We are 2 adults thinking about a cruise to Alaska probably in July 2001. I note that there are other messages regarding a small ship v. a large cruise ship but most responses are 2 years old. Has anyone done both cruises? We are seriously thinking about a Holland America cruise, but the small, 100 passenger ships, no dress up, up close and personal type cruise sounds very appealing. Also, has anyone ever done the cruise by day only trip - the one where they stay in hotels in the evening? Any information you can give me regarding big v. small would really be appreciated. Also, how far in advance would a trip like this have to be booked. Thanks so much. Linda

I was on Holland America on the Noordam for my Honeymoon during June. The Noordam by todays standards is not a huge ship, however I thought it was too big for seeing Alaska. When the ship is cruising the inside passage and there are seals and other animals floating on ice-bergs, you are way too high up to see anything. Most animals look like little brown spot, the large ships cannot get in close enough. If you figure you are trying to view a seal or whale from 6 to 7 stories high you get a better idea of how small everything really does look. When we go back to Alaska I'll do it on a ship where we'll be able to appreciate what Alaska has. Of course you want to be on a nice ship but Alaska is a destination onto herself, absolutely beautiful and you want to be able to see Alaska.

Linda, <BR>I can't compare big versus small ships, as I have only been on the small. I travelled on Cruise West last summer on a ship with only 100 passengers. I thoroughly enjoyed it. You are right about it being up close and personal. The ship travels very close to the shore, and enters several waterways that the large ships can't. The captian actively seeks out wildlife (bears whales etc) and when he spots it he will stop the boat for a while so everyone can view it. The small ship is also able to move in real close to the glaciers. The ship I was on generally was in ports when the large ships were not, so the crowds were small in town. <BR> <BR>But be advised there is very little to do outside of viewing wildlife while onboard. Time on the ship when not ondeck was spent in the lounge reading or chatting with other passengers. There are no real organized activites. Food is passable, not gourmet by any means. There is no entertainment and the staff is limited. The same people who make your bed in the morning serve your dinner at night. Since the boat is small and the number of passengers limited, I found that I met most of the people onboard, either sharing a table in the dining room or chatting with them on deck. Most were well travelled, well educated, and interesting folks, and a real camaraderie developed onboard. Though I'm sure if you wanted to keep to yourself you could. Ages ranged from children to well beyond retirement age, though the 40-65 crowd was the best represented. <BR> <BR>I would book as soon as you can. I booked in Feb., I think, for an Aug. cruise, and many of the cabins were already booked. <BR>

Tom, thank you so much for your imput. Cruise West is the line we are considering, so your information was very helpful and very much appreciated. Would you also let us know what the accommodations were like? Thanks again! Linda

Linda - <BR>I sailed on the Spirit of Endeavour. I believe I chose the second from highest level of cabin. The cabin was ok. This was the only cruise I have been on, so I can't really compare to any other ship or line. It was very plainly decorated, had a small TV with VCR (decent selection of movies onboard), enough room for two people to stand at the same time, but not much more than that. It was not brand new, but not rundown by any means. All in all, it was somewhat bland, although I spent very little time in the cabin. The bathroom was ridiculously small, but cant really expect more than that. Be sure to bring something warm to sleep in, as my bed was along the outside wall, under the window, and I found it chilly at night.