And small ship or barge cruising, along the canals of Europe is a wonderful, relaxing way to see the countryside. Small ship cruising is the hallmark of Alaska Sightseeing - Cruise West, which operates ships which navigate the Inside Passage, from Seattle, and also have cruises starting and ending in Alaskan Ports. The Spirit of '98, part of the Cruise West Fleet S maller ships not only go where the large ships can't, but the on-board atmosphere is less formal. You get to know almost everybody on board, and are able to share the sightseeing with people who become fast friends almost overnight. Furthermore, there seems to be less pretention on a smaller ship, and you lose very little of the luxuries and social life except for the Las Vegas-style revues and the hyper activity of the big ships.
Wildlife seems closer, and it is.
On Cruise West's Alaska cruises, orcas play within easy distance of the ships. The Spirit of '98 and the Spirit of Endeavour sail the Inside Passage. You board in Seattle and cruise through the Straight of Georgia, then through the Inside Passsage to Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, and Skagway, and then to Prince William Sound. The All Alaska cruises take you to Ketchikan, Petersburg, Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, and Haines, with optional land excursions to Fairbanks and Anchorage. Glacier Bay is a feature of both types of cruises.