3 Reasons to Embark on an Alaska Cruise
When you think of cruises, you might imagine sunny beaches, tropical islands and frozen drinks with umbrellas. But what about setting sail amid snowy peaks, massive glaciers and majestic whales?
By embarking on an Alaska cruise†, you'll enjoy a decidedly different experience that's no less relaxing, invigorating and unforgettable. Here are a few reasons why you should cruise the Land of the Midnight Sun next:
Experience the Breathtaking Wilderness
There's nothing quite like skimming Alaskan waters while surrounded by unspoiled alpine beauty. You'll be truly immersed in nature on the grandest scale — from the icy splendor of Glacier Bay to the evergreen-draped mountains of Misty Fiords National Monument. Marvel as glaciers rumble into the sea in the Inside Passage, then search for humpback whales and Dall's porpoises in the glassy waters. You'll also want to keep an eye out for Alaska's "Big Five": moose, caribou, wolf, brown bear and Dall sheep. You may even spot a bald eagle!
Choose from Exhilarating Excursions
Depending on your cruise, you may have the option of embarking on unique shore excursions that bring you even deeper into the Alaskan frontier. Try your hand at salmon fishing, hike on a glacier, fly over ice fields, trek in bear country or kayak next to seals, go panning for gold or enjoy a ride on a dogsled. Your cruise is just the beginning of your Alaska adventure!
Relax with On-Board Amenities
Just because you're in Alaska doesn't mean you can't take a swim or enjoy a margarita poolside! Alaska cruises are available May through September, with temperatures ranging from 12 – 24 degrees Celsius. Cruise ships in this region usually feature amenities and modifications that guard against inclement weather, such as heated pools and retractable pool roofs, plus hot tubs with breathtaking views. You'll also discover plenty of indoor fun including Broadway productions, cooking classes, rock climbing, blues clubs, craft cocktail bars, acrobatics shows, diverse dining options and more.
Ready to reserve your Alaska cruise? Click here to see a selection of cruises available or contact Member Services for more options or to make your reservation.
Terms and Conditions:
The rate for your cruise includes accommodations, most meals, activities and entertainment while onboard the ship. Some items such as beverages and optional specialty dining may not be included dependent upon the cruise line you have selected.
†Not every cruise line, cabin or sailing is offered through this programme; click on the link provided above to see cruises offered. The costs for cruises are stated in Club Points, plus any additional cash amount that may be required in certain cases. Based on double occupancy per stateroom. Offers are based on availability. Taxes and port fees are additional and cannot be paid in Club Points. Club Point values are subject to change without notice. Restrictions may apply. All cruise reservations are subject to an administration fee of US$119 per cabin booked, payable to the Club Manager.
Cancellation policies are at the discretion of the cruise company (which will be disclosed at the time of booking) and may result in a credit toward future cruises from the cruise line. However, all applied Club Points will be forfeited.
Marriott International Inc., Marriott Vacation Club International and their respective affiliates and subsidiaries make no warranty, express or implied, as to the condition, capacity, performance or any other aspect of the activities, events or service providers listed herein. No inquiry has been made into the activities or events, or the qualifications or the quality of services offered by the providers. Do not consider this an endorsement of or recommendation for any of the activities, events or providers. Features, furnishings and amenities may be proposed and are subject to change.
Ask the Expert: Marriott Rewards Category Changes
This month, Membership Advisor Fion explains the Marriott Rewards® hotel category changes.
What is a Marriott Rewards hotel category and what's changing?
Hotel categories are determined by the number of Marriott Rewards® points necessary to redeem for a complimentary night. For example, a Category 1 hotel requires 7,500 Marriott Rewards points per redemption night, while a Category 4 hotel requires 20,000 Marriott Rewards points per redemption night. Hotel categories do not correlate with star rating, level of service or quality.
The recent category changes affect 18% of Marriott Rewards hotels, with 30% of those hotels decreasing by one category and 70% of those hotels increasing by one category; 62% of the hotels will remain in Categories 1 – 4.
