4 months ago
Fantastic scenery. Very little rain or mosquitoes. I could sit on that boat for hours (or days!) watching the scene pass by.
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Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Activity note: Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m. If you arrive before your room is ready, you may store your luggage at the hotel until check-in is available.
Afternoon: All routes and excursions are subject to change – weather sea conditions may affect the itinerary. Sea conditions affect the progress of the ship, making it run late and sometimes miss ports because it is not safe to dock. Because of this, the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. The operators reserve the right to change the content of excursions without prior notice. The time available in each port is set by the cruise line. Whenever possible, the Road Scholar daily schedule indicates port arrival and departure times (subject to change by the cruise line). This may mean that free time in port is limited. Regardless of the time in port, Road Scholar delivers a robust educational program. Upon arrival in Juneau, we will be met by Alaska Dream Cruise staff and transferred to the hotel. Program Registration: After you have your room assignment and beginning at 4:00 p.m., come over to the Road Scholar table outside the meeting room, to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any last-minute changes, other important information, and to learn when and where the Orientation session will take place. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in.
Dinner: In our private meeting space at the hotel, we’ll enjoy a buffet meal which will include an entrée, salad, starch, coffee, tea, and water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening: Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Each afternoon before dinner aboard the ship, we’ll have a social hour to recap the day’s activities, preview what will happen tomorrow, get to know our fellow participants better and see amazing scenery. As a tasty treat, enjoy complimentary hors d‘oeuvres as well as coffee, tea, and hot chocolate; other beverages available for purchase. Evenings aboard the ship will often include a presentation for the group, unless specified otherwise. It might be a narrated slide presentation, a talk, an opportunity for questions and answers, or just a good story. Durations of hikes will be dependent on the group pace and ability level, which can vary. Unless specified otherwise, transportation on land will be provided primarily by motorcoach, requiring the going up/down of a few steps when getting on/off. Periods in the schedule labeled “Free Time and “At Leisure” offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable while going out to explore on your own, engaging in available activities independently, making new friends among fellow Road Scholars, or simply relaxing. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the full day ahead.
Activity note: Please bring luggage from rooms to hotel lobby (assistance as needed). During Juneau field trip, walking up to 1 mile with stops on paved trails and sidewalks stops. Stairs at Mendenhall Glacier. Van or small bus will be available for those not wishing to walk to the sites visited in Juneau.
Breakfast: Our breakfast buffet at the hotel includes oatmeal, French toast, eggs, breakfast potatoes, bacon, sausage, fruit, orange juice, tea, milk.
Morning: After bringing our luggage down and checking out of the hotel, we’ll reassemble and board a motorcoach for a field trip to one of Alaska’s extraordinary natural wonders: the Mendenhall Glacier. This river of ice is one of 38 large glaciers that flow from the 1,500 square mile Juneau ice field formed about 3,000 years ago. The glacier stretches 12 miles from the ice field down to its terminus at Mendenhall Lake. The glacier and surrounding area are protected by the National Forest Service as part of Tongass National Forest, the largest in the U.S., encompassing 17 million acres. The Visitor Center offers magnificent views of the Glacier and the lake, many displays and presentations, a short movie, and hiking trails. National Forest Service interpretive rangers will be available to provide information and answer questions as we explore independently. We’ll then explore Juneau via motorcoach as our driver provides commentary on our surroundings and the local history. Originating with the Alaska Gold Rush in 1880, the miners’ tent camp grew into a small town and then kept growing as mines produced millions of dollars in gold well into the 20th Century. Tourism expanded as adventure travelers were attracted by the surrounding old-growth forests, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, salmon streams, bear habitat, and migratory whale routes. En route, we will pass the Capitol Building and the governor’s mansion, among other city highlights.
Lunch: In our private meeting room at the hotel, we’ll choose from a selection of pre-made sandwiches along with dessert items, fresh fruit and sodas, water, coffee and tea.
Afternoon: Following lunch we will make our way to the Alaska State museum for a self-directed exploration of the museum which is the repository for the states history, highlighting he distinct native cultures of Alaska. Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. You may wish to take a walking excursion with the Group Leader or explore on your own visiting other interesting sites in Juneau including the Walter Soboleff Center, Mt. Roberts Tramway, Capitol building, or city museum. We will then board our vessel for our embarkation from Juneau. After boarding, we will meet the Captain and crew and have an orientation session outlining safety procedures as we get underway.
