Explorer of the Seas ups the size ante in Alaska in 2016

Explorer of the Seas' seven-night round-trips from Seattle will sail up Tracy Arm Fjord for a view of Sawyer Glacier. In September, the ship will operate three Pacific coastal cruises, each seven nights, which feature an overnight at San Francisco.

This marks the first time a Voyager-class vessel operates in Alaska. Until now Princess Cruises has fielded the largest ships in the state.

And Royal Caribbean in recent years has deployed a pair of 90,000gt Radiance-class vessels there. In 2015, the are Jewel of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas.

Next year Radiance of the Seas returns to operate alternating seven-night northbound and southbound cruises between Vancouver, BC, and Seward. On these itineraries, the ship will venture into Disenchantment Bay for a close-up view of Hubbard Glacier.

2016 Alaska bookings will open on March 26.