Cruise Nation Features Alaska Wilderness

We are huge fans of Alaska cruises here at World of Cruising, and here is something a bit different that promises to provide even more of that Big Country experience - award-winning tour operator Cruise Nation has launched new Alaskan cruise packages for this year with adventurous travellers firmly in mind.

In particular, intrepid cruisers can expect to sail through the wondrous ice landscape of the Tracy Arm Fjord, enjoy stop-offs at Alaska’s capital city, Juneau, and the fascinating gold rush town of Skagway, as well as stays in Seattle and Vancouver on an Alaskan cruise break with a difference.

The Alaskan cruises are part of Cruise Nation’s increasingly popular Smart Package options, which provide first-time cruisers and established cruise passengers with exclusive deals at unbeatable prices. Time-consuming DIY holidays are also given a run for their money as the packages come with free added extras, including free hotel stays and room upgrades.

Cruise Nation managing director Phil Evans explained: “Our new packages take full advantage of the awe-inspiring Alaskan wilderness and are going some way to shift the perception that cruise holidays only take in the fail-safe itineraries of the Mediterranean and Caribbean. We’re really excited to launch our new range, as they were created with the adventurous cruise traveller in mind, who wants to explore more of the world, whilst enjoying all the comforts and camaraderie of a cruise."

Get onboard an Alaska Glacier Bay Cruise and enjoy mini breaks in Vancouver and Seattle  from £1,299pp (a saving of £500pp), plus two free night stays in Vancouver and Seattle and a balcony room, if booked by March 31.

Return flights from London Heathrow are included in the price, departing on April 26 on the Carnival Miracle. This cruise holiday with a difference will begin with a 2-night stay in Vancouver, where visitors can wander around its top museum and gallery attractions all to the backdrop of its majestic snow-capped mountains. 

The Alaskan cruise will then take in the sights of Juneau, as well as fascinating Skagway, before sailing past the impressive ice landscapes of Glacier Bay (pictured). The Alaskan voyage will then end in Seattle, where there will be one night to explore the city’s bohemian Pike Place Market and travel to the top of the iconic Space Needle for incredible views of the city.

More info: call 0800 408 0758 or visit www.cruisenation.com. 

The next edition of World of Cruising will be out this week, and you can see the current version online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate for 2014, see this link.

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Celebrity Celebrate World Cup 2014

Here's good news for anyone who wants to take a cruise this June and July and still stay in touch with the BIG sporting action - Celebrity Cruises will broadcast the summer’s most highly anticipated sporting event, the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, on board all its ships sailing to Alaska, Bermuda and Europe. 

Guests on board will be able to enjoy ALL 64 matches between the 32 competing national teams, taking place from June 12 to July 13.

Guests can also get in the football spirit by joining viewing parties, football video game tournaments and more, as well as choosing to watch the beautiful game from the comfort of their own stateroom or in onboard bars with fellow holidaymakers and football fans.

Celebrity guests can also enjoy the award-winning cuisine and speciality restaurants, and those inspired to get sporty can hit the onboard gym or enjoy some rejuvenating downtime in one of 10 new Canyon Ranch SpaClub® at Sea facilities.

More info: visit www.celebritycruises.co.uk or call 0844 493 2043.

The next edition of World of Cruising will be out this coming week, and you can see the current version online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate for 2014, see this link.

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

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Spend A Year At Sea With Crystal!

If, like us, you find getting away for the odd week or two a bit of a struggle, consider this little gem from luxury cruise specialists Six Star Cruises - a full YEAR'S cruise.

Yes, that's right, not a month or even a World Cruise (which usually spans three-plus months), but a full 365 days at sea, in the lap of luxury.

And who would do such a thing, do we hear you ask? Well Crystal Cruises, of course, masters of the worldwide tour and doing things in the ultimate style.

So, as part of its Fifth Anniversary Celebration Sale, Six Star Cruises is offering the chance to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime, year-long voyage aboard the Crystal Symphony, with no expense spared.

