The Boat Company provides luxury eco-cruises throughout southeast Alaska. With a ratio of two passengers to every crew member, the Boat Company prides itself on its ability to cater to guests' wishes rather than adhere to a strict schedule.
Two boats, the M/V Liseron and the M/V Mist Cove, make up the entire fleet. Once used as a minesweeper, the Boat Company restored the Liseron in 1989. Twenty passengers and 11 crew fit comfortably on board this ship that features 10 staterooms. The newly-built Mist Cove accommodates 24 passsengers and 12 crew. Both ships include a salon with open bar and library, a dining area and an enclosed observation room. All meals and activities are included. Activities include walks led by a nature guide, kayaking, hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing.
Guests either begin the voyage in Sitka and end in Juneau or vice versa. What happens in between depends on weather, passenger preferences and opportunity. It's not unusual for the captain to change the route in order to give guests the treat of viewing whales or dolphins.
The Boat Company
18819 Third Ave. NE., Suite 200
Poulsbo, WA 98370
360-697-4242
theboatcompany.com
InnerSea Discoveries cruises aim to show guests Alaska's Inside Passage while avoiding towns clogged with tourists. Ships hold 49 passengers and boast a three-to-one passenger-to-crew ratio. Two seven-night itineraries and one 14-night itinerary cover glaciers, wilderness and fjords while allowing time to hike, fish, kayak and view the magnificent scenery and wildlife.
InnerSea Discoveries offers passengers a variety of travel styles. The "Total Wellness" package encourages guests to utilize the sauna or hot tub and experience massages, yoga classes and a wealth of outdoor activities. Photography cruises cater to novices or professionals on trips that include a professional photographer. The company website describes the "Alaska Family Discoveries" program as "geared toward entertaining and educating kids from various age groups."
InnerSea Discoveries
3826 18th Ave. W.
Seattle, WA 98119
877-901-1009
innerseadiscoveries.com
Holland America Line offers three different seven-day Inside Passage voyages along with a 14-day round-trip voyage from Seattle. A scenic cruise through Glacier Bay National Park, up Tracy Arm to Sawyer Glaciers with stops in Skagway, Ketchikan and Juneau provides passengers with a taste of Alaska's Inside Passage. Optional hotel and tour packages are available.
Holland America cruise ships give visitors the opportunity to experience the area for a fraction of the cost of a small-boat cruise. Ships like the MS Statendam have been recently enhanced and luxuriously appointed to accommodate 1,260 passengers and 580 crew. Four types of staterooms cater to passengers' tastes and budgets. Interior staterooms provide two twin-size or one queen-size bed, a flat-panel TV and DVD player. Ocean-view rooms have similar amenities plus a bathtub. Verandah suites include a verandah, whirlpool bath and floor-to-ceiling windows, while deluxe verandah suites are almost twice as large and provide a dressing room, sitting area, refrigerator and sofa bed. Penthouse verandah suites provide all the amenities the ship has to offer plus a king-size bed, living room, dining room and access to the Neptune Lounge.
Holland America Line
300 Elliott Ave. W.
Seattle, WA 98119
877-932-4259
hollandamerica.com
