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11^th - 18^th September 2023
Jim Steinmeyer • David Regal
Garrett Thomas • Andi Gladwin • Joshua Jay

The Retreat: Alaska Cruise

Every year we organize a luxurious adventure in an exotic location. This year, we’ve pulled out all the stops. It’s a trip filled with beautiful landscapes, unforgettable experiences, and, of course, world-class magic. We are pleased to announce The Retreat: Alaska … a seven-night cruise adventure unlike any other.

For drama and beauty, few places in the world match the breathtaking splendor of Alaska. Set out on an unforgettable adventure where you’ll get up close and personal with 30-ton whales, zip-line through the rainforest, and experience the sheer majesty of towering glaciers and untouched wilderness.

While most magic conventions aren’t enjoyable for spouses, partners, parents, or friends, on The Retreat we encourage you to bring a special someone to share this incredible adventure with you onboard one of the biggest, boldest ships to ever sail the Last Frontier – Quantum of the Seas by Royal Caribbean.

And if spending seven nights in one of the world’s most pristine regions isn’t enticing enough, imagine doing it in the company of three of magic’s greatest minds: They will each share coveted secrets and deliver bespoke programs designed just for The Retreat guests.

The Adventure

Alaska is tailor-made for once-in-a-lifetime experiences designed around you. And we have some of the best choices on offer at The Retreat. Excursion highlights may include:

Jump aboard a high-speed rib for an intimate water thrill-ride as we race along the steep granite walls of the longest and deepest Fjord in North American as we explore the rugged wilderness of Southeast Alaska – keeping your eyes open for eagles, otters, seals and more as we stop to take in breath-taking waterfalls and never-ending landscapes.

A more leisurely marine experience may be more your style as you opt for the pristine and lively waters of the Sitka Sound. Immerse yourself in a truly wild place in search of humpback whales, orcas and raptors and ocean birds such as puffins and cormorants fishing and nesting. You might also spot brown bear or deer on shore while you cruise past untouched beaches and mossy riverbanks.

For those looking to take to the skies - fly over some of Alaska's most awesome sights in a glacier helicopter experience. Lush green rainforests, alpine ridges, and glacier valleys pass underneath before touching down on the glacier itself for an unforgettable hike! High-flying adventure meets Alaskan coastal rainforest for those opting instead for the Grizzly Falls Ziplining Expedition in Skagway. Surrounded by massive spruce and cedars, you’ll soar high in the canopy with views over glacially-fed waterfalls and mountainous rainforests. Or some may take an unforgettable journey aboard the "Scenic Railway of the World" to the White Pass summit. Relax in vintage passenger coaches as you enjoy breathtaking canyon panoramas retracing the original Klondike journey of those who passed this way in search of fortune.

One of Alaska’s lesser-known gems, Endicott Arm Fjord marks the southern edge of the Fjords Terror Wilderness area. As you drift through its 30-mile-long stretch, you can’t help but be awed by the surrounding granite cliffs, mountain valleys, and dozens of gushing waterfalls. Drifting icebergs, deep blue waters, and a spectacular tidewater glacier only add to this natural spectacle’s appeal.

Nothing can prepare you for the magic and memories that are Alaska. The sooner you register, the sooner we can work with you on crafting your unique Alaskan experience.

The Talent

Jim Steinmeyer
One of magic's most erudite and radical thinkers, we are honored to welcome Jim Steinmeyer aboard! Jim has created some of the most baffling illusions of our time, large and small, and worked with all the greats: Orson Welles, Doug Henning, David Copperfield, Lance Burton, and more.

In addition to being an amazing creator, he is also an accomplished historian and writer. He will be touching on all of his passions throughout our week at sea, giving a talk on the history of magic, and then a nuts-and-bolts dive into some of his favorite parlor material, and more. Mr. Steinmeyer is an engaging speaker and performer, and an equally enjoyable raconteur. This is the rare chance to get to know him, share a meal with him, and absorb his vast knowledge.

