ocean victory alaska cruise reviews

Ocean Victory: How this new, small ship is a game changer for Alaska cruises

Editor's Note

Note: TPG contributor Jeri Clausing sailed on Ocean Victory on a free trip provided by American Queen Voyages. The opinions expressed below are entirely hers and weren't subject to review by the line.

When it comes to cruising in Alaska, there have long been just two distinct options: the big ocean liners that cruise-averse travelers love to hate and the small ships that cater to outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure over amenities.

I've generally avoided both, being put off by the crowds and mass-market feel of traditional ocean liners and too spoiled by years of luxury travel to be tempted by the more basic adventure ships.

Enter Ocean Victory, which merges luxury and adventure for an experience that is as unique to Alaska's waterways as its pointy, submarine-looking X-bow nose. The new 186-passenger expedition ship is operated during the summer Alaska cruise season by American Queen Voyages, a company best known for its red paddle-wheelers that ply America's rivers.

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Ocean Victory marks the company's first foray into Alaska and expedition cruising. The itineraries are designed to appeal to a younger demographic than AQV's more senior-oriented river, Great Lakes and coastal cruising trips.

Judging from the reactions of passengers and travel advisors on its inaugural sailing, the ship is going to be a huge hit. On its face, the blue and white polar-class vessel radiates pure adventure. It features retractable, over-the-water observation decks that offer in-your-face wildlife viewing and special lower deck doors and a fold-out platform for launching kayak and Zodiac expeditions. The ship is so hardy it will spend winters sailing Antarctica for Albatros Expeditions.

Inside, the contemporary boutique-hotel vibe says pure comfort. Balcony cabins and spacious suites come equipped with large televisions, luxury bedding and heated bathroom floors. The ship is laden with amenities, including a small spa, fitness center, infinity pool, two outdoor hot tubs, two dining areas and three bars.

I was hooked the minute I boarded the vessel for a three-day preview sailing to showcase the new ship to travel advisors and other industry VIPs as it made its way from Bellingham, Washington, to Vancouver, British Columbia. I ended up liking it so much that I cast aside other obligations to stay on board for its 10-day maiden sailing through Alaska's lesser-traveled passages, islands and remote towns.

My only regret: not being able to find an excuse to stay on even longer.

Immersive experiences ashore

Ocean Victory offers what AQV founder John Waggoner calls "encounter" travel, or "getting deeply immersive in things through experiences," with its adventure offerings and itinerary that sails into lesser-traveled areas of southeast Alaska.

Setting out from Vancouver to Sitka, Alaska, the ship spent the first two days at sea, veering off from Canada's more widely traveled Inside Passage. Instead, it sailed through the narrower Fiordland Conservancy area and past the ghost town of Butedale, British Columbia, known for its proximity to a concentration of white-furred black bears known as spirit bears.

My shipmates and I made good use of the scopes and binoculars the ship provides in guest cabins and across the ship to search for wildlife. Though we weren't lucky enough to spot one of the rare bears, over the course of our sailing we saw whales, bears, sea lions, otters, moose and bald eagles — both from the ship and from the water.

Our first stop was Ketchikan, Alaska, the only port on Ocean Victory's itinerary that's also a regular stop for the big cruise ships. We docked a few miles from the heart of town, away from the larger vessels, but Ocean Victory provided plenty of shuttles, as well as options for a free, traditional city highlights tour. Passengers could also pay extra for more culture- and culinary-focused excursions.

Related: The 6 coolest things to do on an Alaska cruise

After that, the itinerary alternated between expedition days and stops at lesser-visited ports, such as Alaska's Wrangell Island, population 2,500.

There, I passed on the group excursions, opting instead to wander the streets and then join AQV's culinary ambassador Regina Charbonneau for an informal "pub crawl" and a fish-and-chips lunch at what appeared to be the town's only, and very popular, diner. She was on board to start developing regionally focused menus as well as some culinary-focused excursions, which she said will include local diners and dive bars.

As a fellow writer and I wandered the main street, which was delightfully devoid of souvenir shops, we heard an odd, and quite loud, water-like sound coming from the sky.

"Oh, that's the raven," said Zak's Cafe owner Catherine George-Byrd, who had emerged to see if she could help the two startled visitors on Wrangell's otherwise empty main street. "It's imitating dripping water. Some imitate cats, others crying babies."

I didn't expect to be learning about local wildlife from a friendly diner owner, but that's just the kind of random encounter I came to expect on Ocean Victory. I likely would not have experienced this type of local interaction while wandering the souvenir and jewelry stores that dot the streets of the larger ports frequented by the big cruise lines.

For instance, in Kake, Alaska, population 500, the town mayor greeted us on arrival. We saw the world's tallest totem pole and went to the community gym to meet residents committed to keeping their indigenous Tlingit culture alive. Their children performed traditional dances and a woodcarver taught us how totem poles are made. A bonus: A local World War II veteran was there, and he and a fellow veteran sailing on Ocean Victory sang "The Marines' Hymn" together.

In Petersburg, Alaska, we hopped aboard the 13-passenger Point Retreat jet boat operated by a father-son team, Rob and Teagen Schwartz, who promised to get us closer to the LeConte Glacier than any of the other small boats in the town, which gets regular visits from small adventure ships but not the larger ocean liners.

On the way, they took us on a detour along the coast to see whales and bears – a route that also took us past Bootleg Creek, where Rob said his great-grandfather used to buy moonshine from a man who in 1929 was found "deader than a doornail, curled up with a bottle."

Ultimately, they kept true to their word, navigating for nearly two hours through dense fields of breathtaking blue and white icebergs while regaling us with stories of life in the Last Frontier.

Sea days with extra adventure

Every other day, Ocean Victory anchored in remote passages and fjords, where we spent the day exploring from the ship's fleets of kayaks and Zodiacs. Sea days on big ships are full of trivia contests, poker games and line dance lessons; on this small ship, they offered extra adventure.

While Ocean Victory is the first adventure offering from AQV, the expedition team and onboard naturalists are seasoned experts, having collectively sailed hundreds of Alaska and polar cruises.

The naturalists taught us how sea otters carry their young, pulled glacier ice onto the Zodiacs to show off the pieces' unique formations and gave informed narratives about the flora, fauna and geology of our surroundings. They were also expert spotters, helping us find everything from starfish to moose, bears and mountain goats on the surrounding coasts and cliffs.

Related: Best time to cruise Alaska

The company has also teamed up with founder John Waggoner's alma mater, California Polytechnic State University, as well as whale and wildlife experts from the Sound Science Research Collective and the Sitka Sound Science Center, who will conduct whale and marine biology research from the ship.

Between the water outings on expedition days, two recent graduates of Cal Poly gave fun hands-on lessons about our surroundings. We peered through microscopes at sea algae, watched them make miniature glaciers that model ice floes and learned about everything from whale snot to regional plants and wildlife from the expedition team's naturalists. I was engaged and involved, not falling asleep in the back of a huge ship's theater.