 

Yes, of course it's expensive, but it's a year at sea on a truly luxurious, all-inclusive ship!

Setting sail in 2015, the Symphony departs from Singapore and spends the winter and early spring exploring South-east Asia and China’s most memorable ports. It uses the remainder of spring to take in the spectacular West Coast highlights of Alaska, and North and South America before crossing the Atlantic to spend the summer in Northern Europe.

 

It then heads back across the pond to arrive in North America just in time to experience Canada and New England in the autumn. The final portion of this epic journey takes cruisers down the East Coast to spend autumn and winter in the Caribbean before coming to an end in Rio de Janeiro.

To make this incredible sailing even more special, Six Star Cruises is offering complimentary chauffer airport transfers to start and end the cruise in true style. There is no booking fee and all customers will be helped expertly through all stages of their booking by one of Six Star's award-winning Cruise Concierge – luxury cruise experts who will tailor the passengers’ voyage precisely to their needs.

Passengers booking this truly spectacular voyage before the end of February can also take advantage of some reduced prices. To spend a year at sea on the Crystal Symphony in a balcony stateroom costs just £122,996, while a spacious Penthouse is available for £262,876. For the ultimate in opulence, passengers can enjoy a Penthouse Suite for £350,425. All prices are per person, based on two people sharing and include port taxes.

More info: call 0808 202 6105 or visit www.sixstarcruises.co.uk.

 

The new edition of World of Cruising is now out, and you can see the digital version online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate for 2014, see this link.

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Free Alaska Shore Excursions With American Cruise Lines

Wildlife, history and native culture all meet in south-east Alaska; it is an amazing area of scenic beauty and cultural experiences unlike anywhere else of earth (hence our feature on it in the current issue of World of Cruising - check out the digital version online on this link). 

And American Cruise Lines are offering a real bonus on their 8-day round-trip cruise from Juneau this summer, discovering areas like Petersburg, Tracy Arm and Sawyer Glacier. Visitors get to see incredible natural beauty, majestic wildlife and experience first-class onboard service on one of ACL's small ships.

For a limited time only, guests who reserve a stateroom on this Alaska cruise will receive FREE shore excursions AND a Pre-Night hotel stay in the magnificent city of Juneau.

Once on the cruise, you will be able to watch humpback whales frolic in the cool waters of the Gulf of Alaska as you cruise through Alaska’s Inside Passage. The pristine coves and inlets offer superb opportunities to view sea lions, orcas, harbour seals and porpoise in their natural habitat. The 94-passenger American Spirit is also ideal as a viewing point for the array of breathtaking sights, from orcas surfacing alongside the ship to Tlingit totem poles pointing to the skies with astonishing mountain peaks behind them.

This unforgettable, personalised cruise experience starts at only $5,350 per person with Free Guided Shore Excursions and a Free Pre-Cruise hotel night in Juneau.

For even more of the south-east Alaska charm, American Cruise Lines also offer an 11-night Alaska Inside Passage cruise, from Seattle to Juneau. 

This unforgettable journey cruises the protected waters of the Inside Passage while docking regularly to explore the natural scenery, historic treasures and local communities along the way.

Early Bird Discount: Book early and Save $400 or more per stateroom on this cruise.

More info: call (in the US) 1800 460 4518 or visit www.americancruiselines.com.

The new edition of World of Cruising is now out, and you can see the digital version online on our home page at www.worldofcruising.co.uk. To subscribe at our special offer rate for 2014, see this link.

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More Glacier Bay With Un-Cruise In 2015

Trip planning for Alaska starts earlier this year, with the news from our favourite small-ship operator Un-Cruise Adventures’ of its adventure cruise schedule for 2015. 

It is also extremely timely, as it allows us to remind you that our big re-launch edition - out today! - features Alaska on the cover and the delights of up-close-and-personal travel in this region with Un-Cruise.

