Chichagof Dream
- capacity
- 80
- year built
- 1984
- remodeled
- 2018
- length
- 207 feet
- cruising speed
- 8 knots
The Chichagof Dream, formerly Spirit of Glacier Bay, Spirit of Nantucket and Nantucket Clipper, features a shallow draft for navigating Alaska’s intimate coves and passages, a spacious bow and aft decks for viewing fjords and glaciers and a relaxed cruising speed for optimum viewing of wilderness and wildlife. She was built in 1984 for Clipper Cruise Lines by Jeffboat Corporation in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Nantucket Clipper was purchased by Cruise West in 2006 and renamed Spirit of Nantucket until she was relocated to Pacific operations in 2008 and recoined Spirit of Glacier Bay. Alaskan Dream bought and remodeled her in 2015. This Alaska small ship accommodates up to 80 guests in 40 staterooms and features a lounge, Sun Deck and viewing platform.
Chichagof Dream Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Chichagof Dream review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Our Alaska experts have been aboard the Chichagof Dream firsthand. Please read our Chichagof Dream review below then contact our experts to compare the Chichagof Dream with other ships offering Alaska small ship cruises.
Owned, operated and guided by a family of life-long Alaskans, the Chichagof Dream offers a knowledgeable, highly professional, well-trained crew; gifted naturalists and cultural heritage guides. Her sleek hull design is optimized for supreme comfort in Alaskan waters, regardless of weather. Recently renovated with new carpet and furnishings, Chichagof Dream makes exploring the vast Alaskan scenery unforgettable. She also offers panoramic views from inside and out on the various viewing decks, as well as a healing Himalayan salt room. Choose the Chichagof Dream if you are seeking a small ship with spacious cabins that are configurable for families.
Common Areas Aboard Chichagof Dream
The Chichagof Dream offers views from three upper decks. The Bridge and Sun Deck offer guests partially-covered areas from which to spot humpback whales and floating icebergs. The large Upper Deck provides ample seating for relaxation while also being able to accommodate children’s activities. The Lounge Deck features panoramic views from the external bow viewing area, as well as the internal lounge that features a library, bar and forward-facing windows extending from the deck to the ceiling. The Chichagof Dream library offers books on Alaskan history, geology and wildlife. The Main Deck entices passengers with its Himalayan salt cave, a unique and innovative spa therapy treatment known for its natural healing properties. Smoking is only permitted outside in designated areas.
Dining Aboard Chichagof Dream
Located on the Main Deck, the dining room has a casual atmosphere with open seating. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all elegantly plated and offer meat, fish and vegetarian options. The seafood is fresh and locally sourced. Onboard pastry chefs create decadent desserts including vegan options, cookies for daily cookie time and freshly-baked breads throughout the cruise. Early risers are treated to pastries, fruit and hot beverages in the lounge. Evenings feature a social hour with hors d’oeuvres prior to dinner. Non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary, as well as a glass of house wine or beer with dinner. At the bar, options include Alaskan beers, Pacific Northwest wines and locally distilled spirits. Special diets may be accommodated with advanced notice.
Activities Aboard Chichagof Dream
Complimentary gear including jackets, pants and boots is available for complimentary use. Rigid-bottom Demaree Inflatable Boats (DIBs) enable shallow water and glacial fjord exploration, including beach landings. A custom-built kayak launch platform makes getting into kayaks easy for guests of all skill levels and experience. Enriching educational and cultural presentations such as stories told by a Native Tlingit interpreter, knowledgeable expedition leaders, onboard naturalists who focus on biology, geography and ecology of the Inside Passage and cultural heritage guides who are well versed in the lifestyle, history and practices of Southeast Alaska’s varying cultures are also offered on board. Additionally, library access and a nightly turndown letter with information on the next day’s itinerary, geography, wildlife and history create a well-rounded, informative experience. The open bridge policy encourages passenger interaction with the captain and officers, with the ability to review the charted course, hear ship-to-ship communications and listen to stories from experienced Alaskan mariners.
Cabins & Deck Plan Aboard Chichagof Dream
Each of the 40 spacious Chichagof Dream staterooms feature comfortable bedding; one to two picture windows or twin portholes; a private bathroom; numerous electrical outlets; turndown service; soft, thoughtful lighting; and light interiors with brushed silver fixtures, wooden accents and artwork inspired by the ship’s scenic surroundings. Select staterooms can accommodate third and fourth guests.
Fresh, soft, hypo-allergenic linens and towels; hair dryers; fans; and Alaska-crafted soaps and shampoos are offered in every stateroom. Each stateroom also provides guests with a pair of high-powered, lightweight binoculars for use while on the cruise.
