Comments on: Small Cruise Ships: No Ties, No Bingo!

By: Virginia Ridge

Virginia Ridge — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:01:37 +0000

Being interested in a cruise up the inside pass to Alaska, I was horrified by all the online post I read about smokers and the smoke hanging in the air and full air trays everywhere. Evidently a big ship line or two tried to have a no-smoking cruise, but the free spas were packed and the the casinos were empty. Evidently a big ships revenue depends on income from gambling and booze. So now wonder if a smaller ship enforces a no-smoking cruise. By chance do you know of one? Thank you.

By: melissa

melissa — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 19:09:04 +0000

Wow – Anne thank you so much for this prompt and very informative reply.

I will keep my eye on Hudrigan.

By: Anne Campbell

Anne Campbell — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 17:26:54 +0000

Hi Melissa … I did a bit of research on Gap’s Antarctica cruises and discovered the vessel the company uses is the M/S Expedition, fairly new to the company. It replaces the M/S Explorer which sank in Antarctica in 2007 when, miraculously, no one died (happened to be good weather, another ship happened to be nearby to rescue passengers and crew).

An investigation showed Gap’s Captain had no experience in Antarctica. The report said, ” “He was under the mistaken impression that he was encountering first year ice when in fact, as the Chilean Navy Report indicated, was much harder land ice. Passengers reported seeing red paint on the passing ice less than thirty minutes prior to the flooding was reported, another indication that the vessel was passing through compact and hard ice. The Master of the Explorer was very experienced in Baltic waters but he was unfamiliar with the type of ice he encountered in Antarctic waters.[2]”

Antarctica requires officers with a great deal of experience which Gap should have known; the fact that they hired a very inexperienced Captain is a red flag for me. What I think is imperative is finding out how much experience the Expedition’s Master has. If he doesn’t have many Antarctic cruises under his belt skip this company. And check further than just a person on the end of a toll-free company says. When I cruised in Antarctica with Radisson Cruises (currently Regent Cruises), which leased a ship with a very experienced crew, I received a letter saying there is no chance of rescue if anything happens. After leaving Ushuaia, Argentina and the Falklands, I did not see a person, building or vessel for ten days. Of course ice is the big danger but weather can change in five minutes; the roughest seas in the world are between the tip of South America and the continent of Antarctica, where the Atlantic and Pacific oceans meet (called Drake’s Passage).

Have you checked Hudrigan for specials? This is a very good company…

By: Melissa

Melissa — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 16:31:27 +0000

Hi, I am especially interested in a trip to Antarctica and was wondering what you thought of GAP Adventures and their Antartica excursions. I know they don’t fall in the cruise ship category.

Very informitive article. I did look at the other options you’ve mentioned for Antartica but the cost would be prohibitive.

Thanks – Melissa

By: Jake@business travel management

Jake@business travel management — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 02:30:01 +0000

Seadream has the potential to be a big shipping liner someday. I like how they treat their passengers and their ammenities are not that far from the competition.

By: Tom Dooley

Tom Dooley — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 09:12:32 +0000

Thanks to you for posting this article. Very interesting and helpful.

By: annie b

annie b — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:04:57 +0000

I’m planning a trip on the Pacific Princess 640 passengers We booked an obstructed mid ship deck 6 for a very good price and we go to many ports in Alaska and can book many tours on the 14 days.
Have you any tips on that cruise. Let me know Ann

By: Anne Campbell

Anne Campbell — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:54:33 +0000

Some of my most memorable cruise experiences have been aboard small ships, especially in Alaska. Another big benefit is having more opportunities to meet fellow passengers and staff.

By: Jeff Paulett

Jeff Paulett — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 09:15:25 +0000

Have to agree with you about Hurtigruten – they’re a complete contrast to what people would normally expect on a cruise ship. Forget all that dressing up for dinner and nightly cabaret shows, just chill out and relax while you watch superb scenery pass by.

By: Max William

Max William — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 07:56:26 +0000

ya, i have the cruise ship experience while i am on the clothing optional cruise.There was a great fun with nude travelers and all are enjoying with their partners.