Alaskan Dream Cruises
TABLE OF CONTENTS EXPERIENCE OUR ALASKA ...... 1 Glacier Bay Skagway THE TRUE ALASKA EXPERIENCE ...... 2 SPECIAL ACCESS ...... 3 Haines
PREMIER WILDLIFE VIEWING ...... 4 Glacier Bay National Park y l
ACTIVE EXPLORATION ...... 6 a a n B
a r ENRICHMENT ...... 7 C e i n c INSPIRING CULTURES ...... 8 a n l y G L FRESH ALASKA CUISINE ...... 10
SUSTAINABILITY ...... 11 I c y
ORCA POINT LODGE ...... 12 S d t Auke Bay an ra LIFE ABOARD ...... 13 Isl i Mendenhall of t hag Glacier OUR FLEET ...... 14 Chic Orca Point CHICHAGOF DREAM DECK PLAN ...... 15 Lodge Juneau ALASKAN DREAM DECK PLAN ...... 16 t i
P a e ADMIRALTY DREAM DECK PLAN ...... 17 e r
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s BARANOF DREAM DECK PLAN ...... 18 S d m s t d n r a a a a n Fjord l h P t a OUR ITINERARIES ...... 20 Is it l a s s f h I o Sitka n 7-NIGHT, 8-DAY ALASKA’S GLACIER BAY & z C y e u t r l h a p ISLAND ADVENTURE...... 21 K d r i e n t d a m S n l 8-NIGHT, 9-DAY ALASKA’S INSIDE PASSAGE SOJOURN...... 22 s d u I o A S f Hobart 10-NIGHT, 11-DAY ALASKA’S FRONTIER & tka o Si n Bay a d WILDERNESS QUEST...... 23 r oun a ick S B Freder 10-NIGHT, 11-DAY ALASKA’S SOUTHEAST EXPLORER...... 24 Port Houghton FAMILY CRUISES...... 25 Saginaw Kake MISTY FJORD EXPEDITION...... 26 Bay Kupreanof LAND EXTENSIONS & OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS...... 28 Island TERMS & CONDITIONS ...... 29 Thomas Petersburg Bay
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Rudyerd Ketchikan Bay Misty Metlakatla Fjords National Monument EXPERIENCE OUR ALASKA
Dear Alaska Explorer, We invite you to share in the sense of adventure we feel while exploring Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage. It is challenging to describe its beauty—lush green rainforest, rocky coastlines, thousands of stunning passages, bays, and coves—words don’t seem to do it justice. Perhaps the state’s nickname comes the closest to a perfect summary; this truly is The Last Frontier. As you stand on the quiet deck of one of our small ships cruising the waters of a remote passage, you will feel this frontier spirit. You will sense it as you paddle a kayak to the beautiful calls of bald eagles soaring overhead, or while listening to the “white thunder” of a glacial calving in a turquoise fjord. As your taste buds meet fresh Alaska king salmon you’ll taste the frontier, and you will feel it as you watch the sun go down next to a beach bonfire while toasting a perfect golden brown marshmallow. Experiencing this frontier offers a chance to escape from our fast-paced, modern age. One of the many reasons our family enjoys exploring the Inside Passage is simply to feel the peace that comes from leaving technology and other distractions at the dock. It gives us a time to reset, clear our minds, and appreciate the gift of unspoiled wilderness. As an Alaska Native family-owned company, we offer our guests a unique, insider’s view of Southeast Alaska. This brochure serves as a comprehensive reference to our True Alaska difference. We invite you to read about our 2018 itineraries in detail, starting with our quick guide to choosing a voyage on page 20. Keep in mind that all of our itineraries feature several marquee elements of a True Alaska experience, including spectacular wildlife destinations, dramatic glacial fjords, hiking, skiff excursions, kayaking, Alaska Native cultural immersion, and a visit to our exclusive Orca Point Lodge. On page 23 you can read about our exciting new offering, the 10-night Alaska’s Frontier & Wilderness Quest. An Alaskan Dream Cruises expedition allows you to enjoy a relaxed ambiance coupled with excellent service in one of the most incredible areas in the world. Pack your favorite jeans and sweater and get ready for True Alaska adventure in The Last Frontier! – Dave, Lauren, Zaide, & Zia Allen Bob & Betty Allen
WWW.ALASKANDREAMCRUISES.COM | 1 THE TRUE ALASKA EXPERIENCE For millennia, our Tlingit ancestors thrived in the temperate rainforest of Southeast Alaska.
