wyland cruise ship schedule

Norwegian Bliss, a 4,000-passenger cruise ship for Norwegian Cruise Line is unveiled

Norwegian Bliss, a 4,000-passenger cruise ship for Norwegian Cruise Line is unveiled to the public with a massive Wyland-designed hull art mural. The state of the art ship is designed for improved energy efficiency to meet Alaska’s environmental regulations.

Norwegian Bliss Itinerary

Norwegian Cruise Line 2024-2025 itineraries of the cruise ship Norwegian Bliss with homeports and ports-of-call including dates and times. Find out where the ship is sailing and future vessel deployment at the exact date with arrival and departure times. To track how busy is the port or to see when the ship intersects with other vessels we have included a separate column Ships in Port  The following monthly cruise ship calendar is updated frequently using the official itineraries released by the cruise line. You can also download a full year-round itinerary of the ship at the end of this page in a PDF format. This file is intended for the cruise ship crew, and their families to keep track of the ship’s itinerary.

Take a look inside the crew areas onboard Norwegian Bliss

Download the cruise ship itinerary in PDF File for an entire year at the link below. 

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Famed Artist & Wildlife Expert Wyland Says Everyone Should See Alaska from a Norwegian Cruise Ship

Celebrated artist and conservationist, Wyland (aka "Marine Michelangelo") is an expert on all things outdoors – be it under the sea or above.  When Norwegian partnered with the painter in 2016 to design the hull of Norwegian Bliss , the resulting fresco entitled "Cruising with the Whales" quickly became a world-renowned guest favorite. Wyland cites Alaska as one of his favorite places on earth, so we asked him to chat with us about the majesty of America's largest state, the importance of conservation, exploring the wilderness (with an emphasis on whales), and why he feels you should experience your journey on a Norwegian cruise ship .

Ready to start planning? Explore all Alaska cruises .

Q: Why do you think Alaska is such a special cruise destination?

Seeing wildlife from one of Norwegian's ships gives you a different perspective of Alaska's scenic beauty. It also affords the kind of access to natural wonders like Glacier Bay that would be impossible to see any other way. Throughout your Alaska cruise , you're treated to ever changing views of sky, land, and water. It's breathtaking.

Q: Our ships in Alaska are custom built to "Let the Outside In," allowing cruisers to feel a sense of adventure and nature even while on board. What does that tagline mean to you, personally?

I've always believed that it's important to be open to new experiences. That's especially important for an artist, but it's a great way for everyone to be. There aren't many places in the world better to do that than Alaska. It's one of the truly wild places on the planet.

Q: We recently added Icy Strait Point to our itineraries – tell us why you love it there so much.

On my first trip to Icy Strait Point , we ziplined down to docks where the whale-watching boats go out. The whole place is very historic and quaint. The native people, who know the waters best, took us on one of the best whale-watching trips I’d ever been on. Their knowledge of the area and their hospitality was fantastic. I was so inspired by the experience that I created a 26-foot-high life-size breaching orca statue for the community. The sculpture was unveiled by the elders and the native community for all visitors to enjoy. I think even the orcas can get a kick out of seeing themselves depicted in art.

RELATED CRUISES: 9-Day Alaska Cruise from Seattle 7-Day Alaska Cruise from Vancouver 7-Day Alaska Cruise from Seward

Q: You clearly have a thing for whales – you included a few beauties on the hull of our ship, Norwegian Bliss.  Why do you love them so much?

Like a lot of people, I was fascinated by whales from a very early age. The sight of these beautiful creatures in real life gives us a new perspective on the world and ourselves. There is nothing like looking out across the waters of Alaska's Inside Passage and suddenly catching sight of a breaching humpback whale. You can do a whale tour to guarantee a sighting, and I know many people also spot them while on board their cruise with Norwegian.  If that isn't a memory to last the rest of your life, I don't know what is.

Q: Is there any part of Alaska that you love, but isn’t as well known?

All the towns that I’ve visited have inspired me as an artist and explorer. Some are more well-known than others. But I think there is so much to discover in some of the lesser-known places like the Yukon Territory or Ketchikan (where Norwegian recently added a port). The scenery is simply extraordinary.

Q: Are there photographs you can capture in Alaska that you’d never get elsewhere?

Alaska has millions of acres of wilderness, much of it completely untouched. It’s a fantastic place to take in glaciers, wetlands, and rivers. I know Norwegian sails through Glacier Bay National Park , which is a big deal, as it’s very difficult to secure that permission. The ship approaches the glacier, while an Alaskan Park Ranger is onboard to explain the formation of glaciers and talk about the wildlife around the park. I really love this element of the Norwegian cruises, as well as all the various excursions where you can get up-close-and-personal with the environment. For me, Alaska is all about the wildlife. It’s home to great whales, sea otters, moose, bears, bald eagles, all of which inspire my work. There are images you can get in Alaska that would be impossible to get anywhere else in the world, and speaking as an artist who has traveled the four corners of the world, that’s saying a lot.

Q: We recently expanded our Alaska sailing dates to span from April to October, which means people can see the Northern Lights. Have you seen them?

I have experienced the Northern Lights, and in my opinion, getting out on the water is one of the best possible ways to see them. Be prepared for surreal encounters with the aurora in the Alaskan night sky.

Q : You shared a video of yourself photographing an Alaskan brown bear up close. We prefer to keep a VERY safe distance on our wildlife excursions, but what was that experience like?

