Frequently Asked Questions

Personal Clothing and Possessions

Alaska weather conditions are variable making layers a must, to insure your comfort on and off the boat. Our voyages are not extreme expeditions, that being said you will not need special clothing or gear to enjoy your trip with us. Remember you have full access to the washer and dryer on a daily basis.

You should dress in layers and keep in mind wool and synthetic clothing keep you warm even when they are wet. Cotton, while a wonderful material, which is quite adequate on board, is not recommended for any outdoor activities since it does not dry quickly and offers no warmth once wet. Remember you will only need enough clothes for 7 days max on the boat and we do have a washer and dryer for your use. You will find the days can run the gauntlet from warm, sunny, to cold, rainy, overcast and back again in the blink of an eye, so be prepared.

The following list will help you make the most of your trip:

  • Layers – Multiple shirts, sweaters, and fleece) are much better than one jacket
  • Shirts – Two to three mostly long sleeved. A shirt that is tightly woven will provide the best protection against bugs and the sun
  • Pants – Two to three pair with one quick drying synthetic pair
  • Shorts – At least one pair
  • Socks – Enough for the trip and some wool socks to wear with rubber boots
  • Jacket/Sweater/Vest – Fleece jackets are just wonderful when incorporated with wind proof shell
  • Gloves – Lightweight or mittens (quick drying)
  • Long Underwear for your comfort one pair of polypropylene, capilene, or thermax top and bottoms.
  • Brimmed Hat – for sun protection
  • Personal Toiletries (shampoo, toothpaste, etc.)
  • Sun Block and Lip Balm SP 30
  • Personal Medications – Enough for the whole trip
  • Sunglasses
  • Insect Repellent – We suggest using pumps and creams.
  • Equipment and other miscellaneous items: Binoculars & Spare Batteries
  • Shoes and Hiking Boots
  • We will provide rubber boots, the commercial fishing variety, which are designed for hard use and comfort. You will need a wool-hiking sock to wear with the boots. These boots work great for shore excursions and kayaking. On board, tennis shoes or sandals will work just fine. Hiking boots, if you have them, increase your comfort level during high meadow hikes.

Gear and Luggage

Because soft bags pack best on board a vessel, we ask you NOT to bring hard sided luggage. Two medium bags are a much better option than on large bag.

Day Pack

A small day pack is almost indispensable or shore excursions. It will carry rain gear, extra clothes, water bottle, snack, cameras, and anything else you wish to take on short hikes.

Rain Gear

During your stay with us we will provide high quality commercial rain gear (top and bottoms) by Helly Hanson and Grunden. Please provide your height/weight and shoe size by filling out our Client Information Sheet once you have made your reservation.

Weather

Expect daytime temperatures to range between 50 and 70 degrees during the summer. When we are underway expect a cool breeze if out on the decks. Though we hope we bathe in sunshine for your whole trip, please be prepared for a variety of conditions, including rain. In Prince William Sound expect frequent light rain showers and be aware that in the glacier areas the temperature can be up to 10-15 degrees cooler.

Cape St. Elias normally is fairly sunny during late June though July unless a storm front moves through. Winds on the lee side of Kayak are almost non-existent while there is almost always a light breeze on the gulf side.

Weather is always a factor and Alaskan Dream Ventures has no control over it or the wind. If safety or comfort becomes a factor on your trip your Captain my select an alternate route or travel plan to preserve the quality of your cruise.

getting to alaska

Getting to Prince William Sound

Whittier Alaska is the western gateway to Prince William Sound and serves as our home port for Prince William Sound tours. Just an hours drive south of Anchorage’s Ted Stevens International Airport, the sleepy little town of Whittier is the perfect place to start your Alaska adventure cruise. Daily flights into Anchorage are available from all over the country and the drive to Whittier is one of the most scenic in North America. Plus, if you’re interested in extending your vacation beyond your cruise, the proximity of Whittier to Anchorage is a huge advantage.

Hotels and B&Bs

We can provide you with numerous hotel or B&B options upon request.

Sleeping Arrangements & Accommodations

Dream Catcher’s cabins each have an upper and lower bunk, small closet space, and a storage space for each occupant. All bunks have their own reading light, 110 outlets, small storage area running the length of the berth on the hull side, and computer terminal for use on research charters. Each cabin also has a private bathroom with separate shower stall. Each room is heated with central forced air heat and separate electric heater, and an opening porthole. The washer and dryer are located in the hull level and are open to use by clients.

