It's easy to see why any traveler might want to visit Alaska: the largest of the United States, this vast region contains pristine wilderness with a variety of landscapes ranging from Arctic tundra to rain forest. It's home to incredible wildlife - most notably moose, whales, and grizzly bears - as well as Denali, North America's tallest peak. Alaska also has a rich culture that has a unique blend of Indigenous and Western influence.
So, deciding to explore this state is the easy part. What can be challenging is determining how. Many travelers opt to explore by cruise, which allows greater exploration of Alaska's stunning coastline. While there are many options for larger cruise ships out there, we always recommend visiting coastal Alaska on a small expedition-style ship. The ships that we work with carry less than 300 passengers, and many carry fewer than 100.
Small ship exploration is not the typical cruise experience. With fewer passengers, the crew is able to provide personal attention and detailed service. The naturalist guides on board are happy to answer questions in detail, and the small group size is more conducive to in-depth discussion during lectures or tours to explore the scenic shores.
Small ships also allow a more intimate experience of a destination, as these vessels can enter more remote territory than larger ships are able to access. Instead of looking for wildlife through binoculars from the fifth story deck of a giant cruise ship, observe wildlife in an up-close and personal way. During your exploration, zodiacs can take you to remote fjords where you could see a grizzly bear just 50 yards away! Kayak among whales and other marine life to further the interaction with nature on your Alaska cruise.
Direct access to port cities also provides good launching points for land exploration. Excursions and tours are easily organized on board, and run smoothly directly from the ship. Getting off of the ship also gives travelers opportunities to meet the local residents and experience a more authentic Alaska. Sit back and relax until your next landing, but keep your eyes peeled for a humpback whale! It will give you some time to imagine what your next adventurous experience might behold.
The cruise operators we work with share our desire to conserve Alaska's natural wonders for generations to come. These ships maintain responsible travel practices such as waste reduction, utilization of eco-friendly products on board, and usage of biodegradable amenities for passengers. Fuel efficiency is increased by managing engine speed, better itinerary planning, and ship design & construction materials. Travelers can be confident these small ship cruise operators are doing all that they can to protect the natural environment and inhabitants of Alaska.
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.