Shiretoko cruise this August

Hi there!
I'm planning to visit the Shiretoko Peninsula this august and I'd like some info about the cruise departing from Utoro.
1. Is the cruise worthy? I read some discordant opinions, some said that in recent years there are no more bears or animals on the coast to be seen because of the lack of food.
2. Is there a high chance that the cruise won't take place? I read a lot of comments about cruises being cancelled because of bad weather/sea conditions.
3. Is there a better cruise company than another or are they all the same? I need to book in advance or I can the day before after checking the weather?
4. Last but not least, apart from the 5 lakes and the waterfalls there are other options to visit the peninsula if I will escape the cruise?
Thank you so much for your help and sorry for all these questions!
Francesca