Casual luxury on board

Where Ocean Victory really sets itself apart from traditional adventure operators is with the onboard experience. Most adventure ships in Alaska are quite basic, with few onboard amenities other than a simple dining hall and lounge and cabins featuring fixed twin or queen beds and picture windows. Ocean Victory ups the ante, offering the type of public spaces and accommodations you would expect to find on luxury river and yacht cruises.

The cabins are spacious, even by ocean liner standards, and offer all the amenities of a luxury hotel. Most have private balconies; some feature picture windows or French balconies, and a few are suites with separate living and sleeping areas. My deluxe balcony cabin featured a queen-size bed, sitting area with a small couch and a desk that offered a comfortable working space. The Wi-Fi worked well except when we anchored in the remote Gut Bay, Alaska.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

My favorite spot was Deck 8, which has a large glass-walled lounge with a bar and a variety of tables and comfortable chairs, as well as a large outdoor observation deck. It was great for reading or relaxing and taking in the sweeping views.

The deck's casual-dining area with indoor and outdoor seating will be the perfect spot for barbecues and other informal meals. Unfortunately, it was not operating on the first sailing (never mind that it was still too cold for outdoor dining). The weather was perfect for relaxing in the Deck 7 hot tubs under the stars, even if the weather didn't allow a dip in the infinity pool.

Deck 5 is the main public area, with a central lounge, private library area and a lecture hall, all surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows. The lecture hall is laid out theater-style, but the seating is more lounge-style with comfortable chairs, bench seating and tables in each row.

Just behind the lectern are doors that lead to the fold-down, over-the-water observation decks. Whenever the officers or expedition leaders spotted a whale, bear or other interesting creature, announcements were made and activities halted, so passengers could grab binoculars or a scope and hit the decks to take in the views.

The main dining room has the formal feel you would expect to go along with its fine-dining options. But this is Alaska, so passengers are equally welcome in dresses and heels or jeans and sneakers. The menus change daily, with a good variety of gourmet meat, fish and vegetarian options. I was a fan of the homemade soups and the outstanding pasta options from the ship's Italian chef that changed daily.

I didn't use the spa, which looks to be more substantial than what's offered on other adventure ships in Alaska. The menu showed ample offerings from traditional massages to hot therapies, even manicures, pedicures and hair-cutting and -styling services.

Evenings were for casual socializing, listening to stories from the naturalists after dinner or simply sipping wine in the spacious lounge while the onboard pianist tickled the keys.

Oh, and did I mention the service? Whenever you turn around, there's a crew member at the ready. I barely needed a key as my cabin attendant always seemed to know when I was coming down the hall and would be there to open the door for me. As soon as I left for coffee or breakfast, he was there ready to clean up and take care of all the little extras, like filling my water bottle, without being asked.

Bottom line

While a few smaller luxury ships sail Alaska, Ocean Victory stands apart with its hybrid mix of intimacy and adventure.

"We're right in the sweet spot," Waggoner said.

I couldn't agree more. It's a sweet spot that I predict will be a huge hit with cruisers and non-cruisers alike who are seeking a truly immersive Alaska vacation.

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Review: Ocean Victory

Reviewed by Stefanie Waldek

What is the line? American Queen Voyages

Name of ship? Ocean Victory

Passenger occupancy? 186

Itinerary? Ocean Victory sails 12- and 13-day itineraries between Sitka and Vancouver.

Start out with the big picture—what is this cruise line known for?

American Queen Voyages is best known for its fleet of paddlewheelers that sail America's waterways, but it entered the expedition cruising world in 2021 with Ocean Victory, an ocean-going, ice-rated ship.

Tell us about the ship in general:

The 186-passenger expedition vessel is easy to recognize in port or at sea, with its distinctive inverted X-Bow and a bright blue wave painted across its exterior. In the summer, she travels Alaska as part of American Queen Voyages' fleet, but in the northern winter (austral summer), she heads south for Antarctica with Albatros Expeditions. As an expedition ship, she carries with her a small flotilla of Zodiacs (small inflatable boats) for off-ship exploration, which is my favorite "amenity."

Who is onboard?

Right now, most passengers are American Queen Voyage loyalists—typically older couples. But given the expedition-style excursions in some locations, I could see the demographic tipping slightly younger in the coming years. Most passengers on my ship had never experienced expedition-style sailing before.

Describe the cabins.

I stayed in a Deluxe Stateroom with a Private Veranda, the most common accommodation on the ship. It's reasonably spacious for two people. The living area has a loveseat and a desk next to the queen-size bed—my husband and I didn't feel like we were tripping over one another at all, even when we had all our rain gear hanging up to dry. The balcony is large enough to fit two chairs, which are perfect for enjoying views of the Alaskan wilderness and spotting wildlife. The bathroom is well-designed with a large walk-in shower and a decent amount of counter space.

Beyond this standard cabin type, there are smaller cabin categories, which either have no balcony or a French balcony, as well as larger suites that doubled the size of my cabin.

Tell us about the crew.

Because the ship is so small—and itineraries are 12 to 13 days long—you really get to know the crew. I found the dining room wait staff to be exceptional, learning your preferences (both in cuisine and with whom you'd like to sit) very quickly.

There's also a large expedition staff ranging from expedition leaders and naturalists in a variety of scientific fields to interns from Cal Poly, with whom American Queen Voyages has a partnership. These staffers gave lectures, hosted hands-on science demonstrations, and provided guidance ashore, particularly on expedition excursion days. Dawn, our expedition leader, deserves a shoutout. She is extremely knowledgeable about Alaska and was able to guide us to a humpback whale bonanza when we were surrounded by dozens of singing whales—not a bad day.

What food and drink options are available on board?

On our sailing, two dining venues were open to guests: a main dining room open for three meals a day, plus a café-like room open for breakfast and lunch. They serve identical menus during buffet breakfasts and lunches, while dinner is à la carte and includes a fair number of local delicacies, such as king crab and Alaska sockeye salmon. Each dinner menu offered meat, fish, pasta, and vegetarian items that changed daily and typically skewed American and continental. But given how intimate the ship is, guests could easily make special requests of the chef (and some did). There are also two bars onboard, one adjacent to the lecture hall and the other in the observatory lounge, where most guests spend their days.

Is there a spa on board and is it worth visiting?

There's a spa treatment room as well as a fitness center onboard, but they're fairly basic facilities.

How about the activities and entertainment?

As a small expedition ship, there aren't very many "typical" cruise amenities. Though there's a pool on the sun deck, it wasn't filled on our sailing due to rough seas. Two hot tubs, however, were available, and if you plunked yourself in, a server would magically appear and take your drink order—even after dinner, in our case.

Onboard activities are more education-based than entertainment-based, spanning lectures and hands-on science "experiments" that helped explain everything from geologic history in Alaska to how mammals handle swimming in cold water. Even some of the evening entertainment is educational in nature—for instance, trivia night with Alaska-based questions or bar talks with the expedition staff about their global adventures. For more traditional entertainment, a pianist hosted singalongs in the lounge each night.

How was the experience for families?

Our sailing was particularly light on families, but I do think the overall experience is definitely child-friendly, particularly for inquisitive minds who love getting out into nature.

Where did it sail and how were the excursions? Did anything stand out?

