Spirit of Discovery carries only 84 passengers. It squeezes into narrow fiords for close-up views of booming glaciers. It stops to watch whales, bears and other critters. Wakeup calls can be arranged for northern lights sightings. There are cruise ships for all styles and budgets during Alaska's summer season.
Some travelers prefer the big luxury liners that offer dress-up dining and flashy stage shows.
Others ditch the crowds and go exploring aboard the fleet of small ships. And others book passage on the Alaska ferries that shuttle between Washington state, British Columbia and Alaskan ports. Two are assigned to full-time cruising around southeastern Alaska. Spirit of Discovery shares the route with Spirit of Alaska. Yes, they do.