Silversea Designs More Ways to Discover Alaska

Ranging from seven to 12 days, these intriguing journeys will offer Silversea guests breathtaking vistas from a base of floating luxury complemented by optional in-depth explorations ashore that extend the adventure in grand style. The Alaska itineraries all feature convenient round-trip or open-jaw departures from San Francisco, Seward and Vancouver.

"To capture the complete portrait of Alaska, we're offering an exciting collection of pre- and post-cruise land extensions of two to six nights that can easily fit most traveller's schedules and accommodate the varied interests of our guests," said Darius Mehta, Silversea's Director of Land Programs. "These programs are carefully designed to showcase the region's rich cultural heritage, dramatic natural beauty and abundance of wildlife."

Except as otherwise indicated, the following optional land programmes feature deluxe accommodations, all transportation, transfers, guided sightseeing and some meals.

** NEW FOR 2009: "Champion Alaskan Huskies" -- Meet champion dog musher Martin Buser who holds the record for the fastest time in the 1,049-mile Iditarod dogsled race. Visit his home and kennels to see a mushing demonstration, pet and cuddle the puppies, and learn about how he cares for his dogs on and off the trail.

** NEW FOR 2009: "Wilderness Retreat" -- Escape to two of Alaska's premier lodges, where awesome landscapes know no boundaries. At the remote and secluded Winter Lake Lodge, silently glide across the lake by canoe taking in the majestic sight of Trimble Glacier. Hike along gentle mountain trails and dine on the owner/chef's gourmet cuisine. Travel by floatplane to Talkeetna Lodge for spectacular views of famed Mount McKinley and excursions that take you floating down the Susitna River, in search of wildlife on a jetboating safari, and flying around North America's highest peak before touching down for an unforgettable glacier landing. This is a five-night package and includes a luxury railway transfer through the scenic mountain ranges of the Matanuska Valley.

** From Vancouver, "The Majestic Canadian Rockies" four-, five- or six-night program explores the breathtaking peaks and valleys of the Canadian Rockies from the comfort of your railcar. Enjoy two nights in Banff and visit the "Jewel of the Canadian Rockies" -- Lake Louise, set in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join the Rocky Mountaineer for a two-day journey by rail through the snow-capped Canadian Rockies, past the Continental Divide, the Spiral Tunnels and Kicking Horse Canyon to Kamloops for an overnight stay.

** From Seward, the three-night "Denali -- Nature at Her Grandest" program features a journey to Denali by luxury rail, crossing the magnificent vista of Hurricane Gulch. Denali National Park, one of the world's greatest wildlife sanctuaries, offers the chance to spot grizzly bears, caribou, moose and perhaps even wolves. The park rests under the shadow of spectacular Mount McKinley, North America's highest mountain.

** Also from Seward, the six-night "Land of the Midnight Sun" offers the ultimate Alaskan experience, combining the grandeur of Denali National Park with a journey of over 300 miles above the Arctic Circle to Barrow, the largest Inuit settlement in Alaska. Here in the land of the midnight sun, stand on the northernmost tip of the continent, encounter the unique traditional lifestyle of native Alaskans and explore the white wilderness of the tundra. The program includes luxurious GoldStar rail service on the visit to Denali.

Alaska Voyages - cruise only prices start from US4,500 (excluding. port charges from US$200), per person on sharing basis.

For special offer fares, contact your Silversea sales agent for special Fly / Cruise packages with companions sail free programme. Visit www.silversea.com for more info.