Ocean Victory sails 12- and 13-day itineraries between Sitka and Vancouver, which includes two days at sea on the Inside Passage. While it stops at the cruise hotspot Ketchikan, most of its other ports of call are small towns like Kake and Wrangell where the big ships can't go, allowing for non-crowded excursions with local guides to learn about the people and wildlife of Southeast Alaska outside of the main tourist destinations.

But my favorite excursions were the Zodiac cruises on what the ship calls "expedition days." We sailed to scenic locations in places like Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness, where we hopped in the Zodiacs and explored the shoreline, looking for waterfalls, wildlife, and even icebergs. On one such cruise, we were surrounded by a raft of more than 100 otters, including mothers with pups. On other expedition days, we navigated through icebergs to spot seals lounging on icy perches and took a ship-wide a polar plunge. This is what makes American Queen Voyages stand out in Alaska—other expedition ships here are typically much smaller and more basic in accommodations and amenities, whereas Ocean Victory provides a much more comfortable home base for soft adventure mixed with sightseeing.

Anything we missed?

One thing to note is that if you board in Sitka, transfers to the pre-voyage hotel are not included—and there are very few cabs (and no Uber) in Sitka. The walk into town would take some 30 minutes, but it's not a fun journey in the rain with suitcases. I recommend calling cab companies at least a day ahead of arrival, so you don't end up in the queue of passengers trying to get a ride at the same time. While I found the cruise's pre-departure communication lacking, it didn't take away from the amazing experience I had onboard!

Finally, give a sentence or two on why the cruise is worth booking.

American Queen Voyages fills a gap in the Alaska cruise market with Ocean Victory —it's an upscale small ship that combines comfort with more adventurous expedition-style excursions.

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American Queen Voyages Ocean Victory

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Home » Cruise » American Queen Voyages » Ocean Victory » First Impressions: American Queen Voyages Ocean Victory

First Impressions: American Queen Voyages Ocean Victory

We are back from a sailing on the newest expedition ship and want to share our first impressions of American Queen Voyages Ocean Victory with you.

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Alaska is one of our favorite cruise destinations. Most cruise lines offer at least one ship sailing this region during the summer months. So, we were intrigued when the small ship cruise line, American Queen Voyages, announced it would be cruising to Alaska this year with a brand new expedition vessel. American Queen Voyages, known for its U.S. River Cruises and Lakes & Ocean Cruises, just debuted the Ocean Victory expedition ship sailing from Vancouver, BC to Sitka, AK this summer. Now, we are back from a 3-day preview sailing and want to share our first impressions of American Queen Voyages Ocean Victory with you.

Disclaimer: We were guests of American Queen Voyages on this sailing; however, as always, all opinions in this post are our own.

It was on a hike in Glacier Bay National Park that American Queen Voyages’ Founder and Chairman, John Waggoner, had an aha moment. After witnessing a major cruise line enter and exit these protected waters, he thought there had to be a better way to cruise to Alaska.

Flash forward to four years later, this small ship cruise line has launched its first expedition ship, Ocean Victory. According to Mr. Waggoner, this new vessel allows cruisers to “get up close and personal” with the Alaskan wilderness.

Recalling the decision to launch an Alaska expedition cruise, Mr. Waggoner realized that “it was the perfect time for us to get to Alaska and do it right, and do it differently than anyone else would”.

Thus, this brand-new ship includes elements of a modern research vessel with the amenities of a first-class ocean cruise ship.

The Best of Both Worlds

We have sailed to Alaska a few times now on the contemporary cruise lines, yet we have shied away from smaller, more adventure brands that sail way up north. As traditional cruisers, we were not sure if we could survive without all of the amenities found on these modern day mega-ships.

Then, there comes Ocean Victory. This new expedition ship features equipment and enrichment programming rivaling the biggest names in adventure travel. Yet, cruisers can still find many of the comforts they have come to love about cruising.

For instance, there is an elegant main dining room featuring an exquisite four course dinner each evening. In addition, the ship features a trendy pool deck and modern staterooms.

Likewise, American Queen Voyages provides a more all-inclusive pricing model making it a great value. For example, the base fare includes a pre-cruise hotel stay and all transfers. Not to mention, it also includes onboard WiFi, all dining, all beverages, and many tours and excursions.

Related Post: Top Alaska Cruise Tips

It’s Not a Trip, It’s an Expedition

In order to provide more in-depth exploration, American Queen Voyages’ Ocean Victory offers 12 and 13-day one-way expeditions instead of your typical 7-day roundtrip routes.

Similar to other cruise lines, Ocean Victory has “excursion days” during stops at popular ports like Ketchikan. During these days ashore, cruisers can enjoy organized tours and guided explorations to gain a better understanding of the history and culture of the area.

In addition, cruisers can book premium tour options, like floatplane tours, for added costs.

Beyond these ports of call, Ocean Victory also offers several “expedition days”. During these days, cruisers can join the trained expedition team members on outings right from the ship.

First, there are military grade zodiacs offering wildlife sightseeing and other adventures. Here, cruisers can glide along the Inside Passage in search of sea lions, river otters, harbor seals, and of course, whales, bears, and eagles.

Further, the expedition team leads guided kayak tours for a more active experience. With over 20 kayaks onboard, cruisers can get up-close and personal with wildlife, minus the engines.

The best part is that all cruisers have the ability to participate in these expedition activities for no additional charge. During the cruise, cabins are assigned a “spirit animal” which provides each small group a schedule with specific times for these activities.

Come Back Transformed

In addition to these active adventures, there are plenty of onboard enrichment opportunities to give cruisers firsthand experiences that are authentically Alaskan as well.

In partnership with the Sound Science Research Collective and California Polytechnic State University, American Queen Voyages Ocean Victory   is an active research lab. Further, guests play a vital role in data collection.

Cruisers can attend workshops and participate in whale tracking through fluke identification. They can also learn about ongoing projects from the scientists actively conducting the research.

Along with being research assistants, cruisers can learn more about various topics from daily onboard lectures led by research partners, as well as the expedition team. From animal communication to top predators, these talks are engaging and informative.  

The Expedition Lecture Room on Deck 5 is the perfect spot for these edutainment activities. The venue is large enough that all cruisers can enjoy the daily presentations in comfort. With digital screens lining the forward wall, this intimate space is a high-tech classroom at sea.

It doesn’t hurt that the cruise line’s expedition staff are a knowledgeable and eclectic mix. These team members quickly become part of your journey. They are encouraged to mingle and get guests engaged.

At dinner, a zodiac captain might just join your table to tell you about her life experience or ask about your travels. This sense of camaraderie truly sets American Queen Voyages apart.

It’s Still a Cruise

“As a marine biologist, as a fisherman, as a naturalist myself, I was always intrigued with Alaska.” said Mr. Waggoner. So, these expeditions needed to be “science-based”, but ensure guests are comfortable.

Thus, alongside microscopes in the Observation Lounge on Deck 8, there are lavish finishes and excellent service that you would expect from a premium cruise line. This top-deck space also provides amazing forward-facing views. Whether you want to head outside on the viewing deck or enjoy the vistas from the warmth of the lounge, this is a great place to enjoy the sail into your next scenic destination.