Staterooms

There are six client staterooms. Only two clients per room each having private bathrooms with shower enclosures. For your comfort there is a central forced air heating system and individual electric heaters in each room along with portholes. Each room has ample storage and data connections for laptops.

Tour the Boat

Cell Phones, Satellite Phone & Internet

Cell Phones: Due to our mountainous terrain and remote locations your cell phone will only work while in port. We do have a Satellite phone on board for emergency use & personal use (with pre-paid calling card).

Satellite Phone (coverage in most places): There is a satellite phone system on the boat, which will allows clients to purchase phone cards $40 for 30 minutes to call anywhere in the world. The phone is also available for emergency use. Phone cards are available for purchase on boat.

Internet: Along with satellite phone system we offer internet connectivity. Guests may buy 5, 10, 25, and 50 mb bundles for the wxa pins. 10MB of intenet costs $135. wxa pins can be purchased on board as clients need them.

Fishing

Although your trip is not a fishing expedition we have gear on board for halibut, rockfish, cod, or salmon for your evening use. With our walk in freezer there is no problem freezing your catch for your flight home. You can also purchase fishing licenses on board. The costs are 1-day $20, 3 day $35, and 7 day $55. Depending on our evening anchoring locations we will also drop in crab and shrimp pots.

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Alaska Small Cruise Cuisine

Don’t particularly care for seafood? Have no fear! Our chef prides herself on preparing a wide range of cuisine with something for everyone. Even when the main entrée is seafood you’ll have a variety of options to choose from.


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Medical

Alaskan Dream Ventures trips are not physically demanding, but you should be in general good health to participate. It is your responsibility to judge your physical capabilities in relation to trip excursions. Anyone with medical problems or restrictions must make them known to us well in advance of the trip and should bring a personal supply of any special medications. Alaskan Dream Ventures takes no responsibility for special arrangements required by passengers physically unable to complete a trip and assume no liability regarding provision of medical care.

Reservations

Once you have made your reservation via phone or email it will be held for ten days. A 50% deposit is required within ten days. The Alaskan Dream Ventures Charter Document agreement must be mailed to us with your deposit check to keep your reservation. Once your deposit and the Alaskan Dream Ventures Charter agreement are received you will be mailed your written confirmation letter. The balance is due 90 days prior to trip departure date. Reservations made within 90 days of departure require full payment within 10 days of booking. Given 60 days advance notice there is no charge for transferring from one trip to another, subject to availability.

Payment Methods We Except

All payments should be made by personal check, money order, certified or cashiers check in U.S. dollars.

Prices

  • 7 day / 6 night trips are $5,850 Per Person*

*Based on double occupancy of a Stateroom.


Single Travelers pay 1.5 times Per Person rates above.

*Prices for Prince William Sound and Cape St Elias expeditions are all inclusive except for taxes, any hotel or bed and breakfast costs, and gratuities.

Full Boat Charters (up to 12 passengers)
7 Nights, 8 Days
Year Round Availability
$53,000

Departing Whittier, Seward & Cordova
All in Prince William Sound, Alaska.


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Transfers

Given 60 days advance notice there is no charge for transferring from one trip to another, subject to availability.

Cancellations & Refunds

If you find it necessary to cancel your trip, please notify us as soon as possible. You may telephone but we will need written notification via certified mail.
Per Person Cancellation Charges:
Anytime 120 plus days prior to departure $200
120 to 91 days prior to departure date 50% of total charter cost will be refunded
90 days or less prior to departure charter cost will not be refunded
NOTE: WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRIP INSURANCE.

Withdrawls

Alaskan Dream Ventures reserves the right to require any participant to withdraw from a trip at anytime if the captain deems his or her acts or conduct detrimental or incompatible with interest, harmony, comfort, or welfare of the trip. In such cases no refund will be given.

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Trip Insurance

WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND that your obtain Travelers and Trip Cancellation Insurance to protect yourself. Please check with your travel agent for rates and coverage. CSA Travel Protection offers trip insurance and can be reached on the web or at 800-348-9505. Trip Cancellation Coverage will reimburse you for nonrefundable air and tip costs should you cancel or interrupt your trip.