The company's seven vessels, carrying 22-88 guests, will offer a total of 115 departures from April to September, with adventure activities, culture, history, wildlife and remote wilderness themes featuring on 10 itineraries ranging from one to three weeks duration.

More importantly, travellers with the hugely popular Glacier Bay National Park on their wish list have even more opportunities to experience the area on a small ship next year as no less than 87 out of 115 departures will visit the park for one or more days of in-depth exploration, most including off-boat adventures of hiking and kayaking.

The popularity of the Northern Passages & Glacier Bay itinerary between Juneau and Sitka (and reverse) spurred the line to add more departures to make for 36 in total in 2015, with 2 are spent inside Glacier Bay National Park. Other areas explored include Icy Strait, Chichagof Island, Baranof Island, Peril Strait and Sergius Narrows. The Active Adventure is available on the Wilderness Adventurer, Wilderness Discoverer and Wilderness Explorer. Rates begin at $2,095 per person, double occupancy.

More info: call (in the US) 1888 862 8881 or visit www.un-cruise.com.

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a very special, limited-time offer to save 50% off a full year's subscription, which includes six issues PLUS our new year-end Cruise Directory. That means a year's worth of Europe's leading cruise publication will be only £15. Check out the special rate on this link!

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Alaska's Booming In 2014

We knew we chose Alaska as our Cover Story in this month's edition of World of Cruising magazine (publishing on January 20) for a good reason - it is promising to be THE boom cruise region of the world this year.

Their latest press release details record cruise traffic, new itineraries and new shore excursions for 2014, with some truly wonderful additions to the already feature-packed experience of an Alaskan cruise.

Here's what they say:

Perched on the Arctic Circle, high above the ‘lower 48’ - the spectacular 49th state of the United States of America hogs all the top ten highest mountains in the union and is one to watch in 2014 as more and more travellers seek crowd-free, wilderness destinations. Not only is Alaska the largest US state – making up an area the the size of California, Texas and Montana combined – but it is also the least densely populated and boasts the largest area of national parklands.

Yet Alaska is very accessible and easy to travel around. It appeals to a wide range of demographics, whether adventurous or laid back and, new for 2014, the Southeast Alaska Independent Living (SAIL) is providing information and services to visitors with limited mobility or physical, visual, or hearing impairments in the Juneau area (sailinc.org). Visitor numbers to Alaska in summer 2013 grew by 7 per cent (1,693,800) compared to summer 2012, and more are expected this year.

Alaska By Sea

Taking a cruise is really the perfect way to see the vast tracts of south-east Alaska and a total of 30 large cruise ships are scheduled to call here in 2014, while there will be an increase in itineraries for small-ship cruise lines (as highlighted in this month's World of Cruising).

Icy Straight Point: both Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruises will add Icy Strait Point, a small-ship cruise port located 30 miles west of Juneau, as a port of call for two ships, the Celebrity Solstice and Norwegian Pearl.

Alaska - it's a whale of a time!

Wrangell’s Alaska Charters & Adventures is now offering full-day whale-watching tours on the calm, pristine waters of the Inside Passage. A custom-built 35-foot aluminum cabin-style boat, enough to fit six passengers, provides wildlife viewing potential from both the inside seats and the deck areas (www.alaskaupclose.com).

Alaska Sea Adventures is offering visitors the unique experience of viewing wildlife in Alaska during spring herring trips in the 2014 season. The small luxury cruise operator will point out views of bald eagles, whales, seals, sea lions and various seabirds (yachtalaska.com).

Featuring stunning views by catamaran, Kenai Fjords Tours will add a new 150-passenger catamaran to its 12-vessel fleet, offering more visitors the chance to travel through Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park to view wildlife and glaciers (www.kenaifjords.com).

And that's just a small taste of what's on offer in the big state of Alaska - you'll just have to make sure you are subscribed to our new issue this month for more!

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a very special, limited-time offer to save 50% off a full year's subscription, which includes six issues PLUS our new year-end Cruise Directory. That means a year's worth of Europe's leading cruise publication will be only £15. Check out the special rate on this link!