The Deck 7 pool area features an infinity pool, two aft whirlpools, and comfy loungers. While it wasn’t warm enough for us to utilize these amenities, we can imagine this outdoor space would be perfect for enjoying a sunny sea day.

Dining on American Queen Voyages Ocean Victory did not disappoint either.

During our sailing, the main dining room was open for breakfast and lunch as a buffet. At night, the venue showcased a regionally-inspired rotational menu. These four-course meals were coupled with excellent and personalized service.  Plus, there are several “Always Available” selections, like grilled lobster tail.

Our stateroom, cabin 417, was modern and clean. This spacious balcony cabin had plenty of storage for those longer voyages. Also, there was a true balcony that let us admire the landscape from the comforts of our room. This is a far cry from some of the other retrofitted “research vessels” that cruise the region.

Discovery Runs Deep

As Mr. Waggoner concluded, “We tick off all the boxes: adventure up close, science onboard, continuing education, great food, great staff, [and] nice staterooms”.

Spending three days onboard, we were only able to get a taste of what American Queen Voyages’ Ocean Victory promises to offer guests. Still, we can agree that the ship does offer a great option for an Alaskan cruise .

The ship combines the best of both worlds, making it one-of-a-kind in a crowded cruise space.

So, whether you have never been to Alaska, or have cruised there in the past on a larger ship, American Queen Voyages is ready to show you something completely different.

Just make sure you are ready for the adventure!

Did you find our first impressions of American Queen Voyages Ocean Victory helpful? Would you enjoy cruising on an expedition vessel? Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences sailing with the newly rebranded American Queen Voyages.

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On the inaugural cruise now. Still some kinks to be worked out, but they have not impacted the enjoyment. Not your typical cruise for sure. None of the “fun and games” and entertainment of the large ships. Lots of science and nature things to see and do. Kayaks and zodiacs available 3 times during trip. They even supplied rain gear for us. Binoculars are everywhere for our use, even a class on getting the most from them. A bit bumpy a couple of nights, maybe not as bad as large ship, but we also went into bays the large ships can’t. Trade offs. Well worth it, just know what kind of cruise you are signing up for.

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Welcome Aboard! We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Are you ready to embark on your journey to “sea the world, one port at a time”?

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American Queen Voyages’ Ocean Victory Review, An Ideal Ship For Alaska — UPDATE: AQV Shuts Down Feb 20, 2024

Aug 26, 2022 | 4

American Queen Voyages’ Ocean Victory

By Anne Kalosh

Update Feb 24, 2024: The three riverboats of American Queen Voyages, including the American Queen , ceased operations earlier this week as will the company’s pair of coastal ships. The bottom line is that the line never recovered from the COVID period, and the American Queen was the only member of the fleet that turned a profit.

American Queen Voyages ‘ (AQV) first expedition ship, Ocean Victory , is winding down its inaugural Alaska season and will return in summer 2023 so it’s a good time to take stock of the experience.

If you’re reading QuirkyCruise, you’re probably already a “small is beautiful” advocate, and this 186-passenger ship is just right for nudging into coves and inlets and up close to glaciers.

It can visit small communities like Kake Tlingit Village, Petersburg and Wrangell without overwhelming them.

Ocean Victory has a fleet of kayaks for exploring. Here, Misty Fjords, Alaska. * Photo: Michel Verdure

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“Encounter” Travel Offered by Ocean Victory

A marine biologist by education, American Queen Voyages (AQV) founder and Chairman John Waggoner took personal interest in assuring Ocean Victory’s expedition program is rich with science under the guise of the line’s “encounter” travel, delving deeper into the destinations and getting to know the local people.

American Queen Voyages founder and Chairman John Waggoner, left, and Brendan Applegate geared up for a Zodiac adventure. * Photo : Anne Kalosh

Part of this is having students aboard from California Polytechnic State University , Waggoner’s alma mater, on Ocean Victory’s deep expedition team.

The team, which can number 18 on some voyages, mingles the enthusiastic and knowledgeable students with seasoned authorities in a wide range of fields, from geology to whale communications.

There’s even an expedition photographer and an expedition musician.

Waggoner also tapped David Giersdorf, whose family pioneered expedition cruising in Alaska, to help craft the itineraries and shoreside experiences, capitalizing on his vast, decades-long expertise.

Destinations on these 12- or 13-day trips, sailing between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Sitka, Alaska, are Kake and Frederick Sound, Endicott Arm, Tracy Arm, Petersburg, the Waterfall Coast (Gut Bay), Wrangell, Misty Fjords, Ketchikan and Metlakatla and Fiordland (Kynoch Inlet) in Canada’s Inside Passage.

Close-up glacier view from a Zodiac — Endicott Arm, Alaska. * Photo: American Queen Voyages

Coming Back Transformed

I spent a few days onboard at the start of the inaugural season (May 2022), and the bar was set high before our first Zodiac adventure, when Expedition Leader Jessika Picinich briefed passengers.

“After a trip, you come back with memories. After an expedition, you come back transformed,” she said.

On a Zodiac with Waggoner and passengers, Caleb, a Cal Poly student, retrieved a long, thick ribbon of bull kelp from the water, tearing off a piece to munch on as he explained this marine algae is a source of nutrients for many species.

Eagle-eyed Caleb, one of the Cal Poly students on the expedition team. * Photo: Anne Kalosh

Two professional expedition leaders in our boat included the U.S. Coast Guard-licensed Zodiac captain, who on a very windy day with plenty of waves and spray, adroitly steered closer to harbor seals as they popped their heads out of the water and near stellar sea lions splayed across a sandy islet.

Caleb pointed out Brandt’s cormorants, common murre, guillemots, oystercatchers and Canada geese.

We were not in Alaska but en route, stopping to explore Washington’s Sucia Island Marine State Park . Sucia’s shores are dotted with islands, whose rock is primarily sandstone carved into intriguing curves and formations.

Caleb talked about the flora, including madrones, trees with distinctive orange-red flaky bark.

Capturing a shot from a Zodiac off Sucia Island. * Photo: Anne Kalosh

Chilled and damp but exhilarated, I hopped from the Zodiac back aboard Ocean Victory where Hotel Director Bertrand Petyt surprised us with cups of thick, rich hot chocolate. Not Swiss Miss, either, but real gourmet stuff.

And this wasn’t just showing off for Waggoner — it’s the kind of thoughtful touch AQV routinely provides throughout.

And it was the ideal cap to a preview of the adventures that would come in Alaska where the ship’s sea kayaks would be deployed along with the Zodiacs for experiences up close to glaciers, icebergs and wildlife.

Petyt, a luxury cruise veteran — and it showed in the finesse of his team’s many thoughtful touches and service refinements — knew Alaska from previous ships. He said Ocean Victory is different.

It frequents “small places. It’s all about discovery, exploring the wildlife and about learning,” he said, noting one facet of that is bringing Native story-tellers on board.

Ocean Victory doesn’t have a traditional bow but there are plenty of other open-deck spaces for wildliffe viewing and lots of veranda rooms. * Photo: Michel Verdure

The Small But Mighty Ocean Victory

Ocean Victory i s perfectly crafted for “encounter” travel.

