On this 5- or 7-day Prince William Sound cruise and rail adventure, experience the Last Frontier in secluded Southcentral Alaska. Round-trip Alaska Railroad trips via Anchorage bookend this Prince William Sound cruise out of Seward or Whittier. Both on land and by sea, extraordinary areas and scenic views leave lifelong memories.
Watch for thunderous calving tidewater glaciers, leaping humpback whales and orcas, ambling black bears and myriad seabirds, among other wildlife. Explore sea caves and peaceful coves. Practice photography from the ship and on land, paddle a sea kayak, learn from the ship’s naturalist on guided hikes, or simply relax on board your classic yacht.
Passage is aboard the 12-guest Sea Star, a 1960s-era yacht kept in mint condition. Step back in time aboard this lovingly maintained ship and immerse in her private yacht feel during this intimate Prince William Sound cruise. Teak accents, cozy accommodations, gourmet food and a passionate crew add to the experience. Our Adventure Specialists can also arrange private Alaska yacht charters aboard Sea Star for your family or special group of 12 or fewer. With a shorter itinerary and child discounts, this trip makes our list of Alaska family cruises.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Alaska trips and Alaska small ship cruises.
Cruise round-trip from Seward to spend 5-7 days in the magnificent Kenai Fjords National Park and Kenai Peninsula. Explore the wilds of this remote environment full of towering ice-covered peaks, an abundance of glaciers and stunning wilderness settings.
With no set itinerary, cruise into dramatic fjords shaped by ancient ice and anchor each night in remote, peaceful coves. Surrounded by an array of wildlife, enjoy activities such as sea kayaking, hiking and beach walking. Or simply relax, read a book and enjoy delicious epicurean meals. This is truly an explorer’s dream and a journey of a lifetime.
Passage is aboard the 12-guest Sea Star, a 1960s-era yacht kept in mint condition. Step back in time aboard this lovingly maintained ship and immerse in her private yacht feel during this intimate Kenai fjords National Park cruise. Teak wooden accents, cozy accommodations, delicious food and a dedicated crew add to the experience. Our Adventure Specialists can also arrange private Alaska yacht charters aboard Sea Star for your family or special group of 12 or fewer. With a shorter itinerary and child discounts, this trip makes our list of Alaska family cruises.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Alaska trips and Alaska small ship cruises.
The 12-guest Sea Star is a classic yacht cruising Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, Prince William Sound and Inside Passage. Built in 1965 and lovingly maintained, Sea Star offers a step back in time with modern comforts and safety. Her slower cruising speed, beautiful teak decks, inviting salons and dedicated crew invite guests to experience Alaska with the feel of a private yacht. Twin Caterpillar diesel engines propel the Sea Star at a casual pace, perfect for taking in wildlife, while ocean-voyaging stabilizers ensure a smooth ride. Sea Star effortlessly navigates Alaska’s numerous passageways, channels and inlets due to her small size. And guests enjoy peaceful nights tucked into small coves with the generator turned off.
The following Sea Star review includes a detailed description of this classic Alaska small ship including a photo gallery. Our expedition ship experts have been aboard nearly every first-class vessel in Alaska. Find the detailed ship description below. Then contact our experts to compare the Sea Star with other ships offering Alaska small ship cruises and private Alaska yacht charters.
Choose the Sea Star for her classic yacht feel, ample space across two decks, covered walkways and large open bow area—ideal for wildlife spotting. With a slower pace and maintained 1960s charm, Sea Star treats her guests to a private experience of Alaska’s amazing coastlines. And at only 12 guests, the Sea Star Alaska yacht is an ideal option for families, small groups, or travelers who simply want an intimate experience cruising Southcentral and Southeast Alaska.
The Sea Star was built in 1965 by the Burger Boat Company in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Designer J.B. Hargrave of West Palm Beach designed this classic small ship to be a luxury pleasure craft for the rich and famous. The yacht was initially named Aquarius under her first owners Mr. and Mrs. Jon Dimmick, and featured in Motor Boating Magazine. She was the largest all-welded aluminum yacht of her time and has been maintained to mint condition ever since.
The Sea Star classic yacht stretches from bow to stern, offering numerous social areas for guests to relax. Covered walkways offer protection for the elements, while a large uncovered bow area, complete with a large settee, invites travelers to feel the wind in their hair or partake in group activities such as on-deck yoga classes. A roomy pilot house, open to guest visits, mixes modern navigation technology with classic wooden stylings and wraparound windows with a commanding view to what lies ahead.
At ship center is the main salon living area, with wide viewing windows, engaging games, and community-minded, comfortable seating enough for the full complement of travelers. At the stern of Sea Star, the large dining salon offers a delightful setting for daily meals, as well as an always-open water, coffee and tea station.
Additionally, the wet bar with sink and refrigerator is kept stocked with cold beverages. The menu features a selection of quality meats and Alaskan seafood, fresh vegetables and herbs (organic when possible), delicious pastries, fine wines and beer. Special dietary needs can be accommodated.
Wraparound view windows keep the outdoors at top of mind during meals or casual refreshments. And a classic mix of white beadboard and teak wooden furniture and accents adds to the classic 1965 charm of this yacht. A large cushioned settee acts as a resting place while a large wooden dining table and chairs invites all on board to sit and enjoy each delicious gourmet meal.
Every Sea Star departure comes with off-ship explorations of Alaska’s astounding wilderness. Guests are treated to shore hikes, sea kayaking, exploration by rigid inflatable boats, and countless opportunities for photography. Whale watching, glacier viewing and naturalist presentations on board are also a highlight of any cruise aboard Sea Star.
Sea Star carries four tandem kayaks and one solo guide kayak. The ship’s two tenders are rigid inflatable boats, one 10-foot and one 17-foot; the larger boat carries 9 passengers at a time on excursions. Rubber boots are provided to each guest and binoculars on board enhance opportunities for wildlife spotting.
The Sea Star yacht is crewed by a small group of enthusiastic mariners. Her experienced captain has been piloting ships for many years, and doubles as the ship’s electrician and engineer, ensuring a safe and smooth cruise. The first mate also acts as the ship’s naturalist guide, with years of Navy training and accreditation as a Wilderness First Responder and Alaska Certified Expert. A second mate joins the crew on Sea Star’s Inside Passage departures, adding another hand towards navigation and engine maintenance. Finally, the Sea Star classic Alaska yacht is also crewed by a talented chef and a dedicated deckhand.
The Sea Star yacht offers four guest cabins, each unique. Common to each cabin is its own private bathroom (with separate toilet and either tub or shower), screened porthole windows that open, drawers and cabinets ready to hold clothing and luggage, and fine linens, pillows and towels. Find our detailed cabin info below and ask our experts for cabin recommendations.