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Holland America Go 'Above & Beyond'

In anticipation of the 2014 sailing season, Holland America Line is launching a new Above and Beyond promotional programme that allows guests to take advantage of four special offers. Above and Beyond is available on select 2014 sailings from June through December and features offers for multiple destinations so guests are encouraged to book early for best stateroom selection.

Guests who book select 2014 cruises or Alaska Land + Sea Journeys will receive Above and Beyond promotional fares, reduced fares on select summer shore excursions when booked before February 28, reduced third and fourth fares and 50 per cent deposits off the standard deposit rate.

Cruise destinations featured in Above and Beyond include Alaska cruises and Land+Sea Journeys, Africa, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Canada/New England, Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii/Tahiti, Mexico, Panama Canal and South America itineraries.

In addition, any guest booking ocean-view or suite accommodation on a round-trip Dover cruise on MS Ryndam can enjoy free parking.

More info: 0843 374 2300 or visit www.hollandamerica.co.uk.

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a very special, limited-time offer to save 50% off a full year's subscription, which includes six issues PLUS our new year-end Cruise Directory. That means a year's worth of Europe's leading cruise publication will be only £15. Check out the special rate on this link!

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

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Titan's Rockies & Alaska Grand Discovery

We always like to give you different options here at World of Cruising, so here is a holiday that we think is especially good value, with amazing scenery on board and on rails!

Tour and cruise the natural wonderland of the Canadian Rockies and Alaska in style on a brand new combination tour with UK escorted tour specialists Titan Travel.

All of the great highlights are here, including the UNESCO World Heritage town of Banff, gateway to awe-inspiring Rockies scenery - not least at glittering Lake Louise - the iconic landscapes of Jasper National Park, the lovely mountain resort of Sun Peaks, the wonderful city of Vancouver and the unforgettable shoreline of Alaska, best appreciated in comfort aboard a high-quality cruise ship.

In this case, it is Holland America’s superb MS Volendam (above), a luxurious home-from-home for seven nights and a spectacular window on the region’s coastal splendour.

This 18-day tour costs from £2,995 per person and departs May 21, June 11, and September 3.  

What is Included: 9 nights in hotels, 7 nights cruise on MS Volendam and 1 in flight (accommodation as specified or similar); 22 meals, including 7 breakfasts (days 9-15), 7 lunches (days 8-14) and 8 dinners (days 5, 8-14).

More info: call 0800 9885823 or visit www.titantravel.co.uk/.

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this month ONLY - 50 per cent OFF the regular rate AND the chance to win a cruise in our free prize draw offer. See this link!

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

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More Reasons To Try An Un-Cruise Adventure

You may remember we featured a cruise in Alaska with Un-Cruise Adventures in the most recent edition of World of Cruising (which you can still see on this link - pages 32-36), and we also featured the voyage in day-by-day blogs here at Time Spent At Sea, a series that earned a nomination in the 2013 Avis A-List Awards for travel blogs.

You can still see the blogs, starting with Day One, on this link. So you can tell we are committed Un-Cruise fans, and are always on the lookout for news from this highly distinctive and original adventure-cruise line.

With that in mind, here are some snippets about their forthcoming cruises for 2014 aboard their luxury period style of the unique SS Legacy (above), which we can thoroughly recommend as well worth looking into.

Alaska

From June 15 through August 17, there will be 10 departures of a new Alaska’s Golden History cruise that bring the 1890s Klondike Gold Rush alive. The 7-night cruise visits Wrangell, Petersburg, Sitka, Glacier Bay National Park, Haines and Skagway, while Frederick Sound and Icy Strait are also prime whale-watching territory. An 11-night Gold Rush Legacy cruise between Seattle and Juneau (and reverse) will be offered in June and August.

Columbia and Snake Rivers

From March through May and September through November, week-long cruises depart round-trip from Portland, Oregon, to explore the history and scenery of the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Areas visited include the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Clarkston, Hells Canyon, Walla Walla, Washington Wine Country, The Dalles and Astoria, all of which offer another rare and history-rich cruise experience. 

