And what better way to begin the day than with a cruise.
After researching several cruise lines that offer Alaskan Cruises I settled on the small luxury line Silverseas: Silver Shadow.
Normally when one thinks of a Silver Shadow this comes to mind
This Silver Shadow is WAY better!
There are many other cruises which resemble floating cities. One line had 16 decks and a 6,352 person passenger capacity (this did not include the staff)
In short. "No, thanks!"
In fact, I feel claustrophobic just imagining it, okay?
Many of the cabins resembled a walk in hall with less than a twin sized bed and a small port where you could presumably view the ocean.. The interior cabins were beyond depressing.
Silverseas: Silver Shadow Alaskan Cruise boasted only 382 passengers aboard 10 decks. Their rooms ranged from the enormous Owner's Suites (well over 1500 square feet) and Grand Staterooms (around 1000 square feet) to Vistas (which still were in the 650 square foot range)
As well...Silverseas was all inclusive- one fee covering everything including tips and gratuities, and had nearly a 1:1 staffing ratio.
Each cabin has a Private Butler.
Private balconies, several dining areas, on-board Broadway show and lectures, pool and hot tubs, several bars, a casino, a spa, a yoga room, a full gym with machines and free-weights, a complimentary laundrette, 2 libraries, and more.
An example of a Veranda Suite.
And you are met upon boarding with a glass of champagne.
Yeah, I know...
I'd never leave...lol!
In fact it seems the only thing that is daunting is that these cruises like to feed you...a LOT.
The Breakfast Menu
And you can enjoy it in the mid-ship dining room
Or have your Personal Butler bring it to your suite where you can enjoy it inside...or out at your private balcony table.
I know, right...
Opted for a soft poached egg, bagel with cream cheese, half a grapefruit and milk...and the bit of chocolate???
Well...it IS Valentine's Day, after all.
Sliver Shadow offers a Mid-day Tea with a selection of loose leafed teas, as well as cookies, scones, and bakery items.
Yeah...pretty sure I'd never leave.
The All-Inclusive Small Luxury Cruises start at well over $5000. (per person double occupancy) but then you don't have to think of money again unless you are onshore or in one of the ships boutiques and want to get a souvenir, or at the casino. All drinks from Spirits to Bottled Water....just like meals, laundry, butler and everything else...are included in the cruise package.
This Alaskan Cruise starts at Vancouver, and here is the mapped route. The internal lines are for the Train and Coldfoot tour.
So with Cruise located and cabin picked...we start our exploration of (Virtual) Alaska!
Bon Voyage!