Dinner: As a special treat for our first night aboard the ship,we will have an opportunity for an exclusive stop at Orca Point Lodge on Colt Island to enjoy a wonderful buffet meal of Alaskan salmon and all-you-can-eat King Crab. A glass of wine, soft drinks, coffee, tea and water are included; other beverages available for purchase
Evening: A member of the staff will provide an overview of tomorrow’s activities as well as discuss the local history and culture. The ship’s public address system allows participants to hear programs in the forward lounge (where most of our onboard programming occurs) or in the comfort of staterooms.
Activity note: Getting on/off street cars. Minimal walking on sidewalks and city streets. Train ride is approx. 40 miles round trip; about 3.5 hours.
Breakfast: Aboard the ship, we’ll have plated meals featuring fresh, organic, and locally produced foods including items like pancakes, cereals, egg dishes, and breakfast meats with coffee, tea, milk, hot chocolate, juice and water; other beverages available for purchase.
Morning: Making our way up the spectacular Taiya Inlet, we’ll dock in Skagway. This famous gold rush town is also home to Klondike National Historic Park, which owns and has restored many of the buildings. We will take a narrated shuttle from the ship to the White Pass Railway depot, board the train, and take a narrated ride on rails up to the White Pass summit located in British Columbia, Canada, with spectacular views along the way. This narrow gauge railway route was built during the Klondike Gold Rush. Its proposed 110-mile journey through coastal mountains was considered impossible but became a reality in only 26 months of construction from 1898-1900. The railway operated as a business until 1982, then re-opened in 1988 for seasonal excursions.
Lunch: Aboard the ship, we’ll have plated meals featuring fresh, organic, and locally produced foods with coffee, tea and water included; other beverages available for purchase. If you would like you may have lunch in town at your own cost.
Afternoon: Free Time. You may wish to visit the Klondike National Historic Park's museum, go on a walking field trip with our Group Leader, or explore the town of Skagway on your own. The park offers park ranger walks at regularly scheduled times from the visitor's center. The ship is scheduled to depart mid to late afternoon. We’ll head back down the scenic Lynn Canal towards Icy Strait as we head towards tomorrow’s destination: Glacier Bay.
Dinner: In the pleasant dining room, enjoy plated meals prepared by professionally trained chefs using fresh, organic, and locally produced foods plus one complimentary glass of beer or wine with all dinners aboard the ship. Coffee, tea, milk, hot chocolate and water are included; other beverages available for purchase. Menus change daily, usually including a seafood or meat entrée.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: N/A
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: Birders and wildlife watchers will want to be up and out on decks as we enter Glacier Bay early this morning. We will be joined by a National Park Service (NPS) Ranger who will lead our programming today. The NPS citation reads, “Covering 3.3 million acres of rugged mountains, dynamic glaciers, temperate rainforest, wild coastlines, and deep sheltered fjords, Glacier Bay National Park is a highlight of Alaska's Inside Passage and part of a 25-million acre World Heritage Site — one of the world’s largest international protected areas.” The entrance to Glacier Bay teems with wildlife, particularly sea birds. This is also an area frequented by feeding humpback whales. The Huna Tlingit people once lived here and consider it their spiritual homeland. A Native Tlingit interpretive naturalist will join the NPS Ranger to discuss their traditional ties to this stunning natural treasure.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: We’ll continue our study cruise exploration of Glacier Bay National Park, the crown jewel of Southeast Alaska considered by many to be the United States’ Number 1 national park. Glacier Bay boasts the largest number of tidewater glaciers in North America, the 15,000-foot Fairweather Mountain range, some of the most stunning scenery anywhere, and a prolific amount wildlife including humpback whales, sea otters, puffins, mountain goats and much more, often amid calving icebergs. Watch for all these wonders from the deck of the ship (binoculars provided). The Ranger and naturalist will be on deck for commentary, to point out highlights, and answer questions.
Dinner: Aboard the ship..
Evening: Dependent on timing we will have the opportunity to stop at Bartlett Cove and take a walk around the forest, stop at the visitor center, and see an actual whale skeleton.
Activity note: Climbing in/out of 22-foot skiffs; assistance provided as needed. Before each event, the crew will give operating and safety instructions. Each group will have 2 expert leaders.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: Adventure awaits as we explore the scenic area known as Admiralty Bay. This area rich in history, and we will get a chance to see and old cannery that used to operate right outside of Juneau. View the old-growth rain forest, and pristine beaches from the comfort of the ship, scan the skies for birds and the shores for wildlife. We will also have the opportunity to view marine life up close via small watercraft with expert staff. There we will be able to access kayaking, walking and DIB tours.