At 7,400 gross tons, it is small enough to visit really cool places and people, yet large enough to house roomy accommodations, most with verandas, and ample public spaces.

Top deck Jacuzzi and comfy spots for lounging. * Photo: American Queen Voyages

These include a main lounge/lecture theater, an observation lounge with spotting scopes, a library, gift shop, sea-view fitness center, small spa, an outdoor pool with two Jacuzzis and a mudroom for expedition gear.

The sea-view fitness center. * Photo: American Queen Voyages

There’s a main restaurant and a casual bistro.

A cozy corner of the main restaurant. * Photo: Anne Kalosh

A wing of the elegant dining room. * Photo: Anne Kalosh

X-BOW Advantages

The ship’s distinctive inverted bow, Ulstein Design’s patented  X-BOW, is not only eye-catching, it makes for a smoother ride, less vibration and reduced noise.

Check out that X-BOW!. * Photo: Anne Kalosh

This creates a smaller acoustic footprint, according to a scientist who’s part of the Sound Science Research Collective led by Dr. Michelle Fournet, which has a partnership with AQV that sends experts on whale acoustics aboard to enrich the experience.

They drop hydrophones from Zodiacs so passengers can hear the whales, give informative briefings and conduct research that travelers can participate in. The collective is studying the impact that underwater noise from ships has on whales’ ability to hear each other and communicate.

At season’s start, in Vancouver, Rosalind Campbell, councillor of the Musqueam Indian Band, welcomed Ocean Victory and its travelers to her people’s ancestral lands. She said she’d never cruised before but was tempted by this vessel.

And Kathy deLisser, regional vice president – Canada for Ceres Terminals, called Ocean Victory one of Vancouver’s “coolest” ships.

“This ship represents the latest and greatest in sustainability,” added Carmen Ortega, trade development manager, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, who singled out Ocean Victory’s use of cleaner fuel and its X-BOW.

Ortega’s especially pleased about the quiet since for several years the port authority’s Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation (ECHO) Program has encouraged ships to voluntarily slow down to reduce noise in key feeding areas for southern resident killer whales.

RELATED: Read our expert tips for spotting whales and knowing what you’re seeing.

John Waggoner’s Favorite Perch

Ocean Victory carries 18 Zodiacs, sea kayaks and other exploration tools. The spacious main lounge/expedition lecture theater is fronted by large flat screens, with smaller ones positioned throughout.

A lecture on whale soundings in Ocean Victory’s main lounge with its many flat-screens. * Photo: Anne Kalosh

Steps away are two viewing platforms, one on each side of the ship.

These are key since Ocean Victory doesn’t have an observation bow. Because the platforms are directly over the water, they afford stunning views.

They are Waggoner’s favorite perch. “When you get near a pod of killer whales or dolphins, you are right over the water,” he said.

John Waggoner with a whale expert on one of Ocean Victory’s retractable observation platforms — his favorite perch on the ship. * Photo: Anne Kalosh

Locally Sourced Specialties

When it comes to dining, the noted American chef Regina Charboneau, AQV’s culinary ambassador, is just one reason why the food is so good.

In Alaska, fresh seafood is abundantly available and served onboard.

David Kelly, executive vice president, AQV, ensures salmon, king crab and other delicacies are featured when available.

A king crab boil may be held on the top deck where there’s indoor-outdoor seating at the bistro with its big, drop-down windows that can be opened in fine weather. This casual venue typically serves a menu similar to the main dining room and has an evening prime rib carving station.

Alternative dining high on Deck 8 in the Panorama Restaurant. * Photo: American Queen Voyages

Drop-down windows in the top-deck Panorama Restaurant. * Photo: Anne Kalosh

There may be two or three nights of special deck barbecue events per voyage.

But the main dining room, though elegant, is casual, too — as suits expedition cruising.

However, passengers get elevated service there and throughout, consistent with the AQV experience on the lakes and rivers “so what we’re known for resonates across all seven vessels,” Kelly said.

David Kelly calls Ocean Victory “an elegant expedition experience.” * Photo: American Queen Voyages

(The company also operates the American Queen, American Duchess, American Empress and American Countess riverboats and coastal vessels Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator .)

RELATED: Enjoy Writer Karl Zimmermann’s review of American Queen Voyages’ Ocean Voyager on the Great Lakes.

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An Elegant Expedition Experience aboard Ocean Victory

This is an “elegant expedition experience,” Kelly said, unlike the family-style dining on some expedition ships.

When there’s a buffet at lunch, the chef is out front, preparing a special made-to-order pasta. Waiters assist, carrying plates to the table.

The chef’s daily pasta station. * Photo: Anne Kalosh

Hotel Director Betrand Petyt with afternoon snacks. * Photo: Anne Kalosh

Passengers dine well. Here, grilled lobster tail, but fresh Alaska seafood is more commonly served onboard. * Photo: American Queen Voyages

Accompanying cocktails, the hors d’oeuvres and canapes are a step above, such as scallops or melon and Parma ham with little vials of injectable sauce. I loved the always-available coffee, tea, cookies and fresh fruit station in the main lounge/lecture theater.

Besides a hot drink when alighting from a chilly Zodiac trek, there are hot face towels, and “Having the hotel director there or the captain or the expedition director to greet guests back is key,” Kelly said.

One of his favorite luxurious touches is the heated bathroom floor in all accommodations.

My bathroom, with heated floor, a standard feature in all Ocean Victory accommodations. * Photo: Anne Kalosh

But this is not a formal ship, with no formal attire required. “If you been out on a Zodiac all day and you’re cold and wet, we want you to come home, get showered and go to dinner comfortably,” Kelly said. “If you meet people on a Zodiac, you can join them for dinner. The venues lend themselves to being social and having a good time.”

Well-Thought-Out Accommodations

During my short shakedown trip, I snagged one of the nicest suites onboard, suite #703, up top near the bridge. But everyone I talked to seemed pleased with their accommodations and the ones I saw were similar in style to mine, if not as spacious.

It was a proper suite, two rooms: a living area with sofa, a large flat-screen television and a refrigerated mini-bar, and a bedroom with a desk and a walk-in closet with two hanging racks, deep drawers, safe and bathrobes.

The bathroom, with shower only, had the standard heated floor, especially nice when coming in from outdoors with cold, wet feet.

My suitcase in 703, home sweet home — for a few days, anyway! * Photo: Anne Kalosh

Anne’s abode — Suite 703, a deluxe suite with private veranda high on Deck 7 next to the bridge. * Photo: American Queen Voyages

Seated at the desk in the bedroom beside sliding glass doors onto a huge veranda, I really appreciated how comfortably and thoughtfully designed that suite was.

The desk was the right height for writing and had good lighting and plenty of outlets and USB ports.

Plenty of well-placed outlets and USB ports for convenient charging. * Photo: Anne Kalosh

There were lots of hooks on the walls, great for hanging damp expedition gear (boots and things can be stored in the mudroom’s lockers), and ample shelves and cabinets.

The blue, gray, silver and white color palette was just right for expedition cruising, and large prints of nature scenes graced the walls.

My suite was quiet, with no vibration to rattle doors or glasses on the table.

