The Great Alaskan Running Cruise
Overview
Created in 2006, this running cruise is the original and one of our favorites (it was our first)! We’ve watched our Alaskan running friends’ kids grow up, we’ve seen incredible wildlife on and off the course, and we return year after year because Alaska is like no other destination in the world.
The Great Alaskan Running Cruise is designed with every type of runner and walker in mind! You’ll actively explore “the Last Frontier” with your own two feet, and take on the challenge of running or walking the beautiful trails in Anchorage, Juneau and Ketchikan, and a fun and amazing race in Skagway. Every event is well marked, and safe and by the end of the week you’ll earn a big honkin’ Alaskan Medal!
We’ve wrapped this running and walking cruise around the authentic sites and activities in Anchorage, and as we float down Alaska’s Inside Passage including:
- Moosehead 5K in Anchorage and Welcome to Alaska Party.
- Run or Walk the Glacier 5K or Half Marathon along the Gastineau Channel and in the shadows of the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau.
- Explore the Gold Rush town of Skagway in a fun Scavenger Hunt Amazing Race.
- Experience the Tongass National Forest on a 5K/10K Trail Run/Walk!
- Join in one of our group organized active excursions in Juneau and at the adventurous Icy Straight Point (additional cost)
- Listen and learn at Coach Jenny’s and John “the Penguin” Bingham’s clinics.
Enjoy extensive interaction with Coach Jenny and John at numerous social events, private dining with fellow GARC cruisers and a wonderful sense of camaraderie. In addition to all the wonderful activities aboard the Radiance of the Seas and in port.
Trip Highlights
The All-Inclusive Great Alaskan Running Cruise
- Four majestic Alaskan run/walk events for all levels of runners, run-walkers, and walkers.
- Clinics with Coach Jenny Hadfield and John “The Penguin” Bingham
- Long Sleeve Tech Shirt, Hat, Duffle Bag, Travel Tag, and a Big Honkin’ Medal
- Private group parties and events with like-minded active travelers.
- Private group breakfasts before races.
- Fully escorted cruise, accommodations and all meals.
Itinerary
At-a-Glance
| Date | Day | Port of Call | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 21 | Thursday | Anchorage, AK Moosehead 5K Run/Walk – Pizza and Beer Party |
4:00pm | |
| July 22 | Friday | Seward, AK Ship Embarkation |
8:00pm | |
| July 23 | Saturday | Hubbard Glacier (cruising) and Clinics with Jenny and John |
||
| July 24 | Sunday | Juneau, AK The Glacier 5K, 10K and Half Marathon |
9:00am | 9:00pm |
| July 25 | Monday | Skagway, AK Amazing Race |
7:00am | 5:00pm |
| July 25 | Monday | Haines, AK | 7:00pm | 11:30pm |
| July 26 | Tuesday | Icy Strait Point, AK | 7:00am | 4:00pm |
| July 27 | Wednesday | Ketchikan, AK 5K or 10K Trail Race through the Tongass National Forest |
9:00am | 6:00pm |
| July 28 | Thursday | Cruising the Inside Passage, Rise and Shine Run/Walk and Coach Jenny Session |
||
| July 29 | Friday | Vancouver, BC | 7:00am |
Full Itinerary
Day 1 – Thursday, July 21 – Anchorage, Alaska
Meet your new active friends at the Anchorage Moosehead 5K and Welcome Party! We’ll lay out the week’s itinerary, give out your packets and race kits, and then run a fun and scenic 5K through scented forests, with sweeping vistas where you may spot beluga whales, a moose or two and North America’s highest peak, Mount McKinley (Denali)!
Day 2 – Friday, July 22 – Anchorage, Alaska
Bus to the ship for embarkation and our first group dinner on the Royal Caribbean – Radiance of the Seas.
Day 3 – Saturday, July 23 – At Sea – Hubbard Glacier, Alaska
Kick start your day with Runner’s World Columnist and Coach – Jenny Hadfield’s Race Day Tips and Strategies Clinic followed by John The Penguin Bingham’s hilarious talk on running, walking and living a healthy life. In the afternoon, we’ll sit back, sip on hot cocoa, and view the beautiful Hubbard Glacier.
