|
Alaska: Frequently Asked Questions
|
Topics:
|
|
|
|
 |
What to know before traveling
to Alaska:
The following information will assist in starting preparation for your adventure
to Alaska. Whether you are scheduled for the Safaribrokers.com Adventure
experience of the Glacier Bay aboard the Wilderness Explorer, or participating
in one of our eco-tourism tours in Alaska, you must also carry out your own
research and reading to ensure that your trip to Alaska is a memorable
experience.
About Wilderness Explorer:
Experience a 6-day cruise from Juneau to the back country area near Glacier Bay
Lodge including Icy Strait and Glacier Bay with plenty of opportunities to use
the ship's onboard kayaks and zodiacs - ideal for active passengers,
photographers and folks who want a more in-depth experience in the Glacier Bay
area.
Wilderness Explorer Cruise highlights:
- Explore the remote - seven days and six nights cruising the wilderness of
Alaska's Inside Passage to view spectacular glaciers, abundant wildlife and
breathtaking scenery
- Kayak and explore - with time to sea kayak and explore ashore in remote
regions such as Tracy Arm Fjord
- Glaciers and more - couple of days cruising Glacier Bay National Park and
Tracy Arm Fjord to view majestic glaciers, amazing marine life and magnificent
scenery
- Enriching narrative - our onboard naturalist guide will share information and
experiences.
- Flexibility - to alter our itinerary for the special surprises that occur in
nature everyday such as wildlife sightings, glacial activity and weather
conditions
What is included:
- Alaska's only soft adventure wilderness cruise; perfect for all ages
- Complete kayak instruction on techniques and safety; no previous experience
necessary
- Use of our stable, two-person sea kayaks plus gear including spray skirt,
paddles and life vest
- Experienced and knowledgeable guides who lead kayak trips and shore walks
- Simple and easy kayak launching from our exclusive floating platform
- Small shore craft to carry passengers ashore for beachcombing and rainforest
walks
During this extensive week-long wilderness excursion, you'll visit world-famous
Glacier Bay National Park; view whales and wildlife in Icy Strait; cruise the
shoreline of Chichagof and Baranof Islands; explore Tracy Arm Fjord; and, ...
Onboard Experiences:
The atmosphere and attire aboard this small vessel is casual; the American crew
are friendly and efficient; all meals are excellent and served at one sitting
with no assigned tables giving passengers ample opportunity to meet fellow
shipmates; the vessel has an observation deck and lounge but onboard activities
are limited (there are no swimming pools, jacuzzis, casinos or show lounges);
there is an occasional crew show or guest lecturer but otherwise passengers are
left to their own devices; with the full schedule of daytime activities, you are
going to be up early; alcoholic beverage cannot be brought aboard the vessel nor
be consumed in public areas but limited selection is available from the ship's
lounge; accommodation on the "Wilderness" vessels are modestly cramped
but adequate (upper and lower bunks) with capsule sized private toilet with
shower.
Weather, Temperature & Daylight:
Between the months of May and September, Alaska's Inside Passage generally
enjoys mild weather with light rain, mist or clouds. The average summer
temperature ranges from the high 50's to the mid-60's, soaring into the 80's on
clear, sunny days.
Clothing:
On board our vessels and at Glacier Bay Lodge, the attire is casual and
comfortable. When traveling in Alaska, we recommend that you dress in layers. A
combination of shirt, sweater, waterproof jacket, and raincoat (ponchos are
ideal) allows you to put on and take off layers as weather permits.
Medium-weight wool slacks,
fleece-ware and sweaters are ideal, along with a lightweight, waterproof jacket
to
ensure that you stay warm and dry, warm hat and gloves. Comfortable walking
shoes are a must. We highly recommend bringing along hiking boots, rubber boots
or other treaded
water resistant shoes for walking around on the outside decks of our vessels,
hiking through the rainforest or kayaking as well as insect repellent.
What to pack:
Along with the above recommended clothing, we suggest that you bring a folding
umbrella, sunglasses, binoculars and insect repellent. For your flight, your
hand-carry bag should include any necessary medication, your airline ticket,
travelers checks, your cruise ticket and other documentation. Plan on bringing
your camera, telephoto lens, batteries for your camera and flash, plus plenty of
film. It's a good idea to bring more film than you think you will need, since
photo
opportunities abound. To protect film from airport X-ray damage, it is best to
pack
bulk film in checked luggage.
We are sorry, but guests are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages of any
kind on board our day cruise vessels or into any of the public areas at Glacier
Bay
Lodge, the Executive Explorer, Wilderness Explorer and the Wilderness
Adventurer. Mixed drinks and other beverages are available for purchase on board
our vessels as well as in the Dining Room at Glacier Bay Lodge.
Dining aboard the vessel:
Meals are served at one seating and tables are unassigned, allowing you the
chance
to meet many of your fellow passengers.
Excursions:
We offer a variety of exciting, specially selected shore excursions in each port
for
you to choose from. See your Cruise Director on board the vessel for details.
Gratuities:
The appropriate level and approach to tipping is one of the most frequently
asked
questions by our guests. The entire crew aboard our vessels, sport fishing
charters,
and at Glacier Bay Lodge work together to provide you with the very best
vacation experience possible. Stewards, dining room staff, deckhands and
galley staff work behind the scenes in support of this important objective. For
this
reason, most gratuities are pooled and distributed by a formula among those that
have been of service to you. It has been found that on average, a guest on one
of
our overnight vessels gives $12.00 to $15.00 per guest, per day. For dining and
lounge services at Glacier Bay Lodge, standard gratuity is 15% of the total
bill.
Please keep in mind that these are recommendations. Tipping is a matter of
personal discretion, and should be in accordance with your satisfaction of
services
received.
Luggage:
We recommend for your convenience that you travel with no more than two pieces
of checked luggage. Glacier Bay Tours & Cruises does not assume any
responsibility for loss of or damage to your baggage or belongings.
Fellow Passengers:
Passengers are almost exclusively adults looking for a more in-depth, soft
adventure Alaskan experience. Due to the limited number of public areas onboard
and lack of activities, the Alaska safari programs are not recommended for young
children.
Cost:
Cruise-only rates range begin a $1530.00 for a 6-day cruise aboard Wilderness Explorer. Early booking
Safaribrokers.com discounts from $125-250 per couple for bookings through February 28, 2000.
For additional nights at the Glacier Bay Lodge or in Juneau, costs are available
on request.
Juneau:
There is a variety of accommodation available. Visit the Alaska website to view
the choices by clicking on Alaska Hotels.
Alaska: Destinations | Alaska: Tours & Safaris | Alaska: Optional Excursions | Alaska: Hotels | Alaska: FAQ | Alaska: Reservation | Alaska: Departures & Costs
| 
