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Experience True Nature

Alaska

Wilderness Adventure Tours beyond Imagination

Combine a deluxe Alaska Cruise experience through the Inside Passage including stopovers and sightseeing opportunities in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway as well as sightseeing cruises within magnificent Glacier Bay and College Fjord onboard deluxe **** cruise ships. Our self-drive tour extension starts in Anchorage and includes famous Denali National Park with towering Mt. McKinley - inherited by more than 300 Grizzly Bears -, Talkeetna and Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city. Enjoy some classic outdoor experiences like hiking, fishing, flightseeing and gold panning with a incredible scenic cruise along Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage. We gladly customize any of our packages. Simply - the Best of Alaska!

  • Tour Itinerary

  • Dates | Rates

  • Options | Extensions

  • Alaska Cruise FAQ

Day
01

Vancouver/Seattle

Vancouver is a dream-like mountain ringed city blessed with a huge natural harbor that remains ice-free year round. Wide open spaces, beautiful beaches, tall skyscrapers and an enchanting rainforest all mingle together to create a most relaxed and stress-free setting. Most folks come here to get away from it all, and enjoy fantastic cuisine, world-class entertainment, and unlimited shopping opportunities. For art lovers and treasure hunters, no visit to Vancouver would be complete without spending time at Granville Island, boasting a fabulous farmer's market, shops, eateries and art galleries. And Vancouver's Chinatown is one of the largest in North America. Thanks to its natural beauty, recreational activities and thriving artistic and gastronomic scenes, Vancouver is a leading destination for visitors from around the globe. And it's a fantastic departure port worth exploring on either end of your Alaska cruise vacation.


Day
02

At Sea

Your choice of departure. All it takes to get the inside story of Alaska's beauty is a trip through the Inside Passage, Alaska's "water highway", where majestic fjords compete for your attention with mountain masterpieces carved by the glaciers. Small fishing villages along the coast dot breathtaking panoramas, and the protected waters are perfect for spotting wildlife


Day
03

Ketchikan

Ketchikan boasts the largest collection of original 19th-century totem poles in the world. Be sure to spend some time at one of the 3 totem pole parks in the area - Totem Heritage Center, Saxman Totem Park and Totem Bight State Park - each brimming with majestic, multi-colored Tlingit and Haida totems amid a spectacular rural setting. History buffs will want to trace the steps of the early setters with a stroll down Creek Street, a suspended boardwalk populated by colorful houses, once a hub for brothels, and now home to a variety of eclectic shops. With a population of approximately 7,800, Ketchikan is the 5th largest city in the state, despite being only 12 blocks long. Because the city takes so much pride in its native roots, it's impossible not to feel its influence wherever you roam, be it in the city center or off the beaten track. Billed as the "Salmon Capital of the World," Ketchikans economy is - and always has been - primarily based on salmon fishing.


Day
04

Juneau

If you seek natural beauty, Juneau has it in droves. The Mendenhall Glacier, a half-mile wide, 1,800-feet deep ice field, is the most accessible glacier in Alaska and, for many, the most breathtaking. Offering panoramic views of the city, the Mount Roberts Tramway whisks Guests up to an observation deck that is approximately 2,000 feet about Juneau, providing arguably the best picture-taking opportunities in the state. Guests looking to explore the natural and cultural roots of Juneau need look no further than the Alaska State Museum, which recounts not only the native people of Alaska and its early settlers, but also the natural wildlife that can be seen throughout the region. From June through October, the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery offers visitors an intimate glimpse of breeding salmon as they make their way up a 450-foot fish ladder. Historic sites include the Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, the state's oldest operating church, and the Red Dog Saloon, built during the city's mining era, which is home to swinging saloon doors, saw dust floors, live music and unique memorabilia.


