M/V SEA STAR

M/V SEA STAR

Set sail with the crew of the M/V Sea Star for a small ship adventure cruise in Prince William Sound, Kenai Peninsula or along the Inside Passage. The well-appointed yacht accommodates up to 12 guests, allowing for a personalized experience where you are the explorer! Unplug from day-to-day life and soak up the wonders of Alaska’s amazing coastline. Discover small coves larger ships can’t access, take time to kayak among otters and ice, and walk along remote beaches. Cruise by dramatic fjords, get up close to awe-inspiring glaciers and marvel at the abundance of wildlife including humpback whales, porpoises, sea otters, orcas, sea lions, grey whales, puffins, and bears. The captain, crew and naturalist guide are incredibly passionate about showing off the beauty of Alaska to ensure you a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Alaskan itineraries aboard the Sea Star yacht have been hand-crafted to ensure a journey to remember. Journeys are 7 days/6 nights, and include all meals prepared by an on-board gourmet chef featuring fresh local ingredients. For the Prince William Sound and Kenai Peninsula adventures, enjoy the convenience of transportation (either by rail or by air) arranged to and from Anchorage to the M/V Sea Star port of call (Seward, Whittier or Homer). As a bonus, you can arrange to spend a few extra days at any of these locations either before or after your cruise adventure.

Sea Star is a classic 1965 yacht, tastefully decorated, outfitted with modern comforts and offering spacious and comfortable accommodations for any Alaska small ship cruise adventure. With four cabins to choose from, Sea Star’s staterooms are nothing like the typical stuffy, uncomfortable staterooms that can be found on other vessels. Each stateroom is equipped with:

• Private restroom facilities, including a full shower with ample hot water
• Soundproofing, making for a quiet night’s sleep
• Opening porthole windows, complete with screens to keep out those pesky bugs, resulting in superior ventilation options for our guests
• Individual heating (two types) that can be adjusted according to the guests’ desires

Sea Star also offers four separate public lounging areas (Dining Salon, Main Salon, Foredeck and Pilothouse) giving guests plenty of room to spread out while onboard.

• The Dining salon is open to guests throughout the cruise and tea/coffee/non-alcoholic beverages/beer are available 24/7. Guests enjoy incredible views during every meal, being surrounded by wrap-around bay windows.
• The Main Salon is available to the guests throughout the cruise and is designed with distinct seating areas (i.e., lounging couches, gaming table and a separate private lounging chairs). The innovative and considerate design maximizes guests’ privacy, comfort and nature-viewing opportunities through the salon’s large bay windows.
• Guests are welcome in the Pilothouse so that the captain might share seafaring knowledge and help cultivate guests’ love of the sea.
• The spacious, open, accommodating Foredeck has a large capacity and cushioned seating. Guests can snuggle up out of the wind and enjoy a gorgeous view.

SEA STAR is a quiet boat! Quiet hours are respected for guests and so Sea Star’s electrical systems have been designed such that steady power can be provided 24/7 without running the generators at night (while at anchor). This greatly improves the guests’ experience onboard.

Captain and Crew

North Pacific Expeditions staffs the following positions onboard Sea Star, meeting or exceeding the federal and state requirements:

Captain (Master) – Our Licensed Captain/Master is in charge of all aspects of the vessel’s safe operation any time while on board at sea or tied to the dock. Our Captain is also responsible for making sure all the guests are given the highest care and consideration during their sea adventure. Our Captain is required, by federal law, to hold a 200-Gross Register Tons (GRT) Master Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) for self-propelled vessels upon near coastal waters issued by the United States Coast Guard (USCG).

Engineer – Our Engineer oversees the full maintenance and operation of all the electrical and mechanical systems including the two main propulsion engines and numerous electrical generation systems. Chef – By using the finest and freshest ingredients available including organic and local Alaskan seafood, our Chef ensures that every meal is a true food connoisseur’s delight and a good way to begin and finish an adventurous day on the high seas. Our Chef also makes every effort to accommodate those with special dietary needs.

Naturalist/Guide – Our Certified Naturalist/Guide provides information about the surrounding geology, wildlife, and history of the cruising areas of Alaska as well as offers guided sea kayaking, beachcombing and hiking excursions. We ascribe to the “leave no trace” approach for any excursions.

Deckhand – The Deckhand does a little bit of everything. From helping out in the engine room, throwing lines, assisting in the galley, or making sure there is enough coffee, snacks or an extra pillow, our Deckhand is responsible for safe deck operations and making sure the guests are well cared for throughout the cruise.

Vessel Specifications

• Built: 1965
• Length: 85 feet
• Beam: 19.5 feet
• Draft: 7.5 feet
• Number of Cabins: 4
• Construction: Aluminum with teak decks
• Builder: Burger Boat Company
• Designer: J.B. Hargraves
• Refit: 2017-2018
• Flag: USA
• Number of Crew: 4

Tenders & Toys

• Two dinghies: 17′ & 10′
• Five Tandem kayaks with associated gear (e.g., paddles, skirts, life vests etc.)
• Guide kayak
• Binoculars with lanyards
• Rubber boots for all shore excursions
• Wide selection of puzzles, board games and cards
• “Welcome Aboard” package for each guest (includes mug, Wildlife BINGO card, tote bag and signature chocolate)
• Library for guest use, includes Alaska and naturalist reference books, fiction and other mariner reference materials
• Waterproof blankets for lounging outside
• Shrimp pots

Included

• Alaska Railroad transit from Anchorage to/from Seward or Anchorage to/from Whittier
• RAVN Air transit from Anchorage to/from Homer
• Luxurious stateroom accommodations onboard Sea Star, each with a private en-suite head facility that includes a full shower
• Gourmet meals, snacks and beverages (including beer/wine) onboard Sea Star
• All bedding and quality linens
• All Naturalist guided activities including sea kayaking, shore excursions and wildlife viewing
• All permits for access to US Forest Service, Alaska State Parks and other restricted lands
• All adventuring equipment including sea kayaking gear, binoculars and rubber boots
• Nautical education and training

Not Included

• Land lodging in any port city
• Roundtrip airfare, from your residence to/from Anchorage
• Float plane transfer due to late arrival or early departure
• Hard liquor
• Gratuities

Why Go?

• Beautiful and meticulously maintained classic Alaska cruising yacht
• Explore intimate water ways inaccessible to larger vessels
• Wide variety of options for cruising in Prince William Sound, Kenai Fjords and the Inside Passage
• A personal and authentic Alaska experience

Specifications