American Cruise Lines is introducing a Puget Sound and San Juan Islands itinerary to the American Spirit’s 2013 schedule with a debut journey sailing on April 27. This is the company’s newest addition to a growing portfolio of cruises in the Pacific Northwest which includes Alaska and Columbia & Snake River itineraries.
The eight-day roundtrip voyage from Seattle explores the hundreds of islands, many of which are uninhabited, nestled between Canada’s Vancouver Island and the U.S. mainland. While aboard, guests enjoy personalized service, fine dining, nightly entertainment and daily lectures and seminars from local experts on the region’s history. The Puget Sound itinerary will run from April 2013 through October 2013 and then again from March 2014 through November 2014. Rates start at $3,750 per person.
The Puget Sound and San Juan Islands cruise will include excursions such as:
Victoria, Canada: The day begins with a ferry ride to Victoria, Canada from Port Angeles, Wash. On a guided tour guests can visit Butchart Gardens. After the gardens, guests can participate in a narrated tour of the city before taking the ferry back to Port Angeles.
Anacortes, Wash.: Located between Seattle and Vancouver on Fidalgo Island, Anacortes is known as the gateway to the San Juan.
Friday Harbor: Guests can visit The Whale Museum and learn about the natural history of marine mammals in the museum’s Gallery of the Whales, with a special focus on orcas that live in the surrounding area.
Olympic National Park and Hurricane Ridge: Guests can explore the home of some of the largest remnants of ancient forests left in this country while at Olympic National Park. While at Olympic National Park, guests can also visit Hurricane Ridge.
Port Townsend, Wash.: Guests can experience the 19th century Victorian buildings, history and natural setting in Port Townsend by taking part in a guided walking tour through the town.
The American Spirit carries 100 guests in 200-square-foot staterooms, which offer large opening picture windows and hotel-style bathrooms, various panoramic lounges and amenities including an exercise area and putting green.
For more information, visit www.americancruiselines.com.