, as a fun, unpretentious town that never lost its sense of being on the frontier. My children love it here. There's plenty for families to do in Fairbanks, much of it at least a little corny and requiring drives to widespread sites at the university, on the Chena River, in the gold mining area north of town, and at a big town park called Alaskaland. (You must have wheels in Fairbanks.) There are good opportunities for hiking and mountain biking and great opportunities for canoeing and slow river float trips.

Day 14 Fairbanks

Overview

 
select to open Fairbanks pictures - Opens a dialog

If the story of the founding of Fairbanks had happened anywhere else, it wouldn't be told so proudly, for the city's father was a swindler, and its undignified birth contained an element of chance not usually admitted in polite society. As the popular story goes (and the historians' version is fairly close), it seems that in 1901, E. T. Barnette decided to get rich by starting a gold-mining boomtown like the others that had sprouted from Dawson City to Nome as the stampeders of 1898 sloshed back and forth across the territory from one gold find to the next. He booked passage on a riverboat going up the Tanana with his supplies to build the town, having made an understanding with the captain that, should the vessel get stuck, he would lighten the load by getting off with the materials on the nearest bank. Unfortunately, the captain got lost. Thinking he was heading up a slough on the Tanana, he got sidetracked into the relatively small Chena River. That was where the boat got stuck and where Barnette got left, and that was where he founded Fairbanks. Fortunately for Barnette, an Italian prospector named Felix Pedro had been looking for gold in the hills around the new trading post, and made a strike on the Tanana. On that news, Barnette dispatched his Chinese cook-off to Dawson City to spread the word. The cook's story showed up in a newspaper that winter and a stampede of hundreds of miners ensued, heading toward Fairbanks in weather as cold as -50°F. Barnette's town was a success, but the cook nearly got lynched when the stampeders found out how far he'd exaggerated the truth. Much more gold was found later, however, and half the population of Dawson City came downriver to Fairbanks. Barnette had made it big. The town's future was assured thanks to a political deal. Barnette did a favor for the territory's judge, James Wickersham, by naming the settlement for Wickersham's ally in Congress, Sen. Charles Fairbanks of Indiana, who later became vice president. Wickersham then moved the federal courthouse to Fairbanks from Eagle--he loaded his records on his dogsled and mushed here, establishing the camp as the hub of the region. Wickersham's story is interesting, too. He was a notable explorer, Alaska's first real statesman as a nonvoting delegate to Congress, and the father of the Alaska Railroad. Houses he lived in are preserved at Alaska and in Fairbanks and Juneau just up the hill from the capitol building. Barnette didn't do as well in history's eyes: He was run out of the town he founded for bank fraud. Fairbanks is Alaska's second-largest city now, with a population of about 30,000 in the city limits and 82,000 in the greater metropolitan area, but it has never learned to put on airs. It sprawls, broad and flat, along big highways and the Chena. It's a friendly, easygoing town, but one where people still take gold and their independence seriously. They're still prospecting and mining for gold around here, fighting off environmental regulation, and maintaining a traditional Alaskan attitude that it's us against the world. Fairbanks is the birthplace of strange political movements, including the secessionist Alaskan Independence Party. It's an adamant, loopy, affable place; it doesn't seem to mind being a little bizarre or residing far from the center of things. And that makes it an intensely Alaska city, for those are the qualities Alaskans most cherish in their myth of themselves. Fairbanks can strike a visitor a couple of ways, depending on what you expect and what you like. Fairbanks can come across as a provincial outpost, a touristy cross between Kansas and Siberia. Driving one of the franchise-choked commercial strips, you can wonder why you went out of your way to come here, and the deserted downtown area can be downright depressing. Or you can relax and take Fairbanks on its terms, as a fun, unpretentious town that never lost its sense of being on the frontier. My children love it here. There's plenty for families to do in Fairbanks, much of it at least a little corny and requiring drives to widespread sites at the university, on the Chena River, in the gold mining area north of town, and at a big town park called Alaskaland. (You must have wheels in Fairbanks.) There are good opportunities for hiking and mountain biking and great opportunities for canoeing and slow river float trips.

