March 30,1996 - CANADA’S INSIDE PASSAGE CRUISE
SHIP: Spirit of Discovery
Max. Capacity: 84 passengers (we left Mar. 30 – there were 34 passengers – it was the first cruise of the season.
Length: 166 ft. (3 decks)
Cruising Speed: 13 knots
All cabins had private facilities (sink, shower and toilet), a closet and a picture window.
We didn’t go to Alaska but this cruise line does have cruise trips to Alaska. I sent for a brochure but loaned it out to a friend so can’t give you any price or date details. I can tell you to contact Alaska Sightseeing Cruise West, 4th and Battery Bldg., Suite 700, Seattle, WA 98121 800-426-7702. I called and they were happy to send me a brochure. Also a travel agent probably could do this for you too.
We did Canada’s Inside Passage and Puget Sound. We really loved it because we could just be casual. We didn’t have to bring formal clothes. There were few enough people to form friendships. We tried to sit with someone new each day for meals so you got to know pretty much everyone.
As we sailed along, if we spotted dolphins, or eagles, whales, bear, they would turn the ship around and follow the marine or wildlife as close as possible letting everyone get pictures. One time they even put the ship so close to the bank we could reach out and touch the rock wall. We never felt we were on a time schedule, yet everything that was mapped out was accomplished.
There was always some kind of entertainment in the evening – casino night, tying knots, talk on wines. Nothing too extravagant but entertaining..
The food was excellent and there was always some food out for snacking too. Virgin drinks were free.
Every night we had the next day’s itinerary on our pillow and yes, we did stop at different ports. Here are some of the things we did:
Day1: Sail from Seattle. Transfer to the Spirit of Discovery or Spirit of Alaska this afternoon at Victoria Clipper’s Pier 69 right on the downtown Seattle Waterfront to begin your cruise. DINNER.
Day 2: Powell River and Desolation Sound. This morning clear customs at Powell River, a logging community at the gateway to the BC wilderness. Then explore an area that yachtsmen come from the world over to cruise, the off-beaten-track waterways of Desolation Sound, a pristine wilderness of mountainous, forested fjords and islands. Watch for bears on the shoreline and seals in the water. BREAKFAST, LUNCH, AND DINNER
Day 3: Knight Inlet. Today cruise deep into Knight Inlet, a wilderness fjord named in 1792 by one of Captain Vancouver’s lieutenants after Admiral Sir John Knight. You’ll also explore the Village Islands group. BREAKFAST, LUNCH, AND DINNER
Day 4: Princess Louisa Inlet is a spectacular, mountain-walled fjord only four miles long, accessible only at the turn of the tide through a narrow channel no wider than your vessel’s length. We’ll land at the mouth of the fjord at the historic Malibu Club. Continue cruising this afternoon. BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
Day 5: Gulf Islands, Victoria. Explore British Columbia’s Gulf Islands, and then cruise into the inner harbor of Victoria on Vancouver Island for an extended port of call. Stroll the streets of the architecturally distinguished downtown shopping area, or perhaps choose an optional tour to beautiful Butchart Gardens. BREAKFAST, LUNCH, AND DINNER
Day 6: Chemainus, Vancouver. Early this morning visit Chemainus, a port town that has become a Mecca for art lovers, with dozens of downtown walls festooned with historic murals. Continue to Vancouver’s inner harbor for an afternoon and evening of big-city excitement. An included shuttle takes you to Gastown, Chinatown, Stanley Park and other Vancouver highlights. BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER
Day 7: Cruising in the San Juan Islands. Cruise the beautiful San Juan Islands today, including a port call at Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. This afternoon search for Orcas prior to an evening port call at turn-of-the-century Rosario Resort on Orcas Island. BREAKFAST LUNCH AND DINNER
Day 8: Arrive Seattle – Tour the World War II mothball fleet at Bremerton this morning before ending the cruise at Seattle. BREAKFAST
SHIP: Spirit of Discovery
Max. Capacity: 84 passengers (we left Mar. 30 – there were 34 passengers – it was the first cruise of the season.
Length: 166 ft. (3 decks)
Cruising Speed: 13 knots
All cabins had private facilities (sink, shower and toilet), a closet and a picture window.
We didn’t go to Alaska but this cruise line does have cruise trips to Alaska. I sent for a brochure but loaned it out to a friend so can’t give you any price or date details. I can tell you to contact Alaska Sightseeing Cruise West, 4th and Battery Bldg., Suite 700, Seattle, WA 98121 800-426-7702. I called and they were happy to send me a brochure. Also a travel agent probably could do this for you too.
We did Canada’s Inside Passage and Puget Sound. We really loved it because we could just be casual. We didn’t have to bring formal clothes. There were few enough people to form friendships. We tried to sit with someone new each day for meals so you got to know pretty much everyone.
As we sailed along, if we spotted dolphins, or eagles, whales, bear, they would turn the ship around and follow the marine or wildlife as close as possible letting everyone get pictures. One time they even put the ship so close to the bank we could reach out and touch the rock wall. We never felt we were on a time schedule, yet everything that was mapped out was accomplished.
There was always some kind of entertainment in the evening – casino night, tying knots, talk on wines. Nothing too extravagant but entertaining..
The food was excellent and there was always some food out for snacking too. Virgin drinks were free.
Every night we had the next day’s itinerary on our pillow and yes, we did stop at different ports. Here are some of the things we did:
Day1: Sail from Seattle. Transfer to the Spirit of Discovery or Spirit of Alaska this afternoon at Victoria Clipper’s Pier 69 right on the downtown Seattle Waterfront to begin your cruise. DINNER.
Day 2: Powell River and Desolation Sound. This morning clear customs at Powell River, a logging community at the gateway to the BC wilderness. Then explore an area that yachtsmen come from the world over to cruise, the off-beaten-track waterways of Desolation Sound, a pristine wilderness of mountainous, forested fjords and islands. Watch for bears on the shoreline and seals in the water. BREAKFAST, LUNCH, AND DINNER
Day 3: Knight Inlet. Today cruise deep into Knight Inlet, a wilderness fjord named in 1792 by one of Captain Vancouver’s lieutenants after Admiral Sir John Knight. You’ll also explore the Village Islands group. BREAKFAST, LUNCH, AND DINNER
Day 4: Princess Louisa Inlet is a spectacular, mountain-walled fjord only four miles long, accessible only at the turn of the tide through a narrow channel no wider than your vessel’s length. We’ll land at the mouth of the fjord at the historic Malibu Club. Continue cruising this afternoon. BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
Day 5: Gulf Islands, Victoria. Explore British Columbia’s Gulf Islands, and then cruise into the inner harbor of Victoria on Vancouver Island for an extended port of call. Stroll the streets of the architecturally distinguished downtown shopping area, or perhaps choose an optional tour to beautiful Butchart Gardens. BREAKFAST, LUNCH, AND DINNER
Day 6: Chemainus, Vancouver. Early this morning visit Chemainus, a port town that has become a Mecca for art lovers, with dozens of downtown walls festooned with historic murals. Continue to Vancouver’s inner harbor for an afternoon and evening of big-city excitement. An included shuttle takes you to Gastown, Chinatown, Stanley Park and other Vancouver highlights. BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER
Day 7: Cruising in the San Juan Islands. Cruise the beautiful San Juan Islands today, including a port call at Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. This afternoon search for Orcas prior to an evening port call at turn-of-the-century Rosario Resort on Orcas Island. BREAKFAST LUNCH AND DINNER
Day 8: Arrive Seattle – Tour the World War II mothball fleet at Bremerton this morning before ending the cruise at Seattle. BREAKFAST
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