If you haven’t yet maximized your leisure travel plans for the rest of summer, now is the time to take advantage of deals and promotions for experiencing the West Coast.
There is still time to find great deals on Alaska cruises this season with roundtrip sailings from Seattle aboard the Carnival Miracle. If wine country appeals to you, experience the California coast in a new way with a scenic sailing to San Francisco, Santa Barbara, and Catalina Island. Or if you have been counting down for the Canadian borders to reopen to travelers, now is your chance to book a great deal in advance with discounts available throughout BC’s popular destinations.
Where will your next travels take you? Read on to discover some of the best deals for experiencing stunning scenery and family adventure throughout the West Coast.
Poolside dining on an Alaska cruise
credit CTS PhotosSail to Alaska with Carnival Cruise Line
The Alaska cruise season has resumed in Seattle and Carnival Cruise Line has joined the lineup of ships embarking on weeklong itineraries with the Carnival Miracle. The sailing includes visits to Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway, with a full day of scenic cruising in Tracy Arm Fjord.
“We are delighted to resume our Alaska sailings and offer guests an opportunity to experience all the beauty of the Alaskan coast while providing a much-needed boost to the local economy,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, during the Back to Fun ribbon-cutting ceremony in Seattle.
The Carnival Miracle itinerary is ideal for families checking off their vacation bucket list on many counts, as Juneau is the capital city of Alaska and there’s no better way to experience multiple destinations in the state than with a scenic sailing along its stunning coastline. In doing so, families will take in incomparable natural terrain with wildlife sightings likely to include bald eagles, mountain goats, whales, seals, otters and more.
For the two at-sea days on this itinerary, activities aboard the Carnival Miracle include the signature WaterWorks slides and pools with options for all ages, Seuss at Sea fun for the kids, the Serenity Adults Only Retreat and nonstop entertainment with Playlist Productions and more.
Kids can spend their time with specific programming for their age group amid adult supervision, while parents enjoy massages at Spa Carnival, jokes at The Punchliner Comedy Club or a few games in the casino. Yet this sailing isn’t just for families, and couples or friends may spend their time in the fitness center, on the mini-golf course, and at countless bar and nightlife venues.
Dining included in the Carnival Miracle base fare ranges from tasty burgers from Guy Fieri’s Burger Joint, refined options at the Dining Room and BlueIguana Cantina for fresh Mexican fare, and of course casual dining in the Lido Marketplace buffet. Add-on dining options include a fine-dining steakhouse, sushi eatery and interactive multi-course dinners at The Chef’s Table.
Passengers must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to embarkation as Carnival’s new Health & Safety Protocols operate in accordance with CDC guidelines for vaccinated cruises. Alaska sailings this summer start at $739 per person aboard the Carnival Miracle.
Live entertainment aboard a Holland America cruise ship
credit CTS PhotosCruise the California Coast with Holland America
Want to experience the California coastline in a whole new way? Embark on a 7-day classic California coast cruise with Holland America with fares starting at $499 per person.
These 7-day sailings are offered roundtrip from San Diego with day trip visits to San Francisco, Santa Barbara, and Avalon on Catalina Island, with a bonus visit to Ensenada, Mexico. The itinerary may be especially appealing for wine enthusiasts with visits to popular California wine regions, while Ensenada is known as the gateway to Baja’s wine route thanks to its Mediterranean-like climate.
The sailing also includes two leisurely days at sea to enjoy Holland America’s array of entertainment and dining options. Passengers may choose between sailing on MS Zuiderdam or MS Koningsdam. Each of these vessels boasts Holland America’s “music walk” featuring a Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King’s Blues Club, Billboard Onboard, BBC Earth in Concert and a World Stage.
Dining included with the fare on each ship ranges from the casual Lido Market buffet, sophisticated meals in The Dining Room, poolside bites at Dive-In and 24-hour room service. Dining add-on options include the Pinnacle Grill fine dining steakhouse and Italian favorites at Canaletto. Additional options aboard Koningsdam include Rudi’s Sel De Mer from Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, Nami Sushi from Master Sushi Chef Andy Matsuda and Southeast Asia, China and Japan culinary selections at Tamarind.
Passengers must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to embarkation as Holland America’s new Health & Safety Protocols operate in accordance with CDC guidelines for vaccinated cruises.
Fisherman’s Wharf in Victoria, British Columbia
credit CTS PhotosReturning to beautiful British Columbia
The Canadian border will once again open its doors to vaccinated American visitors as of August 9, 2021 and British Columbia has a handy know before you go guide for incoming visitors.
With the approaching reopening, it’s a great time to book ahead with numerous deals offered at destination hotels in Whistler, Victoria and Vancouver.
In Whistler, The Westin Resort & Spa has a promotion that lasts through May of 2022, with 15% discounts on stays of 3 nights, 20% savings on 5 nights, and 30% on stays of 7 nights or longer. Guests staying here have great access to area attractions including the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, Whistler Blackcomb, gondola ride, village shops and eateries and more.
In Victoria, Fairmont Empress is offering 10-25% discounts on stays through December 31, 2021, though reservations must be booked by September 6. Fairmont Empress is located along the downtown waterfront with easy access to area attractions including the Royal BC Museum, Miniature World, harbor tours and watersports, along with a vibrant pub and restaurant scene. Be sure to visit Fisherman’s Wharf for fresh seafood and the occasional seal sighting.
In Vancouver, The Best Western Premier Chateau Granville Hotel & Suites has multiple promotions including free pet stays, free parking and upgrades with suites, and attractions packages. The hotel is centrally located to take advantage of eateries throughout Granville Island, Yaletown, Davie Village, Gastown and the Coal Harbour waterfront. Nearby attractions include Science World, Parq Casino and the Olympic Village, along with watersports along English Bay Beach and the trails of Stanley Park.
While Canada is gradually reopening its doors to travelers, it’s important to double-check all entry requirements including proof of vaccination uploaded through the ArriveCAN website.