Lunch: Aboard Ship
Afternoon: We'll continue or quest for wildlife sightings along this beautiful coastline with commentary by our on board experts.
Dinner: Aboard the ship.
Evening: Our Road Scholar Group Leader will give a presentation on more fascinating aspects of Alaska’s Inside Passage.
Activity note: N/A
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: Perhaps Alaska’s most scenic fjord, Tracy Arm, a photographer’s paradise, is a narrow inlet of ocean running between cliffs or steep slopes. Tracy Arm twists and turns for more than 30 miles through some of the most dramatically scenic landscapes anywhere, dotted with thousands of icebergs from twin glaciers -- North Sawyer and South Sawyer -- at the end of the fjord. Wildlife is seasonally prolific, with whales and sea lions, seals on floating ice, bears, deer, mountain goats, wolves, and smaller animals inhabiting surrounding forests, and bald eagles and other birds flying above. Along the way, our staff will narrate and point out the highlights.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: We’ll wind our way back down the arm, pausing to view some of the spectacular waterfalls that spill out of the granite cliffs along the fjord. Weather and sea conditions permitting, we will also have the opportunity to ride the skiffs with our expert leaders to explore either the terrain. As we depart from Tracy Arm, we will head into Frederick Sound to scout for humpback whales and other marine mammals in these world-renowned whale waters.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: Ship crew will provide an overview of the procedures for tomorrow's visit to Hobart Bay.
Activity note: Levels of activity are dependent on personal preference. Climbing in/out of 22-foot skiffs and kayaks assistance provided as needed. Each group that goes out will be accompanied by 2 staff leaders. Hiking about ½ mile, expected duration of approx. 1 hour, but will be dependent on pace of the group; moderate incline on gravel road. Up to 1 hour in boats on a long, slow paddle.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: After arriving at Hobart Bay, we'll begin our wilderness adventure with a full day of exhilarating outdoor activities. You will have the choice to explore the bay via 2-person sea kayaks or on 22-foot skiffs for quiet exploration. Kayak launchers make it easy to get into kayaks that are then slid into the water slowly. Groups will be limited to 10-12 on the skiffs providing room to easily maneuver and catch sight of wildlife and take photos as well as watch for eagles or bears along the shore.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: Continue exploring this secluded bay. A variety of marine life and birds are often visible as well as an occasional black bear roaming the shoreline. We’ll also go ashore for a short hike to a view point along a gravel road in the late afternoon past by a muskeg/bog with some unusual plants, including a carnivorous species!
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At Leisure.
Activity note: Walking with guide up to 1 mile or even surfaces through Kake. Totem Carving Demonstration, Tlingit Dance Performance.
Breakfast: Aboard the ship.
Morning: Today’s destination, one of the unique bays along Fredrick Sound, which is virtually unknown to many travelers. We will spend the morning cruising through this delightful and lovely, yet rarely visited, part of Alaska. View the temperate rainforest, waterfalls, and pristine beaches from the comfort of the ship, scan the skies for birds and the shores for wildlife. We will also have the opportunity to view marine life up close via small watercraft with expert staff.
Lunch: Aboard the ship.
Afternoon: This afternoon we will continue cruising along Fredrick Sound, arriving in Kake in the afternoon. Of the twenty largest islands in the United States, seven of them are in Southeast Alaska. At 1,086 square miles, Kupreanof Island is 13th largest, yet fewer than 600 people call the island home. Most of them live in the first-class city of Kake, a mostly Tlingit village situated on the island’s northwest shore facing Keku Strait, a skinny thread of ocean that separates their island from neighboring Kuiu Island to the west. Arriving in Kake, we will get the chance to view a totem carving demonstration, visit the world's largest totem pole, and witness a live Tlingit Traditional dance performance. While in Kake we will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful city with a local guide.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: Aboard the ship, enjoy an evening of native storytelling or other Alaskan tales.
Activity note: The ship is scheduled to arrive in Sitka at approximately 7:30 a.m. Disembarkation from the ship will begin at approximately 8:30 a.m. Minimal walking on sidewalks and city streets; rides available upon request. .
