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Cruise West Cruise Cruises, Pacific Northwest Coastal Escape , Cruise Vacation Package
Seattle to Seattle
Duration : 8 Days / 7 Nights
Priced From : $ 2,599 - Per Person based on double occupancy
Dates : April, May, September, October - 2008
Ship : Spirit of Endeavour
Itinerary
- Day 1 - Sail from Seattle
- Arrive in Seattle. There's much to see and do in the lumber town-turned-thriving metropolis. Ascend the Space Needle for a spectacular panoramic view of the city and Puget Sound, watch as the fish "fly" in Pike Place Market, visit the newly renovated Seattle Art Museum and the lauded Olympic Sculpture Garden or try your hand at the guitar at the Experience Music Project in Frank O. Gehry's landmark building. Meet this afternoon at the hospitality area at the Westin Hotel in downtown Seattle and transfer to your ship. Settle in your comfortable stateroom, then step out on deck as you cruise through the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks to Elliott Bay. Enjoy your first dinner onboard as we sail through the Bay and along the striking Seattle's skyline. D
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- Day 2 - Arrive in Vancouver
- This morning we dock in the vibrant, cosmopolitan city of Vancouver, British Columbia, with easy access to the city's excellent shopping and entertainment. After customs and immigrations clearance, the morning starts with an included tour of Stanley Park, a lovely old-growth forest that boasts an impressive collection of totem poles, and the thrilling Capilano Suspension Bridge. You'll have a further opportunity to view the cultural history and art of the Coast Salish, such as totem poles and carving demonstrations.
Stanley Park, Vancouver's first park, established in 1886, inhabits a 1,000-acre peninsula that borders the edge of the city's downtown core. The park boasts huge old conifers, a totem pole park, Visitors Centre and the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre.
North across the lion's Gate Brigde and into the foothills, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is the site of a swaying footbridge built in 1889 that rises 230 feet above the Capilano River. It is one of the longest and highest footbridges in the world, stretching 450 feet. Cross the suspended bridge for a commanding view of the river and the 27-acre rainforest park below. Further explore the pathways of the park on a self-guided tour.
Reboard the ship for lunch after which you have a few hours to explore the sights and sounds of Vancouver. Places to visit include historic Chinatown and Gastown, the modern day structure of Canada Place, upscale shopping on Robson Street and the market and shops on Granville Island. Enjoy late afternoon cruising and sail under the Lion's Gate Bridge, in the shadow of the city's gleaming glass towers. This evening you'll pass through Howe Sound and north into the Canadian wilderness. BLD
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- Day 3 - Eexploration Cruising - Desolation Sound
- Today's exploration will be wilderness cruising at its best, in waters usually accessible only by private yachtsmen. Most yachtsmen regard the Sunshine Coast and Desolation Sound Provincial Marine Park as the most beautiful cruising ground in British Columbia, and one of the premier cruising playgrounds in the world. Steep evergreen mountains, teeming with wildlife, surround the pristine waters of Desolation Sound. Snowcapped peaks of the Coast Mountains soar from the sea to heights of 7,875 feet (2400 m). With over 60 miles of breathtaking coastline, intricate waterways, small islands and numerous attractive bays and coves, nooks and crannies there is enough to delight even the most demanding of adventurers. Consisting of more than 14,000 acres of high land and 6,350 acres of shoreline and water, Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park is the largest Marine Park in British Columbia and the only major park of its kind on the Pacific coast of Canada.
You will have time for exploring wildlife and beautiful, remote nooks in the ancient and dramatic fjords of British Columbia. Weather permitting, we'll use small inflatable craft to explore the shoreline to poke our noses into remote areas not accessibly to larger ships. Enjoy dinner as we cruise across the Strait of Georgia en route to Vancouver Island. BLD
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- Day 4 - Nanaimo, Gulf Island
- Nanaimo is surrounded by astonishing views. A cannon booms from the Bastion, an 1853 Hudson's Bay Company fort. Traditionally-dressed constables of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police welcome you from the pier. An included walking tour will show you the Cameron Island Promenade, the Old City Quarter, and the Nanaimo District Museum. Tours are geared for minimal, moderate or moderately strenuous walking. The tour ends with a sample of the town's very sweet namesake, the Nanaimo Bar.
Return to the ship for lunch with a special guest onboard. Afternoon cruising is through the remote waterways and quiet coves of the attractive Gulf Islands. BLD
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- Day 5 - Butchart Gardens / Victoria
- We'll spend the day docked on the beautiful waterfront of Victoria's harbor. Known as the "Garden City, " Victoria's mild climate makes it a delight to visit year round. In the morning, transfer by motorcoach to the famous Butchart Gardens, Victoria's 55-acre landmark, to walk the lovely pathways that thread around this quarry-turned-world-class garden showplace.
Spend the afternoon in charming, and very British Victoria, with time to relax and explore on your own. Everything is within convenient walking distance from your ship, allowing you to find your own unique experience in British Columbia's capital city. Explore the narrow cobblestone streets, quaint boutiques and the 19th century architecture of the Old Town or the nearby Royal British Columbia Museum, renowned for its First Nations and Natural History collections. Other classic activities include High Tea in the Palm Room of the Empress Hotel, or visiting Government Street with shopping and browsing opportunities or the Maritime Museum of British Columbia. BLD
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- Day 6 - Harbor / San Juan Islands Morning Cruising
- The waters of Washington's beautiful San Juan islands have been luring sailors for decades and the many small islands have recently become a coveted retreat for Northwesterners. Your relaxing morning of cruising and up-close exploration in Puget Sound will take you in search of remarkable scenery and elusive wildlife. Your Captain and Exploration Leader know the best places to go "gunkholing" - traveling around the bend just to see what's there.
Your Friday Harbor visit includes an island excursion that takes you through this remote and historically contentious island. Experience the local flavor and learn how the U.S. nearly went to war over a pig. There'll be time to walk around this relaxed, charming, one-square-mile island community with art galleries and boutiques. Lunch is onboard as we navigate around San Juan Island perhaps via San Juan Channel, Mosquito Pass and Haro Strait, prime locations for spotting orcas.
After dinner we have a wonderful treat. Visit Rosario Resort on Orcas Island for an exclusive organ recital on a soul-stirring Aeolian pipe organ. BLD
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- Day 7 - Port Townsend
- Arrive in Port Townsend for an included walking tour along the waterfront street of this historic Victorian seaport and arts community. Listed on the National Historic Register as one of three such Victorian ports on the entire U.S. coastline, Port Townsend's views and architecture are delightful to see. Reboard the ship for lunch or choose to stay in town. You will have the entire afternoon for optional highlights or to explore Port Townsend at your leisure. BLD
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- Day 8 - Disembark in Seattle
- Transfer from your ship to the airport or extend your stay at the Westin Hotel, in the heart of downtown Seattle. B
B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner
Save time, money and stress!
For Reservations: Fill out the Cruise West Vacation Planner to be Contacted by a Cruise West British Columbia Vacation Specialist.
Contact : Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252
10/08
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