The veranda, furnished with three chairs and a small table, was large enough to host a small whale-watching party. I frequently stepped outside to soak in the views.

2023 Ocean Victory Schedule

Ocean Victory returns to Alaska in 2023 with two itineraries: Sitka to Vancouver, 13 days and 12 ports (with fares starting at $4,199), and Vancouver to Sitka, 12 days and 11 ports (fares from $3,699).

American Queen Voyages’ Mike Hicks on the top deck with Ocean Victory alongside at Vancouver’s Canada Place. * Photo: Anne Kalosh

The season stretches from early May through September.

These cruises book well ahead. It’s not too soon to start thinking about an Alaska trip in 2023, when a very strong season is forecast by all lines.

If I were going, I’d choose a small expedition ship for the best, most authentic and educational experience, away from the crowds of the big-ship ports.

And Ocean Victory , with its great facilities, many creature comforts and, most important, environmental and enrichment aspects, fits the bill.

Interested in this Cruise?

Here’s booking info for American Queen Voyages’ Ocean Victory in Alaska in 2023.

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© This article is protected by copyright, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission from the author. All Rights Reserved. QuirkyCruise.com.

About The Author

Anne Kalosh

Anne Kalosh has written about cruises for decades and her favorites involve small ships. She is the editor of Seatrade-Cruise.com and senior associate editor of Seatrade Cruise Review.

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What a great read. The ship is so attractive inside and a contrast to the powerful wiz-bang exterior paint job but then I am a traditionalist.

I would like to be aboard when innovative bow gets a test in rough seas.

Thank you for introducing the ship for Quirky Cruise.

Thanks, Ted. Hotel Director Bertrand Petyt, a seasoned cruise ship officer, was aboard Ocean Victory’s maiden Antarctica season (when it was chartered to another operator). He recounted 10.5-meter waves and told me: “It’s a ship made for extreme weather, and it was amazing. The X-BOW cut through the waves. It was stable.”

Thanks for the review. We are considering this cruise summer 2023. I am not seeing laundry services anywhere on this ship. How do you deal with laundry issues on a 12 day cruise?

Thanks. There is laundry service onboard, but no self-service laundry.

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• American Queen Voyages

All Ocean Victory Alaska 2022 Cruises

By Missouri travel girl , January 27, 2022 in American Queen Voyages

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Missouri travel girl

Is anyone going to Alaska this summer?

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We are on Ocean Victory (American Queen Voyages), Vancouver to Sitka in August. I believe this is the first summer of cruising for this ship.

We had excess FCC from a cancelled cruise on the American Queen from October 2020. We used the bulk of the FCC to cruise the American Queen from Memphis to New Orleans in October 2021.

Really looking forward to the very small ship experience.

Nice, we are on Jul 29!  Looks like a great trip.

Ill be looking forward to reviews from all of you!  

Our very first cruise ever was to Alaska on the beautiful Holland America Ryndam. Still my favorite cruise and favorite ship these many years later!

I’ve  always wanted to go back.

Im so excited to see the little ports we will be visiting compared to the big ships!

NMCruiser55

We are going on the Ocean Victory June 6 from Sitka to Vancouver. Looking forward to this cruise.

17 hours ago, NMCruiser55 said: We are going on the Ocean Victory June 6 from Sitka to Vancouver. Looking forward to this cruise.

Are you staying in Sitka beforehand? We have one night there after the cruise before flying home. I'm having trouble finding a hotel that is near the downtown and walkable.

2 hours ago, adstz said:   Are you staying in Sitka beforehand? We have one night there after the cruise before flying home. I'm having trouble finding a hotel that is near the downtown and walkable.

Yes, Aspen Suites Hotel. The cruiseline booked the hotel. My husband says it looks to be downtown. He also says there are restaurants nearby. Warning: he's not particular on restaurants. lol

On 2/2/2022 at 8:33 AM, adstz said: We are on Ocean Victory (American Queen Voyages), Vancouver to Sitka in August. I believe this is the first summer of cruising for this ship. We had excess FCC from a cancelled cruise on the American Queen from October 2020. We used the bulk of the FCC to cruise the American Queen from Memphis to New Orleans in October 2021. Really looking forward to the very small ship experience.

We just booked this cruise for August 20.  We are looking forward to experiencing the new ship.  

22 hours ago, NMCruiser55 said: Yes, Aspen Suites Hotel. The cruiseline booked the hotel. My husband says it looks to be downtown. He also says there are restaurants nearby. Warning: he's not particular on restaurants. lol

Just went to their website. $299 for one night. Pretty pricey. Is it cheaper through the cruise line?

NavyVeteran

1 hour ago, adstz said:   Just went to their website. $299 for one night. Pretty pricey. Is it cheaper through the cruise line?

We will be cruising from Sitka to Vancouver on June 28th. We will be staying at the Aspen Suites Hotel in Sitka for two nights - one booked directly and one pre-cruise included in the cruise. We are paying less than that per night, but I booked the hotel in August 2021. I asked American Queen if they could book an additional pre-cruise night, and at that time they did not have any availability other than the one included night.

I told the hotel I was staying the next night with the cruise, and they marked by booking to make sure I would be in the same room. I also gave American Queen my hotel booking number, and they put a note to include that information when they send the booking information to the hotel. I will, of course, call the hotel a few weeks before arrival to make sure they have the two reservations linked.

I didn't look at any other hotels, since I didn't want to stay at two different hotels on consecutive nights even if I could have saved a few dollars.

4 hours ago, adstz said:   Just went to their website. $299 for one night. Pretty pricey. Is it cheaper through the cruise line?

The hotel is included in the cruise. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

• 1 month later...

I just got a mailing from American Victory about Alaska cruises on the Ocean Victory.  It appears as if these cruises are new ones for American Queen.  Has anyone done one of thee American Queen cruises and what was your experience.  More specifically has anyone done any cruise on the Ocean Victory.  I have not been able to find much about American Queen Voyages or the Ocean Victory cruise ship. 

Ocean Victory is a new ship, and this is a new itinerary. The first cruises will be May 2022, so no one has cruised on the Ocean Victory yet.

In addition to the mailing, information is available on the American Queen Voyages website .

I've been on several Alaska cruises on large ships, and I'm looking forward to sailing on a small ship in June 2022.

On 2/5/2022 at 7:30 AM, rljan said: We just booked this cruise for August 20.  We are looking forward to experiencing the new ship.  

Have you cruised on any of the American Queen ships before.  We are very interested in this cruise because it goes to a bunch of ports that none of the bigger bigger ships cruise to.  However I am a bit leery of booking a cruise on a line that I have never heard of and on a ship that is brand new and also one that I can find almost no reviews of.  We have been on many trips to AK including one on the Alaskan Dream ( https://www.alaskandreamcruises.com/fleet/alaskan-dream/ ) which holds only 50 passengers which was one of the best cruises that we have ever been on.  We have been to several of the smaller ports that this cruise visits and they are really interesting non-touristy places to visit. 

I note that you live in Las Vegas which is where you live.  Perhaps we can chat off line about this cruise.

5 hours ago, donaldsc said: Have you cruised on any of the American Queen ships before.

