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Cruise West Alaska Cruise Reviews: Spirit of Alaska

Glacier Bay Highlights and Denali Tour - 2006

Hi Linda. Just wanted to thank you again for helping create what was truly the trip of a lifetime for me. What an awesome experience we had on Glacier Bay Highlights and Denali tour. It was everything we hoped for and more. I think it took me nearly a week to get over the fact that the Midnight Sun really did exist. And the wildlife just kept coming - moose, caribou, fox, mountain goats, sheep, sitka deer, brown bear, black bear, grizzly bear, eagles, puffins, cormorants, kitty wakes, humpback whales, orcas, seals, sea otters, sea lions, porpoises, even a BLACK WOLF!! We actually saw all of this - many with babies and adolescents - and more. Add beautiful mountains, streams, forests, bays and glaciers - you'd think we'd died and gone to heaven. Can you believe I took nearly 1400 pictures in the two weeks we were gone? Thank goodness for digital cameras.

I can't say enough about the Cruise West staff - an absolutely wonderful group of people whether they were on the ship or on land. They were all very friendly and helpful throughout our trip. The Spirit of Alaska's crew in particular was truly responsible for the overwhelming wildlife experience we had while cruising. Exactly as stated in the company's promotional information - the Captain and Mates on the ship actually stopped or slowed the ship when wildlife was spotted and maneuvered into a position that afforded all passengers the best possible view without disturbing nature. And, as stated, they maintained this very close, quiet and safe distance until the wildlife meandered out of view. Unbelievable. I know it's been said a million times - but show me a big ship cruise that can do that.

We spent our last day in Alaska at Mendenhall glacier where we meet a wonderful couple from Germany. They were on a big ship cruise. As we chatted and compared notes I felt so bad for these people - they had experienced nothing compared to us. I encouraged them to look into a small ship cruise if they were to return, giving them your website address and a Cruise West tag I had on my camera bag.

Well, thanks again for all the help and the wonderful mugs - I think of the wonderful time we had every time I use mine. I hope to be able to book another cruise with you in a few years and will definitely provide your website url to anyone looking to book a trip.

Barbara Kexel
www.milwaukeetool.com