The Unexpected Upside To Booking A Smaller Cruise Ship When Exploring Alaska

One of the most common mistakes people make when booking an Alaskan cruise is booking a ship that's too big. Imagine you're on this one-of-a-kind adventure where you get to explore the Last Frontier while cruising along the beautiful Alaska coast on a floating resort, as you witness stunning wildlife in their natural habitats. As you watch the colony of penguins from your ship, you yearn to get closer for a more intimate look. Unfortunately, this is as far in as your ship can go. Then you look into the distance and see another cruise ship, much smaller than yours, inching closer to the penguins while you can only watch from afar.

Larger cruise ships have their perks. They can be less expensive, they have bigger cabins (and more space in general), and have lots of on-ship amenities. But not only do smaller ships give you a more intimate experience, they can go where bigger ships can't, such as into fjords and secluded bays. So if you want to get more up close and personal with the Alaskan wilderness and everything it has to offer, a smaller cruise ship is the way to go.

Many of the best and worst things about taking an Alaskan cruise depend on the type of ship you're sailing on. There are a number of factors to consider when choosing your cruise. The first, and perhaps most obvious, is that a small ship can hold fewer passengers (about 60 to 100), while bigger ships can hold 1,500 to 3,000 guests. More privacy may be a perk to some, but keep in mind that fewer people often means higher prices. While larger ships' interior cabins start at $125 per day, small ships' cabins start at $300 per day. However, that cost may be offset if you choose to participate in shore excursions. While shore excursions on larger ships typically start at an extra $50 and can go up to $400 each, they are usually included when you sail on a smaller ship.

You also need to decide if you want your cruise to be more about the destination or the journey. Smaller ships can take you closer to wildlife and inside secluded areas, offering on-land activities that bigger ships can't. However, there is not as much to do while you're on board. Bigger ships cater to the crowd and feature more amenities, such as dining venues, entertainment, shops, bars, pools, spas, fitness centers, and more. They also tend to have more family-friendly activities on board. To some, it's not a big deal, but to others, it can make or break their trip. It's best to plan ahead and think about what you want to prioritize, and then book accordingly.