David Regal
Dividing his time between magic and writing for television, David Regal has made his mark in both arenas. He has written for Everybody Loves Raymond and Rugrats, as well as everyseason of The Carbonaro Effect. As a creator, he is unparalleled in his prolific output of material. He has created a seemingly endless stream of dynamic magic for close-up and parlor situations. David will share with us not only his favorite effects, but new things too, as well as tips on how to assemble an act, and what makes for compelling magic.

Garrett Thomas
Garrett Thomas is a remarkable performer who has clocked an unfathomable amount of performance hours doing strolling and close-up magic. Through that experience, he has developed world-class chops and a repertoire of startling, visual magic. He will perform and lecture for us, and share with us the theories that underpin his unique brand of magic.

The Ship

Explore Alaska’s natural wonders onboard Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas, the biggest, boldest ship to ever sail the Last Frontier.

The first of its class, Quantum of the Seas changed everything as the most revolutionary ship in the world — and it’s loaded with thrills to check off your bucket list. From the North Star, the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship to the RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator and the robotic bartenders of the Bionic Bar, this adventure packed ship has endless ways to fill your days between scenery scoping and wilderness wandering across spectacular shores like Juneau and Sitka.

Whether you’re craving dishes from far-off destinations or quick snacks for easy refueling in between thrills, expect every meal to be extraordinary. Chinese-inspired cuisine you can cook tabletop at The Hot Pot. Tuscan-inspired dishes served family-style at Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver. Hand-made sushi rolls and Japanese flavors at Izumi or white tablecloth service at Chops Grille amongst a myriad of others.

Save some energy for the evening, because the adventures onboard heat up once the sun goes down. And that’s just not our special magic programming. We’re talking an epic fusion of music, performance, theater and innovation for the onboard entertainment.

From working out to winding down, Vitality Spa & Fitness is your ultimate sanctuary at sea. Restorative massages and rejuvenating facials, world class fitness classes and state of the art Technogym facilities will help you find everything you need to recharge in between adventures.

And finally your accommodation. Alaska is all about the views. That’s why we have secured balcony staterooms for all of our guests. Imagine waking up to room service with a coffee in hand and having a front-row seat to watch the majestic tidewater glaciers float by – all from the comfort of your own private balcony. With 24/7 room service, nightly turndown– and all the amenities you can need – its ultimate comfort and relaxation at sea.

Limited spots available:
Register now

The Itinerary

Sept. 11: Seattle
Depart: 4pm
Located just two hours south of Vancouver, Canada, the city of Seattle is an international cruise port that boasts three professional sports teams, hundreds of restaurants, a myriad of cultural venues and a lifestyle that is unique to the Pacific Northwest. It is known as Emerald City due to the lush evergreen forests in the area. Well known for its impressive musical history, from jazz to the grunge, Seattle hosts a diverse and influential alternative music scene. Get in early for a chance to explore its sights and sounds before we depart.

Sept. 12: Cruising Day
There’s tons to do on the ship. Everyone will have a chance to explore on their own and, of course, meet up to jam and connect.

Sept. 13: Sitka
Arrival: 10am | Depart 5pm
Sitka, the fourth largest city by population in Alaska, is nestled on the west side of Baranof Island, and is thought to be the most beautiful of SE Alaska cities. The flora and fauna of Sitka and its surrounding area are notable attractions. Residents and visitors alike enjoy fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and simply experiencing all this dynamic town has to offer.

Sept. 14: Skagway
Arrival: 7am | Depart 5pm
Skagway, Alaska, USA, is a historical city where the past lives on, and a place where the romance and excitement of yesteryear linger around every street corner as well as in every bend of the trail. Gateway to the Klondike and the Gold Rush, visitors can still ride the antique White Pass and Yukon narrow-gauge railway up through silvery-purple rock faces, past Deadhorse Gulch, to see what it was like back then. While in Skagway you can easily walk around town, see all of the historical sites along the back streets and stroll down historic Broadway.

September 15: Endicott Arm
Arrival: 6am | Depart 10.30am
Endicott Arm is a fjord 80 km south of Juneau in the Inside Passage, and lies inside the largest temperate rain forest in the world - the Tongass National Forest of Alaska, USA. From the entrance of the fjord to the face of Dawes Glacier is almost 60 km. The water is covered with ice spawned from the glacier, from small brash ice to chunks the size of three-storey buildings.

