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Alaska Yacht Cruises |
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Here are answers to some of our guests’ most frequently asked questions about Alaska yacht cruises with Northern Explorer Adventures. If you need additional information, please contact us!
What is the best time to cruise to Alaska? Our Alaska yacht cruises are offered from June first through the middle of August and, in general, anytime during these months is a good time to go. Early spring is an excellent time to see wildflowers in bloom and the fall is known for colorful fall foliage. The warmest and longest days of the year are in June and July – a trip during this time is perfect for watching glacier calving. How long are your Alaska yacht cruises? We offer 2-night cruises, departing from Seward. Full boat charters and customized trips of up to seven days are also available upon request. Please contact us to discuss your plans. If you’re looking to extend your stay and explore Alaska’s unique interior, consider adding a land tour to the beginning or end of your cruise. Known as cruise tours, these allow you to visit and explore other parts of Alaska. If you are interested in a cruise tour, please contact us – we are happy to recommend and help you arrange a tour before or after your Alaska yacht cruise with us. Can you do trips longer than five days or shorter than three? We are happy to customize trips of a specified number of days. Please contact us to discuss your plans. Can I book the entire boat? Absolutely! A full boat charter is wonderful for family vacations, corporate retreats or groups of friends that want to travel together. For a flat rate, you can charter the entire boat for up to 6 guests. Contact us to discuss your plans. Where does the cruise start and end? How do I get there? All of our cruises depart and return to either Seward or Whittier Alaska, both of which are short scenic drives from Anchorage, where the state’s largest international airport is located. Transportation options to and from the boat can be added to your itinerary with our own personnel shuttle van (rates apply), a rental car, private transportation, limousine, or a ride on the Alaska Railroad. We are happy to assist with pre- and post-cruise transportation, so just let us know when you make your booking. Our partners at the beautiful Lakefront Anchorage Alaskan lodge also offer exclusive rates for our guests wishing to stay in Anchorage before or after their trip. Click here for details. How much does an Alaska yacht cruise cost? Our all-inclusive cruise rates vary depending on the length of your trip, stateroom choice and number of people. Costs are calculated per person, and all rates are based on double occupancy. We are also happy to accommodate single travelers. In addition, we offer full boat charters for up to 6 guests. Find on the details on our rates page. When considering your Alaska cruise vacation options, be sure to compare our competitive rates, luxury accommodations, gourmet cuisine, small group size and personalized itineraries. We believe you will find Northern Explorer Adventures offers the highest standard of comfort and service at a comparable price. What if I am traveling by myself? Do I have to pay more? Our rates are based on double occupancy; however, we are happy to accommodate single travelers. If you want to guarantee a private stateroom, a 65 percent single supplement charge will apply. If you are willing to share a stateroom, but we are unable to match you with a roommate, you will not be charged a single supplement. Please let us know your preference when making your reservation. How can I pay for my cruise? A 50 percent deposit per person is required to reserve your space for your requested dates. The balance is due 60 days prior to departure. Payment options include:
Is a luxury Alaska yacht cruise worth it? We believe our all-inclusive cruises offer an incredible value and are one of the best ways to experience all that Alaska has to offer – from glaciers and wildlife, to hiking and fishing. You will explore awe-inspiring scenery, enjoy your choice of excursions, rest in the comfort and privacy of your own stateroom, and dine on gourmet cuisine aboard a luxurious yacht, which you will share with only 5 other passengers and three crew members. What will I see on my cruise? “The last frontier,” as Alaska is often called, is well-known for abundant wildlife, unspoiled wilderness and glistening glaciers. Aboard the Northern Explorer, keep your eye out for moose, caribou, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, puffin, seals, humpback and killer whales, eagles and more. Your time on our Alaska yacht cruise will also introduce you to Alaska Native culture and gold rush history. And you’ll have your choice of diverse excursions, such as kayaking, fishing, hiking, glacier viewing, and beach combing, customized to your interests and abilities. When’s the best time to see whales? Whales make their northbound migration to Alaska beginning in February, so our summer cruise season is the perfect time to see these wondrous creatures. Humpback and minke whales, orcas, Pacific white-sided dolphins, and Dall and harbor porpoises can all be seen in Alaska’s waters generally between June and early September. Learn more about whale watching. What should I wear? You’ll encounter a range of temperatures and