Day 4 – Sunday, July 24 – Juneau, Alaska
Get ready for a scenic Alaskan road event! Run or walk the Glacier 5K, 10K or Half Marathon along the Gastineau Channel with views of the Mendenhall Glacier, waterfalls, and more! This event is tailored just for our group and hosted by some of the country’s top trail runners. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring all that Juneau has to offer by kayak, boat or on foot or book one of our private excursions. This event is eligible for the 50 States Half Marathon Club and the Half Fanatics.
Day 5 – Monday, July 25 – Skagway and Haines, Alaska
In the morning, we’ll explore Gold Rush town of Skagway with a teammate, map, and checkpoints in our Alaskan Amazing Race! Simply the most fun you can have running and walking through a new town. You’ll have the afternoon to discover the romance and excitement of this historic Alaskan city. In the evening, we’ll stop for the evening in Haines, AK.
Day 6 – Tuesday, July 26 – Icy Straight Point, Alaska
A day off from running or walking, you can join in one of our group organized active excursions (additional fee), or explore this adventurous port on your own. From kayaking to ATVing, shopping, whale-watching or for the adrenaline junkies – flying down the world’s largest ZipRider – there is something for everyone in Icy Straight Point.
Day 7 – Wednesday, July 27 – Ketchikan, Alaska
This is a run/walk not to be missed. We’ll explore the beautiful trails in the Tongass National Forest! You’ll have the afternoon to enjoy the sites in Ketchikan.
Day 8 – Thursday, July 28 – At Sea
Kick start your morning with a walk or run on deck followed by a Coach Jenny’s Flexibility and Ask Coach Jenny Session. Enjoy a relaxing day on the ship at the pool, in the spa, or participating in the ship’s activities. Celebrate the week at the Awards Ceremony and a final group dinner.
Day 9 – Friday, July 29 – Vancouver, BC
Depart home with a bag full of memories, new active friends, and a big-honkin’ Great Alaskan Running Cruise Medal!
Pricing – Book NOW and save $50 per person!
All-Inclusive Package Includes:
- 7 Nights Cruise Accommodations
- 5K Kick-Off Run/Walk in Anchorage and Welcome Party
- 5K, 10K and Half Marathon in Juneau
- 4-Mile Amazing Race in Skagway
- 5K and 10K Trail Race in Ketchikan
- Long Sleeve Alaskan Running Cruise Tech Shirt, Hat, Duffle Bag, and Medal
- Private Group Breakfasts and all meals included in your cruise
*Please note, the current CDC mandates for cruises departing from All U.S. Homeports including Alaska.
All Royal Caribbean guests age 12 and older must present proof of COVID-19 vaccination, with the final dose of their vaccine administered at least 14 days before sailing. Each guest’s regimen must include at least two doses of vaccine unless the guest received the single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. This guidance is per the U.S. CDC, and no exceptions will be made, even if the guest’s resident country has authorized a single-shot regimen for a two-dose vaccine. We will continually evaluate these requirements and make updates as local public health standards evolve.
- Cocktail Reception, Welcome & Celebration Party
- Private Karaoke Party
- Transportation to all events, permits for park entrance, gear checks
- Entertainment
- A fully escorted cruise
- All gratuities
- Port Fees and Taxes
*We offer group and team discounts! Ask us here.
Inside Stateroom
Call for pricing (800-707-1634)
Two lower beds convertible to one Royal King bed, flat panel TV, shower, safe. 165 sq ft
Ocean View Stateroom
Call for pricing (800-707-1634)
Ocean-view windows, two lower beds convertible to one queen-sized bed, flat panel TV, private bath with shower, safe. 164 sq ft
Deluxe Stateroom with Verandah Balcony
Call for pricing (800-707-1634)
Sitting area, private veranda balcony, two lower beds convertible to one queen-sized bed, flat panel TV, shower, safe, mini-bar, refrigerator, floor-to-ceiling windows. 167 sq ft + 43 sq ft
Junior Suite with Verandah Balcony
Call for pricing (800-707-1634)
Sitting area, private veranda, two lower beds convertible to one queen-sized bed, flat panel TV, shower, safe, mini-bar, refrigerator, floor-to-ceiling windows. 299 sq ft + 66 sq ft Verandah
Grand Suite with Verandah Balcony
Call for pricing (800-707-1634)
Concierge services, spacious sitting area, large private veranda, two lower beds convertible to a king-sized bed, 2 flat-panel TVs, shower/tub, safe, mini-bar, refrigerator, floor-to-ceiling windows 387 sq ft + 93 sq ft Verandah
PP = per person
Double = double occupancy cabin
Single = single occupancy cabin
3rd & 4th = guests sharing with two full-fare guests in the cabin are available on request.