Day
05

Skagway

Originally home to the Chilkoots and Chilkats Native Americans, Skagway came to prominence when gold was discovered approximately 600 miles along the Klondike River at Rabbit Creek in 1896 setting off what would be known as the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1890s. During this time, hundreds of thousands of gold prospectors settled into the area in search of fortune. Because of its proximity to the Yukon where gold was plentiful, Skagway acted as the gateway to the treasure, and the town grew both in size and structure because of this sudden economic boom. By 1899, gold rush fever had passed. Do not miss to take a ride along the late19th-century White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad and travel the very same route in a vintage train car that the miners of yesteryear traveled in as they set out in search of gold. The Skagway Museum and Archives displays a diverse collection of age-old treasures from the town's illustrious history, wonderfully curated in a historic granite building.


Day
06

Glacier Bay

Glacier Bay was first surveyed in 1794 by a team from the H.M.S. Discovery, captained by George Vancouver. At that time, the survey showed a mere indentation in the shoreline. The massive glacier was more than 4,000 feet thick in places, up to 20 miles wide, and extended more than 100 miles to the St. Elias mountain range. By 1879, however, naturalist John Muir discovered that the ice had retreated more than 30 miles forming an actual bay.Glacier Bay National Park includes numerous tidewater glaciers -several are actively calving icebergs into the bay. The show can be spectacular. As water undermines the ice fronts, great blocks of ice - up to 200 feet high - break loose and crash into the water. 
The Johns Hopkins Glacier calves such enormous volumes of ice that it is rarely safe to get within two miles of its cliffs. Watch out for humpback whales, orcas, puffins and murres at the Marble Islands, mountain goats high on the cliffs, and harbor seals on the icebergs.


Day
07

College Fjord

College Fjord is located in the northern part of Prince William Sound, just thirty miles west of Valdez. The enormous ice field, resplendent with sixteen tidewater glaciers, is a breathtaking landscape enclosed by steep walls of ice and mountains which rise from sea level to 10,000 feet. The fjord contains five tidewater glaciers (glaciers that terminate in water), five large valley glaciers, and dozens of smaller glaciers, most named after renowned East Coast colleges (women's colleges for the NW side, and mens colleges for the SE side). College Fjord was discovered in 1899 during the Harriman Expedition, at which time the glaciers were named. In 1964 College Fjord was the epicenter of the Good Friday Earthquake, the most powerful earthquake in U.S. history. From one place, it is possible to see eight of College Fjords Glaciers at once. The area is abundant in wildlife, including Dall sheep, mountain goats, bald eagles, sea otters and whales, just to name a few.


Day
08

Disembark Cruiseship - Anchorage

Arrival at the Seward Cruise Ship Terminal located at the head of Resurrection Bay in one of Alaska's oldest communities - named after William H. Seward the man who bought Alaska from the Russians. Saltwater bays, blue glaciers, majestic mountains and alpine valleys make this historical city and it's surroundings one of the most memorable to visit. Note: some cruise ships dock now in Whittier, gateway to Prince William Sound. Scenic motorcoach transfer along Turnagain Arm to Anchorage. Alaska's largest community is located at the upper end of Cook Inlet in the Gulf of Alaska. Time to explore Anchorage: The Alaska Native Heritage Center is the place to learn about Alaska's indigenous people. Exhibits feature traditional art and artifacts, the impact of Alaska statehood, and contemporary art and issues. Outdoor exhibits recreate the traditional structures of native Alaskans, including the Tlingit, Athabascans, Inupiaq, and Yup'ik. Overnight: Anchorage


Day
09

Anchorage - Talkeetna

Pick up your rental car in Anchorage. Enjoy sweeping views of snowcapped mountain peaks in the distance while traveling from Anchorage on the George Parks Highway to Wasilla - home of the Iditarod Headquarter "The Last Great Sled Dog Race on Earth". Continue to Talkeetna: Talkeetna was established as a mining town and trading post before either Wasilla or Anchorage existed. Several of its old log buildings are today historical landmarks. The community is internationally recognized as the base for many of the climbing expeditions that challenge Mt. McKinley, Mt. Hunter and Mt. Foraker during the summertime, so it is not unusual to find a larger number of international visitors walking these quiet streets. Driving distance 120 miles. Overnight: Talkeetna