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: After disembarking the ship we will make our way to the Sitka Raptor center, and witness all of the wonderful work this place doing to rehabilitate the local raptors. Following our tour of the Sitka Raptor Center, we will make have the chance to explore the historic Sitka National Historical Park. One of Alaska's most charming communities, Sitka lies in a protected harbor rich in natural resources and has a complex history dating back over 8,000 years beginning with the Kiksadi Tlingit people as the native residents. Serious Russian interest began in 1725 when they began to explore the Pacific coast of North America until they eventually established, after much fighting with the Tlingit people, Sitka as an administrative center.
Lunch: In our private meeting space at the hotel, we’ll have a light lunch of sandwiches, chips, fruit, cookies, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.
Afternoon: Following lunch, we’ll reassemble and walk to the oldest museum in Alaska, the Sheldon Jackson Museum, which holds many artifacts that were collected by Sheldon Jackson himself. After a brief introduction to the museum, enjoy some time to explore the exhibits independently; docents will be available to answer any questions you may have. In 1877, Sheldon Jackson began his work in Alaska as a Presbyterian missionary and, while working with the Alaska Natives, he saw the need to preserve their history and culture for future generations so he amassed an extensive collection of cultural artifacts, many of which are on display in the museum. Then, we will explore downtown Sitka on foot with a stop at the Sitka Sound Science Center. While at the science center we will learn about the salmon spawning process, have the opportunity to explore the touch tank, and learn about all of the research the science center is conducting.
Dinner: In our private meeting space at the hotel, we’ll enjoy a buffet meal which will include an entrée, salad, starch, coffee, tea, and water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening: Enjoy a wrap up presentation at the hotel reviewing our adventures with Road Scholar staff. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity note: Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. If departing this day, transfers will be provided to the airport.
Breakfast: At the hotel, the buffet will include menu choices such as eggs, breakfast meats, potatoes, yogurt, French toast, juice, coffee, tea and water. This concludes our program.
Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Fantastic scenery. Very little rain or mosquitoes. I could sit on that boat for hours (or days!) watching the scene pass by.
This program is interesting, educational and fun. The scenery is spectacular, the staff and accommodations are excellent. You will find new friends and get some memorable life experiences.
We took the Road (Scholar) less traveled by And that has made all the difference With credit and apologies to Robert Frost
This is a great program for those who want a wilderness travel experience without the physical demands of wilderness travel. The small ship, with its flexible itinerary, superb crew and comfortable accommodations, was perfect. I’ll never take a big-ship cruise now that I’ve experienced this small ship. We had knowledgeable and communicative group leaders, fantastic food (argh, Weight Watchers here I come!), amazing sights and sounds, a great bunch of fellow travellers.
If you wish an intimate experience with Alaska, its land and its native cultures, I recommend this trip.
The Baranof Dream crew is exceptionally "customer friendly!" The sights you will see on this trip are both breath taking and often once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
it worked and made sense
This was a perfect small ship experience in a field dominated by behemoth cruise liners. Intimate experience in a majestic setting.
I would do it again in a minute. The leaders, Mary and Jeff treated us like family in addition to being very knowledgeable about the Flora and Fauna of the area. The ship was very comfortable with five star restaurant food. The scenery was gorgeous even when it rained.
This program is an exceptional view of Alaska's beauty and history. Wildlife variety was beyond expectations. This is a great way to see parts of Alaska that most people only read about.
Excellent trip. Wonderful staff on board. Guides were excellent. Small number of passengers was conducive to everyone getting an opportunity to experience all that was available and to make some wonderful friends.
Small group travel and learning is a worthy adventure.
Just got home from Alaska. The program was excellent. Lots of wildlife, interesting places visited, comfortable ship accomodations, very good presentations. Recommend it!
This trip was the greatest. Every detail has taken care of. It was also flexible enough that the schedule could be changed to ensure the passengers had the best experience! Our first Road Scholar trip. We are choosing our next now.
Best RS trip I've ever taken! Great group leaders, fabulous scenery, excellent itinerary and wonderful people. It was an unforgettable taste of the spirit of Alaska.
Our fifteenth Road Scholar trip and they seem to get better and better. It was our first small ship cruise and we loved it.
This was the most scenic trip I have ever gone on - snow capped peaks in every direction, with glaciers and waterfalls, and wildlife galore! It was educational and wonderful! Thank you for a great time!!!!
This was the trip of a lifetime! The scenery and experiences were magical, the group leaders were magnificent, and the other participants were interesting. I want to turn around and go back!
