Alaska Inside Passage
Seattle, WA to Juneau, AK 11-Nights/12-Days
Small Ship Cruising Done Perfectly™
Contact a Cruise Specialist at 1-888-251-2059
Welcome
With over 30 years of experience, American Cruise Lines has perfected small ship cruising, allowing us to offer guests the best American cruise experience anywhere. With the newest fleet of ships, all-American crews, exciting shore excursions and unparalleled personalized service, American Cruise Lines is the only choice when it comes to planning your next cruise. We look forward to having you onboard soon.
Table of Contents
Ports of Call...................................................... 3
What to Bring................................................... 14
What Sets American Cruise Lines Apart........... 4
Onboard Food & Beverage................................ 14
Onboard Experience.......................................... 5
Getting to Seattle, WA and the American Spirit...... 15
Shore Tours....................................................... 5
Boarding Process............................................... 15
Location Highlights.......................................... 6–13
Cruise Conclusion............................................. 15
American Spirit 2
Ports of Call
Discover the majestic summer Alaska Inside Passage cruise with an 11-night venture to see sights of landscapes from the Inside Passage and its variety of wildlife, including humpback and orca whales, mountain goats, bald eagles, bears, puffins and sea otters. See the lush greenery of the Tongass National Forest, which is the world’s largest and northernmost temperate coastal rainforest as well as the breathtaking blue glaciers glistening off the water.
Seattle, WA
Wrangell, AK
Friday Harbor, WA
Tracy Arm, AK & South Sawyer Glacier
Anacortes, WA Ketchikan, AK
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Petersburg, AK
Juneau, AK N
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Juneau
ALASKA Frederick Sound
Tracy Arm/ Sawyer Glacier
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Petersburg Wrangell Ketchikan Misty Fjords
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Canada
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Friday Harbor Anacortes Port Townsend
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Seattle
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WASHINGTON
Contact a Cruise Specialist at 1-888-251-2059. Subject to change.
Mendenhall Glacier 3
What Sets American Cruise Lines Apart The newest and most environmentally friendly small cruise ships and riverboats The largest fleet of small cruise ships in America Seven ships carrying 50 to 150 passengers
A true all-American experience. American built, flagged, and crewed ships The largest staterooms with interior entrances and private balconies Elevator service to all decks of the ship
Open seating dining allows you to dine where and when you want 35 cruise itineraries to 28 states in America
The only cruise line with three authentic paddlewheelers
Complimentary cocktail hour every evening before dinner Complimentary wine and beer with lunch and dinner
Gracious hospitality and personalized service—that is the hallmark of American Cruise Lines Many spacious lounges and public spaces on each ship
Exquisite cuisine from American Cruise Lines’ staff of highly trained chefs Entertainment each evening
Historians, naturalists, or local experts join every cruise
Daily lectures ranging from history & ecology to culture & cuisine Exciting shore excursions show you the best of each area
American Spirit 4
Onboard Experience
Our mission is to make your exploration effortless by providing unsurpassed attention to detail amid the magnificent landscape. This is just one of the benefits of small ship cruising with American Cruise Lines. Onboard and ashore we will work with you to accommodate your specific interests and tastes. The cruise director will assist to set up special land adventures and the chef will sit down with you to understand any dietary preferences. One of our resident onboard experts will listen attentively and answer your questions about your specific areas of interest to make your cruise enlightening.
Other Amenities include: • • • •
Twin or king-sized bed Private bathroom Twice-daily stateroom service Satellite TV with DVD player
Shore Tours
Your onshore experience is as important as your onboard experience, so American Cruise Lines has taken special care to research and plan excursions at each port. With American Cruise Lines, you will experience what makes each destination a special place. Every tour will take you to the finest local sites at each port and give you true insight to the area’s culture, heritage and history. On each excursion, you’ll be joined by local experts, historians or naturalists to further enhance your experience.
