During Your Alaska Cruise FAQ

Cashless Cruising

One of the best things about cruising is the convenience of being able to sign for all your expenses and have them charged to your stateroom. An itemized statement will be delivered to your stateroom the night prior to disembarkation.

By providing your credit card in advance you are automatically registered for express check out. There is no need to visit the Purser's Desk to settle your account. Accepted forms of payment are U.S. currency and travelers checks, VISA, Master Card, Discover, Diners Club and American Express. Those paying by Traveler's checks or cash will be required to leave a cash deposit with the purser's staff at the beginning of the cruise.

Tipping

During your cruise, you will meet many members of the dining and accommodation staff in a variety of locations as they provide you with extraordinary service for all your dining and stateroom needs.

For select cruise lines, (Princess Cruises & Holland America), a gratuity of $10 per passenger per day (including children) for dining and stateroom personnel is automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. These cruise lines feel certain that you will find the services onboard exemplary and, should you wish to make any adjustments to the tipping amounts, you may do so by contacting the Purser's desk onboard. A 15% gratuity to automatically added to your bar charges and dining room wine account. Gratuities for other shipboard staff such as casino dealers and spa personnel are at your discretion.

For other cruise lines (Royal Caribbean & Celebrity Cruises), tipping will follow the traditional method of individual tipping in envelopes. Suggested tipping guidelines are as follows:

• Dining Room Waiter - $3.50 per day, per guest
• Housekeeper - $3.50 per day, per guest
• Assistant Waiter - $2.00 per day, per guest

Dining

All requests for dining preferences and changes are considered on a first come, first served basis. Please understand that it is not always possible to accommodate dining preferences or alter seating arrangements and therefore all dining requests are not confirmed till once onboard your ship.

For those ships that offer Personal Choice Dining, (Princess Cruises), this is a wonderful option that guarantees maximum flexibility and freedom. When you choose Personal Choice Dining you can stop by select dining rooms any time between 5:30 pm and 10:00 pm for dinner and request any size table. You may also make a reservation if you would like to dine at a particular time. Please note that the Personal Choice Dining may not be the best option if you a group of 6 or more passengers as private dining tables can be limited and take time to accommodate your group.

If you opt for Traditional Fixed Seating, your seating time will be shown on your cruise documents. The Maitre d'Hotel will have a list of those passengers who are waitlisted for each dinner seating. Should seats become available, he will contact waitlisted passengers onboard as appropriate.

Special Diets

All cruise lines can meet your requests for low-sodium, low-fat, low-sugar and vegetarian diets. In addition, kosher meals and baby food are available upon request. Please speak with your consultant to add your personal preferences to your reservation.

Weather & Packing

Weather can vary in Alaska and the temperatures average mid to high 50's to 60's. By day, we recommend that you dress in layers; a light shirt, a sweater, a windbreaker. You can then remove each layer as weather permits. Hats & gloves should be included. Collapsible umbrellas can be handy while in port.

Your evening dress suggestions are two formal nights (men: suit or tux / ladies: cocktail dress) and five casual evenings (men: shirt & slacks / ladies: dress, skirt, slacks) Please note that shorts and open toed casual sandals are not permitted in the dining room.

Onboard Regent Seven Seas Cruises dress suggestions are one formal evening and 6 country club casual evenings. Onboard American Safari Cruises dress suggestions are casual all evenings.

The pool and hot tub, where available, will be open. So, bring your suit! And of course, don't forget your camera, plenty of film, your battey chargers and binoculars.

Here is a sample list of some of the things that we recommend that you pack.

