What Happens on an Alaska Glacier Cruise?
If one were so inclined and had the means, they could sail the world at their leisure and enjoy any and every port of call their heart desires and not have to worry about whether they need to book for their Alaska cruise in 2012 yet or not.
Most of us who have travel dreams that include ships and cruising don't have that luxury or wealth to ride the oceans waves around the world like this person might. But we still have cruise options, especially ones that go beyond the typical and common Caribbean cruise that so many rightfully love and take.
But if you want to experience something unique and breathtaking then an Alaska glacier cruise will probably do the trick for you. An Alaska glacier cruise does not happen on the large ships that make their way up from Vancouver or Seattle, though many of them will take their travel guests to see some glaciers, but is more in passing than it is a longing look. To get close to the glaciers, safely, of course, then you will need to take an Alaskan small boat cruise.
A small boat cruise, which can also be, and probably is, an eco cruise, as well, carefully brings vacationers as close to the incredible blue hued glaciers as possible from the sea. Because of their size, it is also possible that the small boat could dock and give you time to hike across some glaciers. An Alaska glacier cruise will also allow time for fishing and hiking to fields of wildflowers, blue berries and areas where you can fish for trout or salmon and have it prepared for you for your evening meal.
Time is taken around the glaciers. There's no need to rush when in the presence of such awe-inspiring structures of ice that sometimes rise 700' into the air straight up from the sea. Care and caution are taken as well. Captains of these small boats have typically been on the job for decades and know every nook and cranny of every stream and inlet, bay and ocean they travel.
The lodging on an Alaska glacier cruise is equal to that of many major cruise lines. Private baths, ample storage for clothes and sundries, comfortable beds, and privacy are usually standard for all rooms. Small boat cruises tend to limit their occupants to about 50 cruise travelers, so one can spend time with like-minded individuals who are out to see nature and Alaska as they could only have imagined it.
An Alaska glacier cruise will also have a naturalist on board to educate the travelers, share experiences and stories, and guide them while they hike, fish, or go kayaking. This gives the cruise experience that much more value for the vacationer.