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Cruise West Alaska Cruise Reviews: Spirit of '98

Gold Rush Inside Passage - May, 2004

Hi Linda. I loved the trip and of course it was so beautiful. I thought it was a good deal to get the extra days at no charge but I didn’t expect that I needed those days at sea, pretty much of the time, to unwind but I sure did. Ian was our leader and he was full of stories and information. He has the passion of someone who loves what he does and has so many experiences to share.

We saw glaciers, bears, eagles, orcas, humpbacks, puffins other birds up close and personal and the captain and crew went out of their way to find some spectacular event everyday to make the time special for us. I felt sorry for the people on the big cruise lines we crossed paths with in the ports of call. I am also surprised at how I didn’t want to go shopping or touring on land but instead wanted to get back on board so I could see the next site that I came to expect each day. 

The food was incredible and there was always more then enough to eat. The surprise was it tasted very gourmet and the portions just the perfect size so you were satisfied but not feeling over stuffed. If you wanted more of anything they were always happy to bring it to you. Our stateroom was adequate but I must say a little small and there were a couple of nights when it was too hot and because we were on the lower level we couldn’t open windows to allow the room to cool down. The temperatures were unusually warm and it only rained the first day in Seattle but the rain stopped by the time we were on board. The rest of the days were bright and sunny.

If I could have changed anything it would have been the cabin being so small with little ventilation. I needed a private place to just be in to meditate and take in all the beauty. The longer we were on the ship, the more people formed friendships, and the more they talked in the lounge and dinning areas. There wasn’t any place outside to just go and sit alone and be with the sacred beauty. I would not recommend the trip to just anybody, I have shared with all those who have asked how I enjoyed the trip and how very lucky I was to have had the opportunity to take this voyage on this small ship with a very caring cruise line. Thank you for all your help.

Sandy Sweger