Oceania Cruises deploys a larger ship, Riviera, to Alaska

It will be Riviera's first Alaska season. Itineraries range from seven to 12 days and depart from Seattle, Whittier and Vancouver, BC. Each cruise mixes lesser-known and iconic ports such as Homer, Sitka and Juneau.

Though Riviera's bigger than Regatta, it's '30 to 50% smaller than other premium cruise lines sailing in the region,' according to Oceania Cruises President Frank A. Del Rio.

Youth program on all sailings

The line's Alaska Explorer Youth Program will be available on all voyages. Designed for children ages 5 to 12, the program includes games, activities and Alaska-inspired special events.

Amond the pre- or post-cruise land tours is 'Discover Denali' to see North America's highest peak. This four-day/three-night add-on includes wildlife-spotting, an Alaskan Native presentation on the history of the land and a natural history tour.

Foodie tours

Emphasizing its foodie focus, Oceania Cruises offers abundant food-focused excursions. Among them: 'Alaskan Coastal Brunch Escape & Cruise,' sailing from Juneau to a remote speck of an island in Stephens Passage for a classic Alaskan-style brunch.

In Ketchikan, the 'Exclusive Crabbing Experience' takes participants on a private charter to prime fishing grounds they'll help the crew set crab pots and reel in dungeness crabs, before heading to shore for a campfire feast.

And 'Hook & Cook at Salmon Falls' plays up on Ketchikan's claim to be Salmon Capital of the World, with the chance reel in chum, sockeye, king, silver and pink salmon, and possibly halibut, cod or rockfish. The catch will then be prepared at Salmon Falls Resort' Timbers Restaurant.

The 'Sitka Culinary Adventure' explores the gastronomy of Alaska's second-largest seafood exporter, including locally brewed beers made with glacial water, sea salts from Alaska Pure Sea Salt Co. and Russian dumplings at Sitka Pelmeni. Additional tastings may include cod tips, reindeer hot dogs, ceviche and chowder.