Tour Highlights

Day 8 Seward/Anchorage

Travel by luxury motor coach on the scenic Seward Highway to Anchorage. Discover indigenous traditions from around the state on your guided visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center. From 4:00 p.m., your time in Anchorage is your own. Visit the Anchorage Museum, which brings together history, art and science, or take a glacier flightseeing tour before exploring the big city by the light of the evening sun (additional fees apply). Overnight at the Anchorage Marriott. *Alaska Cruisetour arrival times are tentative. The tour component of your escorted Cruisetour vacation is comprised of tour guide escort, included experiences, lodging and transportation as described. Optional excursions are not included. Meals are not included unless specified as an inclusion.

Day 9 Anchorage/Talkeetna

Relax and take in the views from the Wilderness Express® on the morning rail journey to Talkeetna. From 11:00 a.m., the funky village Talkeetna is yours to discover. Your Adventure Specialist can recommend an optional outdoor excursion that still leaves plenty of time to hang out with the locals in the historic downtown (additional fees apply). Overnight at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge.

Day 10 Talkeetna/Denali

Today features another journey by train, which offers the best views of the rivers, gulches and other landscapes on the way to Denali. From 4:00 p.m., Denali is yours to explore. Take to the skies on a flightseeing tour for unrivaled views of the mountain and wilderness, or enjoy the thrills of the rapids on a rafting excursion (additional fees apply). Overnight at Denali Park Village.

Day 11 Denali

You'll go deep into the park on the lone road on the Tundra Wilderness Tour for the best chances of seeing wildlife. After your tour, your time in Denali is your own. There are biking and hiking trails that begin right near the park entrance. Overnight at Denali Park Village.

Day 12 Denali/Fairbanks

Enjoy a free morning in Denali before boarding the Wilderness Express® for the rail journey north to Alaska's Golden Heart City. From 8:30 p.m., Fairbanks is yours to explore. Enjoy a stroll along the riverfront in the evening sunlight. Overnight at Sophie’s Station Suites.

Day 13 Fairbanks

Explore local history and heritage on a full day that features a city highlights tour, a visit to the acclaimed Museum of the North, and a cruise down the Chena River in a vintage sternwheeler. From 5:30 p.m., your time is your own. Enjoy an optional visit to a traditional salmon bake and watch a theater performance that tells the story of the gold rush through musical comedy (additional fees apply). Overnight at Sophie’s Station Suites.

Day 14 Fairbanks

Your Adventure Specialist will ensure you transfer to the airport on time (included).

Onboard the Ovation of the Seas

Cruise FPO 6 select to open Ovation of the Seas pictures - Opens a dialog

Costco Member Reviews

Go scenery scoping from the unrivaled perspective of the North Star®, the highest vantage point on any cruise ship. Gaze at brilliant blue glaciers and majestic waterfalls from the pool deck as you sail through Endicott Arm. Then refuel with delicious, globally inspired dishes and robot-crafted cocktails as fresh as the crisp mountain air outside. And in between adventures onshore, fill each sea day with thrilling activities like surf sessions on the FlowRider®, simulated skydiving on RipCord®by iFLY®, and so much more.

Onboard Activities

Activities & Services (included in cruise)

Two70 Theater

  • Card Room
  • Casino
  • Disco/Nightclub
  • Movies
  • Theater/Show Lounge
  • Fitness Center
  • Pool - Adults Only
  • Pool - Children's
  • Pool - Outdoor
  • Pool - Indoor/Covered
  • Rock-Climbing Wall
  • Sports Facilities
  • Water Slide
  • Whirlpool/Jacuzzi
  • Bumper Cars
  • Roller Skating
  • RipCord by iFLY® Skydiving Simulator
  • NorthStar℠ (select times)
  • FlowRider® surf simulator
  • Art Gallery
  • Internet Center
  • Children's Indoor Play Area
  • Educational Classes
  • Educational Programs
  • Organized Age Specific Activities
  • Teen Center or Disco
  • Teen Programs
  • Concierge Desk
  • Duty-Free Shops/Boutiques
  • Elevators
  • Religious Services
  • Safe Deposit Boxes

Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)

Bumper Cars

  • Game Arcade
  • Beauty Salon
  • Fitness Classes
  • Full-Service Spa
  • Spa Services/Massage
  • Library
  • Dry Cleaning/ Laundry Service
  • Infirmary/Medical Center
  • Wedding/Vow Renewal

Costco Travel makes every effort to verify the accuracy of all information provided. Additional fees for amenities or services may be charged by the cruise line. Amenities or services may be discontinued or revised by the cruise line without notice. Staterooms designated as wheelchair-accessible do not necessarily meet ADA requirements. Costco Travel is not responsible for inaccuracies or provider modifications.

Dining

Main Dining

Main Dining

Main Dining Room: Sweeping, multi-level ambience, world-class cuisine and extraordinary personal service from a dedicated wait staff. Royal Caribbean's main dining room serves exceptional, multi-course meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Wonderland

Specialty Dining

Chef's Table: A once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience – join guests in an exclusive enclave to savour a five-course, gourmet menu specially prepared and presented by the Chef de Cuisine. Every course pairs with a wine chosen to enhance your enjoyment of the dish. The menu, wine selections and price vary from ship to ship and itinerary. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Chops Grille℠: Royal Caribbean's popular signature steakhouse, featuring grade-A premium cuts of steak cooked to your specifications, plus fresh seafood, hearty side dishes and signature desserts in an upscale, contemporary setting. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Coastal Kitchen: Exclusively for suite guests and Pinnacle Club members, Coastal Kitchen fuses Mediterranean influences with farm-fresh flavors from California. Filled with Pacific Coast favorites and Med-inspired entrees, the menu here rotates to spotlight delicious, seasonal ingredients. And you can pair every bite with a glass or bottle of wine off a list that includes vintages from the sun-kissed valleys of Napa to the golden-green hills of Tuscany. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Fish & Ships℠: Order up batter-fried favorites at Fish & Ships℠ — the new seafood spot that's just within splashing distance of the pool. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Izumi: The traditional Japanese dishes at Izumi will impress you with pure, delicate flavors, freshness of ingredients and impeccable presentation. Choose from sushi rolls, sashimi and more. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver: Chef Jamie Oliver may be one of Britain’s most famous food exports, but it’s his intense passion for Italian cooking and the Italian way of life that drives the menu at Jamie’s Italian. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

La Patisserie: Fuel your morning at La Patisserie. This café-style eatery, exclusively available upon Quantum Class ships, serves up coffee and pastries and is ideal for an on-the-go breakfast. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Wonderland: Our chefs twist their culinary kaleidoscopes to invent an elaborate dreamscape of never-before-seen fare. The story begins as you open the menu and find your element - Sun, Ice, Fire, Water, Earth and Dreams. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Solarium Bistro

Casual Dining

Café Promenade: The multi-level Royal Promenade is the heart of our ships – and the best spot for people watching. Pick a table with a view at Café Promenade, serving Starbucks or illy coffee, snacks, pastries and sandwiches throughout the day and into the night – so you can enjoy the action when you please.

Dog House: How do you build your dog? Take a seat at the counter for traditional hot dogs, brats, sausages and other delicious linked meats, plus a variety of toppings to split a long bun.

Solarium Bistro: A hearty but healthful lunch destination in Solarium with lighter options for breakfast and lunch. Try soups and stews, crepes, salad bars, fresh-cut fruits and more.

Sorrento's Pizza: For an authentic New York pizzeria experience, head to Sorrento's for fully-loaded pies right out of the oven. Sample rotating creations from chorizo to Hawaiian to Pizza Florentine – with classic cheese and pepperoni always on call.

The Café @ Two70°: The Café @ Two70° is a gourmet marketplace that lets you pick the view. Choose from a variety of savory hot-pressed sandwiches, salads custom-made to your liking, homemade soups and more.

