Cruise Small in Big Alaska

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.

fall scents for your home

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.

Dining

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.

 

Activities

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”

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

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Cruise Small in Big Alaska
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