United States, Alaska | Windstar Cruises - Star Legend
September
Seward (Anchorage), Alaska; Homer, Alaska; Kodiak, Alaska; Sand Point, Alaska; Dutch Harbor, Alaska; Kushiro, Japan; Miyako, Japan; Tokyo, Japan
Retrace the route of the Russian-American fur trade as you island-hop along the Aleutian archipelago, and cross the Pacific as guest lecturers enthrall you with tales of the Japanese islands ahead. Gain insights into fascinating cultures from Aleuts to Ainu, and rest your eyes on thrilling landscapes from ice-shrouded Kenai Fjords to the wild cliff- and cave-studded coastline of Miyako. Go beyond the tourist mainstream as you kayak the remote wildlife-rich waters off Sand Point and view World War II’s forgotten relics in Dutch Harbor. From Kodiak’s legendary brown bears to the quirky bohemian atmosphere of Homer, Kushiro’s rare Japanese cranes to Tokyo’s Michelin-starred restaurants, each day is a new and life-enriching adventure.
With only 212 guests, a Star Legend cruise will make you feel like you're on board your own private yacht almost as soon as you step aboard. The sitting area of your spacious, suite gives you an expansive ocean view, making it a welcome retreat. When you're ready to make an appearance, the lounges, club, casino, screening room, and library are waiting to be explored. Take some "you" time in the tranquil WindSpa, enjoy a dip in the pool, work off that decadent dessert in the fitness center, and, of course, you are always welcome to visit the Bridge to examine navigation charts with the Captain.
Day 1 | Seward (Anchorage), Alaska: Seward, (Anchorage’s gateway) is sandwiched between the Kenai Mountains and the Kenai Fjords National Park. It is one of Alaska’s oldest and most scenic communities, with Mount Marathon rising majestically behind the town. Even though Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city, it is also home to 1,500 moose, surrounded by national parks full of wildlife.
Day 2 | Homer, Alaska: Two hundred miles south of Anchorage and home of the Discovery Channel’s “The Last Frontier,” Homer is a small city on beautiful Kachemak Bay. The geological landform known as Homer Spit is the main attraction here. This 4.5-mile-strip of land with its variety of shops, art galleries, seafood restaurants and beaches was named one of the best 100 beaches in the U.S. Less than 10 miles from the Spit is Kachemak Bay State Wilderness Park, the only designated wilderness park in Alaska. Homer is also known as the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World” and is the homeport for the Time Bandit of “Deadliest Catch” fame.
Day 3 | Kodiak, Alaska: Kodiak is noted as being one of the top three fishing ports in the country and home to over 650 boats. Alaska Marine ferries dock here and Kodiak is also home to the largest U.S. Coast Guard base. This renowned fishing destination offers a variety of sport fishing including halibut, rockfish, cod, trout and five species of salmon. But Kodiak is best known for the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge and the over 3,500 brown bears residing there. Bear viewing is the main attraction and male bears weigh in between 800-1,500 pounds and stand over 10 feet tall. Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park is the best place to learn about Kodiak’s WWII history.
Day 4 | At Sea
Day 5 | Sand Point, Alaska: Sand Point, located on Popof Island, is home to the largest fishing fleet of the Aleutian Islands. The area offers excellent halibut, pollock, salmon, and cod fishing and the city is characterized by its ability to be self-sufficient, with modern marine facilities and commercial fishing at the heart of its culture. More than half the population here is of Qagan Taygunguin Tribe descent. There is a wonderful network of hiking trails here, where a herd of bison can be found as well as many birds and marine mammals.
Day 6 | Dutch Harbor, Alaska: Unalaska, home to the port of Dutch Harbor, has been continuously occupied by Aleuts for about 9,000 years. It is the only deep water port in the Aleutians and the main delivery port for king crab as featured on the Discovery Channel’s “The Deadliest Catch” reality show. The island provides opportunities for many types of outdoor activities such as bird/wildlife watching, hiking, skiing, sport fishing, and kayaking. The museums here are full of interesting artifacts from archaeological digs and the impact of WWII in the Aleutians.
