Seven Seas Mariner in Alaska
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has introduced a new collection of immersive experiences both on-ship and on-land and included in its 2020 Alaska Collection of cruise vacations. The cruise line’s new Inside Alaska / Luxury Goes Exploring program features exclusive engagements for guests to expand their knowledge of Alaska.
This program, along with Regent’s current offer of free first class air for 2020 Alaskan sailings, makes a voyage to Alaska next year very appealing.
“As the world’s leading luxury ocean cruise line, we continue to create even more immersive experiences for truly unrivaled Alaskan voyages in 2020,” said Jason Montague, president and CEO of Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
The exclusive program includes enrichment and entertainment experiences, new Go Local Tours led by local residents, and excursions designed specifically for youth enrolled in Regent’s Club Mariner Youth Program.
Alaskan Enrichment And Entertainment
Unique cultural experiences will be presented onboard Seven Seas Mariner for guests to enjoy – extending the Alaska experience from shore to ship. These activities are scheduled for times after guests have returned from most shore excursions.
Juneau, Alaska
Destination Experts
Destination experts sail on the entire voyage and, from the Bridge, narrate details about the surrounding landscapes, including commentary during the Hubbard Glacier visit. During the voyage they also offer presentations and lectures.
On the Pacific Northwest Summer cruise (Jun 4 – 17), guests will gain knowledge from Regent’s Alaskan Cultural Anthropologist Terry Breen, who has sailed more than 450 Alaskan voyages since 1999. Guests will also hear presentations from her colleagues: Geologist Steven Okulewiz on the Journey to the Hubbard Glacier cruise (Aug 5 – 12), Marine Biologist David Plourd on the Trekking the Tongass cruise (Sep 2 – 9) and Geologist Gregory Wheeler on the Best of Alaska cruise (Sep 9 – 16).
Guests who sail on any 2020 Alaska cruise vacation will also receive a copy of Breen’s updated book, Cruiser’s Friendly Guide to Alaska’s Inside Passage.
Heritage And Culture Experts
Lily Hope is a Juneau native and part of the Tlingit tribe, of the Raven moiety. An expert Tlingit weaver and teacher, Lily will share her personal story of connection to her art and heritage.
Amelia Wilson is the vice mayor of Hoonah, Alaska — of Tlingit and Irish heritage — and a proud advocate for her ancestry as the Executive Director for the Huna Heritage Foundation.
Richard and Janice Jackson are experts in their Tongass Tlingit ancestries. Richard is the President Emeritus of the Alaska Native Brotherhood and Janice is the Grand President of the Alaska Native Sisterhood. They will share their insights and passion for the Tlingit tribe.
Steve Hites is a local Skagway entertainer with a gift for transporting his audience with his captivating tales and descriptive lyrics, all carried to his listeners with folk-style notes and tones of his six-string and harmonica.
Bobby Reynolds, also known as the Great Baldini, is a local Juneau favorite. He will entertain guests with his lyrical antics and musical medleys.
Iditarod And Nature Experts
An experienced, professional musher will join guests aboard in Skagway, bringing tales of the Iditarod, the world’s most harrowing race. He’ll also bring along one of his sled dogs.
Staff from the Alaska Raptor Center will come aboard with one of their Raptors in Residence to introduce to guests and provide insights about birds in the Last Frontier.
Alaska Go Local Tours
Regent’s new Go Local Tours invite guests to engage in local experiences led by community residents. Guests will learn and savor some of the locals’ favorite spots to eat and explore the hidden gems of Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway and Sitka.
Walking Tour From a Local Perspective (Sitka) – Participants will learn about the local Sitka lifestyle by gaining a historical perspective of the town through its landmarks and arts. A local resident will share stories of the town’s history and guests will visit Sheldon Jackson Museum to watch local artists painting, sculpting and weaving.
A Look Into A Local’s Past (Skagway) – Participants will hear tales of the notorious early Gold Rush settlers, visiting their gravesites and discussing the town’s history and visit the National Historic District to see homes and businesses of some of the earliest locals.
Behind the Scenes With A Local (Juneau) – Participants will visit Juneau’s historical landmarks and then explore the culinary scene with a hands-on cooking class at Chez Alaska Cooking School and sampling locally brewed beers at a pub.
Native Tlingit Walking Tour (Ketchikan) – Participants will join a local guide of indigenous Tlingit descent for a walk through Ketchikan, learning about the city’s history and how the indigenous people have adapted to changes. The tour includes a visit to Cape Fox Lodge, a Tlingit-owned hotel, to sample a selection of tribal dishes.
Wrangell Through The Eyes of a Local (Wrangell) – Guests will follow a guide in and around Wrangell to learn about local life. The Tlingit people were the first inhabitants of the area and their influence can be seen in the totems and tribal houses around town.
Club Mariner® Youth Program Excursions
Youth ages 7 to 17 can participate in excursions especially designed for the Club Mariner® Youth Program accompanied by Club Mariner counselors. Excursions include outings in Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka and Icy Strait Point.
Raptor Center and Sheldon Jackson Museum Walking Tour (Sitka) – Guests will watch injured birds of prey such as bald eagles being rehabilitated at a raptor center, learn about the ecosystem in the Tongass National Forest, and visit the Sheldon Jackson Museum.
Salmon Hatchery and Juneau City Tour (Juneau) – Guests will visit a hatchery and learn about the lifecycles of salmon, and go on a guided tour of Juneau.
Totem Traditions and Potlatch Park (Ketchikan) – Guests will visit Ketchikan’s two sister parks to see dozens of totem poles, learn about the symbolism behind the images and watch artisans hand-carve new totem poles.
Campfire and Tribal Dance (Icy Strait) – Guests will watch a traditional tribal performance that reflects the fascinating history of the Tlingit people before enjoying a seafood feast or campfire lunch.
All Regent Alaska voyages in 2020 are on the elegant, all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Mariner, which has refurbished in 2018. This spacious and intimate ship has 445 crew taking extraordinary care of 700 guests.
SOURCE Regent Seven Seas Cruises press release