The sea, rivers, forests, and shorelines Fishermen devised methods of harvesting Our all-inclusive, small-ship itineraries were teeming with wildlife and vegetation, the vast resources of salmon, halibut, offer a mix of excursions in these providing an abundance of all the king crab, and other species. Others intriguing towns and Native villages, and necessities of life. Villages were established followed dreams of striking it rich in adventures in raw wilderness bays and in strategic locations for trade, security, the gold fields, or of frontier lifestyles glacial fjords. This approach offers travelers and food. Eventually, nations around the in floating timber camps. Once such a comprehensive look at all the Inside world heard whispers of the remarkable adventurous spirits experienced a taste Passage has to offer. Every Alaskan Dream region and explorers from all walks of life of Alaska they often stayed, establishing Cruises experience is hand-picked for its sailed to the area, drawn by the allure of small communities in the shadows of value in immersing you in True Alaska. rich natural resources. Fur traders sought massive glaciers, along salmon-laden valuable pelts—most notably the prized rivers, and unspoiled islands. Today, the pelt of the sea otter. communities of the Inside Passage are as diverse as her striking landscapes.
2 | ALASKAN DREAM CRUISES 2018 SPECIAL ACCESS In order to secure hiking opportunities in some of the region’s most beautiful and secluded areas, we operate under special land-use permits granted by the U.S. Forest Service.
Exclusive agreements with our local From dense old-growth forests friends and neighbors and our privately- with towering spruce trees and lush owned land provide us even further underbrush, to expansive tidal flats, access. With such permissions, Alaskan there’s no better way to appreciate the Dream Cruises guests enjoy several biodiversity and profound serenity of hiking excursions on every expedition. the land than by foot.
WWW.ALASKANDREAMCRUISES.COM | 3 PREMIER WILDLIFE VIEWING As pioneers of Alaska cruising, and after nearly 50 years of operation, we’ve developed an unrivaled knowledge of the region’s most abundant wildlife areas.
Our routes are designed to travel through Occasionally, wolf and moose are seen. Of these places, while allowing ample time course, Southeast Alaska is famous for its for up-close encounters. If wildlife viewing seasonal migration of humpback whales, is high on your list of priorities during which are engaged in almost constant your travels to Alaska, you’ll discover the feeding behaviors. Orcas, Steller sea benefits of our local, insider knowledge. lions, harbor seals, Dall’s porpoise, harbor porpoise, and sea otters are also frequently Commonly sighted terrestrial animals spotted on our expeditions. Shipboard include both brown and black bears, hydrophones enable us to listen for marine mountain goats, and Sitka black-tailed deer. mammal communication.
4 | ALASKAN DREAM CRUISES 2018 WWW.ALASKANDREAMCRUISES.COM | 5 ACTIVE EXPLORATION Alaskan Dream Cruises is an ideal fit for travelers with a passion for adventure and hands-on discovery.
Our itineraries are filled with also used as beach landing craft to allow opportunities for active exploration, both remote hiking opportunities in areas not in intriguing ports of call and in remote accessible to larger craft. Kayaking is also wilderness areas. an integral part of every Alaskan Dream Cruises experience. To ensure guests All of our vessels carry expedition craft of all skill levels are able to enjoy this that enable us to get even closer to the exciting activity, we’ve designed custom- land and sea. Our Demaree Inflatable built kayak launchers for easy and safe Boats (DIBs) are skiffs that are called loading and unloading. upon for shallow-water and glacial fjord exploration. These nimble vessels are
6 | ALASKAN DREAM CRUISES 2018 ENRICHMENT Our guests visit Alaska in search of a personal connection to the places and people.