September 15, second stop: Juneau
Arrival: 1.30pm | Depart 8pm
Built on a narrow shelf between Mt. Juneau and the deep waters of Gastineau Channel, Juneau is Alaska's state capital and a rewarding destination for glacier viewing. Juneau is a blend of fishermen and teachers, legislators and artists, homemakers and lawyers, union workers and frontier entrepreneurs, students and Native elders, all sharing an active port city within an inspiring wilderness setting.

September 16: Cruise Day

September 17: Victoria, BC
Arrival: 5pm | Depart 10pm
Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, Canada, and is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island off Canada's Pacific coast. It is one of the oldest cities in the Pacific NW, with British settlement beginning in 1841, and it still retains a number of historic buildings close to the harbor. The city certainly has a unique blend of old world charm and new world experiences.

September 18: Seattle
Arrival: 7am

Important Note: It is imperative that you arrive in Seattle the night before the cruise to avoid any travel delays. The adventure waits for no one.

Photos Provided

Everyone wishes they had a photographer on hand to catch the most memorable moments of your trip but nobody likes the hassle of doing it. We’ll have a photographer on-hand for all the excursions and the magic events so that each of you leaves with a collection of professional grade moments from your trip. There is, of course, no charge for this feature. It’s included in your package.

Price and Package

The Retreat: Alaska is a full 7 night adventure – our most immersive Retreat experience yet! Note that our past three Retreat experiences have never exceeded three days. This adventure is seven full days and nights, with hotel, food, three excursions, gratuities and magic programming included. It’s two incredible Retreat adventures rolled into one … a breath-taking cruise experience coupled with the majesty of Alaska.

Each magician guest will also receive a custom-prepared gift package of booklets prepared by all the speakers at The Retreat: Alaska, with the material they will cover (this is a highly coveted perk of the trip and is sought-after on the secondhand market, with prices exceeding $200).

Costs are as follows in an Ocean-View Balcony Cabin

• $7,097 per magician
• $3,097 partner rate

(Bringing your special someone to join you on this adventure - brings the total cost down to just $728 per person / night)

Single registrant pricing in an Ocean-View Balcony Cabin: $7,597 magician

This cost includes all programming and excursions 11th – 18th Sept, ship accommodation in an ocean-view balcony cabin, cruise gratuities, all meals onboard (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) three excursions as well as all-onboard complimentary entertainment. Drinks, speciality dining, items not listed here, spa services, transfers and items of a personal nature are for your own account. NB ! Excursions are subject to availability and may vary. The sooner you register, the sooner we can work with you on crafting your unique Alaskan experience.

This will be our fifth Retreat. All previous Retreats sold out entirely within days of being offered. We expect a fast sellout for Alaska as well.

For your convenience, you can select to pay everything now or pay in three manageable installments. To sign up for a payment plan, simply click this option upon checkout.

Alaska is tailor-made for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Whether you sail its icy bays trying to spot huge cold-water whales or fly high above this rough-and-tumble landscape from the vantage of a helicopter, you're sure to come away with memories that you will treasure forever.

Limit spots available:
Register now

Please note that all Retreat payments are entirely, completely, and without-exception non-refundable. Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended. All guests of The Retreat are required to comply and agree with all Royal Caribbean Booking Terms and Conditions in order to sail. Guests acknowledge that any trip, excursion, or other activity has certain inherent risks, such as transportation-related risks and risks that arise from the nature of the trip, excursion, or activity. Registering for The Retreat signifies your acceptance that you agree to release, indemnify and hold harmless Vanishing Inc, its officers, employees, agents, representatives, volunteers and staff from all liabilities and claims for any injuries, losses, death, damages or costs (including reasonable attorneys' and experts' fees) which arise out of or are incident to your participation in any such trip, excursion, or activity. You also acknowledge that all events, talent and itinerary activities are subject to change and that Vanishing Inc. cannot be held responsible for any such amendments, deviations, travel delays or costs incurred as a result of such modifications for whatever reason.