When I have an opportunity to photograph Alaskan wildlife, I always make sure I'm prepared. On one of my last wildlife excursions, I happened upon a massive brown bear and captured what I think is my best bear image, up close and very personal. When people ask me if I ever worry about getting too close, I tell them, "Just remember, you don't have to run faster than the bear, just faster than whoever else you're with."

Q: You collaborated with the Seward Mural Society - how important is it to partake in local Alaskan experiences when you’re there?

I’ve been to most parts of Alaska and was never disappointed. No other state in America has such a broad range of native cultures, with different traditions. There are great excursions at every stop on the Alaska cruises with Norwegian that allow you to explore this rich heritage first-hand, from trips to the native villages to dogsledding . Each has special memories that you take with you throughout your life.

Q: As a conservationist, was Norwegian’s “Sail & Sustain” program - which seeks to increase sustainable sourcing, minimize landfill waste, and reduce CO2 emissions - an important part of this partnership?

Yes, our goal is very similar to Norwegian’s - to show everyone how beautiful this world is, encourage them to become more informed, and take actions, large or small, that can make a difference.

Q: Your foundation is dedicated to preserving the world's marine life. What can people do in their everyday life to help these efforts?

The Wyland Foundation is probably one of the most interesting art and conservation organizations in the world today. I highly encourage people to join as a member. Our new app called MyVolunteer Water Project has everything you need to do this. And it shows you how all those small actions add up to the kind of results that can change the world.

Photo credit: Hero image courtesy of Wyland.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Newest Ship Sets Sail with Unforgettable Wyland Art

Norwegian Bliss at sea, featuring original hull art by Wyland. (Image courtesy of Meyer Werft)

The launch of a new cruise ship is always a big deal, but the debut of Norwegian Bliss is shaping up to be an event no one will ever forget.

Norwegian Bliss, the 16th ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, was unveiled to the public in New York City last week, giving New Yorkers a first-look at the massive marine wildlife mural painted on the hull of the ship by Park West Gallery artist Wyland.

“We’re proud to be a part of Norwegian Bliss’ first voyage,” said John Karay, Senior Vice President of Operations for Park West. “It’s such an impressive ship, and Wyland is the perfect artist to bring Bliss’ hull to life.”

Park West hosts art auctions and art programming on every ship in the Norwegian fleet, including Bliss, and cruise fans are already raving about Wyland’s striking mural, featuring his trademark whales.

The finishing touches being put on Wyland’s hull mural for Norwegian Bliss (Image courtesy of Meyer Werft)

New York was just the first stop for Bliss in its month-long inaugural celebration. Earlier this week, Bliss visited Miami, and it will be stopping in Los Angeles before it’s officially christened in Seattle on May 30. Bliss will initially be offering cruises from Seattle to Alaska, but will eventually be traveling to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and Florida.

During Bliss’ preview cruise in Miami, it was visited by celebrities like Discovery Channel’s Alex Vega, acclaimed radio personality Elvis Duran, and the ship’s very own hull artist Wyland.

But Wyland didn’t come alone. Wyland was joined by his fellow marine wildlife artist Guy Harvey , who created the hull art for another Norwegian ship— Norwegian Escape . Guests got to watch the two legendary artists collaborate live on a triptych work that will be completed during Bliss’ Los Angeles inaugural.

Wyland and Guy Harvey pose in front of their in-progress triptych on Norwegian Bliss.

The final artwork will be auctioned off and a series of limited editions will be created from the original. All proceeds from the triptych will be donated to the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation to further studies in marine conversation.

Katherine Moreno from Park West’s onboard Art Team feels that an artist like Wyland is an ideal fit for Bliss.

“His artwork is so likable and relatable,” she said. “His cobalt blues, teal hues, and cerulean textures grace the canvas, topped by these majestic animals that only a few people ever set to see in the wild. Like the ship, it really inspires awe.”

Works created by Wyland will also be featured in the ship’s onboard art gallery.

Wyland and Chris Vounnou from Park West on Norwegian Bliss

Norwegian Bliss will embark on its first official voyage to Alaska on June 2, giving Wyland’s whales their first chance to swim alongside their real-life cousins.

When they’re not appreciating the views—either outside or on the hull of the ship—guests on Bliss can enjoy sparkling new facilities, impressive fine dining options, Broadway shows like “Jersey Boys,” and a two-level go-kart track on the ship’s top level.

You can learn more about Norwegian Bliss here. If you’re interested in collecting the art of Wyland, contact our gallery consultants at (800) 521-9654 ext. 4 during business hours or [email protected].

Wyland isn’t the first Park West artist to paint the hull of a Norwegian ship. Learn about past hull artists here:

• Lebo on Painting the Norwegian Getaway
• Watch: Guy Harvey Paint the Norwegian Escape
• Revealed! Norwegian Breakaway Hull Art by Peter Max

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Now that's a big whale: Norwegian reveals hull art for new ship

Now that's a big whale.

Norwegian Cruise Line on Thursday revealed the marine life-infused image that will adorn the hull of Norwegian Bliss, the giant new vessel it's building for the Alaska market .

Created by marine life artist Wyland, the design has a massive mother humpback whale and her calf as its centerpiece.

Called Cruising with the Whales , the image signifies "the beauty of Alaska and the importance of conservation," Norwegian said in an announcement.

At 167,800 tons, Bliss will rank among the ten largest cruise ships in the world when it debuts in June 2018. It'll become the largest vessel ever to sail to Alaska.