Day
10

Talkeetna - Denali National Park

Continue your tour along the Alaska Range through Denali State Park with countless wildlife viewing opportunities. Arrive at Denali Village. The parks office provides many informative ranger-naturalist programs, slide shows and sled dog demonstrations. Denali, the “Great One”, is the name Athabascan people gave the massive peak that crowns the 600-mile-long Alaska Range. The Park and Preserve was created 1980 from the former Mt Mc.Kinley National Park. At over 6 million acres, the park is larger than the US State of Massachusetts. It exemplifies interior Alaska’s character as one of the world’s last great frontiers for wilderness adventure and it remains largely wild and unspoiled, as the Athabascan knew it. Driving distance 110 miles. Overnight: Denali National Park


Day
11

Denali National Park

Early (pre-reserved time) shuttle bus departure - the park road is closed for private vehicles - for a full day wildlife observation and sightseeing tour to the Eielson Visitor Center, Wonder Lake or Kantishna within the shadows of Mt. McKinley - with 20.320 ft. the highest mountain in North America. The views from here are just spectacular. Watch for grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolf, lynx, wolverine and fox roaming throughout the park or observe one of the 150 different bird species which inherit the Denali National Park area. Many hiking trails along the ridges and throughout the valleys are easily accessible from the road. Park ranger at the visitor center are conducting interesting campfire talks, sled dog demonstations and short guided nature walks on a regular basis. Return to the Park entrance anytime during the day. Overnight: Denali Park


Day
12

Denali National Park – Denali Highway – Wrangell St Elias National Park

The 134-mile-long Denali Highway links Paxson on the Richardson Highway to Cantwell on the Parks Highway. The first 21 miles of the Denali Highway from Paxson and the first 3 miles from Cantwell are paved. The driving conditions varies, depending on highway maintenance and weather conditions. Maclaren Summit, the second highest highway pass in the state, represents the only significant grade. When the Denali Highway opened in 1957, it was the only road link to Denali National Park and Preserve (then Mount McKinley National Park) until the completion of the Parks Highway in 1972. The Denali Highway provides great scenery, mountain biking trails, fishing, hunting, bird watching and interesting geography.  Those traveling in the early morning and late afternoons will enjoy the best wildlife viewing opportunities of moose, bears, wolves, caribou and fox are all spotted along the road and in the rolling countryside in this sub-arctic region of Alaska. Overnight: Copper Center


Day
13

McCarthy/Kennicott (Day Tour)

Take your time when you drive on the famous McCarthy Road deep into Wrangell / St. Elias National Park. Beyond Chitina, the 60-mile gravel road follows the abandoned Copper River and Northwest Railroad bed to the Kennicott River. Drive slowly, as traffic and weather may create ruts and washboard surfaces. In some places, old railroad ties may surface, along with their anchoring spikes, creating unexpected hazards. The road is narrow in places, and slower moving traffic is encouraged to allowing passing at road turnouts. Under normal summer conditions, most two-wheel drive vehicles can make the trip. In wet weather, the road often becomes muddy and slippery. Portions of the road may be subject to washouts after heavy rains. The road finally ends at footbridge across Kennicott River. From there it is about a 1/2 mile walk to the historic community of McCarthy and only a short transfer away from the Kennicott Copper Mines. Overnight McCarthy / Kennicott


Day
14

Wrangell St Elias National Park - Anchorage

After a relaxed morning drive back to the Richardson Highway winding along the Alyeska Pipeline. Stopover at Copper Center with a historic roadhouse dated back to 1898 the first lodging place in this area. Scenic drive on the Glenn Highway along the rugged Chugach Mountains towards Palmer - located in the heart of the Matanuska Valley. The valley is famous for their gigantic grown vegetables and fruits. Scenic stopover at Matanuska Glacier, one of the few you can drive to and explore on foot. Overnight: Anchorage