• Camera and loads and loads of film. Video Camera. Battery chargers
• Binoculars: Great for making sure you don't miss anything on your exciting day in the glaciers and for seeing wildlife throughout the cruise.
• Waterproof coat/shell: Great for standing outside on the ship when at the glaciers or any other time it may be cold, windy and/or possibly wet.
• Wool hat, baseball hat or any kind of favorite hat.
• Light gloves: For cold weather and also good for bike riding or canoe/kayak paddling if you choose these types of shore excursions.
• Sunglasses (with a strap so they don't fall off).
• Watch: To help make sure you get back to the ship on time during port calls.
• Extra carry-on bags that can be stuffed into your luggage: To carry extra purchases. May need it on the last day for hand carrying overnight items.
• Bathing suit: In case you want to use the ship's pool or hot tub or the hotel swimming pool if you are taking a pre- or post-cruise package.
• Comfortable sneakers and shoes for doing lots of walking. Also extra pairs in case one gets wet in the rain.
• Dress clothes for the 2 formal nights. Men - a dark business suit. Women - cocktail dress or even a long skirt.
• Layered Clothing

Shore Excursions

Below is a listing of top recommended Alaska Shore Excursions by port-of-call. You have the option to book shore tours with the cruise line directly or with a selection of private tour suppliers whose contact information we can make available to you upon request.

If you book shore tours with the cruise line directly you may visit their website at 120 - 90 days prior to departure and directly book tours online. Depending on the cruise line you are traveling with the procedures for online bookings will vary. For the majority of cruise lines tours are requested online but the payment and delivery of the tour vouchers are completed onboard your ship. The advantages to booking with the cruise line include the ability to cancel tours up to 48 hours of arrival to your port onboard the ship with a full refund and an automatic rescheduling of tours should there be a sudden change to your itinerary and/or times in port.

If you would like to reserve a tour with a private supplier you may contact our office. We can provide supplier information to you depending on the port-of-call or specific tour you are interested in. Private tour suppliers will require full payment at the time of booking, there are generally no refunds for cancellations or no-shows and all tours must be requested no later than 15 days prior to departure.

The following list is a sampling of some of the most popular tours that are available in the main port-of-call during a typical Alaska cruise. Tour availability does depend on your specific cruise line, ship, ports and month of travel. Tours listed are based on 2007 offerings and may be subject to change.

Tours may also be pre-booked for land tour destinations such as Denali, Talkeetna (McKinley), Alyeska, Anchorage and Fairbanks. Land tours may generally be pre-booked online at the cruise lines website 60-90 days prior to departure. All pre-booked land tours will require full payment at the time of booking.

PORT OF KETCHIKAN

Ketchikan originated as an Indian fish saltery, but the town's major growth began when it became a supply base and entry port for miners during the 1898 Gold Rush to the Klondike. Much of the town's colorful past is still in evidence, especially in the nearby Indian villages, where you'll see colorfully carved totem poles and hear the fascinating legends that surround them.

1. Adventure Kart Expedition – Approximately 4 hours, price range $200 USD
2. Alaska Bear Adventure – Approximately 3 hours, price range $329 - $575 USD
3. Back Country Jeep and Safari - Approximately 4 hours, price range $153 USD
4. Eagle Island Sea Kayak - Approximately 3+ hours, price range $99 USD
5. Guided Fishing and Wilderness Dining - Approximately 6 hours, price range $314 USD
6. Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show - Approximately 1 hour, price range $34 USD
7. Misty Fjords Flightseeing - Approximately 2 hours, price range $245 USD
8. Rainforest Canopy Expedition - Approximately 3+ hours, price range $163 USD
9. Saxman Native Totem Pole Village - Approximately 2 hours, price range $55 USD
10. Wilderness Cruise and Rainforest Exploration - Approximately 4 hours, price range $104 USD

PORT OF JUNEAU

Juneau, the capital of Alaska, was founded during a gold rush in 1880. Today, the former gold-mining town counts among its riches some of Alaska's most spectacular scenery. Nestled at the foot of Mt. Juneau in the Alaska Panhandle, it faces the water from the mainland side of Gastineau Channel. Several magnificent fjords are located along the channel coast, and the majestic Mendenhall Glacier, a favorite of visitors, is nearby.