Don't go through this life without making this trip!
Great trip and program, I learned a lot, especially about the local indigenous peoples.
This trip was absolutely amazing - it exceeded any expectations we had. The leaders were knowledgeable, interesting and fun. The ship and crew were great, the food delicious. It was the trip of a lifetime!
I have trouble with endurance and ambulation. The options that this program provided were just right for me.
This program was remarkable , our group leaders Emily and Rebecca was fantastic, our Culture leader Lee was super amazing. Would recommend this program highly .
The trip of a lifetime! This was the perfect way to see the inside passage. Our group leaders were warm,knowlegable, welcoming! Our cultural Expedition leader (Lee) and naturalist (Ashley) added so much to our experience. Our group started as strangers, and parted as family! I couldn't have asked for more. MUST DO!
Just an amazing experience that far exceeded my dreams. The guides we had Emily, Rebecca, Ashley and Lee were extremely knowledgeable and provided an incredible learning experience.
Alaska Inside Passage on a small ship was an exceptional way to view natures wonders up close from mountains, glaciers, icebergs, waterfalls, wild flowers, spruce trees, birds and animals. To learn more about the natives and their rich history on field trips and excellent lectures. To explore the towns and villages along the way talking with the locals and visiting museums. Not to mention excellent leadership, lectures, food and new friendships of people of wide variety of backgrounds and interests. B&S from Maine
Wonderful experience. Scenery, lots of glaciers, whales and whales, bears, mountain goats, birds, beautiful sunsets, great shipboard living and food. A small ship is the only way to go. Don't even think about taking a cruise ship in the inner passage.
I highly recommend Road Scholar's Alaska, Inside Passages program. The whole experienced exceeded my expectations and was excellent in every way. I know the weather is outside the control of Road Scholar, but we had sunny weather for every day except for one rainy afternoon, and this allowed us to enjoy being on the ship all the more. A blessing on top of the blessings of the program itself!
This was an over-the-top experience which I will never forget! We saw the inner passage up close and had amazing, hands-on experiences! GO!! You will be glad you did!
Can't thank our program leaders Jerri and Emily enough for all they did for us as well as Ryan and Lee our guides. All the staff I interacted with on the Baranoff Dream brought their own talents and contributed to a great vacation.
This trip was both incredible and captivating, from the start in a temperate rainforest to sailing past icy vistas and flowing waters, listening to the stories of the indigenous people of Southeast Alaska and how they figured out survival in the environment drawing from the rich resources at hand. The group leaders were extremely knowledgeable and educational, the onboard instructor provided great insights and the cultural leader was very fascinating to listen to the stories he relayed of his people. The boat provided comfortable beds rocking us to sleep with ample and well prepared meals to keep up our energy. The captain and his crew were extremely accommodating and the fellow travelers on the trip were a pleasure to meet and share conversation with. I would suggest that anyone who wants to see Alaska's Inside Passage Up Close embrace this as the way to experience the nature of Alaska rather than on a large cruise ship. Well done Road Scholar!
There was more hiking and kayaking available as an option than I expected. That was a good thing. Each activity was as long or short as you wanted.
Our trip was a dream fulfilled for me. Amazing weather allowed for great viewing of wildlife, forests, totems, villages, glaciers, "calving". Road Scholar leaders were knowledgeable, friendly, easy to be around. Baranof Dream staff and leaders were great and added so much value to the program.
Very interesting program, great staff, great experience
This trip was everything I expected from the description and so much more. Splurged on the deluxe cabin and not disappointed. Meals on the ship were exceptional. Husband and wife team leaders Dale and Sue were outstanding - well-educated, friendly and very genuine. Saw amazing glaciers, whales and other wildlife up close and personal. We needed something with minimal physical activity, but there were opportunities for kayaking, walks and hiking. Definitely glad we did this. Highly recommend.
Amazing experience. My 5th time to Alaska, best trip yet. We spent all of our time in very interesting and scenic locals - much better than coming up from Seattle or Vancouver. The food was absolutely amazing! Didn't see a lot of the sun, but that is to be expected in Alaska so we were prepared, and the weather really never kept us from enjoying things.
I you want to learn while you experience sights and sounds you cannot imagine, you should take this trip. It is so much more than anything you've heard about the Inner Passage of Alaska. Only by seeing it first hand can you appreciate the history and significance and magnificance of this part of our country. GO ALASKA!
