Homer Hickam is a published writer, having written a number of books and featured articles in Alaska Magazine. He cruised aboard the Sikumi with friends and family from May 19 - May 26 of 2006.

Homer and his wife were enjoying a cruise aboard the Sikumi as a birthday celebration, and they had an amazing journey. From the very beginning of the trip they were impressed with the Sikumi and her crew. If you are interested in hearing more about their trip, they wrote a detailed account of their journey that you can read for yourself.

The 2006 Cruise season is underway for the Sikumi. We have already completed two cruises, both of which enjoyed great weather and some stunning wildlife viewing.

The whales have really been showing themselves during this early season. We have already had several close ship encounters, providing some awesome pictures and video for our passengers. Some of the guests have seen whales from our kayaks, as a matter of fact.

The glacial activity has also been more active then normal for this time of year. The tidewater glaciers we cruise by make for spectacular scenes as they calve and fall into the ocean. Warmer temperatures have made for more calving then usual, a welcome change for passengers.

As this newsletter is being prepared, the Sikumi has just finished a Solstice Cruise with the Alaska magazine. The magazine is working on a feature on the Sikumi for an upcoming edition. We look forward to seeing the article in few months.

Working with the web designers in charge of the Custom Alaska Cruises website, we will be offering a creative workshop cruise in May of 2007.

Kelvin is in charge of all of the photography and design elements for Custom Alaska Cruises, as well as dozens of other websites. He will be offering guidance and instruction on digital photographic manipulation, focusing on Photoshop and its application for practical use.

Luke Chambers is a writer working for Custom Alaska Cruises. He does all of the text for the Sikumi website, as well as a number of other sites in the Alaska travel industry. During the same cruise, he will be working in conjunction with Kelvin, leading creative writing workshops, concentrating on the splendor of the wilderness surrounding you.

Both of these workshops are based on the passengers' experience and knowledge. Kelvin and Luke will work with you, enhancing your creative experience in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

The Sikumi is sold out for the next few months. But there are still vacancies for 2006 in September