Windjammer Café: A culinary destination loaded with an array of delicious food for every meal and snack time – all with spectacular views and a comfortable, casual atmosphere. Browse multiple serving stations featuring pastas, omelettes made-to-order, global cuisine, salads, soups, sandwiches, meat-carving, and tons of tantalizing desserts.

Room Service: Room service is available 24-hours a day (a convenience charge applies to each order placed).


Times, costs and other specifics are outside the control of Costco Travel. All information is at the sole discretion of the cruise line and is subject to change without notice. Dining time and table size preferences are submitted to the cruise line on a first-come, first-served request basis and are confirmed aboard ship. Questions, concerns and/or special needs regarding dining arrangements must be addressed with the maitre d' hotel aboard ship. Every effort is made to accommodate travelers' preferences; however, Costco Travel cannot guarantee dining arrangements. In specialty restaurants, space is limited and reservations are recommended. A cover charge and dress code may apply.

Staterooms

Interior staterooms include a wide array of amenities for your whole family to enjoy.

  • Studio Interior (Category: 2W)

    Category: 2W

    • Sized perfectly for solo adventurers
    • One of our most budget-friendly options
    • Same amenities as all other staterooms

    Beds

    • One full-size bed

    Size

    • Stateroom: 101 sq. ft.

  • Connecting Interior (Category: CI)

    Category: CI

    • Connects to the room next door
    • Get "double" the space when booking both
    • Great for families

    Beds

    • One Royal King bed (can convert into two twin-size beds)

    Size

    • Stateroom: 166 sq. ft.

  • Interior with Virtual Balcony (Category: 1U)

    Category: 1U

    • A high-definition screen inside your stateroom
    • Brings a live ocean view right to you
    • Views of a balcony stateroom at the price of an interior

    Beds

    • One Royal King bed (can convert into two twin-size beds)
    • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4 guests

    Size

    • Stateroom: 166 sq. ft.

  • Interior with Virtual Balcony (Category: 2U)

    Category: 2U

    • A high-definition screen inside your stateroom
    • Brings a live ocean view right to you
    • Views of a balcony stateroom at the price of an interior

    Beds

    • One Royal King bed (can convert into two twin-size beds)
    • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4 guests

    Size

    • Stateroom: 166 sq. ft.

  • Interior with Virtual Balcony (Category: 3U)

    Category: 3U

    • A high-definition screen inside your stateroom
    • Brings a live ocean view right to you
    • Views of a balcony stateroom at the price of an interior

    Beds

    • One Royal King bed (can convert into two twin-size beds)
    • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4 guests

    Size

    • Stateroom: 166 sq. ft.

  • Interior with Virtual Balcony (Category: 4U)

    Category: 4U

    • A high-definition screen inside your stateroom
    • Brings a live ocean view right to you
    • Views of a balcony stateroom at the price of an interior

    Beds

    • One Royal King bed (can convert into two twin-size beds)
    • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4 guests

    Size

    • Stateroom: 166 sq. ft.

  • Guarantee - Inside (Category: ZI)

    Category: ZI
    This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

  • Guarantee - Quad Interior Stateroom (Category: ZQ)

    Category: ZQ
    This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

Spectacular sights and amazing views from the comfort of your stateroom.

  • Spacious Ocean View (Category: 3M)

    Category: 3M

    • Extra square footage at a great value
    • Perfect if you need that little extra space
    • Your very own in-stateroom window

    Beds

    • One Royal King bed (can convert into two twin-size beds)
    • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4 guests

    Size

    • Stateroom: 214 sq. ft.

  • Spacious Ocean View (Category: 4M)

    Category: 4M

    • Extra square footage at a great value
    • Perfect if you need that little extra space
    • Your very own in-stateroom window

    Beds

    • One Royal King bed (can convert into two twin-size beds)
    • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4 guests

    Size

    • Stateroom: 214 sq. ft.

