How many breaching whales and leaping dolphins do you think you’ll see from the 12th (or higher) deck of a modern cruise ship sailing in Alaska waters?   And how close to a calving glacier, a soaring eagle or moose standing on the shore will you get aboard a mega-liner?

The photo of a Cruise West ship next to a Holland America vessel is the best way to grasp the size difference between a conventional behemoth and a small cruise ship.

If your sites are set on an Alaska cruise,  chances are you’re most interested in the incredible natural beauty, calving glaciers, animals and sea-life that can only be found in this region.  And the odds of having an up-close and personal experience with the incredible beauty of Alaska increase significantly when you opt to take a small ship versus a one of the mega-liners that are the norm today.

But there are many more perks to sailing aboard a small ship, including single open seating and suggested casual attire.  In Alaska these vessels offer the chance to explore by kayak and zodiacs plus shore excursions in pristine wilderness.  All carry naturalists and perhaps most important, other nature lovers who share your passion.

Syndicated travel writer Arline Bleecker, who wrote a column about taking an Alaska cruise aboard a large ship and not seeing any animals or whales, says “Alaska begs for small ships.  There’s no better way to experience the nooks and crannies of such a vast state than by tucking into remote towns, biding your time to wait for the whales, or coming so close to a glacier that you can practically fill your glass with its ice.”

2010 Small Ship Cruises

You’ll have many options to hop aboard a cruise ship carrying fewer than 150 passengers in 2010.

Cruise West

This company has been operating small ship cruises in Alaska for decades.  As an company executive once said, “our ice sculptures are outside.” Cruise West complimentary extras include one shore excursion  in every port, zodiac excursion craft, kayaks and snorkeling equipment on board ships to get you even closer to your destination.  Twenty-five week-long departures, roundtr In  ip Juneau, will operate May - August 2010 on board the 138-guest Spirit of Yorktown and the 102-guest Spirit of Endeavour.

American Safari Cruises

Even smaller and more intimate are the American Safari’s yachts, the 36-passenger Safari Explorer, 22-passenger Safari Quest and the 12-passenger Safari Spirit.  Your ship will take you right up to the shore and give you the opportunity to kayak around whales.  Included in the fare is premium wine and spirits, kayaking and shore boat exploring, fishing, visits to locals and airport transfers.  In 2010, the company offers eight day cruises sailing round-trip from Juneau and 15-day voyages between Seattle and Juneau.

Lindblad Expeditions

The 62-passenger National Geographic Sea Lion is a familiar face in these waters, carrying the top experts in the local flora, fauna and history of Alaska.  Expect lots of spontaneous stops where wildlife is common and communing with whales via zodiacs.  An unforgettable experience!  In 2010 Sea Lion sails on eight day cruises between Juneau and Seattle.

Discovery Voyages

This small cruise line operates one vessel, the 12-passenger Discovery.  And while she’s far from luxurious (all accommodations have bunk beds), there’s a strong emphasis on bird watching, photography and, of course, nature up close.  In 2010, cruises range from six to 13 days in duration and most include overnight stays in Alaska.

Personally I think ships should vary by the destination.  In the Caribbean I’ll take a mega-liner for all the nightlife and entertainment facilities.  In this cruising region the ship is the destination itself.  In Europe, I’ll select a ship based on its itinerary.  On a six night transatlantic crossing between New York and Southampton, it’s Queen Mary 2, the largest cruise ship in the world.  But for that once in a lifetime trip to Alaska, where I want to be immersed in nature, I’ll hop aboard the smallest ship I can find.

NOTE: Bypass small ships  if the thought of cruising without a tux makes you wince.  And if your heart is set on typical cruise ship nightlife — karaoke! casino! floor shows! — I suggest sticking to the big guys.

Have you taken a small ship?  Would you consider one in Alaska?

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On-air personality Douglas Parker has created the web’s first non-commercial cruise radio station to meet the needs consumers seeking an interactive medium for getting the latest news and insider’s tips from a team of experts on cruising, including yours truly.

Parker, who works in a major radio station in Jacksonville, Florida, says “I keep encountering people in their 20’s and 30’s who bypass cruising because they think it’s too expensive, too old and too confining. The newest Internet technology can bridge these misconceptions by giving people a more intimate look at the reality of what cruising is.”

Each Wednesday, Parker and his on board guests give the latest cruising industry news, insider’s advice on topics ranging from tipping to getting the best bargains plus port information and cruise ship reviews. Listeners are invited to submit questions and story idea to the panel of experts, who will focus on these topics in upcoming programs.

Parker’s website, Cruise and Blog, has a forum, video library with Parker’s interviews from ports of call and cruise industry news.  And, cruisers may sign up for a weekly newsletter listing program schedules at Cruise and Blog.

Have any suggestions or questions for Cruise Radio?

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According to Jeffrey Sherota, Sr. Vice President of Cruises Only, “ in 2010 we’ll see a gradual increase but prices won’t rebound to 2007 levels for a while.” Sherota also believes the shorter booking period – 90 to 110 days versus four to six months – will continue, although some cruise lines are offering early booking incentives.

I spoke to Uf Turkel, co-president and founder of Cruise Cheap, who agrees. He also says “I think we’re going to have a great Europe season in 2010. Cruisers are booking early to use frequent flyer points.”

CHEAPEST CRUISING AREAS
** According to Micky Arison who heads Carnival Corp., in 2010 capacity in the Caribbean will increase by double digit numbers due to the influx of new mega liners such as Carnival Dream and RCI’s Oasis of the seas.
** New York cruisers can expect great prices on 2010 Bermuda cruises because capacity will more than double next year.
** The cheapest prices continue to be Mexico cruises due to the number of high-capacity ships repositioned to this region and lack of itinerary options. Unless you want to cross the Pacific to Hawaii (five days of sea travel), cruisers must settle on taking one itinerary over and over. How Cheap? We’ve seen a few seven-day Mexico cruises starting at $199 per person, double occupancy
Has the frenzied building of newer and larger ships finally caught up with the cruise industry? For the first time the answer to that question appears to be “yes”. That coupled with continuing high unemployment will keep prices down throughout 2010.

Judging by the fact that I found many discounted Caribbean holiday cruises available in October, this overcrowded region will continue to be a buyers market. For example, a one-week Crown Princess Christmas cruise has balcony cabins priced at $899 per person, double occupancy.

GETTING THE BEST DEALS EARLY

In 2009, cruisers became ruthless bargain hunters and some waited until the last minute to book, thinking they’d get the lowest prices. And, in some cases they’ve been right. But because it’s almost impossible to operate a cruise line that way, several companies are adding big incentives to book early.

For example, Princess Cruises is offering lowest fares far in advance of departure. Those who book in October will find peak season balcony cabins starting at roughly $125 per person per day. As the inventory decreases, prices will go up. Along the same vain, Norwegian Cruise Line has is running big sales of 2010 voyages in October, such as New York/Bermuda voyages.

Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer “Price Guarantees”. When you book a Carnival vacation, you have 48 hours from the time you book to find a lower price and your fare will be lowered. Royal Caribbean’s Price Guarantee is better: you have until 72 hours prior to departure to find a lower advertised price so that your fare is reduced.

Jeff Sherota also pointed to a positive trend: sales of travel insurance have grown significantly “because people are concerned about protecting their investment,” he said. He said consumers are very price conscious, comparing the price of a cruise with vacationing at Disney or Las Vegas.

His advice to bargain hunters: “always remember that if you book in advance and fares go down you can adjust your price through the travel agent. You have until final payment, which varies from 60-90 days before departure, depending on the cruise line.”

And, since cruise prices are entirely based on supply and demand, realize that suites (followed by balcony cabins) are the first to sell out so book early if your heart is set on a higher category stateroom.

“The cruise industry thrives in times of adversity, it is extremely resilient. Cruise lines know that if you have a half full ship you have half pay with low morale,” he said.

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When she enters service in December, 2011, Disney Dream will feature additional innovative features such as inside staterooms with “virtual portholes” (images from cameras outside the ship are broadcast on the “window”) plus “Enchanted Art” that comes alive when passengers admire pieces and life-like interaction of Disney characters on a 103-inch plasma screen.

*** The “AquaDuck water coaster, which starts on Deck 16 includes 333 of river rapids and a track extending over the edge of the ship about 150 feet above the water. Boarding floatation devices, passengers are propelled through the attraction by high-powered water jets at a speed of 20 feet per second.

*** A separate adult “district” with a pub, piano bar, a champagne bar and the “sky bar”, with changing views of famous cities such as New York, London and Paris.

*** Disney is adding two new restaurants, the Royal Palace and Enchanted Garden, to the ship’s roster of themed dining rooms. Inspired by the gardens of Versailles, the Enchanted Garden has the atmosphere of a conservatory with a nighttime sky lit by sunsets and twinkling stars.

*** The new Cabanas restaurant with boasting casual fare will feature 16 specialized food stations including sushi, pizza, pasta, stir-fry, grilled specialties and desserts. During the day the restaurant is a self-service buffet; in the evenings, the space transforms into a table-service casual dining experience with entrees cooked to order.

STATEROOMS

Some 90% of Disney Dream’s staterooms will have private balconies and 500 cabins will have connecting doors adjoining staterooms for families who wish to stay connected. Standard inside and outside cabins will be 220 square feet and all will have a bath and a half, 22-inch LCD flat screen TV and iPod docking stations. The 22 suites will have two bathrooms, 42-inch high-definition LCD television and Blu-ray disc player.

