WSJ spotlights a different sort of Alaskan cruise

Size does matter. As the major cruise lines build bigger and bigger ships, they are leaving behind passengers who want an intimate experience and leaving behind destinations that cannot handle thousands of passengers at once. Consider Alaska for a moment. Despite hundreds of options every summer, none of the big ships can disembark in Glacier Bay. A small line like Un-Cruise Adventures can. That line -- featuring small ships without the glitz -- served as the subject of this interesting Wall Street Journal review.

On Un-Cruise passengers still get excellent food and top-notch service. But instead of a post-dinner show or gambling, they are more likely to hear a talk on the next day's stop.

As much as they try to cater to everyone, the big cruise lines cannot offer what the small ships can. Fortunately there are more companies popping up to fill the void. The companies enable people who want to see a different side of a destination -- like Alaska -- in a different way.

Breaking down the best River Cruises

The Wall Street Journal provided a good breakdown of some of the most popular river cruise companies and what each has to offer. All the well-known lines have similar routes and stops, but the WSJ, with the help of Wendy Perrin, highlights the right river cruise for foodies, photographers and those who want a luxury experience.

The river cruise experience is still very different from the large ocean liners, but as the industry grows the river cruises will become more diverse in their offerings and experiences. It is a great time to sail.

Costa diverting ships from Tunsia

In response to the massacre in Tunis that left at least 12 cruise passengers dead, Costa has altered its future calls to the Tunsian capital. The Wall Street Journal reports:

“The safety of guests and crew members is Costa’s top priority. After what happened in Tunis on Wednesday, Costa Crociere is confirming that all upcoming calls in Tunis for the cruises of Costa Fortuna, Costa Favolosa, Costa neoRiviera will be substituted with alternative calls,” the company said.