This program is one the best travel programs in which my wife and I have participated. Having traveled to over 50 countries, we can confidently state that Programn# 11479 is perhaps the best we have had the pleasure to enjoy.
The small craft, intimate program, direct experience of nature, knowledgeable teaching and exquisite food made this program sooo much better than what we saw other participants experience on the larger, less personal mega ships. If you want close up and personal, this is the program.
Program is aptly described as easy. Beautiful country, As always Road Scholar has everything well organized.
Wonderful Trip and enjoyed maybe the best weather of the season. The scenery and wildlife viewings were spectacular! The crew was so nice and hardworking also. As usual the other travelers were very compatible. I was very surprised to find how comfy the beds were. I've been on small ships before where the beds were quite the opposite (not Road Scholar). I'd go again in a heartbeat!
A wonderful first time experience. I am already planning my next one!
The Alaska Inner Passage Up Close is a do not miss cruise. My husband and I enjoyed it tremendously, beyond all our expectations. The scenery and wildlife and birds we saw were incredible. Our leaders were fun and knowledgeable. I recommend it without reserve. Fantastic trip.
This was an exceptional, never to be forgotten experience that was beyond our expectations. Excellent organization and execution from booking to the end. Never a dull moment but enough time to relax and enjoy in a totally casual environment.
Alaska cruise was more then I envisioned! The vastness and wilderness can't be captured on film! Go see for yourselves!
This small boat experience provided opportunities that are impossible aboard large cruise ships, and we saw many natural features and wildlife.
It was an enjoyable, entertaining and enlightening experience with a few exceptions. The small ship experience was exceptional---excellent service from all the crew members, gourmet dining, and up-close and personal engagement with all that is special about awesome Alaska. I have been recommending Alaska Dream Cruises to everyone who asks about my trip. However, I think more detailed descriptions of the ship's accommodations, stairways, etc. should have been included in the promotion. There were several members of our group that were physically handicapped and the stairs, especially, on board were a challenge to them. I also was not happy with the accommodations at the hotel in Juneau. My room was small but had a king-sized bed squeezed into it. It was also on the second floor in the front corner of the building and was very noisy with the 2 streets below. One more thing--the catered meals we had were very poorly done. The buffet lines were inefficiently set up. Often the food ran out and or what was left for those at the end of the line was cold. Over all, I had a very positive experience and would recommend this program to anyone who had the physical ability to enjoy the small ship experience.
One of the biggest benefits going on a small ship is, if a group of whales or birds or other wild life is spotted, the ship stops and allows plenty of time to see this. No big cruise ship can do this
Alaska - The Inside passage is an incredible journey through natural beauty, history and comradery. Do it!
This program was just magical !!! If you really want to get a deeper understanding of the native cultures that reside here as well as a view of Alaska that's like no other this is the program for you . From snow capped peaks to Glaicers as blue as the sky to countless wildlife sightings . Perfect for any wildlife or nature lover . As well as anyone looking to see a land of vast beauty and breathtaking experiences.
This trip is in my top two (of seven) with Road Scholar. The following review is from both myself and my spouse: Jere and Karen Christner were excellent group leaders. They were knowledgeable about Alaska, its wildlife and waters. And they stayed on top of needed adjustments in the program. They are also nice people, and a pleasure to spend time with. Karen taught history in stories, the best way to learn. The Baranof Dream provided an outstanding trip. The crew went out of their way to bring us to the sights of Alaska: whales at feeding time, glaciers, waterfalls, seals. We loved the skiff rides to near-shore where we could admire the seals. The crew was so great: Vick (in charge of housekeeping, thoughtful and helpful), Amber (provided excellent dining service, always smiling), Travis (as bartender, kept me in ice water), Adam (who explained instruments on the bridge with his dry sense of humor), Ariana (the knowledgeable biologist who kept us informed), Leona (the native tribeswoman who helped us understand their culture), and the chef and sous-chef (offered creative menus, beautifully presented). One feature that entranced me was the unique napkin folding for each dinner. What fun. We're still carrying the glow of this trip, several weeks after our return. Thank you.
My husband and I loved this program. The opportunity to see wilderness, glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife was exceptional. Good trip, good program, good co-travellers, good food. It was all good!
Fantastic program! Alaska is so beautiful, the ship staff and meals were excellent and we learned so much. Highly recommend this program!
An experience one will never forget.