On order from Germany's Meyer Werft shipyard, Bliss will be the third vessel in Norwegian's Breakaway-Plus class. It follows Norwegian Escape, which debuted in 2015, and the soon-to-arrive Norwegian Joy.

Cruise Destinations

Norwegian bliss: unveiling wyland’s hull art for alaska cruising.

Key Takeaways

• Wyland’s hull artwork on Norwegian Bliss highlights the importance of marine conservation and preservation.
• The collaboration between Wyland and Norwegian Cruise Line aims to raise awareness about marine conservation and showcases the intersection of art, travel, and environmental consciousness.
• The artwork serves as a powerful reminder of the need to protect and preserve our oceans, particularly in the context of the ship’s Alaska itinerary and the delicate ecosystem of the region.
• PortholeTV’s exclusive coverage of the unveiling allows viewers to appreciate the impact of Wyland’s artwork on marine conservation efforts and highlights Norwegian Cruise Line’s collaboration with the artist.

The Inspiration Behind Wyland’s Hull Artwork

Wyland’s Collaboration With Norwegian Cruise Line

The significance of marine conservation in wyland’s artwork.

PortholeTV’s Exclusive Coverage of the Unveiling

Norwegian bliss: a ship designed for alaska cruising.

Seattle: The Perfect Homeport for Norwegian Bliss

A closer look at wyland’s stunning hull artwork, the anticipation of norwegian bliss’s june debut, exploring the unique features of norwegian bliss, frequently asked questions, how long did it take wyland to create the hull artwork for norwegian bliss, how did norwegian cruise line and wyland collaborate on the design of the artwork, what other marine conservation initiatives has wyland been involved in, can you provide more details about portholetv’s coverage of the unveiling event, what are some unique features of norwegian bliss that make it ideal for cruising in alaska.

The unique features of Norwegian Bliss make it ideal for cruising in Alaska. With breathtaking Alaskan scenery, a wide range of excursion options, thrilling onboard activities, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, it’s a dream come true for nature lovers.

Claire, a creative soul with an unquenchable thirst for storytelling, is an integral part of the Voyager Info team. As a dedicated writer, she weaves captivating narratives that transport readers to enchanting cruise destinations and beyond.

Claire’s love affair with writing began at an early age when she discovered the magic of words and their ability to craft worlds and emotions. Her innate curiosity led her to explore various literary genres, but it was travel writing that truly captured her heart. Drawing inspiration from her own globetrotting adventures and encounters with diverse cultures, Claire embarked on a journey to become a travel writer par excellence.

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Claire, a creative soul with an unquenchable thirst for storytelling, is an integral part of the Voyager Info team. As a dedicated writer, she weaves captivating narratives that transport readers to enchanting cruise destinations and beyond. Claire’s love affair with writing began at an early age when she discovered the magic of words and their ability to craft worlds and emotions. Her innate curiosity led her to explore various literary genres, but it was travel writing that truly captured her heart. Drawing inspiration from her own globetrotting adventures and encounters with diverse cultures, Claire embarked on a journey to become a travel writer par excellence.

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• The cost of a cruise ship trip in the Philippines is influenced by factors such as the length and popularity of the itinerary, as well as the time of year.
• The best time to book a cruise ship trip in the Philippines is during the dry season from November to April.
• Popular cruise ship routes in the Philippines include Manila to Boracay, Palawan Island Hopping, and Cebu to Bohol.
• To find deals and discounts on cruise ship trips in the Philippines, it is recommended to book during off-peak seasons and compare prices from different cruise lines.

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• Palawan: Visit the famous El Nido and Coron, known for their crystal-clear waters and limestone cliffs.
• Boracay: Experience the powdery white sand beaches and vibrant nightlife of this popular tourist destination.
• Cebu: Explore the historical sites and dive into the rich local culture of the Queen City of the South.
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• The best time to cruise the Mexican Riviera is during the drier months from November to April when the weather is in the 80s and 90s.
• September and October offer the best deals for cruises to the Mexican Riviera, while peak times like Christmas and spring break have higher prices and more crowds.
• Winter is ideal for whale watching in Cabo San Lucas and snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta, while summer is the best time for surfing in Ensenada and Mazatlán.
• Mexico offers a festive atmosphere with various events and celebrations throughout the year, including Carnaval in February or March, Day of the Dead in November, and Cinco de Mayo.

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An around-the-world cruise that's stuck at port is kicking off passengers who complain

• Villa Vie removed two buyers from its residential around-the-world cruise for "complaining."
• The would-be residents told BI they had aired grievances about the ship's changing amenities.
• Villa Vie Odyssey plans to circumnavigate the world every 3 ½ years but has been delayed for almost four months.

Jenny Phenix was ready to spend the rest of her life on a cruise ship.

Vacations at sea had always been her preferred travel method. As a 69-year-old solo traveler and self-described "water addict," she found cruises to be easy, safe, and convenient.

So, unsurprisingly, Villa Vie Residences' promise of a new never-ending voyage that would circumnavigate the globe every 3 ½ years was impossible to pass up.

Unfortunately, she was kicked out before she could fulfill her world cruise aspirations.

Villa Vie canceled two women's contracts — Phenix and another buyer, Bonny Kelter, 66 — for their "continuous complaints and negativity," according to emails reviewed by Business Insider.

"They didn't just complain, they outright threatened with media unless they get what they want," Mikael Petterson, the founder and CEO of Villa Vie, told BI in an email. "At the end of the day, we have the same option as anyone of doing business with people or not."

