By
Alex Smith |
American Queen Voyages’ new expedition ship Ocean Victory has departed from Vancouver, Canada, on her inaugural sailing for the cruise line.
Ocean Victory is the seventh vessel to join the American Queen Voyages fleet. The new 186-guest vessel will sail between Vancouver and Sitka, Alaska, on 12- and 13-day cruises from May until September.
“Alaska is a unique destination that to even begin to understand its vastness demands immersion with an expedition experience,” said Shawn Bierdz, chief operating officer at American Queen Voyages. “Ocean Victory will deliver guests an intimate sailing experience that really allows them to become captivated by the destination’s many natural wonders. We’re thrilled to have welcomed our first guests onboard as we embark on our journey to Alaska’s Inside Passage.”
The cruise line has partnered with Dr. Michelle Fournet, director of the Sound Science Research Collective, for the inaugural Alaska expedition season of Ocean Victory. The acoustic ecologist specialises in the communication of North Pacific humpback whales and was profiled along with her Sound Science Research Collective team in the documentary Fathom.
Hydrophones will be used onboard zodiacs to listen to Alaska’s whales in real time. Guests will also learn about and participate in whale tracking through fluke identification by uploading their own photos from the vessel to a scientific database that is following their seasonal movements.
During the cruise, guests will be able to embark on kayaks and Zodiacs with expedition leaders, view wildlife from sliding observation platforms, view ongoing research by California Polytechnic State University and attend discussions with native Alaska leaders. While in port, guests will be able to participate in shore excursions with experts and expedition guides to explore the history, wildlife and cultures of each destination, including Kake Tlingit Village, Petersburg and Five Finger Lighthouse, among others.
“As we celebrate the debut of Ocean Victory, I am inspired by our growth from a one paddlewheel cruise line, the American Queen, to a fleet of vessels this very day sailing Mississippi, Kentucky, Washington, Prince Edward Island and Quebec,” said John Waggoner, founder and chairman of American Queen Voyages. “Today we call on over 125 ports with seven vessels, employing over 670 teammates – far exceeding even the dreams of this boy with just one boat.”