Its small size allows for travel through the many narrow rivers and shallow bays of the Pacific Northwest. The ship has all the comforts of home and a casual atmosphere on board. American Spirit is stabilized and also features a sun deck, putting green, and library. The ship is 220 feet long and was built by Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, MD.
Day 1 Seattle
Seattle is situated on Puget Sound, surrounded by the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. The city skyline is impressive with shimmering glass high-rises and 100-year-old buildings standing side by side. This beautiful port city came into its own after gold was discovered in the Klondike and 100,000 people passed through the Northwest in 1897 and 1898 on their quest for wealth in Alaska Visit the Klondike Gold Rush Museum or the Space Needle by day and enjoy a vibrant jazz nightlife in turn-of-the-century Pioneer Square where the city first took root.
Day 1 Tacoma
One end of the "Sea-Tac" (Seattle-Tacoma) megalopolis, industrial Tacoma, Washington, 30 mi/50 km south of Seattle, rates a visit to see the Washington State History Museum. Wander the restored downtown, especially Union Station, before going to the Museum of Glass—you can't miss the gigantic silver cone jutting over the waterfront. Cross over the 500-ft-/155-m-long glass bridge designed by Dale Chihuly. Afterward, visit the dramatic Tacoma Art Museum in its sleek stainless-steel sheath.
For some nice-weather walks, go to Point Defiance Park, which juts into Puget Sound, and the neighboring zoo and aquarium.
Visitors to Tacoma may notice a familiar sight. The original Narrows Bridge, which was built in 1940, has been featured on many television programs and in many publications. This bridge is often shown twisting and turning like a corkscrew in a 40-mph/64-kph wind. Only four months after its completion, the bridge bucked so violently that it ripped apart. Portions fell into the water. A replacement bridge was finished in 1950, and another span was added in 2007 to alleviate the severe traffic overflow.
Day 2 At Sea
Day 3 Anacortes
Located on Fidalgo Island, between Seattle and Vancouver BC, Anacortes is a vibrant port town. Within walking distance you'll discover casual cafes to elegant dining, unique to sophisticated shopping as well as, and art galleries and antique shops. Anacortes' unique location offers something for everyone. Enjoy outdoor excursions including, kayaking, sailing, hiking, crabbing and whale watching tours.
Day 4 Friday Harbor
Day 5 San Juan Islands
A collection of beautiful, scenic islands off the Washington coast. Explore quaint Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, or venture to Orcas island and explore!
Day 5 Port Angeles
Located on scenic HWY 101, driving to Port Angeles offers a great way to visit Victoria or tour the Olympic Peninsula. A 4.5 mile long sandbar forms a natural harbor which was discovered in 1791 by Spaniard Francisco Eliza and was originally named Puerto de Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles which means Port of Our Lady of the Angels. Local attractions include the Arthur D. Feiro Marine Laboratory, the Clallam County Museum and the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center. The Fine Arts Center is situated on 5-acres of land with a superb view of the harbor, city, Juan de Fuca Strait and on a clear evening the lights of Victoria. The center features drawings, paintings, photography, and sculpture as well as concerts and other live performances. Several charter companies offer opportunities to catch salmon or bottom fish in Juan de Fuca Strait. Just a short distance away is Olympic National Park and its spectacular scenery. Van tours are available to Hurricane Ridge and its panoramic views, Rialto Beach and Hoh Rain Forrest.
Day 6 Victoria, B.C.
British culture and island informality collide in Victoria. This sophisticated seaside city is full of historic sites, parks and gardens. Take a walking tour - many of which begin at Parliament Buildings at Victoria's Inner Harbor. Combined with majestic Empress Hotel, these monumental buildings give the city a regal European feel. See equally impressive modern structures, such as Royal British Columbia History Museum, or replicas of large, native Northwest Indian houses at Thunderbird Park. Unique attractions include Undersea Gardens, Miniature World, Maritime Museum, Chinatown and Royal London Wax Museum. A memorable places to visit is world-famous Butchart Gardens, with 5,000 fauna varieties. The dazzling gardens on Saanich Inlet are beautiful at night, when hundreds of lights sparkle along winding paths. Additional gardens in Victoria include Crystal Garden and the gardens surrounding Government House and near Craigdarroch Castle, a towering Victorian mansion complete with a tower and turrets. Tour this city in a horse-drawn carriage.
Day 6 Port Angeles
Located on scenic HWY 101, driving to Port Angeles offers a great way to visit Victoria or tour the Olympic Peninsula. A 4.5 mile long sandbar forms a natural harbor which was discovered in 1791 by Spaniard Francisco Eliza and was originally named Puerto de Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles which means Port of Our Lady of the Angels. Local attractions include the Arthur D. Feiro Marine Laboratory, the Clallam County Museum and the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center. The Fine Arts Center is situated on 5-acres of land with a superb view of the harbor, city, Juan de Fuca Strait and on a clear evening the lights of Victoria. The center features drawings, paintings, photography, and sculpture as well as concerts and other live performances. Several charter companies offer opportunities to catch salmon or bottom fish in Juan de Fuca Strait. Just a short distance away is Olympic National Park and its spectacular scenery. Van tours are available to Hurricane Ridge and its panoramic views, Rialto Beach and Hoh Rain Forrest.
Day 7 Port Townsend
Victorian neighborhoods, the Puget Sound and the neighboring Olympic Mountains make Port Townswend picturesque. Galleries, restaurants and national parks are all highlights, as well as geting out on the water to kayak and whale-watch.
Day 8 Poulsbo
Day 9 Tacoma
One end of the "Sea-Tac" (Seattle-Tacoma) megalopolis, industrial Tacoma, Washington, 30 mi/50 km south of Seattle, rates a visit to see the Washington State History Museum. Wander the restored downtown, especially Union Station, before going to the Museum of Glass—you can't miss the gigantic silver cone jutting over the waterfront. Cross over the 500-ft-/155-m-long glass bridge designed by Dale Chihuly. Afterward, visit the dramatic Tacoma Art Museum in its sleek stainless-steel sheath.
For some nice-weather walks, go to Point Defiance Park, which juts into Puget Sound, and the neighboring zoo and aquarium.
Visitors to Tacoma may notice a familiar sight. The original Narrows Bridge, which was built in 1940, has been featured on many television programs and in many publications. This bridge is often shown twisting and turning like a corkscrew in a 40-mph/64-kph wind. Only four months after its completion, the bridge bucked so violently that it ripped apart. Portions fell into the water. A replacement bridge was finished in 1950, and another span was added in 2007 to alleviate the severe traffic overflow.