Small-Ship Cruising aboard Cruise West - Adventure Awaits
Small-ship cruising is becoming more and more popular, therefore giving the big cruise lines a run for their money. Don't get me wrong, there are enough cruise passengers to go around for both, but the differences are so vast. On a small ship you will not find the big productions shows, casinos, bingo and long lines to get on and off the ship. On the small ship (depending on the vessel) you may not even find a television to watch, but the days are filled with adventure. The small-ship experience focuses more on the destination rather than the on-board activities of the larger vessels.
Although there are many different types of small-ship experiences such as river cruises, 'soft' adventure cruises, 'expedition' cruises, luxury, yachting, barging, and masted sailing vessels, this column will focus on one cruise line, Cruise West – to give you an idea.
Cruise West was the brainchild of Chuck West (known in Alaska as 'Mr. Alaska') while he was a bush pilot in Alaska after he finished his military commitment in 1945. He first started tours into the Alaska wilderness which was later named Westours, after years of growth he sold the business to Holland America. Not to sit still – he purchased a small vessel and started Cruise West with his son, offering small-ship experiences to Alaska and later adding British Columbia, Columbia & Snake Rivers, California Wine Country, Mexico's Sea of Cortez, Costa Rica & Panama, Japan, South Pacific, and Asia.
They offer a wide variety of unique and personal experiences with lecturers and expert guides aboard. Each sailing focuses on the destination, its scenery, wildlife, natural history and culture along with other like-minded passengers. Since Cruise West started in Alaska I thought I would show what an incredible journey one would have should they choose this small-ship adventure.
On board activities whether a short or long cruise will be somewhat the same. The casual style encourages relaxation and interaction with other guests and crew. The captain is most always available to have casual conversation while overseeing the operation of his vessel. Most of the crew are almost as expertly informed as the 'expert' on board. They are just as excited about whale and bear sightings as the passengers are.
'Alaska's Whales & Wilderness' 8 Night itinerary – sailing from Juneau. Cruise deep into the wilderness of the Inside Passage. Spend a full day in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, a privilege permitted exclusively to Cruise West guests. View the 20-mile wide glacier at the entrance to the park that splinters into a vast number of tributaries throughout the park. Each glacier has its own name and character – the captain will decide which to visit on the day -depending on ice conditions and wildlife sightings.
Next on the itinerary is Icy Strait which extends 40 miles northwest from Chatham Strait to Glacier Bay and Cross Sound. The nutrient-rich waters are abundant with marine mammals, sea birds and the scenery is spectacular. Here you may witness the humpbacked whale as it is breaching or tail slapping the waters. You may be lucky enough to see the rare 'bubble feeding' - an incredible sight.
On to the surreal world of Tracy Arm with some of the most dramatic scenery in all of North America. Traveling through this fantastic fjord with all of its twists and turns leaves you with such anticipation of what will be around the next turn you can hardly breath. At the head of the arm is the true destination, the two Sawyer glaciers that carved out the fjord. You actually cruise through a field of icebergs that will bump the ship as it pushes them out of the way.
Cruising into Frederick Sound gives you another opportunity to observe the humpback whales feeding in the nutrient rich waters. The 45 mile wide body of water that is only accessible by boat or air. Next you arrive in Sitka, the Russian Capitol of Alaska before being sold to US in 1867 – the Russian influence is recognized immediately in its architecture. Here you may opt to kayak, hike, bike or visit the many museums and churches.
our journey ends back in Juneau – but the experience will last forever. Most passengers on any given Cruise West adventure are returning passengers. That says it all. There is so much more to see and experience on these small-ship cruises than I can explain here. You must see for yourself.
