By Donna L. Hull –
Cruising in Alaska is the ultimate when it comes to connecting with nature. Mainline cruise companies have been plying the waters of the Inside Passage for many years for good reason. But sometimes, smaller is better in the big Alaska outdoors.
When American Safari Cruises invited me to try out their small ship cruising experience, I discovered an intimate Alaska experience that didn’t skimp on luxurious amenities. No, there wasn’t elaborate nightly entertainment or a fancy pool deck, but waking up to the sounds of nature in a secluded cove made up for it.
What can you expect on an American Safari Cruise to Alaska?
Accommodations
You won’t find cabin suites with balconies on a small ship. But on American Safari cruise ships, you’ll be treated to Temper-Pedic memory foam mattresses and flat panel TV’s. Although the cabins are small, efficient storage options provide plenty of room for your gear. I appreciated the heated floor in the shower-only bathroom and the eco-friendly toiletries.
Public areas offer lounges that feel as if you were at home in your living room. Outdoor space includes covered seating areas as well as a hot tub. With three yachts — Safari Quest (22 guests), Safari Spirit (12 guests) and Safari Explorer (40 guests) – – public spaces and cabin sizes vary.
Expect to be wined and dined on the all-inclusive American Safari ships. Meals are served in the dining room at one sitting. Whenever possible local wines are paired with culinary choices. And of course there’s no assigned seating.
At breakfast, there’s a choice between a continental buffet or a cooked special which is served at your table. Lunch includes hearty soups and sandwiches. When I sailed on the Quest, it was the baked goods that called my name, especially the coconut lime muffins.
Here’s where small cruise ships shine. With a flexible itinerary, if the whales are jumping in Prince Frederick Sound, then you’ll enjoy every last splash as the behemoths crash into the water at sunset. So what if dinner is delayed? The chef will wait for you.
Active excursions are where you’ll meet the real Alaska. Expert naturalists guide guests on hiking, kayaking and glacier explorations. Those looking for a more sedate experience will find it on skiff rides around secluded bays. However you choose to experience it, you’ll find out why small is better in Alaska.
If you’re looking for a more budget-minded small ship cruise in Alaska, the company’s sister operation, InnerSea Discoveries , offers a more moderately priced product with a capacity of approximately 50 to 60 guests.
Besides Alaska, American Safari offers itineraries on the Columbia and Snake Rivers, journeys up the Northwest Passage including Washington and British Columbia plus explorations of Mexico’s Sea of Cortex. Starting in 2011, an American Safari ship will be plying the waters of the Hawaiian Isles. Sign me up!
Freelance writer Donna L. Hull specializes in travel and human interest content for online and print publications. At My Itchy Travel Feet, The Baby Boomer’s Guide to Travel, she encourages boomers to get up off the couch and go.
9 thoughts on “Cruise Small in Big Alaska”
Oh, this sounds like heaven. I would miss having a balcony, but it seems like the other aspects might really make up for it.
I’ve heard such good things about these cruises. I hope to get on one!
I did miss having a balcony. However, most of the time we were outside busy with activities. One thing about a small cabin, it discouraged me from spending time there, which is a good thing. We had perfect weather, rare for September. I’m sure the experience would have been different if it had been more rainy. From what I was told, when it rains, you just keep on going. American Safari provides rain suits (pants and coats) as well as boots.
Sounds dreamy, especially since I’ve never been on a cruise. This smaller-ship version sounds like my kind of cruise.
Jane, it is dreamy :-).
I’ve always wanted to visit Alaska, this makes me want to go even more!
Exploring Alaska up close and personal like this is the best way to see it, in my opinion.
I liked reading about this but honestly can’t imagine myself ever taking a cruise. It’s just not the way I like to travel…
Jennifer, if you aren’t interested in cruising that’s not a problem. There are so many ways to explore our world. Choose the one that feels right for you.