  • Ocean View (Category: 1N)

    Category: 1N

    • Budget-friendly with a view of the ocean
    • Your very own in-stateroom window
    • Great for families with small children

    Beds

    • One Royal King bed (can convert into two twin-size beds)
    • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4 guests

    Size

    • Stateroom: 182 sq. ft.

  • Ocean View (Category: 2N)

    Category: 2N

    • Budget-friendly with a view of the ocean
    • Your very own in-stateroom window
    • Great for families with small children

    Beds

    • One Royal King bed (can convert into two twin-size beds)
    • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4 guests

    Size

    • Stateroom: 182 sq. ft.

  • Guarantee - Oceanview (Category: YO)

    Category: YO
    This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

  • Guarantee - Quad Oceanview Stateroom (Category: YQ)

    Category: YQ
    This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

Enjoy the ambiance of our neighborhood balcony staterooms that overlook the Central Park and Boardwalk neighborhoods or take in breathtaking views from your Ocean View balcony stateroom.

  • Ocean View with Large Balcony (Category: 1C)

    Category: 1C

    • Larger than standard balcony
    • Private balcony with chairs
    • Extra square footage to relax on your balcony

    Beds

    • One Royal King bed (can convert into two twin-size beds)
    • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4 guests

    Size

    • Stateroom: 198 sq. ft.
    • Balcony: 65 sq. ft.

  • Ocean View with Large Balcony (Category: 2C)

    Category: 2C

    • Larger than standard balcony
    • Private balcony with chairs
    • Extra square footage to relax on your balcony

    Beds

    • One Royal King bed (can convert into two twin-size beds)
    • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4 guests

    Size

    • Stateroom: 198 sq. ft.
    • Balcony: 65 sq. ft.

  • Ocean View with Large Balcony (Category: 4C)

    Category: 4C

    • Larger than standard balcony
    • Private balcony with chairs
    • Extra square footage to relax on your balcony

    Beds

    • One Royal King bed (can convert into two twin-size beds)
    • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4 guests

    Size

    • Stateroom: 198 sq. ft.
    • Balcony: 65 sq. ft.

  • Connecting Balcony (Category: CB)

    Category: CB

    • Balcony stateroom that connects to the room next door
    • Get "double" the space by booking both
    • Great for families

    Beds

    • One Royal King bed (can convert into two twin-size beds)

    Size

    • Stateroom: 198 sq. ft.
    • Balcony: 55 sq. ft.

  • Ocean View Balcony (Category: 1D)

    Category: 1D

    • Our standard balcony stateroom
    • Pristine views of the ocean
    • Private balcony with chairs

    Beds

    • One Royal King bed (can convert into two twin-size beds)
    • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4 guests

    Size

    • Stateroom: 198 sq. ft.
    • Balcony: 55 sq. ft.

  • Ocean View Balcony (Category: 2D)

    Category: 2D

    • Our standard balcony stateroom
    • Pristine views of the ocean
    • Private balcony with chairs

    Beds

    • One Royal King bed (can convert into two twin-size beds)
    • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4 guests

    Size

    • Stateroom: 198 sq. ft.
    • Balcony: 55 sq. ft.

  • Ocean View Balcony (Category: 3D)

    Category: 3D

    • Our standard balcony stateroom
    • Pristine views of the ocean
    • Private balcony with chairs

    Beds

    • One Royal King bed (can convert into two twin-size beds)
    • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4 guests

    Size

    • Stateroom: 198 sq. ft.
    • Balcony: 55 sq. ft.

  • Ocean View Balcony (Category: 4D)

    Category: 4D

    • Our standard balcony stateroom
    • Pristine views of the ocean
    • Private balcony with chairs

    Beds

    • One Royal King bed (can convert into two twin-size beds)
    • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4 guests

    Size

    • Stateroom: 198 sq. ft.
    • Balcony: 55 sq. ft.