(Phenix and Kelter denied having threatened to go to the media until after their contracts were terminated. Kelter told BI she may pursue legal action.)

The company's ship, Villa Vie Odyssey , has been readying to embark on a lifelong voyage that would stop at 147 countries and 425 destinations in its first go around the world. Travelers would see Europe, Asia, Australia, South and North America, and Africa — all while living on a floating condominium outfitted with the comforts of a traditional cruise .

Villa Vie has been refurbishing the more-than-30-year-old vessel ahead of its departure. However, issues like the aging ship's rudder stocks and certifications have delayed the voyage.

Petterson said he hopes to finally sail in mid-September — about four months behind schedule.

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Phenix was ready to move onto the ship

Residents can either purchase a cabin or reserve segments of the itinerary. Phenix opted for the latter, reserving the first 3 ½ years with plans to eventually buy her interior stateroom. (Single occupancy cabins start at $120,000 with an additional monthly fee of $2,500.)

"I would've lived on that ship for the rest of my life," she told BI. "There's no question about it."

Like more than 200 other buyers, Phenix arrived in the UK in May for Odyssey's initial departure date . She said she's already been onboard twice — residents can visit but aren't allowed to stay overnight — and left luggage in her future condo.

The transition from land to sea living would've been smooth. She said she had already retired from her job and rented out her West Palm Beach, Florida, condo in anticipation of another three-year voyage , Life at Sea Cruises.

However, Life at Sea's sailing was called off two weeks before embarkation in November 2023 after the company failed to secure enough funding to purchase a ship. Eight months later, the company filed for bankruptcy. (Petterson was the managing director of Life at Sea. He left several months before the voyage was canceled.)

Phenix said she's yet to receive a refund from Life at Sea . But a month after its voyage was canceled, she sent Villa Vie her first deposit.

She has since paid Villa Vie more than $18,600.

"I've done this twice," Phenix said. "That's how much I had wanted a world cruise."

But she was kicked off before Villa Vie Odyssey could set sail

She, like several other residents, had been airing her grievances about the company's changing amenities and services in private WhatsApp group chats.

When the residential cruise company launched in 2023, it had yet to acquire a ship. Because of this, the specifics of the cruise had not been finalized and were subject to change, according to Villa Vie's termination email to both women.

"If you sell me a product, I want the product," Phenix said. "They continually kept changing it and taking things away, and I would speak up."

One example she cited was the virtual windows.

Villa Vie initially advertised that its inside cabins would have digital screens displaying a live feed of the ship's exterior, akin to a real window. This was a huge selling point for Phenix, who said it was why she was willing to spend 3 ½ years in a windowless room.

That is, until she said Villa Vie nixed the amenity when it began refurbishing its ship, citing technical difficulties.

In mid-July, Kathy Villalba, COO of Villa Vie, notified Phenix and Kelter via email that their contracts had been canceled because of their behavior.

The emails said Villa Vie had received more than a dozen complaints from residents about both buyer's negativity, which had "significantly impacted the morale and well-being of other passengers."

In a follow-up email, Phenix told the COO that she was unhappy with the ongoing delay , changes to planned amenities, and her treatment. But she remarked that this wouldn't have happened if the voyage had started closer to its initial May date.

More than a dozen other residents signed an email asking Villa Vie to give the two women a second chance. However, Petterson said that the founding residents voted to uphold their suspensions.

"It was so heartbreaking when all of my new friends were posting pictures of the wonderful time they were having on the ship," Phenix said. "I had to hide all of the posts on Facebook because I couldn't handle seeing all of what I didn't get to be a part of."

Petterson said Phenix had been refunded. He declined to comment on Kelter, citing her intent to sue.

Kelter had paid more than $100,000 to purchase an inside cabin. "This is my retirement," she said. "I sold my house."

Phenix said she's still waiting for her full refund. So far, Villa Vie has repaid her almost $8,000, with another about $7,400 still pending — still a few thousand short of her $18,600.

Now, instead of gearing up for the adventure of — and for — a lifetime, Phenix is staying at her daughter's home in Florida. In lieu of cruising around the globe , she plans to travel at her own pace in a camper van.

"Even if I spent every last penny I had saved, it was OK to live on my minimal Social Security for the rest of my life if I had already cruised the entire world," Phenix said. "That feeling hasn't changed, but my bank account has, so I think my future options for world travel will be very limited unfortunately."

Are you sailing on a residential cruise ship like Villa Vie or have a tip? Contact the reporter at [email protected] or on X @brittanymchang .

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• Northern Europe & Baltic Sea

Moscow day trip? Advice, please!

By EllieR , January 7, 2017 in Northern Europe & Baltic Sea

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Well, we came and went. I'm sorry to say, I felt a little underwhelmed. My expectations might have been too high and I think the timing was bad (I wasn`t aware that the Saturday we were there was two days before Russia`s V-Day celebrations). First of all, we were unable to go to the Red Square . When I signed up for the trip, I was advised that the area could be closed at any time without notice, so I knew the risk was there. This is not to say that I regret going. If I hadn't gone, I would've been wondering 'what if'. However, I certainly don`t feel a need to go back, and I would advise others considering this trip to look into whether any major holidays or celebrations are scheduled to take place around that time , as that will affect the number of people around and what you will be able to see.

Appreciate these follow-ups and added details from your visit to Moscow. Yes, things like the big "May Day" activities in Red Square made things more challenging. Glad you made this sharing here to help other doing their planning for future timing considerations. Too bad you missed Red Square. That was one of several key highlights for us.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 179,676 views for this posting.

