In the wake of the demise of CruiseWest and the American Majestic Line we are seeing a number of new small-ship entrants into the Alaskan, Mississippi River and Snake River Markets.The newest entrant into the Alaska Small ship market is InnerSea Discoveries which is backed by the owners of American Safari Cruises. Inner Sea Discoveries has totally renovated 2 small inter-coastal cruise vessels - the Wilderness Discoverer and Wilderness Adventurer. Both have been extensively refurbished. These vessels are capable of carrying 68 and 60 passengers respectively.
The ships will offer 7 and 14-day Alaska Inside Passage cruises with an emphasis on exploration, nature and outdoor recreational activities.
Starting in 2012, small ship operator, American Cruise Line will begin offering 7 and 11-night Alaskan cruises as well. Cruises depart from Seattle Wa. to Juneau and then a series of 7 day round trip sailings from Juneau through Glacier Bay and Tracy Arm and more. After completing the season, the ship will sail from Juneau back to Seattle. The ship carries 100 passengers in 53 staterooms.
American Cruise Line has also expanded operations into the Snake and Columbia Rivers with the acquisition of the Queen of the West. The stern-wheeler has totally been remodeled.American Cruise Line is also constructing a new paddle-wheeler which will begin sailing almost the full length of the Mississippi River.
These cruises are in addition to the extensive US East Coast Cruise program normally operated by American Cruise Line.
No small ship cruise line discussion would be complete with the mention of Blount Small Ship Adventures
(Previously American Caribbean Canadian Cruise Line). Blount offers cruises up the Hudson River, through the Erie Canal and to the Great Lakes. Blount offers cruises throughout the Great Lakes, US East Coast and Canada.This year Blount Small Ship Adventures is expanding operations to include the Mississippi River utilizing their 68 passenger Niagara Prince.
Small Ship cruising does not offer all of the amenities that the larger ships do and they can be quite pricey but they do offer an intimate experience, a sense of adventure and discovery and a quality cruise experience.
It also should be noted that these small cruise ships are registered in the US.
--------------------------------------
Additional Links:
Cruises From New York and New Jersey - Main Page
Cruises From New York and New Jersey - Cruise News
Cruises From Boston
Cruises From Baltimore
Cruises From Norfolk
No comments:
Post a Comment