Alaska small ship differences

[tewkjh1]

We're deciding between very small ships (<100 passengers) and small ships (400-600 passengers) for an Alaskan cruise. There seems to be plenty of information on small ships generally vs large or mid-size ships, but not much on the experiences of sub-categories of small ships. For example, small ships can get into places large ships cannot - but is there a further distinction between the very small ships and larger small ships? If so, how much difference in the experience of what you get to see and experience? 

 

We can easily see that the "larger" small ships have dining options and entertainment that the very small ships don't and that the accommodations are more plush and the ride smoother - so no need to comment on those aspects.

 

For context, we are active mid-50s and are planning this to fully experience the nature and wildlife and be active. Thank you for any insight.

[Glaciers]

We’ve done 2 trips each with UnCruise and Alaskan Dream but have not done the 400-600 size ships.  The small ships overnight in out of the way or remote areas and cruise for part of the day to the next spot, looking for wildlife and interesting areas along the way. Their itineraries can include some of the smaller communities such as Petersburg and Kake. Some also not only go to Glacier Bay but overnight in the bay.  We anchored for the night in front of Reid Glacier and we’re able to kayak and hike around the glacier the next morning.

 

The food on each of our trips was better than any of the main line trips we’ve done.

 

Both lines had zodiacs, kayaks and paddles boards that were used almost daily and were included. They both also have naturalists onboard.

 

They’re pricey but provide an exceptional experience.  In the past they sometimes had price decreases that allowed us to travel with them. Not sure that will be the case anymore as they have become more popular.

[mapleleaves]

If you look thru the trip reports you'll find a couple of photojournals for UNCRUISE.   The first line of the report usually indicates the cruiseline/ship so you can get thru them pretty quickly .

 

I remembered this report from Shazzah:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2302078-our-ultimate-uncruise-adventure-2016-july-2-july16/

 

 

Similar companies are Alaska Dream and Lindblad/National Geographic.