Yes we have cruised with them before.  We have done the Great Lakes and the Columbia River with them. The ship they are using for Alaska is new, so you won't find reviews yet.  River cruises and small ship cruising is a different animal that large ocean cruise ships.  We have enjoyed our cruises with American Queen and have 3 more booked. 

We are booked for August 2022. We took the FCC issued from a canceled Mississippi cruise and applied it to an Alaska cruise. They are very expensive because it is a very small ship (175 passengers I believe). Applying the excess FCC made the price much more palatable.

Really looking forward to the small ship experience. We have been to Alaska quite a few times but the smaller ship will allow for adventures to new places.

Looking forward to reviews of the ship and experience after she sails in May.

23 hours ago, donaldsc said: I just got a mailing from American Victory about Alaska cruises on the Ocean Victory.  It appears as if these cruises are new ones for American Queen.  Has anyone done one of thee American Queen cruises and what was your experience.  More specifically has anyone done any cruise on the Ocean Victory.  I have not been able to find much about American Queen Voyages or the Ocean Victory cruise ship.    DON 

FYI - if you are thinking of doing the June 27 AK cruise - you can't.  We just got the last cabin.

We have really enjoyed this company. Cruised on the American Queen about 4-5 years ago and loved it!!  We will be on the Countess in June and the Duchess in September. I really look forward to being back on the Queen one of these days!

califsealion

I'm going to expect reviews from all of you when you get back.  I'd love to hear what the new ship is like.

19 hours ago, donaldsc said:   Have you cruised on any of the American Queen ships before.  We are very interested in this cruise because it goes to a bunch of ports that none of the bigger bigger ships cruise to.  However I am a bit leery of booking a cruise on a line that I have never heard of and on a ship that is brand new and also one that I can find almost no reviews of.  We have been on many trips to AK including one on the Alaskan Dream ( https://www.alaskandreamcruises.com/fleet/alaskan-dream/ ) which holds only 50 passengers which was one of the best cruises that we have ever been on.  We have been to several of the smaller ports that this cruise visits and they are really interesting non-touristy places to visit.    I note that you live in Las Vegas which is where you live.  Perhaps we can chat off line about this cruise.   DON 

I just booked on the June 27th AK cruise.  I got the last cabin on the ship.  

2 hours ago, donaldsc said:   I just booked on the June 27th AK cruise.  I got the last cabin on the ship.     DON

I will be on the same cruise with you. I just started a Roll Call for that cruise - please join me there. This will be my third booking on the Ocean Victory from Sitka to Vancouver - I hope this one turns out better than the other two.

• 2 yr Host Jazzbeau changed the title to All Ocean Victory Alaska 2022 Cruises

On 3/31/2022 at 11:19 PM, NavyVeteran said: I will be on the same cruise with you. I just started a Roll Call for that cruise - please join me there. This will be my third booking on the Ocean Victory from Sitka to Vancouver - I hope this one turns out better than the other two.

Do you have any idea which dock we arrive at in Vancouver?  I am going to be taking a bus from Vancouver Canada Place to SeaTac.  I know where the bus picks me up.  I am not sure exactly where we dock.

20 hours ago, donaldsc said:   Do you have any idea which dock we arrive at in Vancouver?  I am going to be taking a bus from Vancouver Canada Place to SeaTac.  I know where the bus picks me up.  I am not sure exactly where we dock.   DON

The first cruise from Sitka to Vancouver arrives in Vancouver on 05/28/2022. You may have to wait until that cruise arrives before you can get a definite answer to your question.

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Vancouver to Sitka

• Get inspired by the possibilities.
• Build your ideal trip.
• Explore the picturesque waters of the Canadian Passage
• Visit an intricate network of waterfalls and glaciers
• Discover the history and culture of Ketchikan
• Enjoy the scenic geological wonder of Misty Fjords
• Wildlife Viewing
• Village Visits
• Small Ship Cruises
• North America
• Pacific Northwest
• United States
• British Columbia
• Endicott Arm
• Frederick Sound
• Inside Passage
• Misty Fjords National Wilderness
• Vancouver, BC
• Baranof Island
• Canadian Inside passage
• Fiordland (Kynoch Inlet)
• Johnstone Strait

Full Itinerary

Day 1: hotel stay in vancouver, bc, day 2: vancouver, bc | embark.

• 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

Day 3: Canadian Inside Passage

• 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 4: Fiordland (Kynoch Inlet)

Day 5: ketchikan & metlakatla, ak, day 6: misty fjords, ak, day 7: wrangell, ak, day 8: waterfall coast (gut bay), alaska, day 9: petersburg, ak, day 10: tracy arm | endicott arm fjord, ak, day 11: kake & frederick sound, ak, day 12: sitka, ak | disembark.

• 1 Breakfast

Ocean Victory

Dates & prices, my preferred start date.

Initial deposit is $250 per person, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.

Final payment is due 71 days prior to departure by Check, VISA, MasterCard, or Discover

See our general terms and conditions:

• Adventure Life Terms & Conditions

We are an agent for one or more providers on this trip with specific cancellation policies and terms:

• American Queen Steamboat Company - Terms and Conditions 2022 - American Queen Voyages

For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.

• 11 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
• 11 Nights Accommodations
• Accommodations as listed
• Ground transportation as listed
• Activities as listed
• Meals as listed
• Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
• Unlimited Wifi
• Gratuities to Onboard Crew
• Port Taxes & Fees
• Open Bars & Lounges throughout the vessel including a juice bar every morning
• In-Room Dining
• Bicycles & Hiking Sticks equipment if needed
• Live, Daily Onboard Entertainment & Enrichment
• Locally Sourced & regionally Inspired Cuisine from land and sea
• Gourmet Selections of freshly prepared choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Unlimited Beverages including an extensive wine list, choice spirits, local craft beers and specialty coffees
• Unlimited Guided Tours designed with your comfort in mind aboard private, deluxe motorcoaches
• 1-night Pre-cruise Hotel Stay with free ground transfers between hotel and vessel
• Unlimited Expedition Adventures by Zodiac or Kayak
• Travel Insurance
• Personal Expenses
• Flight costs (please request a quote)
• Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
• Optional Premium Shore Excursions - highly recommend booking these in advance. If interested, ask us for a detailed list of premium excursions for your cruise as these vary depending on your departure date.
• Transfers to and from the airport

We Love to Talk Travel

North america travel guide.

• All North America Trips
• All North America Travel Stories
• North America Cruise: When to Go?
• Great Lakes Cruise Sights
• Great Lakes
• New England
• Mississippi River
• Columbia River
• Saint Lawrence River

Favorite North America All Trips

• Narwhal & Polar Bear Safari
• Camp Denali Lodge
• A Remarkable Journey to Alaska, British Columbia & Haida Gwaii

Why Travel With Adventure Life

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• CruiseMapper

Ocean Victory cabins and suites

Ocean victory staterooms review, floor plans, photos.

Ocean Victory cabins and suites review at CruiseMapper provides detailed information on cruise accommodations , including floor plans, photos, room types and categories, cabin sizes, furniture details and included by Albatros Expeditions (American Queen Voyages) en-suite amenities and services.