Day
15

Anchorage

Time to explore Anchorage: The Alaska Native Heritage Center is the place to learn about Alaska's indigenous people. Exhibits feature traditional art and artifacts, the impact of Alaska statehood, and contemporary art and issues. Outdoor exhibits recreate the traditional structures of native Alaskans, including the Tlingit, Athabascans, Inupiaq, and Yup'ik. Most people visiting Alaska are interested in spending time outdoors. The Public Lands Information Center is a great place to start your adventure. Representatives from the various agencies are all on hand to answer your questions about where to go, what to do, how to get there, and special permit, license, or gear requirements. You can pick up free maps and brochures or purchase recreation passes and guide books. The Anchorage Alaska Public Lands Information Center is also a museum of sorts, offering exhibits on the natural history and culture of Alaska.End of tour or individual program extension.

ACT#03 Alaska Cruise and Alaska Highlights Self Drive Package - Superior Hotel
Rates in US $ / per Person Single      Double      Triple      Quad      Child     
May, June, September from $ 9550.00 from $ 9220.00 from $ 9050.00 from $ 9950.00 $ 4650.00

July & August from $ 9339.00 from $ 9550.00 from $ 9310.00 from $ 9190.00 $ 4650.00

 

ACT#03 Alaska Cruise and Alaska Highlights Self Drive Package - First Class Hotel
Rates in US $ / per Person Single      Double      Triple      Quad      Child     
May, June, September from $ 9990.00 from $ 9720.00 from $ 9480.00 from $ 9350.00 $ 4650.00

July & August from $ 9880.00 from $ 9150.00 from $ 9830.00 from $ 9650.00 $ 4650.00

 

Departure Days
Departures SAT & SUN from May - September

 

Services included
  • 7 Nights Accommodation in Staterooms with/without Balcony
  • All Onboard Meals
  • Port Transfers
  • Transfer Cruise Ship Port - City/Airport or VS (Anchorage Only)
  • Local Taxes
  • Use of Onboard Facilities
  • Government Fees
  • 7 Nights Hotel Accommodation
  • 7 Day Rental Car (Compact) - Upgrades available
  • Unlimited Mileage
  • Rental Car Licensing Fee - Airport Pick up
  • Rental Car Taxes
  • Rental Car CDW Insurance
  • Denali National Park Fee
  • Denali Shuttle Bus Ticket
  • Tour Documentation
Additional Nights - Anchorage
Rates in US $ | per Person Hotel Category      Single      Double      Triple      Quad      Child     
May 15 - May 31 Superior Hotel $135.00 $68.00 $49.00 $40.00 $10.00
June 01 - August 31 Superior Hotel $150.00 $80.00 $55.00 $45.00 $10.00
September 01 - September 15 Superior Hotel $135.00 $68.00 $49.00 $40.00 $10.00

May 15 - May 31 First Class Hotel $150.00 $80.00 $55.00 $45.00 $10.00
June 01 - August 31 First Class Hotel $190.00 $95.00 $67.00 $54.00 $10.00
September 01 - September 15 First Class Hotel $150.00 $80.00 $55.00 $45.00 $10.00

 

Alaska Cruises | Cruise Alaska FAQ

Alaska Inside Passage Cruise Tours | Alaska’s Small Cruise Ship Backcountry Cruises | Active Alaska Adventures

Q: Which Types of Alaska Cruises are Available
The majority of cruises offered by the larger cruise companies such as Princess, Celebrity, Norwegian, Holland America and its competitors are 8 days in length. Thus, some 10/14-day sailings are available which include more port of calls and/or intensive glacier (adventure) cruising. Basically you have the following 4 different cruise options:

1.) One Way Weekly Departures on Large Cruise Ships:    
     Routing Vancouver - Anchorage or Anchorage – Vancouver from May – September

2.) Return Weekly Departures on Large Cruise Ships:
     Routing Vancouver – Vancouver or Seattle – Seattle from May - September

3.) Adventure and/or Private Yacht Cruises:
     On chartered yachts with up to 12 passengers from May - September

4.) Adventure Cruises on Small Cruise Ships:
     On ships with +/- 100 passengers departing from Southeast Alaska’n Ports such as
     Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka from May – September

The routing varies just slightly from one cruise line to another.

