Island Spirit Cruise Ship, Alaska

Excellent crew and service

“A gathering of 40 to 50 humpbacks, feeding just off the point at the Eldred Rock lighthouse. I've never seen anything like it. T…”

Marla A, United States United States
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Built in 1978 and renovated in 2002, the Island Spirit can accommodate up to 32 guests, in 17 cabins, for each of its trips around Alaska. Each comfortable en suite cabin has a large window and ample storage space. There's no need to worry about missing out on any incredible views whilst you sleep; the Island Spirit remains anchored at nighttime in various pretty areas. The boat carries skiffs and kayaks for adventure on the waters. There’s a covered outdoor lounge area as well as seating on the rear open deck. You can enjoy tasty western food in the stylish dining room, and watch the world go by through the large windows as you eat. The comfy sofas in the indoor lounge are the perfect place to relax with a drink from the onboard bar and chat with other guests on your small ship cruise.

The Island Spirit offers explorations of the Inside Passage between Juneau and Sitka. Places visited on the magical journey include Skagway, Haines, and Hoonah. As well as marveling at out-of-this-world scenery, you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with an array of fascinating wildlife. From whales, bears, and moose to wolves, numerous bird species, and more, there is much to see on the land and in the waters. Whilst the cruise does follow a rough itinerary, the captain is flexible and will take you to the best wildlife-viewing spots, and away from the tourist crowds. Another bonus of cruising with the Island Spirit is that it is the only small-cruise vessel to spend a full 24-hour period in the magnificent Ford Terror wilderness area. Though the area is only accessible at high tide, you can use kayaks and skiffs to discover the area’s delights and lap up the vistas.

The accommodating and friendly crew members of the Island Spirit will be delighted to welcome you onboard for a marvelous cruising vacation in Alaska. Call us or book online to avoid disappointment.


Choose your departure date adventure cruise | no scuba diving

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Included: VAT, National Park Fees, Port Fees, Airport Transfer, Hotel Transfer, Alcoholic Beverages, Alcoholic Drinks at Dinner, Drinking Water, Soft drinks, Soft Drinks at Meal Times, Tea & Coffee, Welcome Cocktails, Wine with Dinner, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Snacks, Kayaks, Land Excursions, Naturalist Guide, Cabin Towels, Complimentary Toiletries.

Optional Extras: Travel Insurance.

Book now, pay later: You can easily place your booking online. We will then hold the spaces for you and you can confirm with a payment later.

* Extra fees are shown per person.

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Boat features

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Audio & video entertainment
  • Sun Deck
  • Indoor Saloon
  • Warm Water Showers
  • Outdoor Dining
  • En-Suite bathrooms
  • Non-Smoking Rooms
  • Seaview Cabins
  • Kayaks On-Board
  • Dedicated Local & International Crew
  • Naturalist Guide
  • Leisure Deck
  • Observation Deck
  • Bar

Food & Drinks

  • Western Food
  • Local Food
  • Vegetarian Options
  • Buffet style
  • Beer available
  • Snacks All Day
  • Free Wine w/Dinner
  • Vegan Options
  • Fine Wines Selection
  • Free Soft Drinks
  • Wine Available
  • Fine Cuisine
  • Welcome Cocktails

If you have any specific dietary requirements whilst on-board your cruise, you can add this to your special requests on step 2 of the booking form. We advise limiting these requests to religious beliefs or food allergies.


Languages Spoken

The crew speaks English.


Drawings & Vessel Layouts

Island Spirit Deck Plan floorplan

Boat Specifications

  • Year built 1978
  • Year renovated 2002
  • Length 130ft
  • Beam 25ft
  • Max guests 32
  • Number of cabins 17
  • Number of bathrooms 17

Boat Navigation and Safety

  • Radar
  • Depth Sounder
  • GPS
  • Radio VHF/DSC/SSB
  • E.P.I.R.B. Distress System
  • Emergency Rafts
  • Life Vests
  • Fire Alarm & Fire Extinguishers
  • First Aid Kits
  • Satellite & mobile phones
  • Bilge pump alarm
  • Search light
  • Crew trained in first aid
  • Emergency flares

Island Spirit Reviews

  • 9.0 Superb
  1. Vessel
    8.6
  2. Crew
    9.1
  3. Food
    9.7
  4. Activities
    8.9
  5. Value
    8.9
  • 8.0 Very good
  • Marla A
  • United States United States
Amazing wildlife and nature viewing

A gathering of 40 to 50 humpbacks, feeding just off the point at the Eldred Rock lighthouse. I've never seen anything like it. There were spouts wherever you looked. We visited the Sawyer glacier and got to see it calve.

Recommended for
We had a record number of wildlife sightings, including bear, mountain goat, orca, humpback, and puffin. We also saw the aurora borealis and a STEVE (Strong Theral Emission Velocity Enhancement). Truly breathtaking viewing.
  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • David F
  • United States United States
One of the best experiences we have ever had!

Lots of wildlife, wonderful views and great company!

Recommended for
Crew, crew, and Crew!
  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Bruce P
  • United States United States
Fantasy Cruises trip on Island Spirit boat was wonderful.

Humpback whales. Orca whales. Sea Lions. Sea Otters. Glaciers. Presentations about things we were seeing, by Dr. Dan Monteith (a/k/a "Dan Talks"). Tlingit peoples history, anthropology, beliefs, and sustainable practices, as explained by Dr. Dan. Truly good food throughout the day, every day. Fabulous, friendly, helpful crew, who liked each other and made the whole experience both pleasant and fun.

Recommended for
Great sights. Terrific crew. Wonderful food.
  • 9.2 Superb
  • John P
  • United States United States
Wildlife & glaciers

Sawyer Glacier,humpback whales, orcas

Recommended for
Crew cohesion,food, wildlife viewing
  • 8.8 Fabulous
  • Martin K
  • United States United States
I would go again

Kayaking early in the morning, with eagles flying about, in Takrat Bay 22 miles of interaction with orcas nearby Bubble net whale feeding, with ten or more whales Dawe’s glacier calving Touring Sitka—St. Michael’s church, raptor center, heritage park with many totem poles

Recommended for
Kayaking in secluded coves, proximity to wildlife in their natural setting, compatible group of fellow travelers
  • 10 Exceptional
  • Claude A
  • United States United States
Far exceeded our expectations, providing spectacular scenery and wildlife viewing

The kayaking was made accessible to all, no matter the age, with an ingenious entry/exit platform with bars that was stable and easy to use. Dawe's porpoises loved to surf in front of the boat, we were able to get close to glaciers and go places that large cruise ships can't; few passengers made for easy wildlife viewing, with no crowding at the rails to get good photos. The rooms were small but comfortable with room to store luggage and a built inn dresser to use while on the cruise. The private bathrooms were great too. The crew was totally customer service oriented, friendly and knowledgeable. The food was excellent, with a chef and pastry chef on board. We really felt spoiled and it was a fantastic introduction to Alaska. What's more, there were several passengers for whom this was a repeat cruise on the Island Spirit, one person having taken this same ship four times, which speaks volumes. We will certainly b back in the future and will recommend to all of our family and friends.

Recommended for
Small number of guests (22) allowed for personalized vacation, incredible up close encounters with whales, orcas, sea lions, a bear and her cubs, etc., great food available at all times!
  • 8.0 Very good
  • Nicole K
  • Australia Australia
Fabulous

The wildlife,kayaking and the people we met

Recommended for
People, crew and wildlife