ITINERARY

Disney Dream’s inaugural voyage is scheduled January 26, 2011 when the ship will commence three and four-night cruises from Port Canaveral. During the summer the ship will move to four and five-night voyages. Sister-ship Disney Fantasy will commence service in mid-2012 also sailing from Disney’s Florida port. All itineraries include a day at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private Bahamian island, which is being enlarged with expanded family beach, water platform and beach cabanas.

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The roster of special themes and departure dates follows:

Emerging Artists – Tomorrow’s stars shine today through Crystal’s exclusive partnership with The Music Center Los Angeles, showcasing some of the brightest talent from the Center’s Spotlight Awards on two European cruises.
* June 21, Baltic/Northern Europe
* September 29, Mediterranean

Wine & Food Festival – World-renowned chefs and wine experts share their techniques and specialties on several Australia/New Zealand, the Mediterranean and Mexican Riviera voyages.
* March 30, Australia/New Zealand
* April 29, Mediterranean
* May 25, Mediterranean
* September 5, Mediterranean
* September 17, Mediterranean
* November 22, Canary Islands
* December 12, Mexican Riviera/Sea of Cortez

Mind, Body & Spirit– Wellness experts focus on yogthanksa, Tai Chi, Pilates and general fitness on itineraries through Asia/Indian Ocean, Mexican Riviera and an Atlantic Ocean crossing.
* April 26, Indian Ocean/Southeast Asia
* September 5, Transatlantic
* December 5, Crystal Symphony

Golf– PGA pros offer on board and shore side tips on improving guests’ games, and play at some of the world’s most exclusive courses in New England/Canada.
* October 22, Crystal Symphony
Fashion & Style – Personal style consultations with professional designers and stylists, fashion shows, films and lectures highlight European fashion.
* June 6, Mediterranean
* Sep 29, Mediterranean

Film & Theater Festival– Guest film experts salute film and theater with lectures and on board entertainment on a Pacific Ocean crossing.
* February 28, Transpacific

Jazz – Live performances and discussions about musical legends jazz up South America and Mexican Riviera itineraries.
* January 8, South America
* November 28, Mexican Riviera

Big Band – Live daily Big Band performances, guest music lecturers, and additional Ambassador Hosts serve as dance partners on an Atlantic Ocean crossing.
* December 1, Transatlantic

Comprehensive Creative Learning Institute – Crystal’s Creative Learning Institute offers expanded music, language and arts curriculum throughout the 2010 World Cruise.
* January 10, (108-day Full World Cruise),

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One year, aboard Celebrity Cruises’ Galaxy, I walked into the gift ship on December 25th and encountered a teary staff member manning the register.  “I just called my family in Scotland.  I missed the Queen’s Christmas radio broadcast,” she sniffled. 

For many of us Christmas itself is a stressful time of year.  Add to that the hassle of flying to a warm-weather port to take the ship (”will my luggage arrive?”) and worrying about whether the kids, spouse, family or friends traveling with us will have a good time.  Oh, and buying presents that will fit in the luggage. 

Having braved two Christmas cruises I have a few tips to pass along.

     *  Let Go of Expectations.  I think many of us believe that since we’ve paid a lot of money the cruise line owes us a fabulous Christmas.  While it’s true that staff go out of their way to create a festive onboard experience (strolling carolers, a tree and decorations, Santa arriving for the kids, a traditional meal),  it’s still a cruise ship.  They can’t manufacture holiday spirit, family harmony and happiness.  You bring that with you.  So let go of what it should be and decide to enjoy whatever you find.

*  Decorate your cabin.  Bring your own decorations and create a festive stateroom.  I’ve taken strings of lights (don’t forget an extension cord and tape), a small tree and stung decorations around my cabin.  You can also decorate the door of your cabin with holiday paper, which adds a cheery touch. 

* Gifts: Think Creatively.  Limit presents to those that fit in your carry-on bag.  Personally I love gifts that can be used right away. For example, search Google for special activities in port such as helicopter tour, golf at a famous  course, a spa day at an elegant hotel or privite snorkeling excursion.  Many cruise lines allow you to book shore excursions before departure.  Teenagers would probably love an email package for use in the ship’s cyber cafe. Other possible presents include a digital camera or camcorder for use during the cruise.     

* Take Unwrapped Presents.  Especially if you’re flying, plan to wrap presents when you arrive.  Wrapping paper frequently contains foil: you do not want to stand unwrapping presents in airport security.  And, don’t forget to bring scissors and tape.

