More than an Alaska Small Ship Cruise Company – A Jobs Company

When our guests think about Pacific Catalyst, they often picture our small ship Alaska cruises gliding through Glacier Bay or exploring the Inside Passage. They think about the wildlife, the history, the food, and the unmatched personal experiences we create. But at its core, Pacific Catalyst is more than just an eco-tourism company—it’s a jobs company. It has been ever since the first time these ships touched the salt water of the Salish Sea. Even before then, now that we think about it. Since the planks were first shaped, and the first bit of iron was cast and then married with pacific northwest timber to build our floating time machines.

Our small ships, Catalyst (1932) and Westward (1924), carry with them more than a century of maritime tradition, providing more than just adventures. They are workplaces that fuel the livelihoods of captains, naturalists, chefs, engineers, deckhands, and our amazing office support team.  Beyond our immediate crew, Pacific Catalyst supports a network of local economies: shipwrights in Port Townsend, WA, shore support teams in Alaska and Mexico, and countless others who have played critical roles in keeping these vessels alive.

Seasonal Work, Endless Horizons

One of the unique aspects of Pacific Catalyst is the seasonal nature of most of our roles. Our operating schedule aligns with the rhythms of nature, from the summer humpback whale migrations in Alaska to the gray whale breeding and birthing lagoons north of Cabo San Lucas . This structure not only supports the sustainability of our operations but also provides our crew with a rare opportunity: the flexibility to pursue their other passions throughout the year.

For many of our crew, this isn’t just a job; it’s a lifestyle. A naturalist on Catalyst may spend their off-season volunteering in conservation projects in Southeast Asia. A chef on Westward might choose to further refine their culinary craft in a Michelin-starred restaurant, or on another ship an ocean away.  This balance—between intense, meaningful seasonal work and personal exploration—creates a dynamic workforce that is as adventurous and globally minded as our guests.

A Chain Reaction

For every guest we host, there’s a chain reaction of impact. The fresh ingredients in our meals are sourced locally whenever possible, sustaining small farms and fishers. Our maintenance periods and shipyard work ensure skilled tradespeople—craftsfolk who understand wooden boats— continue their trade, preserving an art form that’s becoming rarer every year. The ripple effects extend to guides, dockworkers, transport services, and even local businesses that serve our guests before and after their trips.

Beyond the Boats

For the ships to live, they need a crew.  For the crews’ own livelihood, we need the ships.  Its symbiotic.

Being a jobs company also means being intentional about the type of work environment we create. We strive to foster the safety, wellbeing and development of our crew. Whether it’s a safety drill on deck, a WFR (wilderness first responder) refresher course, or building a roadmap for succession planning, we aim to provide a foundation for both personal growth and professional skill development.

This philosophy ties directly to our guiding ethic: “It’s not ours; it’s just our turn.” The same can be said for the stewardship of our jobs. Every role at Pacific Catalyst is part of a legacy—one that honors over a century’s worth of craftsmanship, dedication, and the adventurous spirit of those who came before us, while creating opportunities for the next generation. 

A Sustainable Workforce for a Sustainable Future

In an era where sustainability is rightly focused on resources and ecosystems, we believe in expanding that definition to include the people who sustain these endeavors. Maintaining sustainable seasonal jobs is just as critical as providing our guests insight and access to some of the most remote parts of our planet. As we chart our course through the Pacific Northwest , the inside passage of Alaska, Glacier Bay National Park, and the Sea of Cortez, we are committed to supporting the livelihoods of those who make it possible.