Personalized service
The experience we provide means something different to everyone, but assistance is available at all hours for any request large or small. Our staterooms are the most spacious in small ship cruising and offer all the amenities of a modern hotel. Every stateroom has a picturesque view of the ever-changing scenery and most feature a private balcony. • • • •
Complimentary wireless Internet access Hair dryer Spacious closets/four-drawer dressers 110-volt outlets
Shore excursions come in one of three categories:
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Featured
Featured tours are complimentary to all guests.
Premium
Premium tours typically cost between $20 and $70 and can be paid for onboard, near the end of your cruise.
Signature
Signature tours are limitedavailability excursions. We recommend that you reserve and pay for these tours in advance with your Cruise Specialist.
Contact a Cruise Specialist at 1-888-251-2059. Subject to change.
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Location Highlights Seattle, WA
Seattle is a city of natural wonders and beautiful vistas along a major coastal seaport with its 19th-century history dating to the Klondike Gold Rush. Departing from the famous Shilshole Bay Marina, your cruise begins by transporting you from this lively city to the majestic waters of Puget Sound as you view the most iconic structure west of the Mississippi River, the Seattle Space Needle. Delve into noteworthy musical history that includes the development of the early jazz careers of Ray Charles, Quincy Jones and Ernestine Anderson. Additional points of interest include: Chihuly Garden and Glass, Museum of Flight, Columbia Center Sky View Observatory, Washington Park Arboretum
Seattle, WA 6
Contact a Cruise Specialist at 1-888-251-2059. Subject to change.
Anacortes, WA
“Coast in and Hang Out” as they would say in Anacortes. Located on Fidalgo Island and the home port to the San Juan Islands in the Pacific Northwest, it is an ideal location conveniently located between Seattle and Vancouver, BC. Within the vibrant Old Town, all attractions and cuisines are within walking distance throughout the shoreline coast. While visiting Anacortes, participate in whale watching tours, kayaking excursions, sailing, boating, bird watching, fishing, crabbing, hiking or biking, which are all popular among locals. Take in the sights of Deception Pass State Park, which is one of the most photographed locations in the state of Washington. This park includes miles of scenic shoreline, serene trails, and abundant wildlife that can be enjoyed year round.
Shore Tour Options Town Walking Tour
F
Join a local guide for a walking tour of the town to get a true feel for the islands of the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Admire the extensive, colorful murals depicting the history of the city. You will also take in the town center and the W.T. Preston stern wheeler. La Conner, WA & SeaBear Salmon Tasting Tour
Kayaking
F
Visit nearby La Conner, WA and learn more about this charming town as your guide narrates throughout your journey. While in La Conner, you will have time to explore downtown, shop or visit the local museum. When you return to Anacortes, a stop will be made at SeaBear for an exclusive tasting and tour. Since its founding in 1957, SeaBear has been smoking salmon in the centuries-old traditions of the Pacific Northwest. During your visit, sample varieties of smoked salmon including San Juan Sliders and smoked salmon chowder.
Deception Pass Jet Boat Tour
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Learn about Deception Pass, the bridge and the surrounding area on this one-of-a-kind jet boat tour aboard the Island Whaler—an aluminum catamaran. On an open-seated deck boat, enjoy 360 degrees of unobstructed views of the National Historic Landmark of Deception Pass Bridge. Enjoy hearing the tales of characters who navigated these waters in addition to sightseeing attractions of the Old Prison Rock Quarry, Deception Island and a bald eagle’s nest.
Additional points of interest include: Washington Park, Swinomish Casino & Lodge
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Friday Harbor, WA
Friday Harbor, WA
From the moment you step off of the ship your senses will be welcomed by the majestic views of Friday Harbor—a simple, tranquil and charming seaport. Take a step back in time and experience island life as it was over a century ago by visiting the San Juan Historical Museum. Explore Friday Harbor’s diverse topography from pebbly beaches to large mountains and lush valleys.
