A whale-spotting guarantee from Cruise West

Cruise West, one of the better small-ship cruise lines sailing Alaska's coastline, guarantees whale sightings on its Wilderness Inside Passage voyages or the cruise line will refund $250 of your cruise fare when you return home.

Now here's both the upside and the downside of that guarantee: during the past five years, the line says it's never had to provide any refunds at all. That means that in all likelihood you will see whales (no fair hiding in your cabin), but you won't get any money back.

But you'll still be getting your money's worth. Leaving round-trip from Juneau, Cruise West Wilderness Inside Passage itineraries include a full-day in Glacier Bay National Park, a stop in Russian-flavored Sitka, and a visit to a tiny coastal community where larger ships couldn't dare to tread.

To sign up for Cruise West's Alaska voyages, go to www.cruisewest.com or call 888-851-8509.