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• 1 year later...

From the London/UK Daily Mail today, they have this headline: “ Moscow's moment: with the World Cup round the corner, Russia's capital is electric ” with background as Moscow is currently preparing for the World Cup kicking off on June 14.

Here is are some of the story highlights: “ For months, Moscow has been preparing to welcome visitors to the World Cup at a time when the British and Russian governments are barely speaking to each othe r. So if you like a touch of tension on your travels, then this is a great year to visit this enthralling city . ”

Interesting aspects are covered about Russia, the upcoming World Cup, etc., in this profile. Brings back very nice and fun memories from 2008 when we super enjoyed both St. Petersburg and Moscow during our Baltics sailing. Also shared in this story: "A s a design aesthetic, Moscow quite likes the Soviet look — retro chic that gives two fingers to the West. The immense Gum department store on Red Square cheerfully displays historic posters praising the nutritious beetroot. A speciality of the Soviet years, Russian salad has made a comeback in restaurants. "

Full story at:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-5797827/Relations-fraught-World-Cup-round-corner-Russias-capital-electric.html

AFRICA?!!? : Lots of interesting, dramatic pictures can be seen from this live/blog at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

Now at 39,295 views for this visual sharing including Cape Town, along South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta area.

• 1 month later...

This particular thread is answering a lot of questions...thank you ! I wanted to ask for some specific things about our HAL cruise to St Petersburg, and the HAL Moscow in a Day trip.

A lot of folks talk about the tour starting early and arriving late.

--But what is early? 6 am, 8 am?

--I think the 3.5 hour train ride will be fine, if there are restrooms on board?

--Once we arrive in Moscow, I know there will be a lot of walking around. But are there breaks to just sit down and rest? And what about public bathrooms while we're out and about?

--HAL's site says "Large backpacks and bags are not allowed inside Armory" What about a very standard backpack? I don't consider mine "large" at all, but I don't know what Russian guards will think.

--Any visa issues to concern about, or HAL takes care of all this?

Just saw on TripAdvisor that HAL uses third party tour companies to run this tour. Does anyone remember who it was that runs the Day Trip from St. Pete to Moscow?

YES, most all cruise lines in every port around the world uses local vendors or companies for these tours. Don't know who HAL uses, but it could and/or might vary from time-to-time, etc. Not sure the local vendor company would matter that much. Each cruise line, especially on a costly and complicated day-trip as this one will staff along and making sure that things run as smoothly as possible.

For your question of " A lot of folks talk about the tour starting early and arriving late. But what is early? 6 am, 8 am? " As we did not do this Moscow trip through HAL, I do not know their exact schedule and details.

But, YES, it will be long day, starting early and returning late that evening. Based on our experiences, it was BOTH challenging and highly stimulating!!! Definitely worth it if you really love history, culture, architecture, etc.

Yes, I am sure the trains have restrooms on board. There will be walking around, but most tour staffs are very good in realizing that many in the group need some breaks, flexibility, public bathrooms, etc. No problems for the visas. They have done these Moscow day-trips for many years and can/do prepare/adjust accordingly.

Added questions and info needs?

Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany : Finished June 2017 sailing on the Silver Spirit from Portugal to France along the scenic Atlantic Coast, plus great pre- and post-cruise experiences. Now at 23,162 views . Many interesting pictures and details on history, food, culture, etc., from my live/blog at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

• 9 months later...

We are booked on the Zuiderdam and will be in St Petersburg, Russia on 6/28 & 29  HA offers a day trip (17 1/2 hrs long) to Moscow for 1 day that is very expensive.  Is anyone interested in doing this? Those that have done it before....Is it worth the expense for 1 day?? Would appreciate any feedback! Thanks!

We did the 1-day Moscow day trip on the Zuiterdam.   It is an EXTREMELY long and tiring day.   However, all in all, wife and I say it's worth it.  St Petersburg is a cool city, but how often will you have a chance to see Moscow?   It's a rare chance.

I looked for specific reviews on the Red Square tour and didn't find any...so here is my own to help you and future tourists.

In theory, it was organized well.   Starts at 6:45 am.   (I was a little disappointed in HAL for waiting until 7:05 for the late people.  If you're not there at 6:46, we should have left without you).  A HAL guide takes you off the ship and leads you through customs.   After that, you meet your escort.   The escort leads you to the bus, and then the bus goes to the train station.  

Train ride is comfortable and clean and 4 hours long.  Clean bathrooms and breakfast included.

At Moscow, you meet a local tour guide, who leads you to another bus.  Drive through the city.

HAL has 2 tours of Moscow:  The Armory Museums OR  Red Square.   You can see museums in every city on Earth, but there is only one Red Square.  Suggest that one.    BUT BE CAREFUL ...HAL's website had conflicting info about which day trip was which.  Many people thought they were going to see Red Square, and were disappointed to realize they were on the museum tour instead.  This was HAL's fault, but I won't go into detail.

The bus ends up at Red Square and Kremlin (again, this is if you select the Red Square tour, not the Armory Museum).  You see the famous St Basil church and pass Lenin's Tomb (We could not see the tomb that day because it was a special parade day during on tour).  Then you get an hour free time.  I suggest you go see St Basil's.  We didn't and regret it.  The tour guide suggested we go instead into the Goom (Gum) Shopping mall.   It's a nice big mall, but malls are everywhere.   I wish we didn't go in there.  You only have 1 hour in Red Square, and we wasted ours in a shopping mall. 

