A resounding crack pierces the stillness as an enormous chuck of ice calves off the blue face of the massive Hubbard Glacier. Pods of whales hunt in the channels of the Inside Passage, black bears feed along the salmon streams and bald eagles soar overhead. The vast wilderness of the Pacific Northwest and 33,000 miles of coastline offer scenic beauty that will take your breath away. This is Alaska’s Inside Passage – pristine and untamed. Visiting the grandeur of the Inside Passage with Oceania Cruises makes the experience even more extraordinary.

Oceania’s Regatta sails the Inside Passage from May through August in 2015. Last year the elegant flagship of Oceania fleet underwent a multi-million dollar refurbishment that according to Kunal S. Kamlani, Oceania Cruises President, “brought a renewed sense of style and grace but maintains that elegance and warmth our guests love.” Regatta’s makeover was part of a massive $50 million refurbishment of their three R-class ships that further enhanced the Oceania cruise experience, fondly known as “the O-Life™.”

Sailing the Inside Passage with Oceania means plenty of opportunity to view Alaska’s splendid wildlife, from the comfort of Regatta as well as with an extensive selection of shore excursions. You can take a float plane from Ketchikan into the wilderness to a special viewing platform where you’ll get an up-close look at black bears fishing and feeding on spawning salmon. Or take a magical evening catamaran sail from Juneau that guarantees whale sightings (or $100 compensation). Travel Maestro tip: Don’t expect to get paid – whales have been sighted on every single tour for 15 years! Other wildlife sightings along the Inside Passage include eagles, sea lions, seals, mountain goats, moose, beavers, porcupines and so many more creatures that thrive in the pristine environment.

The magnificence of Alaska’s natural beauty simply cannot be overstated. You’ll stand in awe of majestic icefields and massive glaciers. It’s worth noting that because Regatta is a mid-sized ship that can maneuver in closer than larger ships, you get a front row view. Sail past scenic islands and channels with towering, snow-capped peaks as a backdrop. Hike lush rainforests filled with flora and fauna and visit unspoiled lakes and streams untouched by human development. Striking landscapes are seen in every direction.

For an excellent overview of the cruise ports, landscapes, wildlife and people that are part of Oceania’s Alaska cruise experience, be sure to visit Alaska Cruise Log by Terry Breen, an onboard Destination Specialist and cultural anthropologist.

The O-Life™ onboard Regatta is exceptional as well. With 400 professionally trained European staff to pamper only 684 guests, you will want for nothing. Oceania is known for its culinary excellence that rivals the finest restaurants ashore. All specialty restaurants are complimentary; although, for a fee La Reserve by Wine Spectator offers exclusive food and wine parings to only 24 guests in an intimate setting, and Privée is an exquisite private dining venue for up to eight guests. Suites and staterooms are generous in proportion with art masterpieces, exclusive tranquility beds and most have teak verandahs from which you can watch the amazing scenery drift by.

In 2015, Regatta is sailing 7- and 10-night itineraries from San Francisco, Seattle and Vancouver. For roundtrip sailings from Seattle, Oceania’s Discover Denali Experience is a great 4 night/5 day optional land package that allows you to explore the rich interior of Alaska as well. It includes two nights in Anchorage and two nights in Denali, plus a Deluxe Dome Railcar Tour, the Tundra Wilderness Tour of Denali National Park, an Iditarod kennel visit and one way airfare from Anchorage to Seattle.

For Oceania’s Inside Passage itineraries and sailing dates, contact Covington Travel’s cruise experts and find out just how luxurious the O-Life™ is.

Covington Travel is pleased to recognize Oceania Cruises as a valued partner and sponsor of this post. Images courtesy of Oceania Cruises.