Fantasy Cruises - Alaska?

Old Jul 3rd, 2015, 09:42 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 19,228
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Fantasy Cruises - Alaska?

Does anyone know anything about this group? I think they have just one ship, which carries 32 passengers, and is family owned and operated.

http://www.smallalaskaship.com/experience/aboutus.php

The prices seem very reasonable compared to other small ship cruises, and they don't charge extra for singles, which is a real bonus. From the photos, the boat looks comfortable, if not luxurious, which is fine with me for this type of vacation.

I'm not a cruiser generally, but would like to do a small ship cruise to SE Alaska.

Can anyone offer any information on this, or other small ship cruises? TIA.
panecott is offline  
Old Jul 9th, 2015, 04:51 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
We took this trip last summer and thought it was a great value. The ship was comfortable, our fellow cruisers were a varied, congenial and interesting mix. The ship has a number of kayaks and a zodiac available to facilitate close-up viewing of wildlife and nature. The food was generally well-prepared though we were disappointed by the lack of local shellfish offerings. The staff was excellent, the bar was open every afternoon. and the captain welcomed visitor to the wheelhouse. Take advantage of free time in port to see other attractions eg the Medenhall glacier or ziplining. One family went on to view the bears feeding on salmon in another location after the cruise. The rooms are small but adequate. The communal areas have games, movies, and a library. We thought it was a good bargain, especially since this trip takes you places other ships can't.
mossygeezer is offline  
Old Jul 10th, 2015, 08:19 AM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
You're right, it does seem like it's a small family run tour operator, but that's nothing to be put off by. I find that when a holiday is run by a family business, they try harder and appreciate your business more.
I don't know this company, but I've often booked through family run holiday providers and, apart from one time, I've never had any issues or complaints. I find they're more willing to go the extra mile.
But I would look up some online reviews if you can.
It sounds like Mozzy had a great time with them though.
EMarsden72 is offline  
Old Jul 10th, 2015, 09:23 AM
  #4  
ira
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 74,699
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi P,

Have you checked cruisecritic.com?

ira is offline  
Old Jul 12th, 2015, 09:15 AM
  #5  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 19,228
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for the responses. I had almost given up hope!

Mossy, your detailed review is very helpful - the cruise sounds like what I would enjoy. Did you have a lot of opportunity to spend at different ports?

EMarsden, I wasn't put off by the idea of family-owned, I just mentioned that in the description. Like you, I like small family owned businesses and I agree that Mossy's review is very encouraging.

Ira, thanks for the link. I didn't see this line listed but will check out some of the others.
panecott is offline  
Old Aug 30th, 2015, 04:39 PM
  #6  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 19,228
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Well, I took a leap of faith and booked a last minute cruise on this line - I just got back and had a wonderful time.

I would pretty much second everything Mossygeezer said, except that we had a lot of local fish - not shellfish, but halibut, char, salmon prepared in a variety of ways. It was delicious.

I'd highly recommend this for people looking for a reasonably priced small ship experience. The ship holds 32 passengers, but we had only 28, including 5 singles (I was one of them), which made for a very nice and comfortable experience. The group was varied and very congenial, friendly and fun, and the staff was great.

We only docked in towns, Skagway and Sitka, on two nights, and the rest of the time we anchored at night in small coves, which was wonderful. All cabins have large windows that open. Cabins are basic but comfortable and there is plenty of deck space so you can be alone, or have company, as you prefer.

We saw lots of wildlife - humpback whales breeching, bears, eagles, porpoises,sea otters, sea lions, puffins and others. The scenery is spectacular.

It was a great experience.
panecott is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jeffergray
United States
12
Mar 15th, 2013 04:12 AM
Kimbe
Cruises
5
Jul 8th, 2010 02:25 PM
pwitten
United States
12
Jan 30th, 2010 03:25 AM
Prescott9
United States
6
Aug 9th, 2008 04:20 PM
Debden
Cruises
6
Nov 15th, 2006 07:24 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -