My wife and I are starting to plan our summer 2021 cruise through the Alaska Inner Passage most likely from Seward to Vancouver or Seattle. It will be our first cruise ever. I am just now starting to research. We are in our 60's and do not drink alcohol or party; however, we would enjoy entertaining shows. We have some friends tell me that smaller ships for that cruise are advantageous due to cramped space in the fjords. In addition, I just do not want to have 3,000 people to swim through. A friend has recommended a Vikings Cruise that holds about 900 people. I have read some good reviews, but also heard the food was not as good as other cruise lines (however that was older information). I would like some thoughts on using Vikings for this cruise; and then some recommendation on other carrier small ships. We are looking at one of the longer cruises like 9 to 11 days (we want to take part in daytime port itineraries). We have also heard that Vikings has on board education lectures. In addition, my wife has a tendency to have motion sickness. We have already read to stay away from small ships; however, could a small ship still work if we get a room in the middle of the ship on lower level. Thank you. Gregg

Well, you have plenty of time to research this, but a couple of things...

First, it's the Inside Passage, not "inner." Second, none of the ships departing from Seward or Whittier end up in Seattle, due to US maritime law; they all end in Vancouver. Third, I'm not aware (but am not an expert - here's where your own research matters) of any Viking itineraries that run just between Seward and Vancouver; it looks like their Alaska calls are in the context of transpacific itineraries, Japan to North America.

Now all that said, the thing about Alaska cruises is that they're very port-intensive, and most cruisers will say that it's the itinerary that matters more than the particular ship or cruise line. There are a couple of places in Southeast Alaska where a ship's size might be a limiting factor, generally more because of water depth and port capacity than due to channels being too narrow, but these are not generally a factor for the major cruise lines. There certainly ARE small ship cruises, which mainly travel around Southeast Alaska and don't include crossing the Gulf of Alaska (big water) between Seward or Whittier and the main SE Alaska towns of Juneau, Ketchikan etc.

The first thing I'd look at in your situation is how long you have for this trip. The one-way cruises from Seward or Whittier to Vancouver, or v.v., take the same seven days as the round-trip cruises from Vancouver or Seattle, and both types will generally visit the same ports of call over that week. The big difference is that a one-way cruise would give you time to see more of Alaska while on land, either before or after the cruise. You could visit places like Denali National Park, or the Kenai Peninsula, go on bear viewing excursions, etc. However, that obviously takes more time and will likely cost more (potentially a LOT more) than just the cruise. So how much time do you have? Most people would say that at least a week for any land-based travel would be a minimum; it's a big place. And where are you coming from? In a one-way scenario you'd need to get to/from Anchorage before or after the cruise and land tour, so airfare might be a factor.

Finally, on the matter of the Inside Passage itself. If you choose a round-trip cruise (which will explore the Inside Passage in more depth than the one-way cruises, but which won't make it as far as Seward/Whittier) then the Vancouver departures are probably a better choice than those from Seattle. The Seattle ships travel one or both ways on open ocean to the west of Vancouver Island, while those that depart and return to Vancouver travel on sheltered "Inside Passage" waters to the east of Vancouver Island. The Vancouver sailings are therefore smoother and more scenic than the Seattle ones on the first and/or last days,, and two days out of seven is nothing to sneeze at. Here's a picture of a Vancouver-based ship heading north, taken from mainland BC with Vancouver Island in the background.




So look at itineraries and see which ports of call are visited, and for how long. Some places have many options for ground excursions and tours, and if the ship is only in those ports for a few hours (as opposed to a full day) you could feel cheated. Decide what interests you - history? wildlife? Native American culture? and look for cruises that offer some emphasis on those lines.

Also consider registering with and looking at the discussion boards on Cruise Critic - https://boards.cruisecritic.com/ - where everything having to do with cruises is discussed and dissected in great detail.

Happy planning!

