Specifications:

Current Name: Spirit of Yorktown
Former Names: Yorktown Clipper
Built: 1988
Last Refurbished: 2007
Registry: United States
Tonnage: 2,354 tons
Length: 257 ft.
Beam (Width): 43 ft.
Draft (Depth): 8 ft.
Passengers: 138
Crew: 40

Overview

The Spirit of Yorktown is a boutique small ship currently owned & operated by Cruise West. The ship, built in 1988, is designed to sail coastal and inland waterways. Due to the ship’s short draft (the depth the ship’s bow sits in the water), the ship can easily maneuver where larger ships only dream; cozy coves, inland rivers and closer to glaciers and wildlife.

Recent Refurbishments

The Spirit of Yorktown was last refurbished in December 2007. Four Balcony-category cabins were created that include private teak-floored balconies with enough room for a café table and chairs for two. Numerous additional upgrades include redecoration and renovation of public corridors, lobby areas, and the panoramic Observation Lounge, the ship’s Living Room. The combined cost of all renovations is more than $2 million.

The four Balcony cabins located on the sun deck underwent an extensive remodel that includes a new layout and the addition of queen beds, mini refrigerators and private balconies. New cabinetry, fixtures, carpet, and lighting were also installed in the cabins. Discerning guests will enjoy the added comfort and privacy.

Itineraries

• Alaska’s Inside Passage
• Gold Rush Inside Passage
• Culture of the Vine
• Vintner’s Choice
• Mexico’s Whales & Wildlife

Additional upgrades in the lounge, where guests enjoy lectures and congregating with fellow travelers, were completed in conjunction with the Balcony cabin remodel. The Lounge received new and reupholstered furniture, new carpeting, bookcase, ceiling and lighting. All cabins also received new bedspreads and window treatments, and the beautiful original watercolor paintings by renowned artist Marilynne Bradley was reframed to better display each piece. Bradley’s work has been recognized in museum exhibitions, accepted in major national juried competitions, and included in many major corporate collections.

The refurbishment also included the introduction of a new art program that includes cherished memories from the West family, who owns the cruise line, and whose roots in Alaska extend back more than seven decades. One such piece is the beautifully hand-embroidered fur coat worn by Managing Director Dick West’s mother during her coronation as the first “Miss Alaska” in 1936. In addition, there are commissioned pieces from local Alaskan communities that Cruise West visits.

Observation Lounge

On Board

Lifestyle on board the Spirit of Yorktown is casual, meaning no need for specific dress codes. As most of your time spent on the ship will be spent watching wildlife up-close or kayaking amongst “bergies,” most passengers gladly trade resort and formal wear for layered knit tops, durable khakis pants and rubber-soled shoes.

Public areas include a glass-walled observation lounge, perfect for viewing the scenery while socializing with new-found friends. The dining room offers wonderful meals in a warm, inviting atmosphere, highlighted with large picture windows, so you never have to take your eyes off the beautiful scenery that passes by.

The exterior of the ship features teakwood decks for relaxing and a platform that allows guests to swim right off the side of the ship.

Like many small ship cruises, itineraries are flexible based on the destination and what’s happening. Many passengers have been awakened or had their meals interrupted by a breaching whale or a bear sighting. If experiences are more important than routine, then a small ship cruise is right for you.

Activities / Entertainment

Like most small ship experiences, activities and entertainment on-board the Spirit of Yorktown are focused on the outdoors, nature & wildlife. Those looking for casinos, art auctions, bingo and belly flop contests should look to the larger ships. The focus on a small ship is the destination and it’s attributes, scenery, wildlife and the unique experiences. Inflatable zodiac excursion craft are launched to get even closer to the wildlife, or to explore rarely experienced locations to mankind. To support the daily outdoor activities, an onboard naturalist and historian explain and recap each day’s events in informal talks.

Category AA Cabin

Accommodations

The Spirit of Yorktown offers modest yet comfortable accommodations. Like most small ships, cabins are on the small side, but this is less of an issue, as most people spend little time in their cabins. Every stateroom features a wide picture window or porthole, private facilities, writing desk and ample storage.

Category A	Staterooms feature two twin beds, in-room controlled air conditioning, radio, locking drawer, hairdryer and portholes.
Category AA	AA staterooms feature two twin beds, in-room controlled air conditioning, writing desk, radio, locking drawer, hairdryer and picture window.
Category AAA	AAA staterooms feature two twin beds, in-room controlled air conditioning, writing desk, radio, locking drawer, hairdryer and picture window or portholes. Cabins 24, 25, 26, 33, 34, 35 and 36 can accommodate triples.
Category Deluxe	Deluxe staterooms feature two twin beds, in-room controlled air conditioning, writing desk, radio, locking drawer, hairdryer and one or two picture windows. Cabins 27, 28, 59 and 60 can accommodate triples.
Category Balcony	Four Balcony-category cabins were created as part of the recent renovations that include private teak-floored balconies with enough room for a café table and chairs for two.

Dining

The inviting dining room offers gourmet meals, with menus that emphasize fresh, regional delicacies. Expect salmon, halibut and crab in Alaska, meals paired with excellent wines in the inland waters of California’s wine country, and south-of-the-border specialties in Mexico’s Sea of Cortes. There are always alternative selections to choose from. Meals are served in casual, open-seating comfort.

Related Reviews

• Spirit of Yorktown – Alaska June 2007