Alaska Travel Planning Tips

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Cruising: Cruise Line Directory
Every cruise line has a reputation. Some are known for their variety of cuisine and activities, others for amazingly personal service. If you're a senior, you'll probably be looking for a different experience than a 20-something. And families will have different needs than singles. So here are the Alaskan cruise lines and their general reputations.
Small Ships
	American Safari Cruises
	Who goes: Older, wealthier couples looking for a highly personalized cruise.
	Size: 12 – 22 passengers per cruise
	Price: Very expensive
	Ships: Small, comfortable yachts
	Why go with them: Luxurious ships * All shore excursions and drinks are included * Personalized adventures, from bear-watching to kayaking * Chefs use fresh, local ingredients
	America West Steamboat Company
	Who goes: Experienced cruisers looking for a nostalgic trip on a sternwheeler
	Size: 235 passengers
	Price: Very expensive
	Ships: Sternwheeler
	Why go with them: Nostalgic voyage on a sternwheeler * Shore excursions included * Large cabins, most with verandas
	Clipper Cruise Line
	Who goes: Older, well-traveled couples in search of offbeat ports of call, adventure-lite excursions and creature comforts
	Size: 120 – 135 passengers
	Price: Expensive
	Ships: Larger and more appealing than competing cruise lines
	Why go with them: Intimate cruising experience * Interesting itineraries * Onboard naturalist who goes on shore excursions
	Cruise West
	Who goes: Well-established retirees looking for a mainstream excursion but a small ship
	Size: 78 – 114 passengers
	Price: Expensive
	Ships: Smaller, more spartan ships designed to get passengers into hard-to-reach places, larger, more luxurious ships, and a 19th-century steamship replica
	Why go with them: Novel shore excursion * Very personable staff * With few onboard distractions, focus is on nature
	Glacier Bay Cruiseline
	Who goes: Adventuresome types, usually from age 40 to 60, with a smattering of younger and older passengers
	Size: 36 – 86 passengers
	Price: Moderate
	Ships: Three of their ships are on the more basic end; you'll find very small cabins (one ship even has bunk beds), but also kayaks and unique dry-launch platforms for them. One ship is more upscale.
	Why go with them: Focus on adventure * Lots of opportunities to hike and kayak * On-board naturalist
	Lindblad Expeditions
	Who goes: Well-traveled, over-55 types looking for soft adventure with a focus on learning
	Size: 70 passengers
	Price: Expensive
	Ships: Their shallow-draft ships can go anywhere, but small cabins and a lack of public spaces means you won't have tons of room
	Why go with them: Highly educated and qualified on-board lecturers * Guided shore excursions included * Flexible route depending on where the wildlife is