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Travel Hacks Feb 13, 2026

Alaska and Iceland cruises inspired by the Winter Games

Alaska summer cruises and Iceland voyages with a Winter Games twist.

Virgin Voyages

There’s a certain electricity in the air this time every four years, when the world turns its eyes to snow, ice, and impossible feats. Crisp mornings. Fierce determination. That pulse-quickening sense that something epic is about to happen.

Now imagine channeling that gold-medal, winter games state of mind somewhere unexpected. Not in a stadium. Not in a ski lodge. But on the deck of a sleek, adults-only ship sailing past glaciers in Alaska or volcanic coastlines in Iceland. As multiple Gold Badge winners ourselves, we're the natural through-line from podium life to port life.

Chase the elements in Alaska and Iceland

Winter competition is all about mastering the elements. So are our colder-climate voyages.

In Alaska, nature sets the course. Towering glaciers in Juneau. Whale sightings in Icy Strait Point. Forested trails and misty fjords in Ketchikan. The air is sharp, the landscapes dramatic, and every excursion feels like an opening ceremony designed by the wild.

In Iceland, it’s a different kind of spectacle. Think snow-dusted lava fields, thunderous waterfalls, black sand beaches, and geothermal lagoons that steam against the chill. You can snowmobile across glaciers, wander through colorful Reykjavik streets, or soak in mineral-rich waters after a day of adventure.

Gold medal moves ashore:

  • Glacier hikes and wildlife encounters in Alaska
  • Geothermal spa soaks and waterfall chasing in Iceland
  • Layered looks that are equal parts performance and style
  • Saying yes to the excursion that pushes you just a little further

This isn’t spectating. It’s participating.

Train, play, repeat at sea

You don’t need a bobsled to embrace your competitive spirit.

On board, the energy shifts from rugged exploration to playful rivalry. At Training Camp, our outdoor gym, you can lift, sprint, and stretch with ocean views that rival any mountain backdrop. Book a high-intensity class at B-Complex or flow through sunrise yoga while the horizon glows in icy blues and soft pinks.

Prefer your competition with a cocktail in hand? Rally your Sailor squad for trivia, arcade games, or a late-night dance floor showdown at The Manor. Victory lap optional. Bragging rights encouraged.

Podium-worthy pursuits on board:

  • Sunrise yoga with crisp sea air
  • Strength sessions at Training Camp
  • Trivia nights that reward the bold
  • Dance battles that deserve their own highlight reel

It’s the winter games mindset, reimagined for grown-ups.

Recover like a champion at Redemption Spa

Every elite athlete knows that recovery is where greatness is built.

After a day exploring glaciers or navigating volcanic terrain, head to Redemption Spa for our thermal suite, heated marble hammam, and restorative treatments that turn “pleasantly exhausted” into fully revived.

Move between hot and cold experiences. Settle into the sauna. Book a deep tissue massage that works out every adventure-earned ache. Let the outside chill make the warmth inside feel even more indulgent.

Post-adventure rituals we recommend:

  • Thermal suite circuit for contrast therapy vibes
  • A restorative massage after active shore days
  • Quiet time in the salt room to reset and recharge

Because feeling unstoppable starts with feeling restored.

Feast like you just won gold

After conquering glaciers or chasing waterfalls, celebration is non-negotiable.

With us, dining is never an afterthought. It’s a closing ceremony every single night. Warm up with handmade pasta at Extra Virgin. Toast your triumphs with complimentary sake and Korean BBQ at Gunbae. Or settle into The Wake for a perfectly cooked steak and ocean views that feel cinematic.

No buffets. No assigned dining times. Just over 20 eateries designed to feel like the world’s best cities followed you to sea.

Raise a glass to:

  • Fresh seafood that tastes like it was just pulled from icy waters (including Alaska-specific cuisine in our Alaska voyages)
  • Cozy, candlelit dinners after brisk port days
  • Late-night bites that feel delightfully rebellious (pro tip: Ship Eats delivers 24/7)

Call it fueling up — or just living well.

Landscapes that deserve their own medal ceremony

Some stages are built with steel and lights. Others are carved by ice and fire.

Alaska’s glacier-blue horizons and towering peaks create a natural arena that feels almost mythic. Iceland’s stark contrasts, black sand against white surf, steam rising from lava fields, look like a fantasy brought to life.

Even sea days feel charged with drama. Wrap up in a blanket on deck. Watch the sky shift colors as the ship glides past rugged coastlines. Let the quiet power of these places remind you why winter inspires awe in the first place.

Your gold moment is waiting

The winter games may come and go, but that feeling — the chill in the air, the fire in your chest, the belief that you’re capable of something bold — shouldn't stay limited to a season.

Alaska. Iceland. Crisp mornings. Steaming lagoons. Glacier views from your balcony. Recovery rituals, celebratory dinners, and just enough friendly competition to keep things interesting.

From podium to port, it’s your moment. What wintry landscape will you sail next?

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