The cruise ships are scheduled to sail either from/to Vancouver or from/to Seattle - whereas others are on one-way trips between Seattle and Vancouver to Whittier or Seward – just 40 or 120 Road Miles south of Alaska’s largest city - Anchorage.

The very scenic Southeast Alaska Glacier areas such as Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm Fjords or Hubbard Glacier are included in every schedule.

If you consider booking a one-way trip you may be able to visit also Alaska’s Interior destinations such as Denali National Park, Katmai and Fairbanks
Q: Casual or Formal Dress Codes
Outside: The key word for dressing for an Alaska Cruise is "Layering." Casual sportswear including windbreakers, pants and jogging suits are well suited at both sea and ashore in Alaska. Remember to bring a sweater or jacket for cool evenings. The weather is unpredictable and you should plan on bringing a rain resistant jacket for shore side activities. Light gloves, a hat or visor and sunglasses are also recommended. You’ll also want comfortable walking shoes and sandals with a rubber sole as you explore the shores of Alaska. Inside: Alaska Cruises tend to be more casual than other destination. However, many of the contemporary cruise lines still observe formal nights and resort-casual nights Alaska cruises. Smart Casual is similar to what you would wear at home going out to dine at nice restaurant and can include skirts/dresses, slacks, sweaters and blouses for ladies and pants and open neck shirts for men. A jacket and tie are optional. In the dining area, items such as cutoff t-shirts, halter-tops and torn jeans are not permitted. Evenings: In the evening, ships vary as to dress. As on shore, attire is dictated by occasion. For the Captain's Gala, for example, you'll probably want to wear something more formal, such as a dark suit, or cocktail dress; perhaps even a dinner jacket or gown. Our 7-Day cruises feature 1-2 formal evenings during the cruise. Note: it is possible to rent formal attire on some cruise ships.
Q: Weather & Wildlife Viewing
Daytime average temperatures help you plan for your cruise vacation. Alaska has a very short visitor season and during the high Season in July/August tour space is very limited. We highly recommend cruising during May and June (with up to 21 daylight hours) or during the month of September (beautiful Fall Colors and Aurora Viewing) Generally: the weather conditions within Alaska are characterized by large temperature differences and are varying regionally and on a day-by-day basis.

The following link provides current and historical weather data for all cruise ports in Alaska

http://www.arh.noaa.gov/textforecasts.php?type=climate


 

Wildlife viewing is generally good during May/June and September because larger mammals such as Moose and Grizzly Bears are feeding in lower elevations. July/August are prime Brown - and Grizzly Bear viewing months (Kodiak Island, Katmai, Coastal Regions) because bears are feeding on salmon. For detailed information on Alaska’s wildlife viewing areas and for seasonal information please refer to our websites.