conditions on your Alaska yacht cruise. From the frigid temperatures on a glacier hike to warm afternoons in quaint fishing villages along the coast, you’ll definitely want to layer your clothing for comfort. During the day, consider casual sportswear, such as windbreakers, pants and jogging suits, as well as hiking boots or comfortable walking shoes with rubber soles. At night, you’ll appreciate having a sweater or light jacket to keep you warm. Remember that the weather can be unpredictable, so don’t forget your ponchos or rain gear and fleece jackets. We always recommend that you carry a light pair of gloves, a hat and sunglasses – and don’t forget your camera and binoculars! If you want to enjoy our top-deck hot tub, then be sure to bring your swimming suit as well. See our recommended packing list for more suggestions. What should I bring? Packing requirements for an Alaska yacht cruise vary depending on what kind of activities you are planning, as well as your own personal needs and lifestyle. However, to help you get started, we have compiled this comprehensive list of essentials to pack. Should I bring my kids? An Alaska yacht cruise can certainly be a family affair. Kids will enjoy the adventurous activities and parents will love the educational aspects of the trip. Our flexible itineraries and excursion options ensure that there is something for everyone to enjoy throughout the voyage. Will I get seasick on board? Very unlikely! The Northern Explorer is equipped with state-of-the-art stabilizers designed to minimize movement. However, there are many over the counter and prescription treatments for seasickness, so if you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend that you discuss preventative measures with your doctor or local pharmacist. What if I cancel my cruise within the cancelation period or my trip is canceled due to other reasons? With a maximum of 6 guests, it would be very rare for your trip to be canceled due to the lack of passengers. Our cancelation policy applies primarily for causes such as weather or other safety-related issues. If there is a cancelation of any other type and where there is a refund due to our guests, please allow up to 60 days for processing your refund. Is my stateroom choice guaranteed? Yes, once your booking is confirmed, your stateroom is guaranteed. What if the other passengers want to do something other than what I want to do? Every Northern Explorer Adventures cruise is customized to suit the interests and abilities of our guests. Our small group size and guest/crew ratio mean that we can provide attentive service, and tailor the day’s activities to each guest’s preferences. For example, at one location, we can put guests ashore for hiking, beachcombing, gold panning or just relaxing, while our experienced guides launch kayaks for another group of guests or take out the skiff for a photo safari or some fishing. Can I go fishing? Fishing is an important part of Alaska’s culture and economy, and we enjoy sharing that activity with our guests. Depending on the area we are in, you might fish for rock fish, salmon or pacific cod. We provide all the gear but be sure to pick up your fishing license before you board. Fishing licenses are available online or at most Alaska grocery stores and outdoor outfitters. Can you accommodate special meal requests? Our dedication to providing truly customized trips extends to the dining room. If you have special dietary needs or allergies, our professionally trained chef is happy to prepare delicious meals that accommodate any dietary restrictions, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten intolerant or nut allergies. Just talk with us about your needs when you book your cruise. Will my cell phone work while on board? Cell phones work in a large portion of our cruising area. There are areas of restrictive coverage, but we are usually within cell range each day at some point. We always travel with satellite phones for communications when cell service is unavailable. And, of course, the yacht is equipped with VHF radios for all Coast Guard communications. Do you have on-board internet? We do not have internet onboard, but we do have cellular phone service at times. Will I be cold on my Alaska yacht cruise? Contrary to what you might think, Alaska is quite mild five months a year. Temperatures in June, July and August – when most people visit – range from 60°F – 80°F in the daytime, and 40°F – 50°F at night (although you may encounter colder conditions during certain activities, such as glacier trekking). We recommend dressing in layers, so you are comfortable all day, regardless of the activity. Is it light all the time during the summer? Known as the “land of the midnight sun,” Alaska experiences long periods of daylight in April through September, with the longest day of the year on June 21, summer solstice. The amount of daylight depends on where you are and when you are traveling, but in the height of summer, you can step out on deck at 11 p.m. and have splendid views of Alaska’s pristine scenery and abundant wildlife. Comparing your optionsWhen considering your Alaska private touring yacht options, be sure to compare our competitive rates, luxury accommodations, gourmet cuisine, small group size and personalized itineraries. We believe you will find Northern Explorer Adventures offers the highest standard of comfort and service at a comparable price. |