Day 7 – 8 | At Sea
Day 9 | Crossing International Date Line: Cross the International Date Line, the imaginary line of navigation that runs down the middle of the Pacific Ocean from the North Pole to the South Pole roughly following the 180⁰ Longitude north-south line. The IDL was established in 1852 in Greenwich, England.
Day 10 – 13 | At Sea
Day 14 | Kushiro, Japan: On the island of Hokkaido, Kushiro is home to Japan's largest marshland, the year-round home to endangered Japanese cranes. Highlights of Kushiro include the Fisherman's Wharf with its bustling marketplace and the Nausamai Bridge, one of the prettiest bridges of Japan. Our later stay here will afford you time to try the local seafood at the Fisherman's Wharf where you can grill your own seafood for a delightful local experience.
Day 15 | Miyako, Japan: Miyako is now starting to look like a city again. It has been rebuilding since the 2011 tsunami that devastated the city when it was hit with a 125-foot wave. Over 4,000 buildings were destroyed and over 900 fishing boats. Visit the rebuilt city whose highlights include the Jodogahama Beach, part of the Rikuchu Kaigan National Park, nationally designated a "Place of Scenic Beauty."
Day 16 | At Sea
Day 17 | Tokyo, Japan: There are so many interesting things about Tokyo it is not possible to list them here and you will want to plan to extend your stay. This is the place for excellent and unlimited shopping choices and from where new fashion trends seem to spring. It offers excellent cuisine and has earned mention on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Even though Tokyo’s neon-lit streets make it seem modernistic, it also prides itself on retaining its shogun past, carrying on sumo tournaments and kabuki productions. Tokyo is also committed to providing green spaces in the city or on the outskirts, quickly reached by train.
All meals in all venues at all times, including room service menu available 24 hours. All non-alcoholic beverages, including cappuccino, espresso, and other specialty non-alcoholic drinks are offered to guests. There is also a welcome cocktails reception as well.
Guests are allowed unlimited access to use all water sports equipment and there is also on board entertainment. A casino, library/computer center, lounge, pool, whirlpool, and screening room are also available for guests at their leisure.
Explore beautiful landmarks throughout your journey with many highlighted excursions. Below are just a few of the many that you can experience on your voyage.
Wildlife & Natural History Boat Tour
Japanese Crane Park & Museum
Scenic Miyako
Kushiro Highlight Tour
Fort Abercrombie State Park Nature Walk
Guests can enjoy amenities including a queen size bed with luxurious linens, a waffle weave robe and slippers, a flat screen TV with DVD player, a full stocked minibar and refrigerator, safety deposit box, direct dial phone, luxury bath amenities, Wi Fi access, fresh flowers and fruit, granite vanity with makeup mirror, wake in closet with ample drawer space, bathroom with granite countertop, full size tub and a shower, and hairdryers.
Gracious Balcony and Ocean View Suites are where stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you in 277 square feet. Your queen bed, which can be separated as twins if you prefer, features luxurious Egyptian cotton linens. Enjoy a luxurious soak in your full-size tub or an invigorating shower, then wrap up in your waffle-weave robe and slippers, savor a treat from the fresh fruit bowl, or simply stretch out and enjoy the fresh flowers.
Classic Suites allow you to relax in 400 to 530 spacious square feet. Your living area offers beautiful views from the forward-facing window and French doors onto your private veranda. Two spacious closets give you plenty of room to unpack.
Owner’s Suites with 575 square feet, your Owner’s Suite offers separate living room and dining areas. A veranda, two flat-screen TVs and DVD players, and a full master bath and separate powder room indulge you in spacious comfort.
WindSpa is available to guests who wish to take time and relax after an adventurous day out exploring.
There is a fitness center on board for guests who want to continue their workout while sailing.
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