Alaska’s stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking natural wonders make it a premier destination for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. When planning an Alaska boat cruise, one of the most critical decisions is choosing the right type of ship.
Here, we compare the merits of big ships, large expedition ships, and small ships like Maple Leaf Adventures’ heritage tugboat Swell, to help you decide which option best suits your travel style.
Alaska’s Inside Passage Small Ship Cruise vs. Big Cruise Ships
What’s the difference? Here’s a general breakdown:
| Adventure Yacht | Expedition Ship | Cruise Ship | |
|---|---|---|---|
| # of Passengers and Crew | Maple Leaf Adventures’ Swell hosts up to 12 passengers with a local crew of 5 or 6 | 40–100 passengers with an expedition staff of 14 | 1,500–5,000 passengers, typically three or four passengers to every crew member |
| Cruise Focus | Wilderness, wildlife, active off-ship adventure, solitude, culture | Off-ship exploration of wilderness and wildlife, active adventure | On-ship activities, floating resort, large ports |
| Atmosphere | Up-close, active cruising, fun and family-like. Smaller boats offer intimate experience; locally owned and cared for coastal boats that reflect coastal craftsmanship and history | Relaxed, appreciation of nature, usually very modern décor. Scale between a cruise ship yacht | Las Vegas-style nightlife, pools, events. Elevated, think 15 stories up |
| Staterooms | Rustic charm, cozier sleeping space, because the entire yacht is your deck and lounge | More options, some with balconies | Like standard hotel room, pay more for windows |
| Dining | Intimate, ocean view casual, open seating, family meal-feel but prepared by a chef, share experiences and interact with expert guides and naturalists | Ocean-view dining, casual, open seating, often a single dining room, guides and naturalists may interact with guests | Formal, specialty restaurants, assigned seating, buffet lines, guides do not interact with guests |
| Wildlife and Activities | Daily planned destinations, also impromptu viewing, up-close yet unobtrusive. When viewing on ship, main deck is 6ft off the water. Guided nature and cultural tours, kayaking in remote anchorages, all included | When viewing on ship, main deck is 30-40 feet off the water. Kayaking and zodiac cruising is typically offered daily | Planned & added cost, or distance viewing on ship. For example, a half day kayaking tour will cost at least $150; while whale watching tours run around $200 – $300 dollars extra |
| Access | Swell’s shallow 12-foot draft means it can sneak into narrow coves and inlets that bigger ships can’t reach. | A 15-foot draft allows access to many remote areas, but not all. | 25-30 foot draft, travels far from shore |
| Amenities | Hot tub, salon and lounge areas, open wheelhouse, spotting scope, hydrophone | More common areas, deck views, fitness and spa options | Many decks, water slides, salons, golf simulators, etc. |
| Itinerary | Planned itinerary for highlights but flexible for unexpected highlights and guest interest; shore trips and wildlife viewing are free of crowd management techniques required for larger groups; trips start and finish in remote locations, with longer itineraries to see it all at an unhurried pace | Remote locations, flexible, ready for unexpected sightings. Shore trips are at a can be limited due to larger groups, meaning less opportunity to see wildlife than you might expect | Popular ports on fixed schedule, starting in Seattle |
| Entertainment | Onboard experts lead lectures, bears fishing for salmon, stopping to watch whales, exploring | Onboard experts lead lectures, wildlife, landscapes | Movies, pools, casinos, arcades |
| Families | Family charters & departures, over age 6 ideal | Family departures & onboard kid programs, over age 6 ideal | Babysitting, water parks, rec rooms, kids’ camps |
Photo: Jeff Reynolds
This passing cruise ship was treated to the same display of breaching humpbacks our guests were, though the view was certainly better from below!
Big Cruise Ships: Luxury and Convenience
Merits
Big ships are like a city at sea, offering plenty of amenities, from multiple dining options and entertainment to spas and water slides. They’re a great fit if you’re looking for comfort and aren’t too concerned with staying close to Alaska’s natural landscapes.
- Amenities: Big ships are like a city at sea, offering plenty of amenities, from multiple dining options and entertainment to spas and water slides. They’re a great fit if you’re looking for comfort and aren’t too concerned with staying close to Alaska’s natural landscapes.
- Cost-Effective: These cruises often provide more cost-effective options, making them accessible to a broader range of travellers.
- Variety of Activities: With extensive onboard activities and excursions, big ships cater to diverse interests, from families to solo travelers.
