AdventureSmith Travel Guides

198 Blog Posts

AdventureSmith’s travel blog is your go-to resource for wilderness travel and small ship cruise news and travel guides. Find interviews, expert reviews, best-of lists and how-tos.

A raft of Alaska travelers floating down the Chilkat River while on a small ship cruise in Alaska with blue skies and the Chilkat mountains in the background.

Welcome to the AdventureSmith Explorations adventure travel blog. Here we share adventure travel guides, small ship cruise news, information on planning, how-tos, traveler-written journals and expert trip reviews from our staff.

Ask questions, share your story and follow this page to stay on the cutting edge of adventure cruising and wilderness travel and learn more about our adventure trips and small ship cruises.

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A small yacht is seen in front of mountains in the background with a whale tail large in the foreground

The Best Small Alaska Cruises & Cruise Lines

Our experts rate the top cruises and compare cruise lines to Alaska. We detail what makes each operator special, how they differ from each other, and why you might consider cruising with them.

Kelly Gorrell
Kelly Gorrell Expert Since 2018
A traveler in an orange jacket stands on the deck of an expedition ship at night taking a picture of the northern lights

Northern Lights Cruises

See our curated trips to view the northern lights, or aurora borealis. Find out how to best see the northern lights in Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Iceland and more.

Lis Larson
Lis Larson Expert Since 2012

Couples Cruises by Small Ship

Let our expert trip matchmakers simplify your search. This curated list features a selection of the most romantic couples cruises available. Whether you're planning a honeymoon, anniversary or amorous getaway, let this guide help you find a romantic cruise you'll be sure to fall for.

Grace Bosco
Grace Bosco Expert Since 2024
Three brown bears walk along the shore with green grass behind them in Katmai Alaska National Park

Alaska National Park Tours & Cruises

Visit Alaska National Parks with wilderness, nature & solitude. These small ships and remote lodges let you skip the crowds. Learn about the various options to explore Glacier Bay, Kenai Fjords, Katmai, Denali & more in this itinerary round-up.

Andrew Browning
Andrew Browning Expert Since 2007
Two travelers in an orange double kayak float towards the Safari Quest ship anchored near a densely green forested Alaska shoreline

Expert Aboard: Safari Quest Review

Step aboard the 22-guest Safari Quest in Alaska with our expert’s firsthand review. Learn what makes this purpose-built yacht stand out among Alaska’s intimate ships, and see if it’s the right fit for your next adventure.

Kelly Gorrell
Kelly Gorrell Expert Since 2018
White and navy blue Safari Endeavour small ship floats close to a densely forested shoreline in Alaska kayakers paddle around

Expert Review: UnCruise Alaska

All you need to know before you take an Alaska UnCruise. Read this review to hear from an expert’s eye what sets this operator's cruises apart from others in Alaska.

Justin Massoni
Justin Massoni Expert Since 2015
Women looking out of small aircraft with yellow jacket and headset on and her phone capturing the snowy mountains

Camp Denali Reviews & What It's Like Flying In

An AdventureSmith Specialist is fresh back from flying into Camp Denali. Read her insight paired with decades of other traveler and expert feedback all on one page.

Lauren Pilholski
Lauren Pilholski Expert Since 2018
A few Alaska travelers kayaking in front of a glacier in Alaska.

Best Time to Visit Alaska

When is the best time to visit Alaska? Consult this month-by-month guide for help planning your Alaska travel with tips on everything from weather, wildlife, daylight and the benefits of each month.

Mary Montalbano
Mary Montalbano Expert Since 2017
A small ship seen in front of a blue tidewater glacier in Alaska

What's the Best Way to See Alaska? Try These 6 Tips

Skip the crowds and make your Alaska experience the best it can be with this list of expert tips. Whether you’re returning for more travels, or seeking to do it right the first time, follow our advice and you can’t go wrong.

Todd Smith
Todd Smith Expert Since 2003

Big vs Small Ship: Alaska Cruise Ship Size Comparison

Big ship vs. small ship... which size should you choose in Alaska? Big ships may at first seem appealing for price, but learn all about the full package of considerations for everything from activities, kids and itineraries in this side-by-side comparison.

Lis Larson
Lis Larson Expert Since 2012
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