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?