 
Q: Starboard or Port Side Glacier Viewing
This is one of the most common questions ask of our agents. While we can understand that one may think that the right side of the ship (starboard side) is better for scenery on a Northbound cruise and the left side (port side) better on a Southbound cruise but this isn't true. When cruising the Inside Passage, there is scenery on both sides of the ship and when you are entering the fjords in Alaska, the viewing will be equally good from both sides of the ship over the duration of your cruise vacation. In other words, during your cruise, you'll see scenery from both sides of the vessel.
Q: How about Staterooms
Stateroom Features: Most cruise lines are providing the following: Safe, Refrigerator, 110-Volt Outlets with US Plugs Fittings, TV with Multi-Channel Programming (CNN, TNT, Turner Classics etc.), Phone, CD/DVD Player and access to a Library, Closet, Room Service, Evening Turn-Down Service, Mini Bar Packages, Wireless Internet Access, Bathroom with an amenity basket. The amenities are subject to change and are only sample sizes. The basket may include such things as: razors; shampoo and conditioner; body wash; Tylenol; deodorant; hard candies. Services may vary by cruise lines. For stateroom sizes/locations please refer to details within the info center area.
Stateroom Rates: to provide you with an easy rate overview/comparision we decided to list only cabin categories instead of a combination of deck/cabin categories. Why choose between a myriad of rates for cabins on different decks and locations. We make it very simple for you: Please inform us about your references and we will book the desired cabin on the best available deck for you.
Q: How about Adventure Cruises
These cruise guests would rather watch for whales than spend the afternoon in a casino. They linger outside on deck and observing the wildlife, rather than watching a video. On a small ship, the focus is outside where nature provides the entertainment. You are not just a visitor - you are participating in adventures such as kayaking off a remote wilderness island, hiking in a rainforest or enjoying spectacular glacier viewing. Each small-ship cruise is an engaging experience for all your senses. The casual style on board all our vessels encourages relaxation and congenial interaction between guests and crew alike. And the experience is personally enriching, through on-board narrative and lectures, special local guests from a wide variety of backgrounds, and the library provided on each vessel. In many of the remote waterways visited, small ships are the only way to explore the area. We leave the wider shipping lanes for the large ocean liner and we use channels just a few hundred feet wide, tieing up to inner piers in tiny villages, and share waterways with local fishermen and perhaps a few private yachts. Some of their ships have bow ladders for shore access. Many carry inflatable excursion craft to take you to where the action is.