Shore Tour Options Whale Watching Tour
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Depart Friday Harbor for an exciting whale watching cruise. Discover the reasons why the San Juan Islands are considered the best places to view orca whales. View the whales in their natural habitat as their prime source of food, salmon, travel up and down the west coast of San Juan Island. 8
The Whale Museum
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As you walk through the Gallery of Whales, you will learn about the natural history of marine mammals, with a special focus on the orcas living in the waters of the San Juan Islands. Observe and get close to an extensive collection of exhibits, artwork, models and artifacts. Before making your way back to the ship, browse through the museum’s gift shop for exclusive items and educational resources.
Ketchikan, AK
Located on the shores of the Alaska Inside Passage and the heart of the 16 million acre Tongass National Forest, the community of Ketchikan is both welcoming and lively. Your surroundings include evergreen mountains emerging from the water and vast green landscapes that thrive because of the abundant rainfalls. Known as one of “America’s top 100 small arts communities” you will be able to browse a variety of impressive shops and galleries that feature many of the island’s resident artists. Among the beautiful sights, participate in one of the many activities and attractions Ketchikan has to offer from up-close wildlife encounters to touring the town’s history, industry and culture.
Shore Tour Options Ketchikan Duck Tour
F
Feel the energy of the “Salmon Capital of the World” as you pass by the diverse local fishing fleet. Motor down the channel for up close views of local fishing canneries, seaplane docks and Ketchikan’s waterfront community. Travel by the salmon ladder on Ketchikan Creek as you view the spawning grounds and live salmon in season. You will also visit the picturesque Whale Park with its beautiful flowers and Creek Street where you will learn of Ketchikan’s colorful past and salty beginnings.
Additional points of interest include: Totem Blight State Park, Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, Dolly’s House Museum
Ketchikan, AK Contact a Cruise Specialist at 1-888-251-2059. Subject to change.
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Wrangell, AK
Explore the city of Wrangell and walk among the petroglyph carvings as you enter the “Gateway to the Stikine River.” Experience the fresh flavors of salmon and halibut while freshwater fishing, view bears on the mountainside, participate in Tlingit Native culture or stop and pick from the abundance of wild blueberries, huckleberries, and salmonberries. Stop at the Wrangell Museum to see fascinating artifacts that represent the city’s rich and colorful past.
Shore Tour Options Stikine River Jet Boat Tour
F
The Stikine River which means “Great River” in Tlingit is the fastest navigable, free-flowing river in North America. The river is a photographer’s dream with its natural habitat and home to a variety of wildlife including moose, deer, brown
Native Alaskan influence 10
and black bears and the bald eagle. You will have an opportunity to view the picturesque scenery of this historic river including the large glaciers descending to the shores of the river and arcing mountains that extend to the sky on a jet boat tour along the Stikine River.
Petersburg, AK
Petersburg, AK
Petersburg is a thriving fishing community with a strong Norwegian heritage. Located on the Frederick Sound, during the summer this is a prime location and feeding ground for humpback whales where there are plenty of opportunities to catch a glimpse of these majestic mammals. Meet local residents who are always excited to show visitors how to catch their abundant salmon and halibut or show you the best Petersburg has to offer.
Shore Tour Options F
Petersburg Walking Tour You will be able to discover the rich heritage of this small fishing town during a walking tour. While roaming the streets of Petersburg, you’ll find artistic designs stamped into the concrete sidewalks and
Rosemaling (Norwegian toll-paintings) adorning the front of buildings. At the end of the walking tour, guests will have the chance to explore the Clausen Museum on their own. The museum’s collections of artifacts, photographs and archives span the history and pre-history of Petersburg and the surrounding area.
Contact a Cruise Specialist at 1-888-251-2059. Subject to change.
