See It Now: Alaska Inside Passage Photo Tour
Vessel and Amenities
Compared to the mega-ships that dock regularly in Juneau and Ketchikan, the Empress of the North is more like a floating village than a floating city. The vessel carries 235 passengers in 112 outside staterooms and suites. Most rooms have verandas, but on the top deck they're smaller and less private.The all-American hotel and dining staff are friendly and enthusiastic, and passengers soon to come to like them so much that they're willing to overlook a few unpolished moments, spilled drinks and forgotten deliveries. When the crew lines up on the dock to bid their passengers farewell, you'll see lots of hugging and fond goodbyes.
Rooms are comfortable, showers hot and there's plenty of room to stow luggage and clothing. Each room has an alarm clock/CD player, a television with DVD player, and a hair dryer. If you're a light sleeper, you bring earplugs so you don't hear your neighbor's video (or his wife telling him to turn it down) or awaken to the alarm clock next door.
Smokers beware; it's not allowed anywhere inside the ship. You can light up on your veranda if you keep the room door closed, or head for an outside deck or balcony area.
Shore Excursions
American West includes a number of shore excursions in their cruise price, including the White Pass Railroad and several city tours. Most of these excursions are accessible to mobility-impaired individuals.Optional shore trips are also offered, including fishing expeditions, dog-sledding, jet boat rides and the like. If the optional excursion you want is sold out when you try to reserve in advance, try again onboard. The Purser's Office sometimes adds more availability.
Because this is a small ship, you will usually be presented with only one activity at a time. If you decide not to go on the catamaran to Glacier Bay, you'll have to entertain yourself while the others are gone.
Who Likes It?
Those who like Majestic America's small ship cruise to Alaska best are literate, educated, adult travelers (as opposed to tourists) who are interested in getting a closer, more leisurely look at Alaska, its culture and wildlife. Periodic history lectures by the on-board historian are well-attended. Nature-lovers and bird-watchers also enjoy this cruise. My fellow travelers who liked this small ship cruise to Alaska best were those who like their crowds in small doses, who don't mind waiting five minutes to get down the gangplank, but who would chafe at a twenty-five minute delay. Many celebrated 50-plus years of marriage while on the cruise.A gregrarious solo traveler can find lots of new friends on the Empress of the North, but this small ship is not well-suited for the more reclusive personality who would rather read a book while eating dinner than talk to a bunch of strangers.
This small ship cruise to Alaska is also not for you if you don't like to get up early when you're on vacation. Breakfast is served at 7:00 a.m., and most days' activities start by 7:30.
Costs
Majestic America posts their cruise prices on their website. When comparing the cost to other travel options, keep in mind the room size and low passenger-to-staff ratio (84 staff for 235 passengers).Pros and Cons of a Small Ship Cruise to Alaska
These pros and cons apply to American West as well as any other small ship cruise to Alaska:-
Pros
- The small ship can get into places where the big boys would get stuck like a cork in a bottle.
- Informal dress code is comfortable and casual. There's no need to pack your tux or evening gown for this trip.
- You'll seldom be in a crowd or have to wait very long for anything, including getting off when in port.
- With only four decks, you travel close to the water. When the humpback whale shows its flukes as it dives, you're almost at eye level.
- Informal mealtime seating makes it easy to get to know your fellow passengers.
- No swimming pool, hot tub, doctor, nurse, aerobics classes, midnight buffets or movie theaters.
- Fewer choices of activities.
- May be more expensive (but may also be a better value for money spent).
