Thank you for joining Alaskan Dream Cruises as we explore the famous and spectacular Inside Passage. It’s going to be a great adventure!
The following information provides you with additional information of what to expect and frequently asked questions about your cruise. Of course, it’s hard to anticipate all questions, so if you need further information don’t hesitate to contact us at 1-855-747-8100 or email us info@alaskandreamcruises.com.
Traveling to Southeast Alaska: Our cruises begin and end in Sitka or Ketchikan (depending on itinerary). After making your reservation with us, please complete the Guest Information Form to confirm your flight arrival and departure information, emergency contact information and other itinerary-specific details (this information is very important to us). Upon arrival at the Sitka or Ketchikan airport an Alaskan Dream Cruises Representative will meet you and provide additional instructions. We provide complimentary transfers one day prior to the sailing date as well as the day of sailing.
Southeast Alaska Weather: During the Alaska cruise season May through September, expect daytime temperatures between 55° and 65° F, with nighttime five degrees cooler (although in summer there is daylight most of the time). It rarely exceeds 75° F, even in mid-summer. Southeast Alaska weather is influenced by its maritime climate, high mountains and extensive glacier coverage.
Alaskan Dream Cruises Itineraries: There are no formal occasions and because of Alaska’s casual style, each itinerary is active, outdoor-oriented and designed for marine and wildlife viewing.
What Should I Bring
- Waterproof jackets, hat and warm clothing. Synthetics (polypropylene, fleece, Capilene®, Gore-Tex®) or wool are excellent choices. Sweaters, sweatshirts, light waterproof jackets are also worth packing.
- Comfortable and sturdy waterproof walking shoes or all-terrain footwear.
- True Alaska with True Alaskans Reminder: Alaskan Dream Cruises provides waterproof jacket, pants and boots for use during your cruise. However, we recommend bringing your favorite jacket.
- There is no laundry facility on board so bring adequate clothing to sustain you for a week to ten days.
- If you own binoculars we recommend packing them.
- True Alaska with True Alaskan Reminder: Alaskan Dream Cruises provides binoculars to use during your cruise at
no charge. - Bring a journal if you keep one — you’ll have lots to write about.
- If you are a birder, bring your field guides.
- Postcards, note cards, and stationery can be purchased locally.
- Sunglasses are necessary on sunny days and even on cloudy days the glare is pronounced on the water.
Sunscreen is a good idea too. - There is a reference library on board.
- Playing cards and board games are available on board.
Marine & Wildlife Questions:
- Wildlife is unpredictable, but plentiful in the area and chances are good for great marine and wildlife viewing.
- When viewing wildlife, we strictly adhere to all suggested or required distances and procedures recommended by local, state and federal wildlife agencies. Sensitive viewing of wildlife that does not disturb their behavior is paramount to protect wildlife populations.
- Your Expedition Leader is an experienced professional guide and will be able to provide more insight into the marine and wildlife we are viewing.
- Alaska is famous for its mosquitoes, but they are found in numbers mostly in the interior and arctic regions of Alaska. They are not that offensive in Southeast Alaska where weather is cooler and we are mostly on the water and away from land. If bugs or mosquitoes become prevalent our Expedition Leaders will provide you with bug spray.
- True Alaska with True Alaskans Reminder: Alaskan Dream Cruises provides binoculars to use during your cruise.
True Alaska with True Alaskans Suggestion: Our schedules are busy with activities, tours and evening programs. However, some free time exists to enjoy the area on your own. As all Alaskans do, we strongly suggest you tell someone (roommate, friend or crew member) where you are going and when we can expect you to return. It’s good practice and the Alaskan way of life!
Aboard Ship Questions:
- Guest cabins aboard the Alaskan Dream Cruises vessels have standard 110-volt outlets.
- A hairdryer is provided in each guest cabin.
- Towels are provided as well as a selection of organic, biodegradable, earth-friendly soaps and shampoos.
- Pillow-top Sealy World Class series mattresses, sheets manufactured by The Comfy Company and our pillows and duvets are hypo-allergenic synthetic.
