Wilderness Legacy

The paddlewheel steamship Wilderness Legacy (fka SS Legacy) cruises on the Columbia and Snake rivers in Northwestern USA, departing roundtrip from homeport Portland Oregon. The riverboat was originally named "The Spirit of 98" and initially operated by Cruise West. Her itinerary program is closely synchronized with the region's history and all ports along the navigated waterways.

In 2013, SS Legacy was fully refurbished, and her passenger capacity was reduced.

In 2020, SS Legacy was acquired by UnCruise Adventures and renamed "Wilderness Legacy".

Like all UnCruise ships, Wilderness Legacy (IMO number 8963703) is USA-flagged (MMSI 367578110) and all-American-crewed.

UnCruise Adventures (formerly American Safari Cruises) is a USA-based, wholly owned cruise company and a subsidiary of InnerSea Discoveries Alaska. In 2013, American Safari Cruises was renamed "Un-Cruise Adventures". Currently, the company has two headquarters: the main office in Seattle WA and a second office in Juneau AK.

In 2013, UnCruise transformed this small vessel into an expedition ship, initially renamed "Safari Legacy", with the look of a turn-of-the-century coastal steamer. During the makeover, some original details were preserved, including the Klondike Dining Room layout and the Western decor of the Pesky Barnacle Saloon. Crewmembers regularly dress in historic clothing, such as Gold Rush-era costumes, and encourage passengers to do the same.

Decks and Cabins

Wilderness Legacy/SS Legacy has a total of 44 staterooms, all of which are outside/oceanview and in six cabin grades.

The boat has four decks, all passenger-accessible and with cabins.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

The Legacy cruise ship was reinvented as a traditional USA river steamship with wooden cabinetry and a Grand Salon with a dance floor and full bar. There are several unique social areas onboard and three public decks, all accessible by elevator.

The ship features an intimate Library and Wine Bar.

The Pesky Barnacle Saloon has a wraparound viewing balcony and attracts guests with tasty cocktails and period design accents.

The Klondike Dining Room is spacious, with large view windows and the cosmopolitan atmosphere of a turn-of-the-century hotel.

An intimate bar on the Lounge Deck is stocked with fine wines and premium spirits.

The large open bow welcomes passengers to view wildlife.

A covered area with chairs and tables, fitness equipment, and two large hot tubs are available on the Sun Deck.

The Spa area also features a sauna, massage treatments, and yoga classes.

Un-Cruise Adventures bought the 88-passenger SS Legacy (former "Spirit of 98") from the now-defunct Cruise West company and transformed her into an expedition cruise ship. Under her new name, the riverboat debuted in August 2013 after an extensive drydock refit. SS Legacy cruises primarily on the Snake and Columbia rivers in the USA's Pacific Northwest region. The boat sails from homeport Portland Oregon on roundtrip itineraries.

Together with some of her fleetmates, this ship was formerly owned and operated as "Spirit of ’98" by Cruise West (1973-2010, now defunct). Based in Seattle WA (USA), at its peak Cruise West had a fleet of nine small ships with capacities between 78 and 138 passengers. They operated cruise itineraries in Alaska, British Columbia, and the Pacific Ocean (Sea of Cortes, Panama, South Pacific islands, East Asia, and Russia). The line ceased operations in September 2010.

From the former Cruise West fleet are also the ships Spirit of Columbia (Baranof Dream), Spirit of Alaska (Admiralty Dream), Spirit of Glacier Bay (Chichagof Dream), Spirit of Endeavour (Safari Endeavour), Spirit of Discovery (Wilderness Explorer), and Spirit of Yorktown (Americana).

Note: CruiseMapper’s list of all river cruise ships and riverboats is available in the "itinerary" section of our River Cruises hub, where all companies and their fleets are listed.