The industry-changing Ocean Victory, a new class of purpose-built expedition ship, is nearing completion, ready to revolutionise Alaska cruising from 2021 for North American lakes and coastal line Victory Cruises, which is set to offer deep-nature, all-inclusive exploration journeys in Alaska for the first time.
Sporting one of the least polluting engines in the world, the low-energy Ocean Victory will take just 200 adventure seekers closer to Alaska’s natural wonders than ever before. Only 104m long, weighing just 8500 tonnes and with a shallow draft of 5.1m, Ocean Victory will visit wilder, more remote and less visited destinations in Alaska that bigger ships cannot reach, with more intimate and immersive encounters with local wildlife and cultures.
Sporting the game-changing X-bow design for comfort and stability, the hi-tech Ocean Victory will combine the appeal and ease of a small expedition vessel with the luxuries of a larger cruise ship. The six-deck vessel will boast a spectacular, aft-facing infinity pool, jacuzzi, two restaurants, panoramic observation lounge overlooking the bow, library, fitness centre and spa, piano bar and 93 staterooms – all with ocean views and 79 per cent with private balconies.
Ocean Victory will also carry 20 Zodiac craft, a fleet of kayaks and a team of naturalists, marine biologists, scientists and expedition guides. Fares include a pre-voyage hotel night, adventure excursions, wi-fi, onboard beverages, multi-course fine-dining, gratuities and lecture and enrichment experiences.
Victory Cruises’ inaugural Alaskan season will see Ocean Victory offer 12 and 13-day one-way voyages between Vancouver in Canada and Sitka in Alaska between May and September, 2021. Each voyage will showcase Alaska’s stunning, cliff-lined fjords, thundering waterfalls, mighty glaciers, soaring peaks, dense fir forests and wildlife such as humpback whales, orcas, dolphins, bear, deer and moose. Destinations in Alaska and British Columbia that don’t often feature on big ship itineraries will include Kake, Waterfall Coast, Five Finger Lighthouse, Petersburg, Wrangell, Prince Rupert, Metlakatla, Misty Fjords, Frederick Sound and Tracy and Endicott Arms.
A typical day on an Ocean Victory cruise in Alaska might start at 7am with breakfast on your own private balcony as you feast on the breathtaking scenery and freshly baked pastries. At 9am, jump in one of the ship’s kayaks from the dedicated platform for a guided paddle in search of sea lions, otters and seals. A guided hike along the shore could follow before a hearty lunch back onboard including beverages.
After lunch, one of the ship’s Zodiacs will take you close to the face of one of Alaska’s estimated 100,000 glaciers. Back onboard, relax on deck with a complimentary drink and keep your eyes peeled for breaching whales. Take a dip in the striking, heated infinity pool and soak in one of the outdoor hot tubs as you take in the wild scenery. Later, enjoy a gourmet dinner in the main or complimentary, specialty restaurant before retiring to a lounge for a nightcap, taking in the 24-hour Alaskan summer daylight from the breathtaking, ship-top observation lounge perhaps. Beverages included, of course.
Call Cruise Traveller, which represents Victory Cruise Lines in Australia, on 1800 507 777 or visit www.cruisetraveller.com.au/
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