For clarity, when we define small, we mean under 600 guests and preferably 200 and under. When we define Big or Large - we're talking about Ocean Cruisers with 2000+ guests.
If you want mountains, glaciers and wildlife, an Alaska cruise is for you! With so many cruise lines headed north, how do you decide which ship is right for you? Here, we help you distill the differences between small ship and large ocean cruise ship experiences. Decide for yourself, then set sail!
Ports & Itineraries in Alaska
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| Smaller ships typically depart from one of Alaska’s major ports (i.e., Sitka, Ketchikan, Juneau or Skagway) and don’t visit another one. Instead, you’ll stop in smaller towns only when absolutely necessary - to allow for a taste of the local cuisine and culture - but spend as much time as possible getting outside and active in the wilderness. |
You’ll likely sail the Inside Passage (perhaps from Vancouver or Seattle) and stop in at least a couple of Alaska’s major ports (above), where the tourism scene is bustling. Choose from countless shore excursions to explore the coast and inland Alaska, shop for every imaginable souvenir and dine at numerous restaurants and bars. |
Glacier Bay National Park
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| A small ship in Glacier Bay is able to get much closer to the face of the glacier, providing an even more surreal sense of awe than from aboard a mega-ship. Plus, you’re sailing with fewer than 100 people, so you can have an immersive conversation with the national park ranger or even a cultural interpreter on board, instead of simply feeling like an observer. Some small ships even spend the night in Glacier Bay, giving you plenty of time for hiking and kayaking. | You’ll enjoy the glacial views from a comfortable seat or lined up along the railing of your larger ship (keeping in mind that you’ll be sharing that space with hundreds of other guests). With a drink in hand, you can listen to a lecture, check out onboard glacier exhibits and marvel at the spectacular Margerie Glacier. The mood is decidedly more celebratory and comfortable than an in-depth adventure experience. |
Cabins
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| Care more about an authentic Alaska wilderness experience, but don’t mind much what your personal cabin is like? Choose a small ship. There’s less variety in accommodations, of course, but the reward is a more intimate, convivial experience. Looking somewhere in between? Consider Lindblad’s new Alaska expedition ships. |
Aboard the newest ocean cruise ships (think: large), you’ll have a vast choice of accommodation size and style (even spacious suites for families and large groups). If you want to experience Alaska’s grandeur, but with all the mod coms (decadent dining, lots of entertainment choices, steward service), a big-ship sailing is for you. For the most choices for all budgets, look at Holland America, Princess and Royal Caribbean. For lavish luxury, choose Regent, Silversea or Seabourn. |
Shore Excursions
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| If you don’t need to have countless choices, but you instead are looking forward to immersive Alaska adventures, you’ll be happy with a small ship. The group size will be smaller than with a mega-ship - you may join just a couple other people as you paddleboard past icebergs, visit a Tlingit village or head out by Zodiac to see a pod of whales. Plus, the small-ship operators know Alaska like the back of their hand and can give great, personalized recommendations. |
If you crave choices, you’ll get it aboard the largest ships. Pick and choose from a mindblowing number of activities, from flightseeing to dog sledding to hiking.Be sure to plan for these excursions in your travel budget - the experiences can get pricey, but they’re worth it. |
Shipboard Amenities
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| Want to feel like you’re on vacation in one of the most beautiful destinations in the world - with your closest friends? Join a small-ship Alaska cruise and you’ll find yourself connecting with like-minded travelers as you enjoy a quiet dinner, chatting about the day’s wildlife sights, and relaxing evenings, in preparation for an early start on tomorrow’s adventures. |
Want all the bells and whistles of today’s mega-cruise ships? Choose the big boat for multitudes of dining and entertainment options, cocktail receptions, pools and hot tubs, kids’ clubs, seminars, wine tastings and more. |
Which Alaska cruise experience sounds right to you? Questions? I’m happy to help plan your Great Alaskan adventure.