After that, you go into the Kremlin, a fortified area where the government is.  They take you to one area of the Kremlin where a bunch of orthodox churches are, and you go in one.  Again, we would have preferred St Basil's, since it's by far the most famous one, but that wasn't included.  

After that, you get back on the bus and then back to the train station.  Our train left Moscow at around 7:30 pm, got to St Pete's at 11:45, and we were back on the ship around 1 am. 

A second bus left after us, but it arrived at the ship well before us.   Just an unlucky break that we had a horrible driver. Our bus crossed the river twice, meaning he took a wrong route and had to double back.  How does a professional tour bus drive not know directions from the train station to the pier? 

It's well worth it for the experience of it all, but there were some definite drawbacks...mostly with the tour guides and escorts and drivers, which probably wasn't HAL's fault.  For example, our Red Square escort talked to the locals a lot during the train ride, ignoring her tour group.  Meanwhile the Armory escort did nothing but wait on his group, helped them get free wifi, gave them instructions, etc.  If only our escort was as efficient as the other tour.

We do recommend this tour, despite some drawbacks.  Seeing our pictures of Moscow makes it all worthwhile.  Not too many people have that.

Poodiepurple

I chocked at the price of the Moscow tour but my hubby really wanted to go. So hang the expense, we went. I loved the whole trip and so glad I went. We did the train from St PB to Moscow and yes it is a long day but hey you can sleep on the train which is only around 4 hours one way. Food provided on the train wasn't very good, serving breakfast as a dinner or lunch meal and we had exactly the same meal on the way back. Just to walk in the Red Square was amazing along with the other sights we saw. We booked this trip through the ship and would have liked to go with Guide Guru but unfortunately it was not available. We used Guide Guru on our day in St Petersburg, fantastic only 6 people on the tour, which I can highly recommend. I wish you safe and happy travels.

11 minutes ago, CTOM said: We did the 1-day Moscow day trip on the Zuiterdam.   It is an EXTREMELY long and tiring day.   However, all in all, wife and I say it's worth it.  St Petersburg is a cool city, but how often will you have a chance to see Moscow?   It's a rare chance. I looked for specific reviews on the Red Square tour and didn't find any...so here is my own to help you and future tourists.   In theory, it was organized well.   Starts at 6:45 am.   (I was a little disappointed in HAL for waiting until 7:05 for the late people.  If you're not there at 6:46, we should have left without you).  A HAL guide takes you off the ship and leads you through customs.   After that, you meet your escort.   The escort leads you to the bus, and then the bus goes to the train station.     Train ride is comfortable and clean and 4 hours long.  Clean bathrooms and breakfast included. At Moscow, you meet a local tour guide, who leads you to another bus.  Drive through the city.   HAL has 2 tours of Moscow:  The Armory Museums OR  Red Square.   You can see museums in every city on Earth, but there is only one Red Square.  Suggest that one.    BUT BE CAREFUL ...HAL's website had conflicting info about which day trip was which.  Many people thought they were going to see Red Square, and were disappointed to realize they were on the museum tour instead.  This was HAL's fault, but I won't go into detail.   The bus ends up at Red Square and Kremlin (again, this is if you select the Red Square tour, not the Armory Museum).  You see the famous St Basil church and pass Lenin's Tomb (We could not see the tomb that day because it was a special parade day during on tour).  Then you get an hour free time.  I suggest you go see St Basil's.  We didn't and regret it.  The tour guide suggested we go instead into the Goom (Gum) Shopping mall.   It's a nice big mall, but malls are everywhere.   I wish we didn't go in there.  You only have 1 hour in Red Square, and we wasted ours in a shopping mall.  After that, you go into the Kremlin, a fortified area where the government is.  They take you to one area of the Kremlin where a bunch of orthodox churches are, and you go in one.  Again, we would have preferred St Basil's, since it's by far the most famous one, but that wasn't included.   After that, you get back on the bus and then back to the train station.  Our train left Moscow at around 7:30 pm, got to St Pete's at 11:45, and we were back on the ship around 1 am.  A second bus left after us, but it arrived at the ship well before us.   Just an unlucky break that we had a horrible driver. Our bus crossed the river twice, meaning he took a wrong route and had to double back.  How does a professional tour bus drive not know directions from the train station to the pier?  It's well worth it for the experience of it all, but there were some definite drawbacks...mostly with the tour guides and escorts and drivers, which probably wasn't HAL's fault.  For example, our Red Square escort talked to the locals a lot during the train ride, ignoring her tour group.  Meanwhile the Armory escort did nothing but wait on his group, helped them get free wifi, gave them instructions, etc.  If only our escort was as efficient as the other tour.   We do recommend this tour, despite some drawbacks.  Seeing our pictures of Moscow makes it all worthwhile.  Not too many people have that.  

OMG...Thank you so much for this advice!  We are going to book it despite the exorbitant price!  You have helped us decide.  One question....we are older (active) people....will there be anything so strenuous that we won't be able to do the tour?  They list it as STRENUOUS, but walking a lot is not what we consider strenuous!  Certainly Lengthy, but that being said, we can rest on the train!