  • Obstructed Ocean View Balcony (Category: 1E)

    Category: 1E

    • Our standard balcony stateroom
    • Pristine views of the ocean
    • Private balcony with chairs

    Beds

    • One Royal King bed (can convert into two twin-size beds)
    • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4 guests

    Size

    • Stateroom: 198 sq. ft.
    • Balcony: 55 sq. ft.

  • Obstructed Ocean View Balcony (Category: 2E)

    Category: 2E

    • Larger than standard balcony
    • Private balcony with chairs
    • Extra square footage to relax on your balcony

    Beds

    • One Royal King bed (can convert into two twin-size beds)
    • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4 guests

    Size

    • Stateroom: 198 sq. ft.
    • Balcony: 65 sq. ft.

  • Studio Ocean View Balcony (Category: 2F)

    Category: 2F

    • Sized perfectly for solo adventurers
    • One of our most budget-friendly options
    • Same amenities as all other staterooms

    Beds

    • One full-size bed

    Size

    • Stateroom: 119 sq. ft.
    • Balcony: 55 sq. ft.

  • Guarantee - Ocean View Balcony Stateroom (Category: XB)

    Category: XB
    This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

  • Guarantee - Quad Balcony Stateroom (Category: XQ)

    Category: XQ
    This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

Exclusive experiences, inclusive amenities, luxury accommodations and more.

  • Royal Loft Suite (Category: RL)

    Category: RL

    • Expansive two-floor suite with ample space for everyone
    • Most luxurious suite on the Royal Caribbean fleet
    • Star Class amenities

    Beds

    • One King-size bed
    • One Royal King Bed (can convert into two twin-size beds)
    • One double sofa bed

    Size

    • Stateroom: 1,640 sq. ft.
    • Main Balcony: 553 sq. ft.

  • Owner's Loft Suite (Category: OL)

    Category: OL

    • Extra-large loft suite with spacious living area and balcony
    • Upper-level master bedroom overlooks the living room
    • Star Class amenities

    Beds

    • One King-size bed
    • One double sofa bed

    Size

    • Stateroom: 975 sq. ft.,
    • Balcony main level: 501 sq. ft.

  • Grand Loft Suite (Category: GL)

    Category: GL

    • Extra-spacious stateroom and balcony
    • Upper-level master bedroom overlooks the living room
    • Star Class amenities

    Beds

    • One King-size bed
    • One double sofa bed

    Size

    • Stateroom: 696 sq. ft.
    • Balcony: 216 sq. ft.

  • Sky Loft Suite (Category: SL)

    Category: SL

    • Two-floor suite
    • Upper-level master bedroom overlooks the living room
    • Sky Class amenities

    Beds

    • King-size bed
    • One double sofa bed

    Size

    • Stateroom: 673 sq. ft.
    • Balcony: 183 sq. ft.

  • Owner's Suite - 1 Bedroom (Category: OS)

    Category: OS

    • Larger and more luxurious than our one bedroom Grand Suites
    • Put the extra square footage to use as you kick back and relax
    • Sky Class amenities

    Beds

    • One Royal King bed (can convert into two twin-size beds)
    • One double sofa bed

    Size

    • Stateroom: 541 sq. ft.
    • Balcony: 259 sq. ft.

  • Grand Suite - 2 Bedrooms (Category: GT)

    Category: GT

    • High-occupancy two-bedroom suite
    • Perfect for groups or families
    • Sky Class amenities

    Beds

    • Two Royal King beds (each can convert into two twin-size beds)
    • One double sofa bed
    • Two fold-down Pullman beds

    Size

    • Stateroom: 543 sq. ft.
    • Balcony: 259 sq. ft.

  • Grand Suite with Large Balcony - 1 Bedroom (Category: GB)

    Category: GB

    • Enjoy a Grand Suite with an even bigger balcony
    • Take in stunning ocean views with extra real estate
    • Sky Class amenities

    Beds

    • One Royal King bed (can convert into two twin-size beds)
    • One double sofa bed

    Size

    • Stateroom: 351 sq. ft.
    • Balcony: 259 sq. ft.

