The M/V Malaspina carries 500 passengers, and provides 46 four-berth and 27 two-berth cabins,
one of which is wheelchair accessible. The vessel was built in Seattle in 1963 at the
Lockheed Shipbuilding yards, then lengthened and renovated in 1972 at the Willamette Iron
and Steel Company shipyard in Portland. The Malaspina is now 408 feet long, with capacity
for 88 vehicles (20' lengths), and a service speed of 16.5 knots. Passenger services
include a cafeteria, gift shop, cocktail lounge, solarium, and forward observation lounge.