1. Dog Sledding on Mendenhall Glacier via Helicopter – Approximately 2+ hours, price range $490 USD
2. Extended Helicopter Glacier Trek - Approximately 5 hours, price range $514 USD
3. Fly Out Fishing - Approximately 6 hours, price range $425 USD
4. Four Glacier Adventure via Helicopter - Approximately 2+ hours, price range $295 USD
5. Glacier View Bike and Brew - Approximately 4 hours, price range $88 USD
6. Glacier View Sea Kayaking - Approximately 3 hours, price range $98 USD
7. Guide’s Choice Adventure Hike - Approximately 4+ hours, price range $83 USD
8. Historic Gold Panning and Salmon Bake - Approximately 3 hours, price range $80 USD
9. Historic Juneau Gold Mine Tour - Approximately 3+ hours, price range $69 USD
10. Juneau Sportfishing - Approximately 5 hours, price range $215 USD
11. Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Watching - Approximately 5 hours, price range $154 USD
12. Sheep Creek Dog Camp - Approximately 2+ hours, price range $153 USD
13. Whale Watching and Wildlife Cruise - Approximately 4+ hours, price range $132 USD

PORT OF SITKA

Sitka, the site of Russia's initial foray into Alaska, has perhaps the richest history of any Alaskan town. Explore the melding of Russian and Native American cultures, while enjoying the unspoiled landscape at the gateway to remote Southeast Alaska. Both the local residents and abundant wildlife add to Sitka's authentic feel.

1. 4x4 Wilderness Adventure – Approximately 4+ hours, price range $229 USD
2. Captain’s Choice Wildlife Quest & Beach Trek - Approximately 3 hours, price range $165 USD
3. Halibut Fishing - Approximately 6 hours, price range $278 USD
4. Historic Russian American Tour - Approximately 2+ hours, price range $44 USD
5. Russian America & Raptor Tour - Approximately 3+ hours, price range $55 USD
6. Sea Otter and Wildlife Quest - Approximately 3 hours, price range $117 USD
7. Sitka Bike & Hike Adventure - Approximately 3 hours, price range $76 USD

PORT OF SKAGWAY

When gold was discovered in the Klondike region of the Yukon Territory (just across the border from Alaska), it resulted in the historic Gold Rush of 1898. As thousands of gold-crazed adventurers sought the best starting point for their arduous trek, they found the deepest penetration possible by boat was at the northern tip of the Lynn Canal. This is how Skagway was born.

1. Alaskan Wildlife Experience & Lynn Fjord Cruise – Approximately 6+ hours, price range $160 USD
2. Dog Sledding & Glacier Flightseeing - Approximately 2+ hours, price range $460 USD
3. Eagle Preserve Float & Lynn Fjord Cruise - Approximately 6+ hours, price range $188 USD
4. Ghosts & Good Time Girls Walking Tour - Approximately 2 hours, price range $39 USD
5. Glacier Discovery by Helicopter - Approximately 2 hours, price range $265 USD
6. Glacier Lake Kayak & Scenic Railway - Approximately 5 hours, price range $196 USD
7. Glacier Point Wilderness Safari - Approximately 5+ hours, price range $239 USD
8. Horseback Riding Adventure - Approximately 3+ hours, price range $160 USD
9. Musher’s Camp and Dog Sled Tour - Approximately 2+ hours, price range $110 USD
10. White Pass Railway and Historic City Highlights - Approximately 4+ hours, price range $132 USD

PORT OF ICY STRAIT

Icy Strait Point is located near the city of Hoonah, the largest native Tlingit Indian settlement in Alaska, and very near Glacier Bay National Park. Home to a historic cannery, the port's connection to the sea is strong. Locals share the sea with humpback whales, orcas, Dall porpoises, seals, sea otters, halibut and all five species of Pacific salmon. It is not uncommon to spot a humpback or an orca while walking along the shore.

1. ATV Expedition – Approximately 2+ hours, price range $142 USD
2. Forest & Nature Tram - Approximately 2+ hours, price range $48 USD
3. Glacier Bay Flightseeing - Approximately 1+ hours, price range $299 USD
4. Hoonah Sightseeing - Approximately 2 hours, price range $35 USD
5. Remote Bush Exploration & Brown Bear Search - Approximately 2+ hours, price range $104 USD
6. Saltwater Salmon Fishing - Approximately 3+ hours, price range $198 USD
7. Whale & Marine Mammals Cruise - Approximately 2+ hours, price range $126 USD