Things to Consider
- Crowds: With thousands of passengers, these ships can feel packed. This can make it tricky to find those meaningful connections with other travelers.
- Limited Access: Large vessels are restricted to bigger ports, so you might miss out on those pristine, remote spots.
- Hidden Costs: While fares seem reasonable, activities, specialty dining, and excursions can add up quickly.
Large Expedition Ships: Adventure with Comfort
Merits
- Adventure Focus: These ships are designed for travelers who want adventure with a dash of comfort. They focus on wildlife viewing, guided hikes, and zodiac tours, with experts onboard to give insights into the region’s culture and ecology.
- Expert Guides: These ships often feature expert naturalists and scientists who provide in-depth knowledge and insights into the region’s ecology and culture, though with as many as a hundred other guests, personalized attention is not always feasible.
- Enhanced Access: While not as nimble as smaller vessels, expedition ships can access more remote locations than big ships, providing a strong “middle ground” in immersion
Things to Consider
- Moderate Group Sizes: These ships carry around 100 passengers, offering a balance between intimacy and social interaction.
- Higher Cost: Expedition cruises are typically more expensive due to their specialized nature and expert-led activities.
Photo: Phil Stone
Discover Alaska’s untamed grandeur up close—small ships navigate narrow fjords and bring you face-to-face with wonders that large cruise liners simply can’t match.
Maple Leaf Adventures’ Swell: The Best Choice for Nature Lovers
Merits
- Intimate Experience: For an intimate, deeply immersive experience, Swell is in a league of its own. With only 12 guests on board, you’ll find yourself connecting closely with Alaska’s wildlife, landscapes, and local culture.
- Exclusive Access: Swell’s compact size allows it to slip into secluded coves and fjords that larger ships can’t reach, giving you unique, close-up wildlife encounters.
- Historic Charm and Comfort: Swell is a 1912 heritage tugboat with a rich maritime history between Alaska and Vancouver. It combines historic charm with modern amenities—each cabin has an ensuite bathroom and shower.
- Local Expertise: Small group sizes mean more personalized attention from knowledgeable, local guides, including expert naturalists, who share their intimate understanding of the region’s ecology and culture. The guest to crew ratio equates to level of attention and care that feels “human”.
- Diverse Activities: Swell offers kayaking, shore trips in quiet coves, to natural hot springs, bear sanctuaries, wild beaches and forested trails, as well as a few Alaskan towns. Each trip includes historic town experiences guided by locals.
Things to Consider
- Costs: The exclusivity and personalized service of Swell appears to come at a higher price point than the advertised rates of a traditional cruise, and about the same as a big-ship expedition cruise. While in fact, the price of this Alaska small ship cruise is actually closer to other forms of travel than you think. An inside passage cruise on Swell is all-inclusive. All meals and beverages, guiding, activities and shore trips, plus an Alaskan cultural history tour at the start or end in a historic town are covered. On a traditional Alaska boat cruise, the fare is for the passage, accommodation and some dining options. Guests then pay extra for each shore trip activity, special restaurant and onboard activities. In the end, the expedition may still be a bit more expensive, but it reflects the unique and high-quality experience provided.
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Limited Availability: With only 12 spots, you’ll need to book in advance to secure a spot on this exclusive adventure.
Photo: Jeff Reynolds
Nature enthusiasts share a moment of camaraderie and fascination amidst the majestic old growth forests of Alaska, led by expert guides.
Choose the Experience that Matches Your Interests
Each type of cruise offers its own unique experience, so it really comes down to your personal preferences. If you enjoy luxury, entertainment, and convenience, a big ship cruise may be for you. Large expedition ships offer a great balance of adventure and comfort. But for those who crave nature, value local expertise, and want a deeply immersive journey, a small ship like Swell is truly unmatched.
Photo: Phil Stone
Exclusive to small groups, guests observe bears in their natural habitat at the secluded Pack Creek bear sanctuary on Admiralty Island, one of the best places on earth for bear viewing.
Swell, The Inside Passage Experience: an Alaska Small Ship Cruise
For a truly unique journey, an Inside Passage cruise on Maple Leaf Adventures’ Swell offers an intimate way to explore Alaska’s most famous waterway. Whether it’s whale watching, kayaking through fjords, or taking in the breathtaking landscapes of the Inside Passage, a small ship cruise aboard Swell offers an Alaska adventure like no other.
If you’d like to learn more about our Alaska small ship cruises, inquire now or call 1 (250) 386-7245.
