David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

I have made 2 tours of Alaska, both arranged by John Hall's Alaska (www.kissalaska.com). The first, in 2007, was a 13-day land package (marvelous!) followed by a 7-day Holland-America cruise from Seward to Vancouver (and a 2-day extension there). You can see my photos here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/8712554@N02/collections/72157601967848026/. Back then, the Inside Passage cruises stopped at Haines, Juneau, and Ketchikan; I understand none of the major lines stop at Haines any more, which I regret because it was the stop I enjoyed the most (I guess I'm different). The second tour, in 2014, was a 10-day land package (not quite as extensive as my first one, but very nice) followed by 9 days on a small cruise ship that went to Haines (short visit), Juneau, a lot of smaller ports, and ended in Sitka. Those pictures are here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/8712554@N02/collections/72157648510965310/.

I really enjoyed both my tours with John Hall's Alaska and recommend them. (No, I don't get a kickback!)

huyenguyen408

I cruised with Holland two years ago, and don't like this liner. Their ride was rough, poison food (my friend, me myself, and some other got sick, my friend was so bad that she had to stay isolated for 2 days) , arrived to all the ports very late (the last one British Columbia at 6PM !) so we did not have enough time to see much in those areas. The only good thing about this cruise is their price. About photography, if you plan to shoot animals, whale..better to bring good zoom and a tripod, can't hand hold your camera and zoom for several days.

jtang2

Which small cruise line did you take?

Thanks!

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

You did not identify who you were asking. If you meant me, my small ship cruise was with Alaskan Dream Cruises on the ship Baranof Dream. It was fantastic!

gmsatty Loc: Chicago IL

We took the Celebrity cruise some years ago and enjoyed it. They had naturalists on board who provided scientific lectures on a variety of subjects. In most cases, to get wildlife, you need to sign up and pay for the additional optional events. I strongly suggest a room with a veranda.

questor84 Loc: Cadillac, Michigan

Took Celebrity Millenium in 2016 from Vancouver. Ended at Seward Alaska. Then land trip to Denali. Had Canon 7Dmkii and a short zoom and a 100-400L is2. You need both. Great pictures in Denali especially a bear from a long way away. If I did it again I would reverse the trip with Denali first then come back down to Vancouver. I think Celebrity does it that way. Hubbard glacier was amazing. We were no further than 1/2 mile and maybe a little closer. Stopped at Ketchikan, Juneau, icy straits, and Skagway. Had great whale watching tour and crab in Juneau.

tennis2618

I am confused about why so many people recommend these big cruise ships for photo and nature trips. Go on a smaller ship that will carry anywhere from 30-150 passengers. Go with a really reputable company--our favorite is Lindblad National Geographic. You will be accompanied by very excellent nature guides familiar with the animals and nature of the region and will always have at least one person on board who is a certified photo instructor...and often up to three serious professional photographers. You will be able to go where the bigger ships can not. In Alaska, for instance, that means getting close to the whales and the ice calving off of glaciers. The cruise ships will be at a distance and will have nice shows in their theater (like you can see on several cable networks from your easy chair at home). If you are not scheduled to be off the ship and either on land or in smaller boats (eg., zodiacs) at least twice a day, it is not as fulfilling a trip as it could be.

Without knowing anything about you, I would strongly recommend you (or anyone) check out this alternative. We have been to South Georgia Island and the Falklands, Alaska, the Galapagos and the Arctic as well as on two great sailing trips in the Caribbean and the Adriatic Seas and a river trip in Northeast Peru on the rivers that form the Amazon (great birding trip). Great for photography.

10MPlayer Loc: California

Holland America. Great experience for us. We visited a raptor center while in Alaska and got to see a young bald eagle released back into the wild.

Latsok Loc: Recently moved to Washington State.

We did the Princess sea cruise and are planning on doing a Princess land/sea cruise next SUMMER. Most cruise lines have simillar itineraries with same port calls. Some shore excursions offer an opportunity to view/photograph wild, but it's not the same as if you were out there in the wild planning on a wildlife photo shoot. These are excursions which are of short duration and you are at the mercy of weather elements at that particular short period of time. But the experience is dfinitely worth it. Enjoy.

bpulv Loc: Buena Park, CA

We are about to take our sixth cruise with Princess in May. When we did the Inside Passage, we went on the Sapphire Princess, which is currently assigned to the Far East. On that ship I had two advantages. First, the ship is designed so the Promenade Deck completely encircles the deck so you can position yourself at the bow for some really beautiful shots as you go through Tracy Arm Fjord. And secondly, the forward balcony cabins are positioned so you get a forward view. For photography, I would strongly suggest that you research the ship rather than the cruise line to make sure that the ship you book on will allow minimally obstructed forward views. You should also be aware that some ships with forward views have obstructions such as tinted plexiglass. All of the major cruise lines except Carnaval provide excellent amenities and service, so I would consider the cruise line secondary for a photographer.

Another possibility, but without the amenities, is to take the Alaska Ferry like the natives. The Alaska Ferry is state run and is like a scheduled intercity rail or bus service that will also allow you to take your car. It makes more ports and allows you to make your own schedule.

The best photography on the Inside Passage cruise ship route is the White Pass & Yukon Railroad out of Skagway, Alaska. I strongly urge you to take the all day tour that goes up to Carcross, Yukon. The following link will take you to their website.

https://wpyr.com/excursions/product/bennett-scenic-journey/

Tracy Arm Fjord from our forward balcony

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Tracy Arm Fjord (note iceberg)

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Tracy Arm Fjord Sunrise

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The Alaska Ferry

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White Pass & Yukon RR above pass approaching Fraser, B.C.

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10MPlayer Loc: California

We went on Holland America on the last cruise of the season in mid-September. The weather was perfect. Mid-to-High 60's most of the time. Some overcast on a couple of days but mostly sunny and clear. We went to Sitka on our trip. I don't believe they go there anymore. Too bad because the buildings left by the early Russian inhabitants are still there and are interesting to visit. Instead they go to Skagway, I believe.

Bear2 Loc: Southeast,, MI

Me Too!

mikedidi46 Loc: WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA

I know many people have taken Holland America and none of them were negative

cambriaman Loc: Central CA Coast

We have made two cruises with The Uncruise line. Several small ships (up to 80 passengers), flexible itinerary. If something is of interest, the captain will pursue it. Ability to cruise small water ways. Ability to follow whale movement. Lots of plusses. Some may not like there is only one sitting for meals, only one bar aboard, small staterooms. Plusses are small crew, you get to know them, shore excursions in small groups. We wouldn't consider taking big ship.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

We did Holland America and loved it. The excursions were well done, loved the photo ones. Food was excellent, and healthful! A very good experience all around. Our only regret was that we didn't do the Denali side trip. Highly recommended. Have fun!