Oceania Cruises’ Riviera will sail first Alaskan season next year

Oceania Cruises’ Riviera will sail its first Alaskan season next year, offering itineraries ranging from seven to 12 days from May through to September.

The Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings brand said Riviera will be “the first and only cruise ship in the region designed for foodies, by foodies”.

The ship offers departures from Seattle, Vancouver and Whittier, with visits to ports such as Homer, Sitka and Juneau.

Each sailing also features a naturalist on board to offer expert insights into the biodiversity of Alaska, including whales, bears and seals.

Frank Del Rio, president of Oceania Cruises, said: “We’re thrilled to bring our 1,250-guest Riviera to Alaska for the very first time.

“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.”

Passengers can also include a pre or post-cruise land programme such as Discover Denali, exploring Denali National Park.

Shore excursions offer culinary experiences, such as Alaskan Coastal Brunch Escape & Cruise, Juneau; Exclusive Crabbing Experience, Ketchikan; Exclusive Flightseeing & The Taste of Alaska, Ketchikan; and Sitka Culinary Adventure.

Oceania Cruises’ Alaska Explorer Youth Programme, designed for children aged five to 12, will be available on all voyages in the region in 2025.