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Tracy Arm Fjord
Tracy Arm, AK/South Sawyer Glacier
Cruise under Tracy Arm’s sheer, 1,500-foot-high vertical cliffs and experience the awe and wonder of nature. Hundreds of waterfalls cascade down the sides of the fjord, creating a majestic atmosphere. Observe and admire seals in their natural habitat among small icebergs surrounding Dawes Glacier. Feel humbled in the midst of this tranquil scenery, as this glacier is nearly a mile wide and stands approximately 20 stories high. Passengers will visit either Tracy Arm or Dawes Glacier depending on ice flow. No additional shore tour options. 12
Juneau, AK
Watch humpback whales frolic in the cool waters of the Gulf of Alaska. Experience the wonders of nature with breathtaking views of Mendenhall Glacier and its wildlife. Soar to new heights in an enclosed gondola tramway from downtown Juneau to the top of Mount Roberts. From high above, you’ll be able to enjoy breathtaking views of the harbor, the sea and the mountains. Be sure to bring your camera!
Shore Tour Options Mendenhall Glacier & Juneau City Tour Take a guided tour through the city of Juneau including information on the history of Juneau’s Gold Rush Era and a stop at the Mendenhall Glacier. See the red and silver salmon return
F
to Steep Creek which also invites black bears and eagles to travel close to the visitor’s center. Concluding the tour, a stop at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor’s Center provides time to discover the mystery behind the magnificent geological phenomenon from an unobstructed vantage point.
Additional points of interest include: Shrine of St. Therese, Alaska State Centennial Museum, Mount Roberts Tramway, Nugget Falls
Wildlife Contact a Cruise Specialist at 1-888-251-2059. Subject to change.
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What to Bring
Casual resort attire is recommended both on ship and ashore. For dinner, men’s clothing might include a sports shirt and slacks with a sport coat or sweater. Women might find a sweater or a dress more appropriate.
We do recommend you bring the following: Comfortable resort attire Comfortable walking shoes Sunscreen
Hat Light rain wear Jacket for cool evenings
Camera Photo identification
Please do not hesitate to ask your Hotel Manager for any item that you may have forgotten.
Onboard Food and Beverage
For your dining delight, our American Cruise Lines culinary masters have created a delectable all-American menu, tailored with a delightful regional twist. Each meal is carefully selected and locally sourced seafood, meat and produce are of the highest quality. We offer complimentary wine and beer during lunch and dinner and each evening before dinner, we offer a complimentary cocktail hour allowing guest to mingle and relax. If you have any special requests or dietary needs, they will be handled with precision and care.
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Contact a Cruise Specialist at 1-888-251-2059. Subject to change.
Getting to Seattle, WA and the American Spirit The American Spirit will be docked at the Shilshole Bay Marina.
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Parking is available at the Shilshole Bay Marina.
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If you arrive the day before your cruise, there are several hotels within a few minutes of the ship. Each hotel can arrange for a taxi service to the Charleston City Marina.
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15th Ave. NW
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is the best airport to fly into. The airport is serviced by many airlines.
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Shilshole Bay Marina 6701 Seaview Ave NW Dock A Seattle, WA 98117
Boarding Process
Boarding the ship takes place between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The ship leaves promptly at 1:30 p.m. (earlier if all passengers are onboard). From the moment you arrive, the American Cruise Lines deckhands will handle everything for you. From helping you with your luggage to assisting you onboard—we will handle everything with care. There are no restrictions on luggage, but it is recommended to bring as few bags as necessary. Suitcases less than 10 inches high may be stowed under your bed.
Cruise Conclusion
On the last day of your cruise, the ship will dock at the Seadrome Marina, Located at 76 Egan Drive, Juneau AK 99801. If flying home, we recommend you fly from Juneau International Airport. Taxis are typically available at the ship and American Cruise Lines offers transportation to the airport. 15
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For more information, please contact a Cruise Specialist at 1-888-251-2059
We look forward to having you onboard soon.
741 Boston Post Rd., Suite 200 Guilford, CT 06437
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