Prepare for Your Trip

Our cruises begin and end in Sitka, Ketchikan, or Juneau (depending on itinerary). After making your reservation with us, you will be prompted to complete a Guest Information Form to confirm your flight arrival and departure information, emergency contact information, and other itinerary-specific details. This information is critical, so we ask guests to please fill it out as accurately and thoroughly as possible. Upon arrival at the Sitka, Juneau, or Ketchikan airport, an Alaskan Dream Cruises Representative will meet you (for those flying in on the day of or day before embarkation) and provide complimentary transportation and additional instructions. We recommend flying in no later than one day prior to your 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). Temperature rarely exceeds 75° F, even in mid-summer. Southeast Alaska weather is influenced by its maritime climate, high mountains, and extensive glacier coverage.

WHAT TO PACK

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. We suggest you bring:

• Waterproof jackets, hats, gloves, and warm comfortable clothing to layer on and off. Synthetics (polypropylene, fleece, Capilene®, Gore-Tex®) or lightweight wool are excellent choices.
• Comfortable and sturdy waterproof walking shoes or all-terrain footwear.
• While bringing your favorite waterproof jacket is recommended, Alaskan Dream Cruises provides each guest with a waterproof jacket, pants, and boots for use during your cruise.
• As there may be an opportunity to ‘polar plunge’ you might want to pack your swimsuit!
• If you own binoculars, we recommend packing them; however, Alaskan Dream Cruises provides binoculars to use during your cruise.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen. These will come in handy even on cloudy days.
• Bring a journal if you keep one — you’ll have lots to write about.
• A reusable water bottle – stay hydrated!
• There are no laundry facilities onboard so please pack enough for your time on the ship. If possible, we request that each guest limit luggage to two pieces.

ONBOARD FACILITIES/AMENITIES

• Brand new mattresses, fresh towels, and linens. Our pillows and duvets are hypo-allergenic.
• Each cabin has a hairdryer along with complimentary Alaskan-made body washes and shampoos. If needed, an iron can be provided upon request. Cabin outlets are 110V.
• An intimate lounge/bar area is aboard all vessels. This is where you will find books on Alaska history, geology, marine and wildlife as well as playing cards and a selection of board games and puzzles. The lounge/bar area has ample windows for marine and wildlife viewing and is where your expedition leaders provide afternoon and evening lectures on the many fascinating aspects of Alaska.
• The dining room is where you will enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For early risers (awake and moving at 6 am) there will be coffee and pastries in the lounge every day before breakfast. Hors d’oeuvres will be served during social hour prior to dinner. Snacks and beverages are available throughout the day. Snacks and all non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary. We also offer a complimentary glass of house wine or Alaskan-made beer with dinner.
• Meals feature a variety of menu options, including meat, seafood, and vegetarian selections. Of course, we take pride in presenting a “Taste of the Inside Passage” through our strong emphasis on fresh Alaska cuisine options. For guests with dietary preferences or restrictions, our chefs are more than happy to accommodate your needs. Please be sure to include this information on your guest waiver/information form prior to sailing and discuss your needs with our chef once onboard.

Getting to Southeast Alaska

Access to Sitka, Juneau and Ketchikan is by air or ferry. Both Alaska Airlines and Delta Airlines (summer season only) fly into these cities. Alaska Marine Highway is the state ferry system that services these areas. When booking flights, it is common to fly into one city and fly out of another. We recommend that you fly in at least one day before your scheduled departure given the potential for flight delays. On the day of disembarkation, the ship is generally in port before 8:00 am. We recommend booking a flight any time after 10:00 am on the day of disembarkation. There is limited availability of hotel space, so we recommend reserving your lodging prior to your flights.

Hotels

If you are planning on staying overnight prior to your day of embarkation or the night of disembarkation, please reserve your accommodations as soon as possible. Lodging fills up fast during the summer months in Alaska! To help our guests, we have partnered with the hotels below to offer discounted rates and/or to hold hotel rooms for our guests. However, the hotels will release any unreserved rooms 30 – 60 days prior to our sailing dates, so please don’t hesitate to book your rooms!

Sitka

Aspen Hotel – 907-747-3477

Westmark – 907-747-6241

Juneau

Aspen – 907-500-7700

Ramada By Wyndham – 907-228-3476

Juneau Hotel – 907-586-5666

Ketchikan

Cape Fox Lodge – 907-225-8001

Gilmore Hotel – 907-225-9423

Included Transportation

If you are to arrive earlier than the day prior to embarkation, transportation will need to be independently arranged. We will only have representatives available the day prior and the day of embarkation for complimentary shuttles. In Ketchikan, guests will be taken via Ferry from the airport (Gravina Island) to the community of Ketchikan. At the end of your cruise, we provide transportation to either the airport or hotel. Disembarkation generally happens around 8 am, so we recommend not booking a flight prior to 10 am.

Day of the Cruise

If your cruise leaves from either Sitka or Juneau, your luggage will be picked up from your lodging accommodations in the morning and taken to your cabin on the vessel. You will have the morning to sightsee on your own, before meeting your tour leaders at the hospitality suite at 12:30 pm. You will be escorted on some of our favorite local tours prior to your embarkation around 4:30 PM at our private docking location. More specific information on the day of embarkation events will be included in the documents emailed prior to your arrival to Sitka or Juneau.

If your cruise leaves from Ketchikan, your luggage will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and taken to your cabin on the vessel. You will have the morning to sightsee on your own, before meeting your tour leaders at the hospitality suite at 1:30 pm. You will be escorted on some of our favorite local tours prior to your embarkation around 4:30 PM at our private docking location. More specific information on the day of embarkation events will be included in the documents emailed prior to your arrival to Ketchikan.

Please note, once your luggage is transferred to the vessel, you will not have access to it again until you board the vessel.

Cell Phones / WiFi

Mobile (cellular) phone service is generally available in the port areas and at certain times throughout your cruise, although service is intermittent. There is no WiFi onboard as this is a time to unplug and enjoy nature. Should an emergency arise, our ships are equipped with satellite phones; however, due to mountainous terrain this service can be intermittent. The satellite phone service is not available for guests’ use.

Alcohol

The onboard bar offers a wide range of spirits, beer, and wine that can be purchased at any time during the cruise. It is a violation of the vessel’s liquor license for guests to bring their own alcohol aboard the vessel. Alcohol purchased from the onboard bar, or provided complimentarily, is acceptable for consumption in cabins. Alcohol may not be taken to the Bridge.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the vessel, including all cabins. Smoking is permitted only in designated areas on outside decks. Due to federal regulations, marijuana is not permitted on any vessels.

Gratuities

Recognition for exceptional service is completely discretionary. If you would like to give a gratuity, we suggest $20 per guest per day. Tip money is pooled and distributed evenly among the crew. If you would like to recognize a specific crew member, feel free to tip them directly. For transfers and off-vessel tours, gratuities are not required, but can be given at your discretion.

Money

Most establishments in Alaska accept credit cards and ATM cash machines are available in the towns we visit. All onboard purchases and gratuities can be charged to your room and settled on the last day of the cruise.

Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more helpful information.