More info: call (in the US) 1888-862-8881 or visit www.un-cruise.com.

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this year - 50 per cent OFF the regular rate AND the chance to win a cruise in our free prize draw offer. See this link!

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Regent's Deals Of The Week

Some great offers from Regent Seven Seas today, including a great Alaska cruise next May. It's all about booking early, you see...

MIAMI TO MIAMI on Seven Seas Navigator for 7 nights on February 23 for £1,999pp based on two sharing an H category suite (subject to availability).

The highlights of the cruise include Miami, Key West, Belize City, Roatan and Cozumel, with up to 30 free excursions plus a 1-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay in Miami (Concierge Suites and above).

VANCOUVER TO VANCOUVER on Seven Seas Navigator for 7 nights on 21. For £2,299pp based on two sharing an H category suite (subject to availability). Highlights include Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Wrangell and Prince Rupert Sound, with up to 31 free excursions, plus a 1-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay in Vancouver (Concierge Suites and above).

As ever with Regent, it is a truly all-inclusive luxury experience:

• FREE flights and transfers.
• FREE 1-night pre-cruise Luxury Hotel Package.
• FREE unlimited shore excursions on every cruise.
• ALL inclusive onboard: fine dining, premium spirits and fine wines, gratuities and entertainment.

More info: call 023 8068 2280 or visit www.rssc.com.

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this year - 50 per cent OFF the regular rate AND the chance to win a cruise in our free prize draw offer. See this link!

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

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Vote For Us In the Avis UK A-List Awards!

Voting opened today in this year's A-List Awards, the Avis Car Hire annual honours for keen travel bloggers everywhere.

It is the first time Time Spent At Sea has been nominated and we are thrilled to bits, so we hope all our many followers and fellow cruise enthusiasts will vote for us and put us on the A-List map!

The blog that has been chosen to represent our daily helping of cruise enjoyment was the final part of our grand Alaska voyage with Un-Cruise Adventures in August and September, and follows the day-by-day journey of that amazing Heritage-style experience through the historic region of the Yukon gold rush in 1898 (plus all the wonderful wildlife).

You can see the full blog on this link.

+Avis have opened the Awards up to a wide range of other bloggers, all of whom offer some excellent travel blogging, and everyone who votes will also have the chance to win an Avis UK Car Rental voucher to the value of £200, so there is obviously plenty of incentive to vote, too!

Here's what Avis say:

The Avis A-List Awards aim to recognise the contribution to travel and tourism made by

bloggers. We also want to acknowledge the thousands of travel enthusiasts that read and share experiences every day.

That’s why we’re not only rewarding bloggers for all their hard work but also those who vote for their favourite blog will also have a chance to win.

Please vote for your favourite blog and complete the information below to have the chance to win an Avis Car Rental voucher up to the value of £200 (to be spent internationally).

Please cast your vote to help us crown the best travel blogs of 2013. Voting closes on 31th October 2013 and the winners will be announced on 13th November 2013.

We're obviously hoping you vote for us at Time Spent At Sea and make the story of our Alaska trip one of the most popular of the year. We certainly have no hesitation in recommending Un-Cruise Adventures as one of the very best cruise experiences we've ever had in 80-plus journeys.

Here's the link to vote on: Avis A-List Awards.

PS: We're listed at number 19 of the 25!

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An Un-Cruise Adventure - Pt 12, Final Day

The grand finale of our magnificent voyage from Juneau to Seattle aboard the SS Legacy with the unique style of Un-Cruise Adventures... 

Day 12 - Seattle

It's 7am and we have finally come to the end of our fairly epic voyage with Un-Cruise, the navigation of the Hiram M Chittenden Locks (known locally as Ballard Locks) into Fishermen's Terminal in Seattle.

