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Alaska Heritage, LLC.Frequently Asked Questions |
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Back to TopWhat is a Air/Sea Cruise?This is when you purchase air with your cruise, it can be compared to buying a "Combo meal". When you purchase your air with your cruise package most cruise lines offer transfers from the airport to the ship inclusive of the package. Back to TopDoes it cost more to cruise?No, in fact it is a very affordable way to see Alaska starting at approx. $100 per person per day for a mass market 7 day cruise up to several hundred dollars per day per person for a customized cruise or cruise tour. Your price includes Entertainment, Meals, Lodging, Transportation, Daily activities, and Narrative of your vistas. Back to TopWhat is included in the price of the cruise?A cruise is often referred to as a floating resort. Your price includes entertainment, meals (usually 8 square meals a day), stateroom, transportation, daily activities, parties and narratives of the vistas. Back to TopIs airfare included?Normally airfare is NOT included. There are promotions sometimes that includes airfare, but normally passengers fly into Seattle, Anchorage, and Vancouver. A number of different carriers service Anchorage, Seattle, and Vancouver. If the cruise starts from any other location Alaska Airlines is our prime carrier. Back to TopAre there educational programs available?Yes most cruise lines have one or more Port lecturers, Park Rangers, or Naturalists. "University at Sea" is a program where professionals can actually earn continued education credits while sailing. Nurses, Dentists, CPA's, and many more professionals have found this a fun way to keep educated. The classes normally cost over $100 depending on your occupation. Back to TopHow do I know what Cruise line is the best?Each cruise line offer different experiences. Holland America, Princess, Royal Caribbean are the biggest. Cruise West, Glacier Bay Cruise Line have a big presences in Alaska of the small cruise lines. Knowing your expectations we can match you with the perfect ship. Back to TopDo I have to dress up? Do I need a formal or a Tuxedo?Yes and No, Small ship cruise lines normally do not have a formal evening. If you are cruising to Alaska on a large ship it is appropriate to pack for at least one formal night. Most large ships offer alternate dining for individuals who do not wish to dress up, but it is encouraged to participate. If you wish not to recognize the formal evening it is asked that you respect those people who do. However overall Alaska is very informal.Back to TopAre there activities for children?Yes! Activities are limited on small ship cruising, but most large cruise lines offer on-board activities, and shore-excursions especially for kids, pre-teens, and teens. Baby-sitting is normally NOT included, but is available if negotiate on a one to one with the cruise staff. However there are some ships that do offer day care centers. Most programs are designed for toilet trained kids from 3 to 17. Keep in mind they are normally divided into relevant age groups to enjoy their peers. Cruising enables parents to have alone time too. :) Back to TopWhat travel documents and identification should I have on me?See payments and policies. Back to TopWill I get seasick cruising in Alaska?If your hesitant on sailing because a fear of motion sickness, Alaska is one of the best places to cruise. Large ship cruising offers the best stability. You will hardly notice any motion even if you are sensitive to motion sickness in airplanes or cars. One of the reasons is because newer ships are equipped with stabilizers for smooth sailing! The Inside passage cruise would be the best itinerary because most of the cruising is between Southeast islands that protects you from the open ocean. Getting a cabin that places you mid-ship is also important, there is less motion mid-ship. There is no guarantee that you will or won't get seasick, but if you have severe difficulties in the past consult your doctor to get patches or pills prior to departure. This will further insure smooth sailing. Rumors have it staying hydrated, eating green apples, and wearing acupressure wristbands help too. Back to TopAre there medical facilities aboard?There are limited medical facilities on board most Large cruise lines. Small cruise lines sometimes have an on-board doctor, but no facilities. Alaska offers state of the art medical facilities in most all ports of call. If a major emergency occurs on-board, the U.S. Coast Guard or the National Guard normally assists in transporting passengers to the appropriate medical facilities. Back to TopIs there a charge for entertainmentNO! The nightly entertainment is included in your price. However there are optional excursions and some activities such as horse-racing, rock-climbing, gambling etc. that are an extra cost. Back to TopWhat do you typically have to pay for onboard?The biggest surprise at the end of a cruise normally is your bar bill. The biggest expenses normally on-board are shore-excursions and alcohol. Normally you pay for: Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, gambling,
photos, shore-excursions, bingo, gratuities, shopping, baby-sitting, and
