In addition to vacations on cruise ship mega-liners, there are several more personalized ways to explore Alaska by water. Cruise West, the largest operator of small ships in Alaska, provides an exceptional vacation experience. Established in 1973 by Alaska travel industry pioneer Chuck West, this family-owned firm treats each and every guest like members of their extended family. Cruise West's personal approach to cruising has won the loyalty and accolades of many repeat customers. In fact, on my most recent Cruise West trip, well over half of the passengers had been on one or more Cruise West sailings - most often in Alaska.

Cruise West's 143- to 295-foot ships carry just 78-138 passengers, allowing guests to get to know each other quickly. These small ship cruises appeal to travelers because of their opportunities for up-close wildlife viewing, the casual atmosphere, the educational experience onboard, and the attentive personalized service from the line's friendly crew. The small size of Cruise West's ships allows the vessels to venture in closer than the larger cruise ships and enables passengers to visit interesting areas of Alaska's Inside Passage, Glacier Bay, and other locales. Past guests rave about their cruise experiences, such as getting up close to glaciers and whales, interacting with locals in tiny villages, viewing the spectacular scenery, and learning about the native Alaskan culture.

Cruise West's Alaska itineraries offer a wide variety of educational opportunities for the whole family to share. Some of the most popular itineraries are the Glacier Wonderland voyage and the Glacier Bay Highlights cruise focusing on Alaska’s Inside Passage and Glacier Bay National Park. These shorter getaways (5 days/4 nights or 4 days/3 nights) work particularly well for travelers who have separate plans to tour Alaska on their own by car or train. The longer Alaska's Inside Passage itinerary is also popular and provides guests with many opportunities to get off the ship as well as a wide variety of experiences.

Another company, American Safari Cruises, offers an even smaller ship experience in Alaska. American Safari takes its guests on intimate tours of Alaska aboard elegant yachts. These small yachts, the Safari Escape, the Safari Spirit and the Safari Quest, carry a maximum of 12 or 22 guests. The beauty of seeing Alaska in this fashion is that the yachts' small size allows for unparalleled access to Alaska's wonders. Passengers get so close to waterfalls that they can feel the spray, and the glaciers appear to be within reach. The itinerary is flexible so that the captain can change course for whale sightings, or linger in a tidal inlet if bears appear to forage on the beach. If guests decide they want to spend more time kayaking or hiking, so be it. Even though the course is set, no two cruises are exactly the same. After all, it's your trip.

On the Alaska yacht cruises, travelers will enjoy kayaking in wilderness coves and bays, exploring untouched spots - such as Misty Fjords National Monument or the Tracy Arm Wilderness Area, coming face to face with glaciers and icebergs, hiking on a remote trails in the rain forest, and hopping shore-to-shore by zodiac. In addition, there are plenty of opportunities for up-close viewing of humpback whales directly off the bow or dolphins right below, watching for bears and seals, riding mountain bikes, and more. With a high ratio of crew members to guests, passengers are accompanied on a variety of personal-choice excursions while the yacht is at anchor.

Lindblad Expeditions is another smaller ship operator providing cruises in Alaska. Lindblad Expeditions' cruises and travel packages are developed in collaboration with National Geographic. This association is important asset for adult passengers as well as for families. Lindblad's family travel experts work in conjunction with National Geographic's education department and National Geographic Kids magazine to train all staff members and special children's and teen's activities are also offered on Alaska cruises.

All Aboard Yacht Charters offers 8 day/7 night Alaska cruises aboard the small yacht, Discovery. The Discovery has 6 private staterooms and an intimate feel. These tours are dream trips for nature and photography lovers, as guests go to bear viewing stations at Pack Creek or Anan Creek, linger to watch humpback whales feeding, get up close to sea lions and orcas, fish for salmon and halibut, and explore Misty Fjords National Monument, Tracy Arm and other wilderness areas. Over 95 % of Southeast Alaska is comprised of the Tongass National Forest and a designated Wilderness Area limited to groups of no larger than 12 people - allowing the Discover to go where many others can't follow.


RESOURCES:

Cruise West: www.cruisewest.com

American Safari Cruises: www.amsafari.com

Lindblad Expeditions: www.expeditions.com

All Aboard Yacht Charters: www.alaskacharters.com