- Guest cabins are fairly spacious, we suggest limiting yourself to two pieces of luggage.
- Laundry services are not available on board. We can provide you with an iron if you require one.
- We have a library of books that pertain to many aspects of Alaska such as history, geology, marine and wildlife. Each vessel has lounges designed for marine and wildlife viewing. Additionally, we offer afternoon and evening lecturers to educate guests on the many fascinating aspects of Alaska history, geology, marine and wildlife.
- Smoking aboard the Alaskan Dream Cruises: smoking is prohibited anywhere inside the vessel, including all staterooms. Smoking is permitted on selected outside decks. All public buildings, including restaurants, in Alaska prohibit smoking. Smoking is permitted in some bars and lounges.
- Mobile (cellular) phone service is available in selected areas throughout Southeast Alaska. A member of the crew will be able to advise when this service is likely to be available. In addition, Alaskan Dream Cruises ships are equipped with satellite phones for conducting business operations and emergency situations. However, due to the mountain region of this area this service can be intermittent.
Food and Beverage Service Questions:
- The Alaskan Dream Cruises team of professionally trained chefs takes great pride in presenting outstanding, prepared meal selections featuring fresh, organic, and locally produced food. With our Chef Inspired Gourmet Cuisine, our menus change daily, offering several selections from a menu usually including a seafood or meat entrée. Fresh, locally caught Alaskan seafood is a specialty of Alaskan Dream Cruises.
- Early or late risers or light eaters can enjoy a continental breakfast buffet in dining rooms from 6:00 to 9:00 AM. Meal times vary depending on the day’s activity schedule, but in general breakfast is served from 7:00 to 8:00 AM, lunch at noon, and dinner from 6:30 to 8:00 PM.
- Our Dining Room table configuration allows easy conversation and seating is never assigned so guests can choose different meal companions at each meal.
- Aboard ship, a nightly social hour and re-cap is presented an hour prior to dinner, featuring delicious freshly prepared hors d‘oeuvres in our forward viewing lounges. This provides the perfect ending to the day with your Expedition Leader re-capping activities and previewing the next day.
- Coffee, tea and hot chocolate are available at all times in both the Dining Room and forward viewing lounges.
- Special diets or meal requests can be accommodated in most cases. If you require a special diet or have allergies to certain foods, be sure to note those on the Dietary Preference Form so we may accommodate your needs. It is important to give us some advance notice of special diet needs so appropriate food can be on board.
- A selection of fine alcoholic beverages, beer and wine are available aboard ship for independent purchase, but not included in your cruise fare. There is a good selection of wine available aboard, and you may purchase a bottle and have the unfinished portion capped and held for you.
Money Questions:
- Most establishments accept credit cards, and ATM cash machines are available in the towns. Traveler’s checks are accepted at most establishments.
- An onboard account is established for your purchases of alcoholic beverages, gifts or clothing sold aboard the vessel, otherwise known as a “cashless” society. You will settle your account prior to disembarking on the last day of your cruise. Major credit cards, personal checks or a cash payment are accepted.
General Questions:
- This area is a photographer’s paradise. Bring film if you still use it as a very limited selection of film available locally and will be much more expensive. Conditions vary wildly, but low light conditions predominate. Bring extra batteries — they may be difficult or impossible to get locally. You may also want a tripod, UV haze filter, and polarizing filter. Wildlife photographers will want at least a 300mm lens. There isn’t a computer available to download digital photos, so bring your own or an extra memory card if you use digital.
- The most frequently asked question we hear is “When is the best time to visit Southeast Alaska”? Alaska is known for its natural beauty, wildlife viewing and marine life experiences. Our home is Sitka and its rich in history and culture, totem poles, fresh seafood, long daylight hours and the list goes on; so advising our guests when to travel to Southeast Alaska depends on your own passions and interests. Our knowledgeable, Sitka-based reservations team can help direct you to the best cruise departure so you can experience your ultimate Alaskan Dream Cruise.
We look forward to showing you our Southeast Alaska.