The Ocean Victory cruise ship cabins page is conveniently interlinked with its deck plans showing deck layouts combined with a legend and review of all onboard venues.

2-Room Captain Suite

Layout (floor plan).

Cabin amenities include:

• separate bedroom with double bed (King-size) convertible to twins
• separate living room (with sofabed)
• en-suite bathroom
• floor-ceiling windows opening to a step-out balcony
• two 42-inch smart HDTVs
• free pair of binoculars (per suite)
• free bottle of champagne (per suite)
• free minibar (replenished upon request)

Captain Suite bonus perks include (one per person) mug, drink bottle, 3-in-1 polar jacket, drybag backpack, 1-hour spa treatment (massage or facial).

2-Room Junior Suite

• separate bedroom with double bed (convertible to twins)
• free minibar (stocked once only / not replenished)

Junior Suite bonus perks include (one per person) mug, drink bottle, 3-in-1 polar jacket, drybag backpack, 1-hour spa treatment (massage or facial).

Balcony Suite

Balcony Cabin

Porthole Cabin

Select cabins have single sofabed (pull-out couch) for a 3rd passenger.

Ocean Victory cabins review

Follows the review of Ocean Victory ship cabins as amenities, furniture and included (complimentary) services:

• All staterooms are outside, with either step-out balcony, French Balcony or Porthole windows.
• Most staterooms (80% of all, excepting only Deck 3 cabins with Portholes) are with a private, step-out balcony accessible from the living area via sliding, floor-ceiling glass door. Each balcony is furnished with a small table and two deck chairs. 60% of all cabins can be booked with triple occupancy (accommodate a 3rd person on a pull-out couch/sofabed).
• Hotel beds (King-size or two twin, size 200 x 160 cm, ample under-bed storage space for suitcases), sleeping couch (sofabed), bedside cabinets, mirrored vanity (writing desk / dressing table) with chair, built-in dressers with drawers, mini-bar / refrigerator, 42-inch smart HDTV (local and satellite reception), phone (onboard communication only), digital clock / alarm, seating area (small table with 1 or 2 armchairs), spacious wardrobe (closet with hangers, drawers, electronic safe), individual climate control, medical emergency button.
• Each stateroom has a private, full-size bathroom with shower / WC, hairdryer, premium bath amenities.

Suites are in 3 categories - CS-Captain's, JS-Junior and BS-Balcony. These are the largest staterooms, with double-size balconies and offering extra amenities, such as in-room dining service (continental breakfast served on the balcony).

The ship Ocean Victory has a total of 20 pairs of connecting cabins (balconied) that can be booked as one stateroom for up to 6 persons (perfect for families). There are no wheelchair-accessible cabins (for passengers with disabilities).

Ocean Victory cabin and suite plans are property of Albatros Expeditions (American Queen Voyages) . All floor plans are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.

Discover our newest ship – Ocean Victory

by 2020admin | Oct 30, 2020 | Canada , Cruises , Destinations , Guest Lecturers , Land Tours , Small Ship Cruising | 0 comments

The magnificent M/V Infinity Class Ocean Victory joined our fleet in 2021 and has taken guests to some of the most remote locations in Alaska since her debut.

Ocean Victory is the first ship of her kind to sail to Alaska and combines the ultimate protection of the environment with the perfect comfort of our guests, as she uses the cleanest available fuel. This small-ship has a maximum capacity of 200-passengers, accompanied by 100 crew members – a 1:2 ratio that ensures superb service, immersive shore excursions, onboard enrichment and a lecture program provided by world-class experts in history, culture, marine life, natural environment, marine biology, and many other fields.

Equipped with 20 Zodiacs and dozens of kayaks, Ocean Victory is able to offer an in-depth exploration of Alaska’s natural, historic and cultural treasures as she sails from Vancouver, BC, to Sitka (13 days) and Sitka to Vancouver (14 days), visiting smaller ports not accessible to larger cruise ships.

These bucket-list ‘Discover Beyond’ journeys invite you to explore the stunning Waterfall Coast, the Canadian Inside Passage, the Fjordland Conservancy, Misty Fjords National Monument and many other amazing destinations. Under the direction of expert naturalists, take guided Zodiac expeditions and contribute to professional marine experiments. Listen to the language of gray whales, appreciate local art, be welcomed into a traditional Tlingit tribal house and so much more.

Ocean Victory has 93 suites, of which 68 have balconies, nine of them French, 16 with panoramic views. Wraparound windows at the front of the ship offer the perfect place for relaxing, glass end walls on the pool deck provide an unprecedented backdrop for a wilderness swim in the heated pool. Take breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Panorama Specialty Restaurant, or the open-deck dining area, then relax in the piano bar, library, gym, spa and Jacuzzi, or observation lounge.

Signature elements include a patented X-bow design for a smoother, more comfortable ride with ultra-low levels of noise and vibration; Rolls Royce Zero Speed Stabilizers to reduce rolling; and a computer-controlled, Dynamic Positioning System, which automatically maintains the vessel’s position, utilizing its own propellers and thrusters, for top-rated ship manoeuvrability.

If you would like to discuss further, or to book, please call 01223 568904.

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Ocean Victory

Aboard the 189-passenger Ocean Victory , is built for a single purpose — to take you into the world’s most sensitive environments with conscientious attention to protecting them. The unique combination of environmental responsibility, exceptional expertise, and indulgent comfort is a first in Alaska — a new way to explore.

Experience an innovative design that brings a new level of responsible travel. Built for exploration in earth’s most fragile places, Ocean Victory uses the cleanest available fuel, offers unique access to wilderness waters, and provides an unparalleled platform for discovery.

Observation Lounge

Wraparound windows at the very front of the ship make the perfect place for relaxing. This will easily become your favorite place on the ship as you laze in 360-degree swivel chairs to capture the view from every angle. Always with your favorite snacks and beverages at hand.

Glass end walls make for unprecedented views while you enjoy a wilderness swim on deck. This refreshing pool is one of a kind. Swim from end to end as though into infinity as the wonderment of the wilderness surrounds you. Then relax in one of the two roomy hot tubs.

Indulge in a specialty massage, a rejuvenating facial, a pampering mani-pedi. Come in from your day of exploring and treat yourself to a makeover – new haircut, new make-up? Or take care of those muscles you may have used a bit more than usual. An expert staff is here to take care of you.

Expedition Lecture Room

Great sitelines, wonderful acoustics, and beautiful outdoor views make a perfect combination. The very heart of your journey will beat here, as experts in history, culture, marine life, natural environment, marine biology, and many other fields share with you their insights.

Panorama Specialty Restaurant

On this comfortable deck, tuck into some vacation reading, look ahead on where you’re headed or reminisce on where you’ve been. Sink into a comfy sofa or chair, and appreciate the breeze as we sail along, or gather near the bow to watch the spectacle of passing through a lock.

Ocean Victory Details

Accommodations.

Ocean Victory features 93 suites, of which 68 have balconies, nine French balconies and 16 panoramic windows. Your stateroom is your spacious, luxurious retreat in the middle of the world’s most beautiful wilderness. From fine linens to pampering amenities, this is your home at sea.

Specifications

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