Alaska, The Beautiful: 2021 Oceania Club Reunion Cruise

Right around this time next year, I’ll be cruising with my family and many of you as we explore one of my favorite corners of the world – awe-inspiring Alaska – on our 2021 Oceania Club Reunion Cruise. If you are like me, the last several months have given you time to reflect on your most cherished travel memories of the past and a renewed appetite for exploring and seeing the world. Some of my favorite travel moments and family travel adventures have taken place in the 49th state and I can’t wait to return as we look ahead to next year. An Alaska cruise combines two landscapes that I am most passionate about – the mountains and the sea. From the authenticity of the small port towns you visit to the breathtaking mountain wilderness and wildlife that this destination offers, every adventure in Alaska is like a spiritual journey for your soul.

An Unforgettable Birthday in Alaska
Last summer, I celebrated a milestone birthday on an Alaska cruise and one of my favorite experiences was in Icy Strait Point on my actual birthday. A group of us went whale watching in the morning and as a surprise for my birthday, my friends organized a Bloody Mary bar aboard the ship – and hot cocoa for the kids. Though the day was misty, it was the perfect setting for a whale lookout. Everyone had their raincoats on and my three sons loved the feeling of going out in the mist and then taking shelter inside the boat. We spotted wildlife along the shore, with bears being the crowd favorite, and eventually enjoyed the much-awaited sighting of a whale and her calf.

One of the things that left an impact on me was experiencing the glaciers in person. This was really eye-opening – not only are they much larger and vaster in person, you also learn just how vulnerable these glaciers are to drastic changes in the environment. You feel an ultimate sense of responsibility to take care of them. If you were not an environmentalist before going to Alaska, you certainly are one when you leave.

The Perfect Family Cruise
Alaska has also become a special destination because I’ve been able to share it with my three boys. This part of the world has a powerful way of bringing textbooks to life. Being from Florida, my sons are accustomed to a certain type of landscape and vegetation. Our Alaska cruise opened up a whole new world to them. It’s like visiting an exciting new planet that is not flat but has mountains and tall trees that are not from the palm family and wildlife that they’ve only read about in books. It’s important to change their perspective of the world so they know that the world is much bigger than the 4 to 5 city blocks that encompass their village at home.

Future Oceania Club Adventures
I’m really looking forward to experiencing this destination in particular with our Oceania Club members – because our guests are experienced travelers, they know the best parts of Alaska. I’m certain they’ll be able to share some new insights in the ports we’ll be visiting together. There is always something new to see even in destinations that you have visited before and I look forward to discovering those with our guests. I’m also excited to be able to take my sons on a seaplane glacier tour. Last year, we were able to see glaciers and next year, we’ll be able to actually walk on one and explore it. I can’t wait to see their faces!

The other element of Alaska that I’m excited to dive into more deeply on next year’s Reunion Cruise is the state’s multicultural heritage and interesting history. I’m hoping to create onboard and destination experiences that speak to the multicultural heritage of the places we visit. For example, in Sitka, Alaska (or "Shee Atika" named by the Tlingit Indians), they have over two dozen attractions that are on the National Register of Historic Places, including Castle Hill and Building 29, a structure built by the Russians in 1835. The Sheldon Jackson Museum also showcases one of Alaska's oldest native culture collections. These are fascinating places I am looking forward to experiencing with our guests.

Are you joining Oceania Club Manager Neli Arias and me on this special Oceania Club Reunion Cruise next July? Dream and plan with us – we’d love to hear what you’re excited about experiencing on this Alaska cruise. Tell us in the comments below or on our Facebook page.

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