14 minutes ago, Poodiepurple said: Hi Annette I chocked at the price of the Moscow tour but my hubby really wanted to go. So hang the expense, we went. I loved the whole trip and so glad I went. We did the train from St PB to Moscow and yes it is a long day but hey you can sleep on the train which is only around 4 hours one way. Food provided on the train wasn't very good, serving breakfast as a dinner or lunch meal and we had exactly the same meal on the way back. Just to walk in the Red Square was amazing along with the other sights we saw. We booked this trip through the ship and would have liked to go with Guide Guru but unfortunately it was not available. We used Guide Guru on our day in St Petersburg, fantastic only 6 people on the tour, which I can highly recommend. I wish you safe and happy travels.  

Just now, memereboy said: OMG...Thank you so much for this advice!  We are going to book it despite the exorbitant price!  You have helped us decide.  One question....we are older (active) people....will there be anything so strenuous that we won't be able to do the tour?  They list it as STRENUOUS, but walking a lot is not what we consider strenuous!  Certainly Lengthy, but that being said, we can rest on the train!

Lots of walking, some stairs, but nothing too strenuous.  Like most tour groups, some folks will keep up and some will straggle.   You'll be fine!

Thank you so much for the helpful reply!!  I'm curious though, what I learned from HAL is that unless we book our excursions directly from them, we would need a Russian Visa!? Did you have a Visa?  Guide Guru is a great source but we do not have time to get a Visa NOR do we want that additional expense ($400)?

Just now, memereboy said: Thank you so much for the helpful reply!!  I'm curious though, what I learned from HAL is that unless we book our excursions directly from them, we would need a Russian Visa!? Did you have a Visa?  Guide Guru is a great source but we do not have time to get a Visa NOR do we want that additional expense ($400)?

We booked the Red Square cruise via HAL, so we did NOT need the visa.  When you get off the boat and go to customs, the customs officers will know you are with a HAL tour and will not ask for your visa.   It was simple.   We were worried too, but if you book through HAL, you are fine. 

With Guide Guru and others, you may need the paid visa additional cost.   Also...because we booked with HAL and we began at 7:00 am, we were guaranteed to be the very first people off the ship.

Guide Guru customers won't get special clearance off the ship.

2 hours ago, memereboy said: Thank you so much for the helpful reply!!  I'm curious though, what I learned from HAL is that unless we book our excursions directly from them, we would need a Russian Visa!? Did you have a Visa?  Guide Guru is a great source but we do not have time to get a Visa NOR do we want that additional expense ($400)?

Guide Guru is one of those companies -- like Alla Tours or Best Guides or SPB Tours or etc. -- that offers visa-free tours. (Basically, they give you a tour ticket to show Russian Immigration that you are covered under their blanket visa.) You may have a brief delay getting off the ship compared to the ship tours, which have priority, but private tours can usually make up the time easily since they aren't trying to herd 30-40 people on and off buses.

Hi thanks for the thanks.

Guide Guru organize your tourist visa for you they will email you all the details and NO IT WON'T COST YOU ANYTHING AS YOU ARE WITH A RECOGNIZED TOURIST COMPANY.

When we left the ship (on the second day for the St Petersburg tour Guide Guru) all we had to do was to show the immigration our ticket with Guide Guru. It all went smoothly. If you can I would definitely book both days with Guide Guru, you will not have a problem. Hope that answers your question. You can confirm what I am saying by sending Guide Guru an email. Safe and happy travels to you.

Hi Cool Cruiser again!! No it is not strenuous at all, in fact most of the walking is on flat ground. We too are older and I wouldn't say we are active but honestly it is a breeze. I hear what you are saying but be assured you will be fine.

Also I read one of your replies and the cruise ship companies tell you that you have to have a paid visa for Russia if you do not book their tours but that, from our experience is total nonsense. I urge you to contact Guide Guru or whatever local tour company you are looking at and ask the question. I believe that they also tell you that on their webpage.

I have been trying to BOOK this 1 day Moscow tour through Guide Guru, but they say they cannot form a group unless I can get others to join.  The prices are much better if booked through them but ONLY if there is a GROUP.  Anyone on the Zuiderdam in St. Petersburg on June 28, 2019 who would like to book this trip???  Here are the prices...with Guide Guru: 

Let's try to get a GROUP RATE!  It is $590/pp on the ship!!

45 minutes ago, memereboy said: I have been trying to BOOK this 1 day Moscow tour through Guide Guru, but they say they cannot form a group unless I can get others to join.  The prices are much better if booked through them but ONLY if there is a GROUP.  Anyone on the Zuiderdam in St. Petersburg on June 28, 2019 who would like to book this trip???  Here are the prices...with Guide Guru:  if 4 people going - $509US/person if 6 people going - $479US/person if 8 people going - $469US/person.   Let's try to get a GROUP RATE!  It is $590/pp on the ship!!  

You should be able to find tour shares on your roll call. You should not post tour shares on this forum - it against Cruise Critic rules. 

You can find your roll call here;

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Sitka (Baranof Island Alaska)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Alaska

Local Time 2024-09-12 23:09

Port Sitka cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Sitka, Baranof Island Alaska. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Sitka is a major cruise port and city located on the western shore of Baranof Island in the Alexander Archipelago (Southeast Alaska). During Alaskan season 2023, Sitka reported a record year with handled ~560,000 cruise ship tourists.

The first tourist voyages visiting Sitka were operated by the Pacific Coast Steamship Company (1876-founded/1916-defunct) starting in 1884. Currently, at Port Sitka (locode USSIT) can dock two large-sized ships simultaneously. The Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal (2021-expanded) now has max capacity 8000 passengers.