  • Grand Suite - 1 Bedroom (Category: GS)

    Category: GS

    • Ample space, including a living room and full bathroom with a tub
    • "Grandest" suite in the fleet
    • Sky Class amenities

    Beds

    • One Royal King bed (can convert into two twin-size beds)
    • One double sofa bed

    Size

    • Stateroom: 351 sq. ft.
    • Balcony: 109 sq. ft.

  • Junior Suite with Large Balcony (Category: J1)

    Category: J1

    • Same as our standard Junior Suite, but with a larger balcony
    • Private balcony with two chairs
    • Sea Class Suite amenities

    Beds

    • One Royal King bed (can convert into two twin-size beds)
    • One double sofa bed

    Size

    • Stateroom: 276 sq. ft.
    • Balcony: 161 sq. ft.

  • Junior Suite (Category: J3)

    Category: J3

    • Our standard suite for luxury on a budget
    • Private balcony with two chairs
    • Sea Class amenities

    Beds

    • Two Royal King beds (each can convert into two twin-size beds)
    • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4 and 5 guests
    • One fold-down Pullman bed in staterooms with up to 5 guests

    Size

    • Stateroom: 267 sq. ft.
    • Balcony: 81 sq. ft.

  • Junior Suite (Category: J4)

    Category: J4

    • Our standard suite for luxury on a budget
    • Private balcony with two chairs
    • Sea Class amenities

    Beds

    • Two Royal King beds (each can convert into two twin-size beds)
    • One double sofa bed in staterooms with up to 4 and 5 guests
    • One fold-down Pullman bed in staterooms with up to 5 guests

    Size

    • Stateroom: 267 sq. ft.
    • Balcony: 81 sq. ft.

  • Guarantee - Suite (Category: WS)

    Category: WS
    This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

Deck Plan

Cruise Ship
Deck 16
Key to Symbols
SymbolDescription
Stateroom for occupancy 5 and upStateroom for occupancy 5 and up
Stateroom for occupancy up to 4Stateroom for occupancy up to 4
Accessible stateroomAccessible stateroom
Stateroom has an obstructed viewStateroom has an obstructed view

Ship Facts

Ovation of the Seas ship image
  • Ship Name: Ovation of the Seas
  • Year Built: 2016
  • Year Entered Present Fleet: 2016
  • Ship Class: Quantum
  • Maximum Capacity: 4,905
  • Number of Passenger Decks: 16
  • Number of Crew: 1,500
  • Officers' Nationality: Norwegian
  • Ocean-View without Balcony: 148
  • Ocean-View with Balcony: 1,446
  • Total Inside Staterooms: 375
  • Tonnage (GRT): 168,666
  • Capacity Based on Double Occupancy: 4,430
  • Country of Registry: The Bahamas
  • Total Staterooms: 2,091
  • Suites with Balcony: 125
  • Crew/Hotel Staff Nationality: International
Costco Travel makes every effort to verify the accuracy of all information provided. Additional fees for amenities or services may be charged by the hotel, resort or cruise line. Amenities or services may be discontinued or revised by the provider without notice. Hotels, resorts, ships or accommodations designated as wheelchair-accessible do not necessarily meet ADA requirements. Costco Travel is not responsible for inaccuracies or provider modifications.

Costco Member Reviews

Available Dates & Prices

Departure Date

Inside Stateroom

Ocean View Stateroom

Balcony Stateroom

Suite Stateroom

05/15/2026

05/29/2026

06/12/2026

06/26/2026

07/10/2026

07/24/2026

08/07/2026

08/21/2026

09/04/2026

Terms & Conditions

*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy and is valid for select stateroom categories only. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for details.

†One Digital Costco Shop Card per room/stateroom, per stay. The exact amount of the Digital Costco Shop Card will be calculated during the booking process. The Digital Costco Shop Card promotion is nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. A Digital Costco Shop Card will arrive by email approximately 10 days after the start of your cruise. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for additional information.

Ship's registry: The Bahamas

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    Package ID: RCIOVAALK20260514CT