Pros and cons of small-ship cruising in Alaska
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Small ship cruises are more expensive than big-ship cruises, but in return, you get a more personal level of service, and the chance to travel with a typically curious, adventurous group of travelers. The poshest (and largest) small ship in Alaska is Silversea’s 392-passenger Silver Whisper, an all-suite vessel with doting service from a crew of 302. Each guest unit has a walk-in closet, stocked mini bar, and marble bathroom with a tub; most suites have balconies as well. It wasn't just our ship's expedition team who introduced us to the natural wonders of this region, but the Alaskan locals we met when the ship came into port.
Classic Discovery Voyage
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Between outings, we had gourmet meals, fine wine, even fancy hot chocolate handed to us as we got off our kayaks and Zodiacs. After spending time off the ship, I could shed my wet clothes and don a fluffy bathrobe to relax in a cabin that was spacious by even large-ship standards. Alaska is also home to the brown bear, the largest carnivorous land mammal in the world, as well as the blue whale, the world’s largest mammal. You can also forget about waterslides, expansive spas, kids clubs and the like.
Brown Bears & Calving Glaciers
However, if you prefer variety, the ship has no room for specialty venues or bonus shops like ice cream or hamburger stands. On the flip side, you avoid the up-charges and scrambles to secure reservations that go along with additional onboard restaurant options. Captain Dean not only piloted expertly, he was a fountain of information. Tori and Ashley were wonderful on all outings, sharing knowledge while still always making sure everyone of us were comfortable physically. Hmm, not enough words for her mastery in the kitchen.
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Moose, wolves, and black bears can be spotted roaming freely along the shore. The weather was less than desirable, but I don’t think we missed a thing. The adventures, included kayaking, photographing amazing wildlife, walking among the glaciers, and learning do much about Prince William Sound. We all got along great, chatted the entire time, and played a memorable game.
This company has a deep passion for the place, food, nature, and the Alaska experience. Below our experts review the top small ship Alaska cruise lines, what makes them special, how they differ from each other, and why travelers might consider cruising with them. As with many small cruise ships in Alaska, Ocean Victory's onboard experience was relaxed and casual. As one travel advisor noted, it was "not for people who want to get dressed up and bring out the jewels." For travelers comfortable going even smaller, UnCruise has ships carrying between 22 and 86 passengers. Alaskan Dream's fleet carries from 10 to 76 passengers, while Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic Alaska cruises carry up to 100 people.
But most of the small lines who sail Alaska are bare-bones, focused on adventure rather than amenities. Ocean Victory, for example, has only two dining venues — the main dining room and a more casual bistro-style area with indoor and outdoor seating on the top deck. The menus vary daily, serving a wide range of options at every meal, and I certainly never lacked for food I enjoyed. Discovery Voyages is a family operation headed by captain and naturalist Dean Rand and Megan Ciana.
The handling of bear confrontation on shore showed exceptional knowledge, training and leadership. Our guide to whale watching Alaska from small overnight ships will help you plan and prepare, with tips on whale types, visitor sites and packing tips. Maximize your chances of close encounters with whales in Alaska. Visit Alaska National Parks with wilderness, nature & solitude. These small ships and remote lodges let you skip the crowds. Learn about the various options to explore Glacier Bay, Kenai Fjords & Denali in this itinerary round-up.
Explore Alaska’s hot springs and glaciers aboard a unique ship that puts you behind the helm and lets you man the sails. This Southeast Alaska-based tour operator will leave you with a new definition of what it means to have a once-in-a-lifetime Alaskan adventure. You’ll explore away from the crowds, getting an up-close view of wildlife, scenery, hot springs, and glaciers. The owners and captains of this small Alaskan cruise line had a lifelong dream of sharing their passion of sea journeys with others which led to the creation of North Pacific Expeditions.
The atmosphere on a small ship is casual for all meals. Other cruise lines have two formal nights, two coat and tie nights, and three casual dress nights. That's why each of their ships only hold around 100 guests, and why almost all of their cabins face outside with large windows or portholes.
There were a few other memorable wildlife sightings throughout the week, including whales and a moose that decided to take a swim as a Zodiac passed. The expedition team members were expert spotters, and I'm sure I saw more wildlife on this trip thanks to their sharp eyes. For over 25 years UnCruise Adventures has sailed in its birthplace of Alaska. This well-known small ship Alaska cruise line offers a spectrum of price points across a large fleet of boutique yachts and expedition vessels and are known for their generous alcohol and bar inclusions. It’s safe to say you wouldn’t want to get THIS close to Alaska’s grizzlies with anyone else. Natural Habitat’s expedition leaders are bear experts who know these animals intimately.
To truly find honest answers and your own best small ship Alaska cruise, it often involves talking with a trusted resource. Work one-on-one with an Alaska cruise specialist to research, purchase & prepare for your trip. By Heidi Sarna I had a chat with travel advisor Kevin Flink about travel insurance. I met Kevin on a recent UnCruise in Alaska, where we had the opportunity to discuss the pros and cons of travel insurance. Biking River Cruise With Backroads & AmaWaterways By John Roberts You can have it all as a cycling enthusiast who wants to explore Europe on a highly curated, hassle-free vacation.
While all Alaska cruises offer stunning views day in and out, there's nothing quite like skimming the coastline from your own kayak, watching for wildlife in the water and on land. We watched sea otters carrying their babies, floated among chunks of glacial ice, and viewed starfish nestled on the sea floor below and mountain goats on the cliffs above. A few lucky passengers even watched a moose take a swim.
But each spring you’ll find them repositioning from Seattle to Alaska, and each fall they return from Alaska to Seattle. While most small Alaska cruise itineraries are one week, there are some shorter options. Look for shorter cruise packages from Anchorage that are perfect to combine with a trip extension to Denali. And there are an increasing amount of 5- and 6-day options to choose from in Southeast Alaska.
The Discovery itself was a comfortable, if compact, ship. Fully equipped not only with kayaks, “Zodiacs “ & rain gear but also with cozy quarters and Megs great meals! With just 10 other guests, we developed warm and lasting friendships. Dean, Megan, and the rest of the crew are very knowledgeable about the region and constantly monitor conditions to provide the best possible experience at any given time. We saw an array of wildlife and awe inspiring scenery. Many large cruise lines will make you pick an activity for your trip and charge you if you want to experience more.
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