Kruzof Explorer

The 1968-built MV Kruzof Explorer cruise ship is a former fishing vessel (originally named "Maria Cleofas") that operated in the Bering Sea (North Pacific Ocean) for King Crab fishing. In 2005, she was drydock reconstructed (refitted and refurbished) into a luxury expedition yacht and renamed "MY Royal Pelagic".

The vessel (IMO number 7049378) is currently USA-flagged (MMSI 338043017) and registered in Seattle, WA.

The expedition ship Kruzof Explorer is a long-range vessel with fuel capacity of 55,000 US gallons (208,200 liters) and freshwater capacity of ~3,000 US gallons (11,360 L) per day, allowing for an operational/cruising range of 12,000 mi (19,300 km). Her amenities include a spacious Sun Deck (mainly used for wildlife viewing), 6 comfortable passenger cabins, a top-deck bar lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows, a cinema, and a dining room. The ship is also equipped with a 5-ton hydraulic crane (midship-portside) for launching and retrieving watercraft.

Kruzof Explorer was built by Martinolich Shipbuilding Company (Tacoma, WA, USA) and features one of the toughest hulls designed for a passenger ship. She was acquired by Alaskan Dream Cruises in 2019 for her exceptional seaworthiness, performance, elegant furnishings, and modern upgrades. Martinolich Shipbuilding operated between 1904-1974, with its first yard in Dockton, WA (Maury Island) and later in Tacoma. The company built fishing vessels, tugboats, and passenger-cargo ships for commercial clients, and for the US Navy it produced self-propelled barges, coastal freighters, and minesweepers at its yards in San Francisco and San Diego.

Decks and Cabins

The ship has 3 decks and 6 passenger staterooms, each measuring about 11 m² (120 ft²). All cabins feature an en-suite bathroom (WC, shower), in-cabin washbasin, wardrobe, vanity table/writing desk with chair, three-drawer dresser, and a large non-opening horizontal window. Cabin categories include 2 VIP Suites (King bed convertible to Twins), 3 cabins (Queen bed convertible to Twins), and 1 Double cabin (non-convertible Queen bed).

The passenger cabins are named Shelikof, Krestof, and Sukoi (portside), and Kalinin, Nakwasina, and Salisbury (starboard).

Crew and staff accommodations house 9 people, with access to 3 shared bathrooms.

Shipboard Facilities

Kruzof Explorer’s expansive outer deck and 270-degree Sun Deck Bar Lounge are ideal for wildlife viewing and photography. Additional facilities include a professionally equipped Galley (ship’s kitchen) and a dining room (full-capacity restaurant with single seating).

The vessel carries one large-capacity Zodiac (high-speed boat for landings and coastal cruising), one sport-fishing boat, and two Zodiac liferafts (emergency safety equipment). Guests also enjoy complimentary paddleboards and sea kayaks for daily near-shore and river excursions. Available at extra cost are two Yamaha WaveRunners (jet skis), an 18-ft Nautica RHIB, a 24-ft Willard RHIB (rigid inflatable boats), and a 21-ft Anderson Greenough Surf Skiff. The 5-ton midship-portside crane handles loading and unloading of expedition craft.

Other onboard facilities include a Theater Room (with plush seating), Engineering Shop, Cool Room, Freezer, a large swim platform (aft, with outdoor stairways), and solar panels with 10,080 kW power capacity.

Itineraries

In 2020, Alaskan Dream Cruises introduced new itineraries with Kruzof Explorer, visiting some of Southeast Alaska’s most remote communities, including Klawock (Prince of Wales Island), Yakutat (Gulf of Alaska), Pelican (Chichagof Island), Lituya Bay (fjord), Dall Island, and Baranof Warm Springs (Baranof Island).

• (8 departures, May–September 2020) – 7-night itinerary "Ultimate Glacier Bay, Wilderness and Wildlife" (from Sitka to Juneau) exploring West Chichagof Island and Pelican. Highlights include 3 days in Glacier Bay Park, sea kayaking (Dundas Bay), glacier trekking, Margerie Glacier, and wildlife watching (puffins, whales, bears, wolves, moose, sea lions). Prices from USD 10,000 pp.
• (6 departures, May–August 2020) – 9-night itinerary "Remote Alaska Adventure" (from Sitka to Ketchikan, or reverse). This voyage explores the southern shores of the Inside Passage around Prince of Wales Island, with visits to Klawock and Dall Island, plus one day in Glacier Bay Park, cruising through Tracy Arm Fjord, Admiralty Island coastal cruising, and Baranof Warm Springs. Prices from USD 12,500 pp.
• (2 departures, July 2020) – 12-night itinerary "Alaska’s Grand Coastal Discovery" (Inside Passage roundtrip from Ketchikan). Scenic highlights include Glacier Bay (2 days) and the Gulf of Alaska to Yakutat. Visits also include Kasaan, Metlakatla (Annette Island), Pelican, and Alaskan Dream Cruises’ private property on Fin Island. Prices from USD 15,000 pp.