 
When you visit a small port in Alaska's Inside Passage they aren't overwhelmed in local communities or crowded nature trails. In fact, the largest vessel hosts just 114 guests. And in the small ports visted, excellent relationships have been nourished with the local innkeepers, port directors, and local storytellers. That means everywhere you travel, you have entrée to the very best experiences that each community can offer. And in every destination, at least one shore excursion or highlight is included in each port of call, to further encourage your active involvement.
Q: Tipping Guidelines
During your cruise, you will meet many members of our staff in a variety of locations as they provide you with excellent service. Additionally, many more crew behind the scenes are supporting those who serve you directly. For your convenience a Hotel and Dining charge of $10.00 per passenger per day (including children) will be automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. The Hotel and Dining charge will be shared amongst those staff who help provide and support your cruise experience, including the wait staff, stateroom stewards and accommodations staff, buffet stewards, galley staff, laundry staff and others. Please note: This is a discretionary charge and should you wish to remove or make any adjustments, you may do so by contacting the Purser's Reception desk onboard. Casino dealers and Spa personnel do not share in the Hotel and Dining charge as not all passengers utilize these services. A 15% service charge is automatically added to your bar charges and dining room wine account. This is shared amongst the beverage staff and their support staff, including cleaners and utility staff.
Q: Which documents do I need for Canada or the USA
Canadian and U.S. Citizens must show proper proof of citizenship to Canada Border Services Agency officers (valid for all departures from/to Vancouver), including but not limited to: Passport, or Government-issued photo ID and original copy of birth certificate. All Other Overseas Passengers must show a valid passport and, if required, other documents such as a Visa etc. For more information, please refer to the Canada Border Services Agency or to the US Customs sites. The requirement to possess a valid Passport for all U.S. citizens who travel by sea or land to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central and South America, Canada and Mexico has been extended to June 1, 2009. However, the government can accelerate this date based on meeting certain standards. All US Citizen traveling by air must possess a valid passport from January 08.2007 onwards. We urge these passengers to visit the U.S. Department of State’s website to read about these issues.
Q: Where are the Cruise Terminals in Vancouver
Canada Place is located within the downtown area at 999 Canada Place in Vancouver. Ballantyne Terminal is located at 655 Centennial Road, east of the Vancouver City Centre. The cost for taxi service from the airport is approximately CAD$35.00 Travellers to Ballantyne have access to Ballantyne Cruise Terminal via Clark Drive or McGill Street Overpass only. There is no access to travellers via Victoria Drive and Heatley Avenue. It takes about 45-60 minutes to get to both cruise terminals from the airport.
Q: Where are the Cruise Terminals in Seward/Whittier
We provide scheduled Motorcoach and Van Transfer Service, Rail Transportation or Private Transfers for individuals and groups from Anchorage to the terminals in Whittier (appr. 40 Miles South of Anchorage) and Seward (appr. 120 Miles South of Anchorage). Please calculate with at least 2 hours of transfer time for all Whittier departures and about 4 hours for all Seward departures. Rates are ranging from $25.00 – $70.00 per person. Please Note: we do not offer any transfer services for clients cruise passages booked through other agencies.
Q: Where are the Cruise Terminals in Seattle
Norwegian Cruise Line will depart from the Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal at Pier 66. Holland America Line and Princess Cruises will depart at the Terminal 30 Cruise Facility. Both terminals are conveniently located on Seattle's downtown waterfront. Taxi transfers from the Seattle/Tacoma Airport are approximately US$30.00
Q: How about Parking at Pier/Docking Locations
Passengers who are driving should arrive at the pier two or three hours prior to sailing. For your own convenience, please do not arrive earlier as boarding will not have commenced. For sailings from Vancouver, you may obtain information and parking rates by calling: 800-665-0050.
Q: What is the best time to Cruise Alaska
Anytime between May and September is a good time to go to Alaska, but there are better times in the season to travel if you have a specific interest or motivation. For example, if you're interested in saving money, then the shoulder seasons of May and September are the best times to go. If you are traveling with children, you may be limited to mid-June through mid-August. Spring is a great time to see the wildflowers in full bloom and Alaska's Fall foliage is a sight to see as well. Your warmest and longest days will be in June and July and will offer you plenty of opportunities to enjoy active, calving glaciers. Each month has its benefits. You should plan to travel when it best meets your schedule and budget.
Q: How about Taxes in Alaska
A proposed Alaska cruise-passenger head tax has qualified for a ballot. The proposal calls for a $50 head tax on all cruise ship passengers, and a 33 percent cruise gaming tax. The petition was filed with reportedly 29,000 signatures, more than the 23,285 required for the state to consider such a petition. The cruise lines currently serving Alaska are expected to vigorously lobby against the proposal, as they have done in the past via their North West Cruiseship Ass, which sees higher cruise fares and fewer Alaska cruisers negatively impacting Alaska's tourism-focused businesses. Cruise industry analyst Robin Farley of UBS Warburg ... questions the validity of the gaming requirement; since cruise ship gaming occurs only in international waters, Farley believes there are problems with legally enforcing any approved gaming tax. The earliest the proposal could become law is at the beginning of 2007.
Q: How about Group Travel
For Groups from 25-50 (or more), we are able to provide professional escorts, who take care of all your group needs at sea. They make sure your staterooms are in order. They provide coordination with the ship's staff for all meeting facilities, making sure they are set-up and prepared for you. They can arrange special land excursions, day trips, adventure tours and private visits to the Vessels Galley and Bridge
Q: Alcoholic Beverage Policy
We kindly request that you do not bring your own alcoholic beverages (other than wine and/or champagne) onboard for consumption. Alcoholic beverages that are purchased duty free from the ship's gift shop or at ports of call will be collected for safekeeping and delivered to your stateroom on the last day of the voyage. A member of our Security Staff will be at the gangway to assist with the storage of your alcoholic beverage purchases. Remember: The legal drinking age of 21 years for US Citizen is always observed onboard and proof of age may be required. All onboard staff are trained to take seriously their responsibility to not serve alcohol to underage passengers. The age restrictions are clearly posted in the bars.
Q: How about Onboard Services
A variety of boutiques are offering fragrances, cosmetics, jewelery, gifts, apparel, accessories and liquor. In addition you may expect Library, Internet café, Tour Office (please compare our rates prior to making a reservation), Spa, Golf Simulator, Dining Rooms, Theatre, Cinema, Pool, Sauna, Steam Bath, Weight and Aerobic Rooms, Massage Therapy and more…Evening entertainment consists of: nightly shows, cocktail hours, casino exitement, discothek etc.
Q: Laundry & Dry Cleaning
Each ship has at least 2 self-service launderettes located on the stateroom decks.  There are two or three washers and dryers, and one iron and ironing board in each launderette. The cost is approx $2.00 per washer load and approx. $2.00 per dryer load. Vending machines dispense small boxes of detergent and water softener at approx. $1.00 per box. Note: Due to local environmental requirements, the washing machines in the guest' launderette will be closed in port, per each ports specific requirements; the dryers and irons will be available for guest use. Dry cleaning service is readily available at a nominal charge.
Q: What is included in the Fare
All Cruise Fares include:
1.) Food - 3 Meals or more per day plus Room Service
2.) Regular Drinks such as Coffee, Tea, Juice, Lemonade
3.) Entertainment
4.) Use of the Cruise Ship Facilities
5.) Accommodation of your choice.
Please contact us for more information or refer to each cruise itinerary/vessel description
Q: What is not included in the Fare