Hi Gardyloo, Thank you for the plethora of information. I was hoping someone would give some details.. We definitely have many options, and it becoming overwhelming. I am indeed wondering if 11 days is too much for this cruise (7 may be enough). I took my family on an inside driving tour of Alaska back in early 2000's, and we did Denali, Fairbanks and Seward, etc. I did not make it to Valdez, but that was OK. I had heard it was not much different than Seward. We have been to Vancouver, but only walked through Stanley Park and downtown, and boarded the Rocky Mountaineer Scenic train. So, in saying the above, we have seen some beauty on both ends, but we have not seen any of the Alaska Inside Passage. We are really into local history, society and wildlife, so we would like to take 3 or 4 side excursions. I understand your logic now in taking a round trip out of Vancouver or Seattle. You are right, I did not see any Viking cruises that originated in Seattle. Our son and his wife live in Seattle, and we wish to spend a few days with them to tie into the trip. That is why I want to embark from Seattle. It would cost more to fly or drive from Vancouver to Seattle, but more so, it would take an extra precious day. This morning we looked at some Norwegian cruises that depart from Seattle. One was the Norwegian Sun. It had some mixed reviews. It did not include any excursions or the cost of food at certain restaurants on board. I looked at it because it is a mid size ship (still thinking that smaller means better maneuvering). According to what you have told me, size does not necessary mean much to much of the Inside Passage. However, I still want a smaller to mid size ship (less people, less glitz, most likely no pool and no kids). I did notice that most of the Alaska cruises leaving the Inside Passage and docking in Seattle took a route west of Vancouver Island (taking more time and rougher waters, I agree). I did notice the Norwegian Sun took an eastern route on VI, making stop in Victoria. Have been there before, but not to Butchart Gardens. Several reviews shared that at most, these Victoria stop are rarely longer than 5 hours and often are at night - so probably not a good option). I sense that you have taken many cruises, and you know much about cruising the Inside Passage. You know my needs and concerns. What cruise line would you recommend originating from Seattle? Do you think 7 days would be sufficient (I guess one would be the long trip back to Seattle), in knowing we wish to take some excursions? Also cost is a factor. We have not even looked into Princess, etc. Thank you for your additional feedback.
Gregg

I've only taken one Alaska cruise, Vancouver to Seward, but I lived in Alaska for quite a few years, during which I traveled extensively all over the state for my work - planes, cars, ferries. When I retired some years back I worked as a travel agent and adviser for some time, and like with most TAs cruises (especially Alaska ones) were my main moneymaker. (Airlines and hotels don't pay commissions anymore.) So I have some familiarity with the various lines, but more with the ports of call, all of which I've visited on various non-cruise occassions.

If you have a few extra days, I wouldn't discard the Vancouver round trip options. You can ride the train from Seattle to Vancouver for around $30 - $40; it takes four hours and is quite scenic. And while Butchart Gardens are very nice, they're pricey, and many people (myself included) find the Queen Elizabeth Park gardens and Bloedel Conservatory in Vancouver to be more than adequate substitutes (and the gardens are free.)

All the Seattle boats make a port call in Victoria; it's part of the same law that prevents one-way cruises to Alaska from Seattle.

This is good to know, and the wildlife part further complicates things, because there are different species that can be seen at different times throughout the cruise season. Let me recommend that you look for cruises that include a stop in Sitka. Most don't, owing to the limited port capacity there. In my view Sitka best captures the things you're looking for; as the capital of Russian America it has a lot of local history; it also has a rich Native American (Tlingit) heritage, and the Fortress of the Bear and the Raptor Center, both in town, are exemplary examples of wildlife conservation at its best. Do check it out.

A friend of mine works for Seabourn and has been in the industry for many years here in Seattle and she said she always recommend that people talk to a travel agency specializing in cruises here in town that has a website called "travel with Alan". Don't be put off by his kind of low-end looking website-I kind of was, but apparently he is really the expert around here about cruises and she also said he can book very good deals. We haven't cruised yet but also are thinking about Alaska next year, so I have started following his newsletter.