We believe this deeper level of Alaska’s intriguing cultures. Having these end of each day, you’ll find a nightly understanding is exactly what is needed guides by your side for every step of turndown letter, which details the next to gain a true appreciation of the region. your journey—from kayak expeditions day’s activities and provides a sneak To this end, we staff our vessels with to dining—ensures no question will peek of the local history, geography, and knowledgeable expedition leaders, who ever go unanswered. Evenings feature wildlife of the area you’ll be visiting. Of act as personal guides on every voyage. compelling educational programs in our course, this is just the preliminary plan. onboard lounges. You can also choose to Alaska often provides spontaneous, Our Naturalists focus on the biology, further your understanding of the region once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. geography, and ecology of the Inside by delving into your ship’s library, which We allow our discerning officers the Passage, while our Cultural Heritage features literature pertaining to the time and flexibility to adjust the daily Guides are well versed in the lifestyle, nature and history of the Inside Passage. schedule when unique occasions arise. legends, and practices of Southeast When you retire to your room at the
OPEN WHEELHOUSE
You’ll find that the relaxed ambiance of our expeditions creates an environment that is ideal for learning through new perspectives. Such is the case with our open-wheelhouse policy. We encourage guests to visit the Captain and officers throughout the journey, as conditions permit. While on the bridge, travelers are able to see the charted course, hear ship-to-ship communications, and listen to stories from experienced Alaskan mariners. INSPIRING CULTURES Alaskan Dream Cruises itineraries offer an opportunity to discover three distinct Native cultures, the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian, through visits to intriguing villages.
These communities are among the least- As you walk the streets and forests traveled places in Alaska, and a visit can of these communities, you’ll have the be a powerful experience. To witness opportunity to enjoy several planned the spiritual way in which the indigenous experiences, from dance shows to people of Alaska are connected to the carving demonstrations. You may even earth and to each other is inspiring. Many witness several events unique to village of the remarkable residents continue to life: a hunter’s return after a successful subsist off of the land and sea. As local hunt of seal or deer, families working Alaska Natives ourselves, we are grateful together to hang their harvest of to be welcomed with open arms by our sockeye salmon in a smoke house, or a friends in several villages. ceremonial potlatch.
8 | ALASKAN DREAM CRUISES 2018 BEST CULTURAL HERITAGE EXPERIENCE
Alaskan Dream Cruises was honored to be the recipient of the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association’s (AIANTA) 2015–2016 award for Best Cultural Heritage Experience. AIANTA’s mission is to define, introduce, grow, and sustain American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian tourism that honors traditions and values.
WWW.ALASKANDREAMCRUISES.COM | 9 FRESH ALASKA CUISINE Excellent culinary fare is an important trademark of True Alaskan Hospitality.
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. From the company’s beginnings, we’ve worked with local seafood processors to secure the freshest catch available. Much of the seafood you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy will have been caught just days prior by local fishing vessels. The catch is immediately chilled and delivered to buyers, preserving its superior flavor and texture. Such locally harvested specialties include king salmon, halibut, rockfish, shrimp, and crab—cooked and prepared to a standard any Alaskan would recommend.
REGIONAL BEER, WINE, & SPIRITS
Our full-service bars are staffed by friendly bartenders who are ready to serve you according to your unique beverage preferences. Bars are stocked with Alaska beers, Pacific Northwest wines, and locally- distilled spirits. Due to the intimate setting of an Alaskan Dream Cruises voyage, it won’t take long before your bartender knows your name and favorite beverage. PASTRIES, BREADS, & DESSERTS
It’s not just the seafood that’s fresh. Alaskan Dream Cruises vessels feature onboard bakers, who delight guests throughout each voyage with baked goods—fresh from the oven. Awake to the aroma of homemade pastries and enjoy a basket of warm bread with your meals. Desserts are offered following dinner, as well as lunch! Don’t forget to visit the lounge every afternoon for our daily “Cookie Time.”
