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Cruise Review: Spirit of Endeavour

Alaska's Inside Passage - June 2005

Having worked previously for a large cruise line for 14 years, I have cruised to Alaska many times on larger ships. Recently, I had the opportunity to sail on the Spirit of Endeavour and experience Cruise West's Inside Passage itinerary. The differences between the cruise experiences surprised and impressed me - from the difference in size of small ships and the places they can go, the difference in traveling with 100 people instead of 1200-2500, the difference in sailing the true Inside Passage and narrow Alaskan fjords and waterways, and yes, the difference in seeing OUR BEAR as opposed to seeing THEIR bear!

Cruise West truly does offer an up-close, casual, and personal experience, and I'd love to recap some of the major highlights and differences that I discovered during my small ship experience.

The Cruise West Difference in Alaska's Inside Passage

• MORE Ports - Haines, Metlakatla, Petersburg and Skagway or Hyder in addition to Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan equals almost twice as many ports as large ship itineraries.
• MORE Authentic Alaska Experience – Visiting communities like Metlakatla, Haines, and Petersburg offers a more true and genuine glimpse into life in Alaska, aside from the touristy gift shops and commercialized towns you visit on the larger ships. And, you'll find no mention of the best place to buy jewelry during any of the port presentations on Cruise West!
• MORE Glacier & Wilderness Encounters - Glacier Bay, Misty Fjords, Tracey Arm, and Frederick Sound as compared to one or two of these experiences on a large ship. Cruise West uses Zodiacs to give guests the opportunity to actually touch ice bergs and have a first-hand wilderness experience - this is priceless, as you can't purchase one of these excursions on a large ship.
• MORE chances to see wildlife and marine life - Cruise West has a more flexible schedule which allows the captain to stop or circle back for as long as needed so everyone can see marine animals or wildlife and take as many photos as possible. I saw humpback whales, orcas, porpoise, grizzly bears, sea lions, seals, sea otters, eagles and deer – all on one seven night itinerary.
• MORE value - added benefits with included shore excursions in every port as well as other exclusive experiences which would total $500+ on a large ship.
• MORE educational experiences - with Naturalists onboard for the entire cruise as well as three Forest Service Park Rangers coming onboard in places like Glacier Bay and Misty Fjords, providing more focus on the destination - ALASKA!
• MORE intimate cruising experience - which offers guests the opportunity to develop personal friendships with other guests, as well as the staff onboard. LESS people which amounts to an easy embarkation and disembarkation process which takes about 15 minutes or less – no crowds of people gathered in a lounge waiting to hear their “number” called over the loud speaker.
• LESS nickel and diming - Tipping is neither required nor expected onboard.
• Open seating - with casual attire and the opportunity to interact with the chef and dining room staff. Complimentary soft drinks, coffee, tea, and juice.
• Casual attire - throughout the cruise – no need to bring your tuxedo or sequin gown!
• Large stateroom windows and/or doors to the outside deck, with every cabin being an outside cabin with a view on the Spirit of Endeavour, Spirit of '98, and Spirit of Discovery.

Best Regards,
Hope Deschamps