It's always a fascinating process going through the lock stage and we enjoy an  early-morning gathering on deck with Larry talking us through what's going on, and a bit more about Seattle itself. The salmon are still active and we see some beautiful specimens jumping several feet out of the water with resounding splashes!

After arriving in the inner basin (once again, where the big ships never venture), we troop down to the Klondike Dining Room for our final breakfast aboard.

The disembarkation arrangements are as smooth and seamless as those when we arrived,

with our suitcases being whisked off the ship while we are at breakfast, and loaded onto a bus for the airport without us having to lift a finger.

Thankfully, there is no rush to get off and we are able to say some heartfelt goodbyes to fellow passengers who have become firm friends in the course of the 12 days. Notable among them are Australian photographer Jocelyn Pride (who has taken some magnificent pics during the voyage - be sure to see more at http://www.jocelynpride.com.au/) and her husband Peter, and Jim and Ann Blanchard, plus just about everyone else!

It has been a wonderfully convivial group, apart from everything else, and it has been great to share travel stories with such a collection of well-travelled and fun folks. It was quite startling to learn that just about everyone had travelled with Un-Cruise before and were keen to come back for more - the ultimate endorsement of the product.

Finally, we DID have to get off, and it was to a full line-up of the crew and staff, providing hugs and handshakes all round as we said some more fond farewells. And yes, there were a few tears, too. 

The voyage itself has been a dazzling daily collection of highlights, both on board and in the

scenery and wildlife around us. Alaska never disappoints from those points of view, but this cruise proved off-the-charts amazing.

Equally, the Un-Cruise Adventures style of relaxed, unhurried and (often) unscheduled cruising is a huge hit with us. We loved absolutely every minute of it.

Now, we wouldn't normally do this, but we want to give a name check to everyone who helped and made this journey special, as it's one we will always remember. To a certain extent, the PR people and the crew are simply doing their job and (without wishing to sound condescending) it is important for them to showcase their product as efficiently as possible. But we think this went above and beyond all but one cruise we have previously experienced, and is certainly on a par with the

great Nomads of the Seas voyage we enjoyed in Chile a few years ago.

So here goes with the extensive array of fully-deserved plaudits...

EVP Tim Jacox and director of business development LouAnn Stanley, who proved such wonderful company onboard, as well as ensuring we saw everything we needed to (and to Sarah Scoltock, back in the office, for great pre-cruise organisation).

Captain Dano (Daniel Quinn) and his wheelhouse staff of First Mate Katie, Second Mate Rob and Third Mate Lyman (my Open Mic Night partner!) for both great navigation, enormous skill in finding (and staying with, the wildlife), and the personable style to tell us all about it, along with deck hands Travis and Kristen (a more conscientious, hard-working and ship-proud pair would be hard to find).

Then there were the Grand Salon staff Jason, Heather and Sharon for serving great drinks

and providing ever-smiling service, even at 6.30am; and the Klondike Dining Room staff Cheryl, Amber, Julio, Derek and Kirsty for equally good service with a fun attitude.

Finally, there were the incomparable troupe of re-enactors/entertainment staff/historians/characters/naturalists/photographers and all-round stars Larry West (a fount of all knowledge on the region) and Kenne Williams (together, below), Ryan (as Swedish photographer Eric Hegg, right) and Arika (above left). 

Four true champions of Alaska and the Heritage Cruise style - long may they fly the Un-Cruise flag and its unique style! More importantly, the 49th state is now firmly embedded in our hearts forever and we WILL be back, as we can feel a much longer - and deeper - story that needs to be written.

To learn more about Un-Cruise adventures, call 1888 862 8881 in the US; or visit www.un-cruise.com. In the UK, specialist cruise agents The Cruise Line can also help with bookings.

Be sure to read the full report of the cruise in the Autumn edition of World of Cruising, out now! You can subscribe here: www.worldofcruising.co.uk/subscribeOrder.html 

 

"This article has been written to recognise the author's contribution to travel and tourism by Avis Car Hire (http://www.avis.co.uk) on the A-List Awards 2013." 

