RCI-Royal Caribbean has announced its Alaska programme for the 2028 summer season, featuring 4 ships: Anthem of the Seas, the newly amplified Ovation of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas. Beginning in April 2028, the ships will operate 7-night cruises from Seattle, Seward and Vancouver, with selected itineraries offering multi-night Cruisetours that combine sailing with inland excursions.
Bookings were initially available to members of the Crown & Anchor Society loyalty programme, ahead of the general opening on October 1st.
The itineraries will include calls at destinations such as Juneau, Skagway, Sitka and Icy Strait Point, alongside scenic cruising through Alaska’s glacier-lined waterways. Shore activities will range from visits to Mendenhall Glacier and historic districts to hiking, kayaking, fishing and wildlife observation. Selected Cruisetours will also include visits to Denali National Park.
On board Anthem of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, passengers will be able to use the North Star observation capsule for elevated views of glaciers, mountains and fjords. Both ships also feature attractions such as the RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator and SeaPlex, which offers activities including bumper cars and roller skating. Entertainment venues include the Royal Theater and Music Hall.
Anthem of the Seas will operate 7-night cruises from Seward and Vancouver between May and September. The programme will include scenic cruising at Hubbard Glacier and calls at Ketchikan, where visitors can participate in fishing, kayaking, hiking and zip-lining activities. The ship will also offer 2- to 6-night Cruisetours before or after selected sailings, extending the trip inland to destinations including Denali National Park. Onboard facilities include the North Star observation capsule, SeaPlex and dining venues such as Jamie’s Italian and Johnny Rockets.
The newly amplified Ovation of the Seas will sail 7-night itineraries from Seattle between May and September. The programme will feature calls at Sitka, Skagway and Juneau, as well as scenic cruising at Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. On board, passengers will have access to the RipCord by iFly simulator, the new Sound Cellar entertainment venue and the Pesky Parrot tiki bar. Dining options include Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, Chops Grille and Izumi Teppanyaki.
Serenade of the Seas will operate 7-night cruises from Vancouver from May through September, offering access to Alaska’s coastal landscapes, temperate rainforests and wildlife habitats. Activities ashore will include zip-lining at Icy Strait Point, hiking in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, and exploring Juneau’s historic district. On board, facilities include a rock-climbing wall, poolside movie screenings and live music at the Schooner Bar. The ship’s extensive use of glass in its exterior design provides views of the surrounding scenery from public areas.
Voyager of the Seas will operate 7-night cruises from Seattle between April and September. The itineraries will include Sitka, Juneau and Skagway in Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia, in Canada. Shore visits will provide opportunities to explore historic sites and coastal communities, with passengers also able to observe wildlife such as grizzly bears, harbor seals and bald eagles. On board, activities include ice skating and laser tag at Studio B, mini-golf and arcade games, while the adults-only Solarium offers a climate-controlled pool area.
Passengers beginning their journeys in Seward will have access to a new terminal developed by Royal Caribbean Group in partnership with the Alaska Railroad. The facility is designed to streamline arrival and embarkation while providing views of the surrounding mountains and convenient access to the adjacent railway station.
The project also forms part of Royal Caribbean Group’s SEA the Future corporate responsibility initiative. According to the company, the terminal is intended to provide longer-term benefits to the local community by serving as a year-round venue for sports, youth programmes and other group activities. It will also accommodate community events, including activities connected with the Port Partners small-business accelerator programme, which supports local entrepreneurs.