Navigator
103-104 (Main Deck) & 319-320 (Upper Deck). Fixed double beds and view window. Upper Deck cabins open to an exterior deck; Main Deck cabins open to an interior hallway.
Wilderness Legacy
A replica turn-of-the-century coastal steamer, the Wilderness Legacy features a dance floor, full bar and old-world charm, with modern adventure gear including kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
Capacity
86
Remodeled
2053
Crew Members
34-35 crew members
Length
192 feet
Beam
40 feet
Cruising Speed
11 knots
Flag
United States
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The 86-guest Wilderness Legacy, formerly the S.S. Legacy, Safari Legacy and Spirit of 98, is a replica turn-of-the-century coastal steamer equipped for expedition cruising in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Cruise on a ship that resembles the one John Muir arrived on, with modern-day comforts. Recently outfitted with a portable activity launch platform, the Wilderness Legacy emulates old-world charm but is fully ready for adventure. Capable of approaching an impressive 15-knot speed, she can sail to the farthest reaches. Notable features include beautiful carved wooden cabinetry, a well-stocked bar and a luxurious Owner’s Suite.
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Wilderness Legacy review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Our experts have been aboard the Wilderness Legacy firsthand. Please read our Wilderness Legacy review below then contact our experts to compare the Wilderness Legacy with other small cruise ships and yachts offering Alaska small ship cruises, Pacific Northwest cruises and other U.S. cruises.
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Choose this ship for a traditional cruising atmosphere paired with easily accessed adventure. Fully renovated in 2013 and most recently refurbished in 2015, the Wilderness Legacy offers fresh interiors with an old-world feel, as the ship is fitted with Victorian-style decor. Guests aboard the Wilderness Legacy also enjoy added amenities like two hot tubs and yoga classes. It is worth noting that she is also one of the few small ships of her size with an elevator, offering access to three of the ship’s decks. Our experts love this ship as she maintains her historic feel while offering a new legacy of luxury and adventure.
Common Areas Aboard Wilderness Legacy
There are several unique and comfortable social areas on the Wilderness Legacy including four public decks, three of which are accessible via an elevator if needed. The unique Pesky Barnacle Saloon, with its wrap-around viewing balcony, anchors the rear of the Main Deck. This handsome space attracts guests for a game of cards or to catch up on the day’s events. Lined with large view windows, the dining room is a spacious, warmly lit space that evokes the cosmopolitan atmosphere of a fine turn-of-the-century American hotel.
Upstairs on the Lounge Deck is a bar stocked with premium spirits, fine wines and microbrews. The bar faces the lounge’s comfortable seating area, with large TV screen, upright playing piano, gift shop, snack bar and a small library. The large open bow invites guests to get fresh air, view wildlife or gaze at the stars. The Bridge Deck features a covered area for yoga and an open deck with tables and chairs for sunny days. The Wilderness Legacy is equipped with Starlink WiFi, although connection may be unavailable in more remote areas and is typically only available in the evenings. Cell phone reception may be available when the ship is in more populated areas; a satellite phone is available (added cost) for emergencies.
Dining Aboard Wilderness Legacy
Meals are always served over several courses, with particular attention to the personal preferences of diners. Executive chefs create exquisite fare, using locally sourced fresh ingredients to reflect the flavors of your destination. Each day includes an early-riser breakfast of fresh fruit, onboard-baked pastries and breads, and a full breakfast complete with specialty items. Lunches range from pasta salads and sandwiches to homemade soups and ethnic dishes. Dinners offer a choice of entrées, including fresh seafood and meats. Vegetarian dishes are available and special dietary needs can be met with advance notice. Hors d’oeuvres for the cocktail hour feature a variety of appetizers and desserts are varied and plentiful. Fine spirits, wines and microbrews are included.
Activities Aboard Wilderness Legacy
For the active traveler, the ship is outfitted with two hot tubs and fitness equipment. Yoga classes are offered in the mornings. The portable activity launch platform enables guests to easily enter and exit the ship in kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and inflatable skiffs. Hiking poles are available for optional land treks. On select departures, expert naturalists and guides aboard are complemented by guest hosts in the fields of ornithology, photography, marine biology, wine and wellness, among others.
The Wilderness Legacy also boasts a recent innovation in small watercraft deployment with their tow-behind launching platform, the Sea Dragon. With just three wide steps down from ship to platform and the ability to glide kayaks on and off, the Sea Dragon allows for easy and stable loading and unloading for passengers.
There are six stateroom categories aboard the Wilderness Legacy, all outside and above deck with view windows: Navigator, Trailblazer, Pathfinder, Admiral, Jr. Commodore Suite and Commodore Suite. In some categories, singles, triples and quadruples can be accommodated. All staterooms feature decorations that complement the classic and elegant atmosphere found throughout the ship. Common to all staterooms are private bath with showers, hair dryers, conditioning shampoo and body wash, bathrobes, an alarm clock, binoculars, an in-room safe deposit box and a flat-screen TV with DVD player.
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Trailblazer
105-111 (Main Deck); 206-210 (Lounge Deck); 303-308 & 311-318 (Upper Deck). Fixed queen (311 & 313-314), fixed double (105-106) or fixed twin beds (107-111, 206-210, 303-308, 312 & 315-318); view window. Lounge & Upper Deck cabins open to an exterior deck; Main Deck cabins open to an interior hallway.
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Pathfinder
211-214 (Lounge Deck). Queen or twin beds (211 & 213) or fixed queen bed (212 & 214) and view window. Cabins open to an exterior deck.
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Explorer/Admiral
101-102 (Main Deck); 201-202 (Lounge Deck); 309-310 (Upper Deck). Queen or twin beds (202 & 309-310), fixed twin beds (201), or fixed queen bed and a trundle bed for triple occupancy (101-102); view window. Cabins 309 and 310 have a private outdoor awning area. Lounge & Upper Deck cabins open to an exterior deck; Main Deck cabins open to an interior hallway.
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Jr. Commodore Suite
301-302 (Upper Deck). Fixed queen bed; refrigerator; wrap-around windows. Cabins open to an exterior deck.
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Commodore Suite
401 (Bridge Deck). Fixed king bed and a sofa bed for triple/quad accommodation in 330 sq ft master bedroom; 300 sq ft entertainment/sitting area with wet bar, refrigerator and media center; view windows; Jacuzzi tub. Cabin opens to an exterior deck.
Hear it From Travelers Who've Sailed Aboard the Wilderness Legacy
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Learn More About Sailing Aboard the Wilderness Legacy & Her Sister Ships
Eager to learn more about what it is like aboard the Wilderness Legacy? Read our team’s reviews of our time aboard this ship in Alaska and on the Columbia River, as well as an interview with the captain of Wilderness Legacy. Or browse the Wilderness Legacy’s sister ships. The “Wilderness” fleet will have similar amenities, guides, meals and other services.
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Expert Review: Alaska’s Glaciers & Whales
Learn why traveling early season in Alaska aboard the S.S. Legacy was a win for this AdventureSmith Specialist. Adventurous hikes and time at three glaciers made for a thrilling and unforgettable Alaska experience.
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Expert Review: Rivers of Adventure
Travel with an AdventureSmith Specialist aboard the 86-guest Wilderness Legacy as she navigates the Columbia and Snake Rivers—as well as the region’s diverse wineries—on this small ship river cruise.
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