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

An Un-Cruise Adventure - Pt 11, Friday Harbor

Nearing the end of our magnificent voyage from Juneau to Seattle aboard the SS Legacy with the unique style of Un-Cruise Adventures...

Legacy Cruise - Day 11

Once again, we're up bright and early because the morning is, well, bright and early. The approach into the San Juan Islands is beautiful at the best of times and, with a stunning sunrise, our arrival in the main port of Friday Harbor is simply stunning.

We're told that orcas and other whale pods are often to be seen in these waters, but they are conspicuous by their absence this morning, although we do spot several curious harbour seals and glimpses of the small and rather shy harbour porpoise.

As we potter into our mooring point, the sun is up and the backdrop of this uber-pretty town makes for a truly picturesque scene, with few people yet out and about and dozens of

pleasure boats and yachts bobbing in the marina.

This is largely a relaxing day - made doubly so by the brilliant sunshine - and we start at 10am with a tour of the local Whale Museum, a fascinating repository of all things cetacean and sea-mammalian. Our guide provides a great insight into whale habits and numbers in the area, and a lot of the conservation issues they still face.

The resident orca pods are an endangered species here due to pollution and depletion of the big chinook salmon they feed on, so there are various schemes in place to try to help them out. Helpfully, every orca has its own pod designation and name, including Oreo and her offspring DoubleStuf and Cookie! You can also look up more about their Whale Adoption Programme here: http://www.whalemuseum.org/programs/orcadoption/whalerates.html

After almost two hours at the Museum, we are free to wander off on our own steam and enjoy the rather boutique environs of Friday Harbor for the rest of the day. Although slightly steep from front to back, it is easy to negotiate on foot (barely 10 blocks square) and there are some pleasant and eye-catching shops to explore, cafes to sit outside and restaurants. Lots of restaurants.

We make our way back to the main harbour area and are spoiled for choice for lunch. The Cask & Schooner pub looks good, as does the busy Rocky Bay Cafe (clearly a good locals'

choice as there is a line out the door for breakfast!), but, on such a gloriously sunny day, we decide we need somewhere outside and with a view of the port, hence the multi-tiered Friday's Crabhouse is our choice.

We make our order, stake a place on the outward-facing deck overlooking the harbour and enjoy their Fish Tacos and Fish Sandwich with a glass of local ale and are as happy as Larry. We watch the ferries come in and out, depositing hundreds of new visitors at a time in the space of two hours (our timing is pretty good - as Friday's fills up rapidly after we've ordered), and are reminded of little Mackinac Island up in Michigan with its legions of day-trippers.

This is still more residential territory, though, so the comparison is not as obvious (and there are no fudge shops selling endless amounts of sweet confections!).

Eventually, after another gentle amble around the streets, we wander back to our own little boutique hideaway, the Legacy, and troop up onto the sundeck to enjoy the afternoon glow. As it's a Sunday, the harbour is non-stop with traffic in and out, including the ferries and several sea-planes, and it is mesmerising to watch the recreational boating going on.

Clearly this is an absolute boating haven and, on a day like today, it brings almost everyone

out onto the water. 

Finally, it is time to get ready for Cocktail Hour in the Grand Salon and dinner, so we head down again to freshen up for our final main meal aboard. Tomorrow morning we will be back in Seattle and it is the Captain's Farewell Dinner tonight. 

The final dinner encapsulates everything that is good about the onboard cuisine, with an artichoke and olive amuse bouche, a grapefruit salad appetiser, and then a choice of prime rib or baked halibut for the main course, followed by a swan cream puff dessert; elegantly simple but beautifully palate-pleasing.

After dinner, we are treated to a slide show in the Grand Salon of the whole cruise - various

photos taken by the entertainment team and compiled into a long series of wonderful visual memories.

Truly, we will not want to get off in Seattle tomorrow...  

To learn more about Un-Cruise adventures, call 1888 862 8881 in the US; or visit www.un-cruise.com. In the UK, specialist cruise agents The Cruise Line can also help with bookings.