SUSTAINABILITY At Alaskan Dream Cruises, we understand the importance of sustainability, environmental respect, and giving back to the community.
Purchasing local seafood goes beyond to assure the longevity of wild stocks, great taste and convenience. The fishing which will allow this healthy resource men and women of Alaska are our to remain intact for generations to friends and family members. Each small come. We’re proud to serve wild Alaska fishing vessel is a family business, which seafood, thus supporting the region’s boosts our local and state economies. vibrant commercial fishing industry. The fishery is managed with great care
WWW.ALASKANDREAMCRUISES.COM | 11 ORCA POINT LODGE All of our itineraries feature a relaxing evening at our exclusive Orca Point Lodge on Colt Island.
This private retreat provides peaceful seclusion with modern comforts in an idyllic wilderness setting. The stunning views from shore include scenic Stephens Passage, as well as Admiralty Island National Monument.
EVENING HIGHLIGHTS
• Indulge in king crab legs served with • Enjoy easy beach access for a relaxing hot, melted butter, Alaska salmon over stroll next to the water’s edge an alder wood-fired grill, prime rib, and • Nestle up to a cozy, beachside fire to delicious sides roast s’mores and share stories with • Visit the marine-life touch pool, with fellow travelers intriguing intertidal invertebrates such as • Scan the shoreline of Admiralty Island sea stars, anemones, and hermit crab and the waters of Stephens Passage • Peruse our beautiful gift shop, featuring through our spotting scopes local art, salmon delicacies, and other Alaskan-made items
12 | ALASKAN DREAM CRUISES 2018 The Chichagof Dream features this Himalayan salt room. Known for their holistic, natural healing properties, salt rooms can alleviate respiratory conditions, deliver calming and detoxifying effects, and promote overall wellness
LIFE ABOARD Travelers enjoy a casual atmosphere aboard all Alaskan Dream Cruises vessels.
There are no formal occasions. Despite • Complimentary binoculars in all • Early-riser pastries every morning in this relaxed ambiance, you will enjoy an staterooms the lounge, and hors d’oeuvres prior to dinner unsurpassed level of personalized service • Daily room service, including evening we call True Alaskan Hospitality. Some turndown • Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages hallmarks of this all-inclusive service include: • Complimentary, Alaska-made body • A complimentary glass of house wine or washes and shampoos Alaskan beer with dinner service • Friendly and knowledgeable officers and service staff • An intimate lounge/salon and bar aboard • Complimentary Alaska gear for use all vessels during your expedition, including rain • Pillow-topped mattresses, fresh towels jackets, rain pants, and boots and linens, and ocean-view windows
WWW.ALASKANDREAMCRUISES.COM | 13 OUR FLEET The Alaskan Dream Cruises fleet consists of five small ships, ranging from 10 to 74 passengers.
The shallow drafts of these vessels, coupled with the local Each vessel was designed for optimum viewing of wilderness knowledge of our captains and officers, enable us to navigate and wildlife, with spacious outer-viewing decks, and indoor off-the-beaten path areas of the Inside Passage, including viewing through panoramic windows. Every ship features a narrow channels and secluded coves. dining room and lounge—intimate venues where you’ll get to know your fellow travelers. Well-appointed staterooms, with private heads and showers, offer a relaxing retreat from the day’s activities.
Chichagof Dream page 15
Alaskan Dream page 16 Baranof Dream page 18
Admiralty Dream page 17 Misty Fjord page 26 Bridge & Sun Deck Upper Deck Lounge Deck
Bridge & Sun Deck Upper Deck CHICHAGOF Main Deck DREAM Lounge Deck