incidentals. Keep in mind normally Cruise prices do not include port charges, taxes, transfers, and airfare but could be included in your price quote. Beverage programs on some cruises can be purchased for anyone under 17 years old and under at a minimal fee. This allows them unlimited fountain drinks at a fixed price for the entire cruise. Back to TopWhat is the food like on the ships?Excellent! Cruising offer some of the best food from Surf & Turf to Fruits & Nuts and a lot of it. There is a wide selection that can accommodate any type of dietary needs. If you are a person that requires special meals please indicate that in the special needs area of the request form. Any cruise you choose has verity of, color, taste, presentation, and did I mention plenty of food to offer all their guest. Back to TopWhen are the meal times?Most any time is meal time on a Ship. The main dining room times on large ships are divided into two "seatings" the first seating starts usually between 5-6 pm, and the second seating is usually starts between 7:30-8:30pm. Depending on the ship. Based on your table size request you will be seated with 2 to 10 people. Large ships offer a verity of dining options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Small ships normally have one main Seating time in the evening with a open dining room. Which means seating is not assigned and the dress code tends to be casual. Note: At time of booking you will indicate which seating time you prefer. On general cruises most people tend to like first seating, however in Alaska because it is port intensive I recommend second seating. This allows you maximum time in each port without having to rush back to the ship to be ready for eating. Not only that because of the extended daylight eating late will feel like the appropriate time to have a meal. Back to TopCan they accommodate a special diet?Yes, most all cruise lines can accommodate special diets. It is important that you indicate your special dietary needs when signing up for the cruise and while on board to your dining steward. Back to TopWhat should I know if I'm a traveling single?Alaska is a very safe destination to travel. Several single women and men travel to Alaska on cruises and tours alone. It is convenient, safe, and fun way to experience the Last Frontier. Prices are based on double occupancy. If you are traveling alone most cruise lines offer single supplement rates that range from 150 to 200% of published rates. Once and awhile a cruise line will have a special for singles. Or, if paying that extra amount is too much you might want to consider a "single share" rate. Which means you pay the normal published rate and the cruise line will match you up with another person that is a single of the same sex. If they can not find a match they normally ask you to pay only a reduced single supplement normally to cover the hotel expenses if a land tour is included with your cruise. Some single rooms are available but based on availability. Back to TopCan a book a pre or post tour?Yes, pre and post tours are very popular in Alaska. The most popular is a pre or post to train trip to Denali National Park, or Fishing on the Kenai Peninsula if cruising the glacier route, or a pre or post of Vancouver, Victoria, and Seattle. These options are worth the time and money. Back to TopCan I extend my cruise? or book back to back cruises?Yes you can, in fact this is very popular for people who want a 14 day cruises. For people who don't like to fly they will cruise up to anchorage do a land tour and sail again from Anchorage or Skagway back down to Vancouver or Seattle. Back to TopCan I do my laundry on-board?Each cruise line is different in what they offer some have coin operated machines, some make you pay for even the ironing. Since each cruise line and ship is difference this will be included in your final documents. Note there are laundry facilities in most ports of call in Alaska. Back to TopWhat are the general rules of tipping when cruising?Most cruise lines will include a guideline in your final documents. Generally speaking here are the people where it is appropriate to give a gratuity. Cabin Steward Back to TopWill I feel bored or confined while cruising?This is a common worry. There are so many activities and sights during the day and in the evening it is difficult to be bored. However, I think we all know people who just choose to be bored, but it certainly is not the lack of activities or sights. If you are concerned about being confined, don't, most cruises both small and large offer a variety of lounges, rooms, and decks to get away and stretch your legs. Some people may prefer a large ship for the large spaces, and multiple lounges. Back to TopDo I have to participate in onboard activities?All activities are based on volunteer participation, except the boat drill. There is one drill in the beginning of each cruise that is mandatory and regulated by the coast guard to insure on-board safety. Back to TopAre there non-smoking areas on the ship?Yes, most areas on ships are non-smoking. However smokers can enjoy a cigar under the stars, or in designated lounges and/or designated public areas on most ships. Back to TopCan I get married on-board?Yes, ask about wedding packages when inquiring. Back to TopCan we celebrate special occasions while cruising?Yes, when inquiring ask about birthday, anniversary, or special occasion packages. Most of these packages are at an extra cost. Back to TopGroup, Incentive, and Charters in AlaskaAre there meeting rooms?Most all Large ship have rooms that can accommodate small to large groups. On individual request some small cruise lines will allow rooms to be cut off to the general cruising public, but is discourage because it disrupts the cruise environment, unless it is a small group or chartered vessel. Back to TopCan I have a private cocktail party?On large ships private cocktail party are available for a price. Price is dependant on how many people, how long the bar is open, and how many drinks you want served. Small ships discourage private cocktail parties because it excludes passengers in a intimate environment. If you are chartering the ship anything is possible. Back to TopCan I call someone when cruising?Ship to Shore calls are possible on all cruise lines, but they cost a pretty penny. My suggestion is to try to wait to call on your cell phone when in port or use a pay phone. Most cell phones work while your in port. Back to TopIs there internet access while cruising?On most of the newer large ships there is internet access on-board for a fee. There are places to log-on to the internet or plug in a laptop in most of the major ports of call in Alaska. Back to Top |
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© 2003 Alaska Heritage. All rights reserved. Last Updated: 6/13/2003 |
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High heels are appropriate on the ship
in the evening but you'll probably feel like a fish out of water in the Alaskan
Ports with them on.