Be sure to read the full report of the cruise in the Autumn edition of World of Cruising, out now! You can subscribe here: www.worldofcruising.co.uk/subscribeOrder.html

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

An Un-Cruise Experience - Pt 10, Canada's Inside Passage

Continuing our magnificent voyage from Juneau to Seattle aboard the SS Legacy with the unique style of Un-Cruise Adventures...

Legacy Cruise Day 10
 

A dull foggy start to the day as we chart a course down inside Vancouver Island and along Johnston Strait. Sadly, it stays that way for much of the morning, with only occasional glimpses of the islands to either side and a ‘ghost boat’ looming out of the gloom at regular intervals.

There is still plenty to enjoy on board, though. The lounge quickly fills up with our now-familiar group of Australians, New Zealanders and Americans, around 60 of us after a few disembarked in Ketchikan to return to work.

The group on board has become very close, like good friends enjoying a mutual journey of comfort and hospitality, and it is easy to strike up a conversation with anyone, not least the eager and personable crew.

A visit to the bridge reveals Capt Dano and First Mate Katie in constant contact with other

boats along the narrow Strait, as well as the ‘traffic control’ stations ashore that monitor the regular to and fro hereabouts.

There is a Galley Tour for those interested in seeing how all those magnificent meals are created (by a five-person staff in fairly small confines) while re-enactor Ryan regales the Lounge audience with readings from Jack London, the famous turn-of-the-century author who made his name with visits to Alaska (White Fang being his most well-known novel, but dozens of other stories spinning off from his travels in the area). Lunch is eagerly greeted by all concerned, once more at 12.30pm, while the Pesky Barnacle Saloon is a peaceful haven for those wishing to read a book or do some writing.

By early afternoon, the fog has finally lifted and we are able to enjoy the fabulous full view of both sides if the Strait, approaching Seymour Narrows, where all traffic has to gingerly negotiate the half-mile wide channel with its treacherous currents and tidal movements.

We are also hoping for Orca sightings this afternoon, as the waters between here and Seattle are renowned for killer whale sightings, often in the dozens.

Better still, the afternoon quickly evolves into a late-summer spectacular as we traverse the

Strait, brilliant blue skies and millpond-calm seas soothing our passage between alternately heavily-forested slopes, small fishing communities and the occasional large town, boasting

some sumptuous cliff-top houses.

The mountains continue to dominate the horizon in both directions port and starboard, and it is an absolute treat to be out on deck soaking up this visual feast.

Re-enactor Ryan provides commentary through the Narrows and Larry takes over for more insight into the areas we are passing by.

We take cocktails on the top deck – by now re-christened the Sun Deck – and, just as we think we have enjoyed enough blissful sun and spectacle for one day, the ship suddenly changes course and the announcement of “Orcas!” has us all racing for the forward rails.

Sure enough, crossing our bow and moving lazily off to starboard are a family pod of 6 killer whales, rising and diving in the dazzling early-evening sunshine. The vista is truly stunning

and provides a fitting climax to the day before we all troop below for dinner.

Tonight’s 4-course repast includes a clam soup appetiser, marinaded courgette salad and a choice of either poached salmon in coriander or chicken masala for the main course. 

 

A fresh crème brulee completes things in memorable fashion and the final business of the day is conducted in the Lounge where Ryan, with the help of Kenny, tells the story of how sailing vessels gave way to steam in the 18th century and how it affected the Yukon gold rush. Another blissful day aboard SS Legacy is complete and tomorrow is our final full day, so we must hope for something equally spectacular as we visit Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands….. 

 

To learn more about Un-Cruise adventures, call 1888 862 8881 in the US; or visit www.un-cruise.com. In the UK, specialist cruise agents The Cruise Line can also help with bookings.

Be sure to read the full report of the cruise in the Autumn edition of World of Cruising, out now! You can subscribe here: www.worldofcruising.co.uk/subscribeOrder.html  

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.