Most cruise fares do not include:
1.) Gratuities 2.) Alcoholic Beverages 3.) Shore Excursions 4.) Gambling 5.) Personal Items 6.) Spa or Beauty Treatments 7.) Travel Insurance 8.) Personal Items 9.) Port Transfers 10.) A small fee may apply for onboard Gourmet Dining Experiences. Please contact us for additional information.

Q: How about Onboard Payments
For your convenience most cruise ships set-up a stateroom account when you check-in. Similar to a hotel, everything you purchase onboard will be charged to this account and at the end of your cruise the account can be settled by credit card, travelers cheque's or cash.
Q: How about Embarking/Disembarking
Express checkout features are available on every vessel. Please provide a credit card upon check in and you have to sign only your final bill for any incidential charges on the last evening of the journey. The crew provides you with disembarkation letter and luggage tags. Please pack your bags on the last evening and place them outside your stateroom door to facilitate custom clearance and disembarkation. Passengers may not leave the ship until the entire luggage is off-loaded.
Q: Which Stateroom Category should I Reserve?
We always recommend reserving a large stateroom with a balcony/verandah or even a suite.  (If your travel budget permits it) When you travel along the Inside Passage you have a ever changing view of mountains, glaciers, remote waterfront communities and wildlife. Balconies are providing also a great opportunity to get away from the crowds and you enjoy great views from the privacy of your own deck. Another advantage are the floor-to-ceiling windows which makes a stateroom even bigger looking.
Q: How about Fishing?
You will have plenty of opportunities to fish for a variety of Salmon & Halibut. Great fishing spots are around Ketchikan and Juneau, or you may decide to take a floatplane to a remote lake or river to fish. Cost of excursions vary. Please refer to our sightseeing sections.
Q: Casino Access Age Restriction
Entry into the disco is limited to passengers 18 years and older. Be sure to check with the child and teen centers, however, for special disco events designed just for kids. Children under the age of 18 are welcome in the gymnasium, spa and jacuzzi; and also in the evening entertainment show lounges when accompanied by a parent or guardian. In line with domestic age limits the casino is reserved for passengers 21 years and older. Additionally, only those passengers 21 years and older will be allowed to purchase or consume alcohol. For those whose age is questionable, picture identification may be requested.
Q: More Questions?
Please check also our other online information resources and compare different cruise line features, view onboard images, staterooms and more.
Go Alaska Tours | Secured Reservation Request Form

A secure transmission of your personal information is very important for the Alaska Travel Network Group LLC at these days and that's why we have taken steps to ensure that we have the most secure method of transmission on the Internet available. All online reservation request and contact forms are providing a SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) technology with a 128-bit encryption for transmission of data between your web browser and our web server which provides the highest level of protection from tampering and eavesdropping. 128-bit encryption is considered so secure that cryptographers consider it impossible to crack. There is no safer way for your personal information to be transmitted. In fact, both the Canadian and US Governments use 128-bit encryption for transmission of their sensitive data. The Go Alaska Tours Website (www.goalaskatours.com) uses GeoTrust for its SSL and 128-bit encryption.