Humpback Whales feeding near MV Westward

The advantage of choosing a small ship cruise to explore the Inside Passage of Alaska is that you can reach places the big cruise ships can not get to. To boot, the captain is always willing, tides permitting, to alter course, allowing guests to observe whales and bears or other wildlife, as in this shot by Morris Reef. All our trips were unique and we marveled at the beauty of sunsets in quiet coves, majestic fjords and calving glaciers in addition to seeing humpback whales bubble net fishing.