| This is by far the most important decision
you have to make: the type of experience
you have will really be defined by what
size ship you pick. |
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Big ships |
| |
If you like
the idea of a floating resort with
tons of distractions—and
tons of people—then a big-ship
cruise is for you. You've seen
ads for those huge megaships. These
floating resorts carry up to 2,600
passengers and have enough distractions
for a year, it seems. The casinos,
gyms, lavish shows, and huge restaurants
attract many families and seniors.
There may be a couple formal dinners,
but overall it's like Alaska—very
casual. There are also mid-size
ships. Though these aren't quite
so sprawling as the megaships,
you'll still find a wide range
of activities and food choices. |
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| |
| Benefits |
Drawbacks |
|
Great
value |
|
|
They
can't sail into narrow passages
or small ports |
|
Lots
of onboard activities |
|
They
can't slow down or stop when
there's wildlife |
|
In
some cases, large cabins |
|
Port
calls are massive undertakings,
limiting your opportunity
to explore |
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Small ships |
| |
If your dream
is to see Alaska up close, without
having to battle the crowds, then
you'll want to set sail on a small
ship. You may feel cramped; cabins
aren't big, and there won't be
any casino or Vegas-type show.
But these ships can get into the
tiniest nook, allowing you an unequalled
view of nature and wildlife. And
they're definitely for the more
active traveler; instead of disembarking
to, say, go shopping, you may take
bikes or kayaks out. |
|
| |
| Benefits |
Drawback |
|
No
crowds to fight |
|
|
More
expensive |
|
Small
ships don't scare off wildlife |
|
Small
cabins |
|
A
more flexible schedule and
more navigable ship means
you'll get up close to nature |
|
Lack
of onboard activities |
|
More
intimate: Your crew knows
you by name and you become good
friends with other passengers |
|
Can
be a bumpy ride |
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