This picturesque town was founded in 1799 (as Novoarkhangelsk/New Archangel) by Alexandr Andreyevich Baranov (1747-1819), a Russian trader and merchant and Russian America's first Governor (in office 1799 through 1818). Novoarkhangelsk was the capital of the Russia-owned Alaska between 1799-1867, which explains the unique blend of American, Indian and Russian cultures.

On clear days, fronting the Pacific Ocean, Sitka rivals Juneau for the beauty of its surroundings.

In 1799, the Russian explorer Alexander Baranof established the settlement New Arkhangelsk (adjacent to the Tlingit village of Sitka). This was the foundation of the first permanent Russian settlement in North America.

In 1902, New Arkhangelsk was destroyed by Tlingit Indians in an attempt to reclaim their ancestral home. In 1804 their brief victory ended with the return of Baranof, accompanied by the Imperial Russian Navy's warships led by Yuri Fedorovych Lysianskyi (1773-1837). They retook the town in the Battle of Sitka (October 1-4, 1804), then Sitka became the Russian capital of North America.

In 1867, the USA purchased Alaska from the Russian Empire. Baranof Castle State Historic Site (aka Castle Hill) is where was held the official ceremony of transferring Alaska (part of Russia between 1804-67) to the USA.

Sitka was designated Russian America's capital in 1808 by the territory's governor Aleksandr Baranov who since 1790 was recruited for trading in Russian America by Shelikhov-Golikov Company (1782-99, succeeded by Russian-American Company/1799-1881, closed due to the Alaska Purchase).

With the rapid population growth and the discovery of gold, in 1906 Alaska's capital moved north - to Juneau.

Sites of interest in Sitka AK include the Russian Blockhouse, Russian Cemetery, Russian Orthodox Cathedral St Michael's (1848-built, 1966-rebuilt after destruction by fire), Sheldon Jackson College Museum (housing Russian and native mementos). At walking distance from downtown is Sitka National Historic Park boasts Native American artists at work and its Russian Memorial Trail (lined with totem poles carved by Tlingit and Haida Indians) leads to the site of the Battle of Alaska. Remember to visit the Alaska Raptor Centre, where injured owls, eagles, hawks, and other birds of prey are treated and released back into the wild. Another tourist attraction is the Fortress of the Bear (habitat for orphaned or sick brown bears in the Tongass Forest). Wildlife viewing and fishing tours are available via walking, biking, boating and kayaking (in Sitka Sound).

Baranof Island (aka Baranov Island, Sitka Island) is located in Alaska's Alexander Archipelago. The island has length 100 mi (200 km) and width 30 mi (50 km), with a total land area of 1607 mi2 (4160 km2), ranking it the USA's 10th largest and the word's 137th largest. Its coastline is 617 mi (993 km). Its total population is around 8,500. Baranof is the smallest of Alaska's ABC Islands ( Admiralty , Baranof , Chichagof ). All three are located in the Alexander Archipelago and are part of the Tongass National Forest. Most of the islands' area is protected wilderness, with a minimal human presence on them. A large part of Baranof is designated as "South Baranof Wilderness".

The other (in the "USA top 10") largest Alaskan islands are Kodiak , Prince of Wales , Chichagof , St Lawrence , Admiralty , Nunivak, Unimak, and Baranof .

The list of communities on Sitka Island includes Baranof Warm Springs, Port Alexander, Port Armstrong, Port Walter and Sitka. All are located on the eastern coast. Important industries for the locals are fishing (tours and commercial), seafood processing, tourism (also by cruise ship passengers), and hunting tours (brown bears, Sitka deer).

Chatham Strait

Chatham Strait is a narrow waterway (passage) in Alexander Archipelago that separates Baranof Island and Chichagof Island (to the west) from Kuiu Island and Admiralty Island (to the east).

Chatham Strait has length 240 km/150 mi and width 5-16 km/3-10 mi, extending southwards from the junction of Lynn Canal and Icy Strait to the open sea.

Sitka cruise terminal

Cruise ships to Baranof Island dock (anchor) at Sitka AK (port town on the island's eastern coast).

In 2021 was completed the expanded Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal, but the facility was officially inaugurated on May 7, 2022 (during the visit of Ovation OTS ). The development project, besides the dock expansion, also included the construction of a new terminal building. The expanded 2-berth passenger terminal now has capacity to handle two large liners (neo-Panamax-sized cruise vessels) simultaneously.

The new Terminal is sized ~3720 m2 (~40000 ft2) and houses 6x retail shops, 2x restaurants, an open-air terrace (covered), a departure point for shore excursions. The dock/pier has length 120 m (1300 ft) and can accommodate two ships with total capacity ~8000 passengers. A complimentary shuttle bus service (between the terminal and downtown) is provided via new motorcoaches (60-seater buses).

Sitka Sound Terminal is majority-owned by the local company Halibut Point Marine Services, some local stakeholders and minority ownership by RCG-Royal Caribbean Group (world's second-largest shipowner/after Carnival Corporation ) and Ceres Terminals Inc (cruise terminal operator, RCG partner).

In August 2021, the Sitka City Assembly authorized a 20-year lease of land (between Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal and Sitka Ferry Terminal) for cruise development. The Assembly (voting 5-2) approved leasing a total of 17 acres / 6,9 hectares to Shee Atika Inc (Alaska Native corporation), which via partnership with Adventure Sitka (tour agency) will develop the land with cruise tourism-oriented attractions like zip-lines, a canoe launch, a salmon bake.

The lease deal will generate USD 400,000 annually for the city.

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