As the most of the Alaska Sightseeing/Cruise West (AS/CW) vessels, the 78-passenger Spirit of Alaska is more a yacht than a cruise ship. Because of the size, the Spirit of Alaska can offer wildlife viewing, spectacular views and small ports not visited by larger ships.

AS/CW’s "Canada’s Inside Passage" itinerary, which cruises along the coast of British Columbia, lacks the stark grandeur of the line’s Alaska sailing. But the Canada cruise still offers a beautiful scenery, casual environment; and the opportunity for passengers to gain a greater understanding and appreciation of area’s wildlife, history and native cultures.

Passenger’s demographics

Most passengers are couples over 60. Many say they like the absence of children aboard. AS/CW has many repeat customers and promotes the "Canada’s Inside Passage" itinerary as being designed for those who’ve seen it all and looking for new places to explore. Many ship’s passengers have traveled extensively and taken several cruises, both on larger cruise lines and other AS/CW itineraries. Other guests who’ve never cruises before say they selected AS/CW sailing because the idea of a traditional cruise - with its elaborate onboard entertainment and hundreds of passengers did not appeal for them.

Accommodations

The Spirit of Alaska has 39 cabins divided into 6 types. There are 11 "B" cabins on the lower deck which measure 81 square feet. These have 2 single beds and no window. The single "C" cabin is slightly narrower but has the same amenities. The 14 "A" cabins are on a upper deck and include two single beds, a closet and a oceanview window. These cabins measure 95 square feet. 6 "AA" cabins are on the main deck that include a double deck and a window. All but one of the 104-square foot AA cabins have a closet, and two have a couch which converts into a second bed. Four deluxe rooms include a double bed, refrigerator, convertible couch, TV, VCR and large window. The deluxe room measures 117 square feet. The three suites have the same amenities as the deluxe rooms, but are slightly larger at 128 square feet. All rooms have a private bathroom. In-room amenities include soap, shampoo, lotion, an ice bucket and towels, and the crew provides umbrellas and binoculars for guest. Hair dryers and irons are not provided.

Public areas

Though the ship is small, it does have ample viewing areas on deck, and a small lounge area where most events are held, including continental breakfast, cocktail hour, entertainment, and lectures on ports of call and shore excursions. Also available in the lounge are books related to the area, novels, magazines, newspapers picked up at ports, board games, TV and VCR guests can use to view a movie from the video library. The lounge is also lined up with windows and is perfect for indoor viewing. The dining room is large enough to seat all passengers in a single seating, but is only open to passengers at meal times. The ship has open-bridge policy, so passengers can visit while the ship is sailing, except busy time and bad weather. Limited exercise facilities (a stationary bicycle and stair climber) are available on deck.

Dining

All meals are served in the dining room in a single open seating (unlike on large cruise lines). There is a hot entree or buffet of cereals, yogurt, bread and fruit for breakfast. Lunch is usually a sandwich and side dish. For dinner, guest can choose from as many as five entrees, and the staff accommodates special dietary needs. The Spirit of Alaska also serves an early-riser continental breakfast and hors d’oeuvres during pre-dinner cocktail hour. Hot beverages and fresh fruit are available in the dining area 24 hours a day. Occasionally the ship’s crew will hold a brunch or on-deck barbecue.

Service

The ship does not have room for a large crew, so "customer service representatives" double as wait staff and also handle housecleaning. This arrangement means that service is sometimes haphazard, but one of the benefits of a small crew is the guests can take a problem or request to almost any crew member and be assured that someone will attend to it promptly.

Could be improved

The ship’s small public areas and structured events occasionally make for crowding. In addition, the ship has no elevator, so elderly guests will have to use stairways at meal times and embarking/disembarking. A guide to onboard services available in each cabin explains that "due to small capacity and intimate nature" of the ship and the fact that guests frequently lose their room keys, staterooms are not equipped with locks. Crew members attest that there is never been an incident of theft on a ship, that guests can always lock their staterooms from the inside and that valuables can be checked with hotel manager for safekeeping. Nevertheless, some people are uneasy about this.

Shore Excursions.

Passengers are usually offered several options to entertain them while on shore, including a city tour, fishing or nature walks or a more in-depth tour of a major attraction.

Rates

Cruise-only prices range from $1,395 for a "C" cabin on the last departure of the season to $3,065 for a suite on the first departure of the season. Early bookings receive a discount of $150 per person.

Conclusion

AS/CW cruises are entirely different from big-ship cruises. Dress is always casual. In addition, due to the ship’s small size, it can make close approaches to points of interest and navigate narrow inlets that are off-limits to bigger ships. "They show you things that the big ships just pass right on by" - said one passenger. It is a good alternative for frequent cruisers tired of the big-ship experience, or those who want to get as much out of the ship’s surroundings as they do the ship itself. It is also a good option for those who finds the idea of a cruise overwhelming and want to "start small".

Itinerary

Seven-ngiht Canada’s Inside Passage cruises depart roundtrip from Seattle. Sailings are offered in April, September and October. Ports of call: Seattle, Power River, Princess Louisa Inlet, Victoria, Chemainus, Vancouver, San Juan Islands.

On certain dates there are also California wine cruises.