Which hotels in Asia are changing categories?
Here's a look at some of the hotels that will be changing tiers:
China | 2015 Category | 2016 Category |
Beijing Marriott® Hotel City Wall | 4 | 3 |
Courtyard by Marriott® Hong Kong | 7 | 6 |
Renaissance® Shanghai Pudong Hotel | 3 | 2 |
Indonesia | 2015 Category | 2016 Category |
Courtyard by Marriott® Bali Seminyak | 5 | 4 |
Malaysia | 2015 Category | 2016 Category |
JW Marriott® Hotel Kuala Lumpur | 5 | 4 |
South Korea | 2015 Category | 2016 Category |
Courtyard by Marriott® Seoul Times Square | 5 | 4 |
View a full list of properties here.
How do I make a reservation using Marriott Rewards points?
To trade for Marriott Rewards points, contact Member Services. When you're ready to reserve your holiday using Marriott Rewards points, go to Marriott.com and click the "use Marriott Rewards points" option.
Remember to look for PointSavers deals that offer up to 33% savings. Plus, if you stay 4 nights using Marriott Rewards points, you may receive a fifth night free.
Do you have a question about your Membership? Submit your question or contact Member Services.
Get to Know Fion! |
Where are you from? What languages do you speak? How long have you worked for Marriott Vacation Club International? What do you enjoy most about being a Membership Advisor? Which Marriott Vacation Club® or Marriott® property has been your favorite to visit? Why? Which Marriott Vacation Club® or Marriott® property do you hope to visit in the future? Why? What has been your favorite holiday to plan for Members? Why? Is there anything else you'd like to share with or tell Members? |
Member Special: 4 Ways to Enjoy Surfers Paradise
There's never been a better time to escape to Australia's Gold Coast! When you use your membership to reserve a Club Connections stay at Surfers Paradise Marriott® Resort & Spa, you'll enjoy a special rate of 280 Club Points per night — that's 20% off the normal Club Point rate!*
This elegant resort is the ideal place to unwind and recharge after your Queensland adventures. Enjoy beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and the Nerang River and take advantage of luxurious amenities, all the while surrounded by sparkling lagoons, white sandy beaches and cascading waterfalls.
During your stay, you can explore the treasures of Australia's desirable Gold Coast region, which averages 245 sunny days each year.
Discover theme park fun: Known as the theme park capital of Australia, the Gold Coast offers plenty of thrills — from Dreamworld's Tower of Terror II, one of the world's tallest and fastest rides, to koala cuddling at Adventure Parc in the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
Relax on the beach: Enjoy 57 kilometres of coastline, whether you prefer to simply stroll the sands, kick back with a tropical drink or catch a wave at Mermaid Beach. At Surfers Paradise, play a game of beach volleyball, learn to surf at Surf in Paradise Surf School or browse the beachfront market.
Explore the outdoors: Take a walk along the suspension bridges of the Tree Top Walkway amid lush rainforest. Traverse scenic waterways by kayak or river cruise, or go for a hike in Burleigh Head National Park.
Take a day trip: Embark on a road trip to Brisbane — plus Sydney, Melbourne and the Great Barrier Reef are only a 1- to 2-hour flight away.
To reserve this special offer, contact Member Services.
*This special offer is available for stays in standard rooms, with check-outs until 1 July 2016.
Terms and Conditions:
Booking Windows and Cancellation Rules are in accordance with the Third Amended & Restated Disclosure Document & Club Guidelines (as may be further amended). The number of rooms available in each hotel and resort under the Club Connections programme or as a Member Special is limited. Accommodations are subject to availability, and blackout dates apply. The Express Breaks option is not available in these locations. These locations and their Club Point levels are subject to change regularly and without notice. These hotels and resorts are not part of Marriott Vacation Club, Asia-Pacific, and are not Club Resort Properties. Availability of any particular Club Connections or Member Special location is subject to the terms of the agreement which the Club Manager was able to enter into with the operator of that location.
Member Services Contact Information
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