For more information on any of our offers or trips, please contact:

Direct Travel
Lynnwood Office
425-775-1595
or
1-800-622-3342

https://www.travelwithalan.com/

We did an inside passage cruise and loved it. We did a Royal Caribbean ship and really enjoyed it. My one suggestion is that you get a room with a deck (facing land) if possible. We had breakfast delivered every morning and were able to sit on the patio and enjoy the views.

Thank you jpie. We may turn this over to a travel agent and soon. I feel like time is beginning to run out, as I am seeing on some websites, some of the ships are booked for our dates and price range.

Thank you Pagngo, We had given that thought also - if we travel north from Seattle or Vancouver, it would be advantageous to get a room on the starboard side. I have not looked into Royal Caribbean yet. It is most likely my false impression, but I thought most of those ships were really large, and could not handle the Inside Passage well, especially in tight areas. I do not want to be on a large ship with pools and casinos, and other "glitzy" stuff. All of my impressions may be uneducated. I have never been on a cruise before.

Thank you Gardyloo,
We had read or saw a video where the author recommended Sitka for Russian history, as well as wildlife. You are right, I have not seen many itineraries that include it. I will try to make it happen. I like your idea of taking ferry from Vancouver to Seattle. We would walk on, enjoy the ride, and catch a Lyft in Seattle to take us to son's home south of Seattle. We have taken a walk through Stanley Park in Vancouver, but it was rushed. It was beautiful. Thanks.

Summer cruises WILL have children on board. That shouldn't bother you.

We have cruised to Alaska on the Coral Princess and the Norwegian Bliss. Would recommend the Princess ship. It does have the permit to sail to Glacier Bay,

There are lots of private shore excursions that are worth considering: Whale watching, Flights landing on a glacier, etc, private boat that sails close to the glacier/wildlife, that you might want to try to budget. We loved our balcony on this ship especially.

Vancouver and Seattle are both worth a couple of days pre cruise, as well.

Also, don't dismiss the smaller ships. We had a trip of a lifetime on the Wilderness Explorer in Alaska. You could combine one week cruise with extra time at either end. That ship is now run by Uncruise. https://www.uncruise.com/destinations/alaska-cruises

There is no ferry between Seattle and Vancouver; there's a freeway. I recommended the train. Home Page | Amtrak Cascades

With a few hours, however, there's a lovely alternative driving route. Google the places on this map. https://goo.gl/maps/6c2E16oJt5ivv7qh8 . This includes a couple of charming waterfront villages on beautiful Whidbey Island, amazing Deception Pass, and the waterfront Chuckanut Drive leading to Bellingham's historic Fairhaven district. It also includes a stop in Steveston, Vancouver's fishing port, where the TV series "Once Upon a Time" is filmed. This drive (in either direction) takes a few hours, but it's well worth it.

All cruises will have pools and casinos unless you take a very small ship like Uncruise mentioned above. Expect children onboard during the summer months. There will be less if you go early or late in the season. You may want to look into Holland America which caters to an older demographic and tends to have less children onboard. You can use a site like https://www.vacationstogo.com/ and select Sitka under All Ports or Places to Visit to see the ships that go there. Both the Eurodam and Oosterdam out of Seattle stop in Sitka. I've done a 7 day out of Seattle on Norwegian and 21 day out of San Francisco on Holland America. I posted a report on the latter with port information that you might find helpful Holland America Maasdam Three Week Alaska/PNW May 2019

Gardyloo is correct there is there is no direct ferry service between Seattle and Vancouver but you can get there by ferry via Victoria, Vancouver Island which is a lovely stop for a day or 2 to take in Buchart Gardens and maybe have high tea at the Empress. Then you can take the ferry from Swartz Bay on the Island to Tsawwassen south of Vancouver. It is a fun journey but you need to plan to have the time to do it.

Here's an article that looks at some of the options:

https://www.tripsavvy.com/getting-fr...couver-1482167

https://www.butchartgardens.com/

https://www.teaattheempress.com/