Booking Notes
Booking Deposit – A deposit of $500 per person is due with the completed cruise registration. The full balance is due March 22, 2022. If the booking is received after March 22, 2022, the full amount of the cruise will be charged.
The Great Alaskan Running Cruise is an exclusive group. In order to participate, you must book your cruise package through The Cruise & Vacation Authority / Alaskan Running Cruise office. Discounts are available for multiple registrations for running clubs and groups. Call for details.
*Please note, the current CDC mandates for cruises departing from All U.S. Homeports including Alaska.
All Royal Caribbean guests age 12 and older must present proof of COVID-19 vaccination, with the final dose of their vaccine administered at least 14 days before sailing. Each guest’s regimen must include at least two doses of vaccine unless the guest received the single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. This guidance is per the U.S. CDC, and no exceptions will be made, even if the guest’s resident country has authorized a single-shot regimen for a two-dose vaccine. We will continually evaluate these requirements and make updates as local public health standards evolve.
Roommate Finder – If you are a single looking to share a cabin, please indicate this on the application and we will do our best to accommodate your request. You can also post to our private Facebook group for the already registered participants. Please note, if we are unable to arrange a roommate or if a roommate cancels, single rates will apply.
Air Travel – If you are scheduling your own air transportation, it is recommended to schedule your arrival into Anchorage leaving plenty of time for flight delays and arriving no later than 1:00 pm on Thursday, July 21st. Departure flight times should be arranged for after 11:00 am from Vancouver, BC on Friday, July 22nd. If you need assistance with booking your air travel and ground transfers, please contact The Cruise & Vacation Authority – 1-888-484-4441.
If you are interested in a cabin category that waitlisted (full) and it does not open up, you will not be booked on this cruise. You will be contacted for approval prior to our booking of the cruise and charging payment if a waitlist cabin does open.
If you make a first choice which is waitlisted and a second choice which is not waitlisted, you will be booked on this cruise and payment will be charged at the time of booking. Full cancellation penalties will apply. If prior to sailing, the waitlist for your first choice does clear you will be moved into that cabin category and a refund will be processed or the additional funds will be charged.
Cancellation Schedule
Prior to February 22, 2022: $100 per person
February 22 – April 22, 2021: $500 per person
After April 22, 2022: 100% of cruise/package
*Cancellations must be received in writing by the date indicated. Fax or email is sufficient notification. Guests must confirm receipt by The Cruise & Vacation Authority. Failure to appear for embarkation for any reason constitutes a cancellation subject to full penalties. Note that all staterooms are non-smoking.
*Royal Caribbean International reserves the right to impose a fuel supplement on all guests if the price of West Texas Intermediate fuel exceeds $65.00 per barrel. The fuel supplement for 1st and 2nd guests would be no more than $10 per guest per day, to a maximum of $140 per cruise; and for additional guests would be no more than $5 per person per day, to a maximum of $70 per cruise. Failure to appear for embarkation for any reason constitutes a cancellation subject to full penalties. New Policy: All staterooms are non-smoking.
Pre-Cruise Package
The Ultimate Pre-Cruise Package in Anchorage
Our Host hotel is located in the heart of Downtown Anchorage, a short taxi ride from the Anchorage (ANC) Airport. The Marriott is in an ideal location near the city’s most popular attractions. Popular attractions, downtown dining, and shopping are all within walking distance of the hotel.
This year we are offering three options! One, two, and three-night packages with options for hiking and other fun activities! Once you’re booked on the cruise, you will receive the detailed information for the Pre-Cruise Packages.
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