Value Alert: Windstar Alterative To Seabourn & Crystal From Vancouver To California Via Alaska With Portland, Sausalito Overnights

Consider this Windstar sailing as an alternative to the September Crystal and Seabourn cruises we recently recommended from Vancouver via Alaska To Southern California. Enjoy true small-ship sailing among 200 fellow guests, with a James Beard Foundation chef aboard, on the former Seabourn vessel with much the same design and inclusions, except alcoholic drinks and gratuities.

Twenty-two days from about $5,560 including taxes and port fees per person for a 277 square foot oceanview cabin. Discounts and upgrades may be available from your agent; always ask.

Windstar Legend, 212 passengers, built 1992, refurbished 2015 

Star Legend

This cruise includes a rare overnight in Portland, Ore., a popular and less-visited port, and a precious overnight in Sausalito, the gem of the Bay Area with its own first class views and dining and easy access to San Francisco and Marin County attractions.

The Windstar marketing pitch for this cruise:

Sail among the evergreen reaches of British Columbia’s unspoiled Inside Passage. Gaze awestruck as Alaskan glaciers rumble and calve beneath the glassy surface of Misty Fjords and Tracy Arm. Admire California’s rugged coastline as you indulge in flavorful alder-smoked salmon paired with aromatic Columbia Valley Rieslings or fresh oysters and tart, Los Carneros sparkling wines. Linger late among the Portland skyline, sampling strawberry and raspberry notes in Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs, and watch the evening fog roll into Sausalito over a plate of fresh crab. This deliciously detailed 22-day cruise offers ample time for wandering waterfronts, mingling in farmer’s markets and rediscovering Alaska’s wild frontier history.

Star Legend

Itinerary

Thursday, September 12 Vancouver, BC, Canada

Friday, September 13 Inside Passage, AK (Cruising)

Saturday, September 14 Metlakatla, AK

Sunday, September 15 Wrangell, AK

Monday, September 16 Tracy Arm (Twin Sawyer Glaciers), AK (Cruising)

Tuesday, September 17 Inian Islands, AK (Cruising)

Tuesday, September 17 Icy Strait Point, AK

Wednesday, September 18 Juneau, AK

Thursday, September 19 At Sea

Friday, September 20 Misty Fjords National Monument, AK (Cruising)

Saturday, September 21 Ketchikan, AK

Sunday, September 22 Prince Rupert, BC, Canada

Monday, September 23 At Sea

Tuesday, September 24 Vancouver, BC, Canada

Wednesday, September 25 Seattle, WA

Thursday, September 26 At Sea

Friday, September 27 Portland, OR

Saturday, September 28 Portland, OR

Sunday, September 29 At Sea

Monday, September 30 Sausalito, CA

Tuesday, October 1 Sausalito, CA

Tuesday, October 1 San Francisco, CA

Wednesday, October 2 Monterey, CA

Thursday, October 3 At Sea

Friday, October 4 San Diego, CA

Legend Ocean View Cabin