* Remember the Staff & Crew.  Small gifts for your waiter and room steward are appropriate.  International calling cards for phoning family and friends back home are terrific presents.  And don’t forget to wish them a Merry Christmas!

* Make Christmas Dinner Special.   Make a reservation at an alternative restaurant the second you board the ship.  Order champagne for a holiday toast.

Do you have any tips for taking the stress out of a holiday cruise? 

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Today, your carry-on bags are searched at the gangway and the liquor held until the last night of the cruise.  I suppose if you’re optimistic one could stuff a bottle in a suitcase, which not searched and delivered separately to your cabin.  Personally I’d start imagining my complete cruise wardrobe reeking of scotch.  If you do try this, be sure to put the bottle in the suitcase when you arrive at the port, before turning it over to baggage handlers. 

I’ve never heard of hotel or resort staff searching bags and luggage in search of alcohol so they may confiscate it.  Like cruise ships, hotels and resorts know they’ll make money from the sale of wine and alcohol to hotel guests.

CruiseMates did a terrific round-up of cruise line policies about bringing alcohol aboard ships.  Click:  Cruise Industry Policies About Alcohol.

Have you tried to carry alcohol or wine aboard a ship?  What happened? 

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Seasickness does exist and is probably the primary reason people avoid cruises.  

It’s important to keep in mind that you’re less likely to get sick in some areas of the world than others.  The Caribbean is frequently calm as a lake because the islands act as a barrier to the Atlantic Ocean.  Rivers and canals guarantee smooth sailing.  If you’re prone to motion sickness, I recommend avoiding the oceans of the world, especially the Atlantic.

Here are some steps you can take to decrease – or eliminate – seasickness. 

1) The position of your cabin.  One of the big ironies of shipbuilding is that the higher the cabin, the higher the price will be.  However, the higher you are on a ship the more acutely you’ll feel the rocking and rolling of the ship.  Cabins with the least motion will be found mid-ship on the lowest passenger deck.  On his honeymoon cruise in Europe, my brother asked for access to crew quarters so he and his wife could wait out a major storm.  They sat on the floor mid-ship and weren’t seasick in the least.

 2) Prescription Medication.    The Transderm Scopolamine Patch is the primary prescription  medication.  The patch is placed behind your ear before boarding the ship.  The common side effects are blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness and dry mouth.  Be sure to consult your physician before trying this drug.

3) Over the Counter Medication.   Most people have excellent results with Bonine, which is found in pharmacies.   The medication only works if you take it prior to rocky seas and some people start taking the medication the day before the cruise departs.

4) Ginger.  I used to think this was an old wives remedy but it isn’t:  even the U.S. Coast Guard recommends ginger as a motion sickness remedy.  You can buy it in the supermarket or in tablet form.  Many cruisers take a bag of candied ginger.  

3) Sea-Band is a non-medicated wristbands which relieve motion sickness by acting on acupressure points.  Tested by the Australian Yacht Club, many cruisers swear by these bands.  They are available in pharmacies and aboard most ships.            

4) The ship’s doctor.  If all else fails, you can head for the ship’s doctor who will administer a very expensive but highly effective antihistamine injection.  You’ll probably sleep for a day or so but it sure beats seasickness. 

 5) Aboard ship. An officer gave me invaluable advice when I felt queasy aboard ship.  Eat crackers and apples (to absorb the acid in your stomach), avoid fluids and do not lie down.  Go outside on deck and stare at the horizon (not the waves!) and avoid enclosed areas such as elevators.

Have you been seasick?  Which remedies worked best for you? 

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If the guest then finds a lower fare advertised by Royal Caribbean for the same ship, sail-date and stateroom category, they can receive the difference in price as an onboard credit to spend on cocktails, spa services, specialty dining and other shipboard purchases. Any dollars not spent will be refunded at the conclusion of the cruise.

Available until 72 hours prior to sailing, booked passengers who find a lower fare simply notify either Royal Caribbean or their travel agent who will apply for the best fare.

Royal Caribbean and Carnival are the only two cruise lines offering this special incentive.
 

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Carnival Fantasy’s five-day voyages departing Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays will call at Nassau and Freeport, The Bahamas. Six-day voyages departing Saturdays will visit Freeport, Nassau and Key West, Fla. Seven-day voyages depart Saturdays and will feature Grand Turk, the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay, and Nassau.

While Carnival Fantasy entered service in the 1980’s, recent upgrades ensure the vessel continues to be a people pleaser. In addition to ship-wide Wi-Fi access and internet/cell phone service, recent enhancements include a Water theme park with 300-foot long water slide, an adults-only area upgrades in bedding.

From Mobile, Carnival Elation will sail on four- and five-day cruises plus one-week Western Caribbean voyages in spring, summer and fall 2010.

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