Small ships- whether expedition or luxury ships - are wildly popular worldwide now- Alaska to Antarctica to Norway and Northwest Passage; I'm in the right business!
European River cruises are also a large part of my practice. I look forward to helping you plan your luxury/adventure small ship adventure.
Update: If you know you want a smaller ship for Alaska 2025 you may now schedule an hour "Personalize Alaska to You" Zoom with me here. Please complete this form so I have an idea of what type of trip we will discuss in this very informative session with Patty. " We learned more in an hour with you than weeks of web searching. Now we know what we didn't even know to ask!"
Luxury Ships-
If you prefer more space in your cabin (err... I mean your Suite), and more shipboard amenities, there are also several true luxury small ships in the Inside Passage going between Vancouver and Anchorage (or Vancouver and Sitka). Some of my clients prefer their scenery from the balcony of a suite with more amenities than an expedition boat. Offering fine dining, impeccable service while visiting larger ports of call, these all-inclusive ships cost about the same as the ships above (yes!) but offer quite a different experience. So let me know if this is more to your liking.
I book quite a bit of Silversea , and people love the all-inclusiveness: airfare, chauffeur from home to airport, huge suites, butler, many shore excursions, drinks,tips, and DELICIOUS food! This is a great luxury line with ships sailing to all 7 continents. The Silver Muse is a newer ship in Alaska with about 600 guests which is a nice size. The dress in Alaska is more casual than the other destinations, but you'll still want to dress for dinner unless you order room service. The ship's facilities are second to none! The rates are less than Uncruise believe it or not. Starting in 2022 even most shore excursions are included as well as a private driver from your home to the airport. Everything else is included, including tipping!
This segment of the cruise market is growing at a very rapid rate; Silversea and Regent Seven Seas and Seabourn comprise more than half my business as past Alaska guests go on to sail the Baltic, Mediterranean, Antarctica, Costa Rica, South Pacific and Australia/NZ.I
If you'd like to try whalewatching from the balcony of your deluxe suite with room service, the ultra-luxury small ships are the way to go, and in some cases cost the same or less than the expedition vessels. Everything is included; no nickel + diming everytime you turn around as on the big ships. I spent my birthday on Silversea :)
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Here's an article I wrote discussing what to expect onboard Regent Seven Seas, and how the all-inclusive pricing is such a good value compared to other cruises- surprising!
Ultra- Luxury May Not Be Out of Reach-
Petoskey News-Review
A few months ago, I wrote about the wonderful casual small ships of UnCruise Adventures.
This month we focus on another niche segment of cruising at the opposite end of the spectrum: award-winning ultra luxury cruise line Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC).
This line is well known as the most inclusive luxury experience sailing the seas today. Including everything from airfare to drinks, shore excursions and gratuities. Ironically, the popular casual UnCruise trips cost more than Regent when you add in all of the costs but those same people think they can’t afford a luxury cruise.
Just saying “ultra luxury” will make some people turn the page and not look further, visualizing diamond tiaras, and a spoonful of caviar for breakfast. Who does that anymore?
Tip: The luxury lines are very popular and have unique pricing: prices go UP quarterly, so best pricing is for those who book first. You also want to take advantage of Free air and hotel stays as well as Early Booking Discounts- ask me for the latest specials- some of which I cannot publish!
