AK Cruises & Vacations by Tyee Travel

Accommodations Review

The Hilton in Anchorage was okay - seems to need a facelift soon but we weren't there long. The cabin at Kantishna was vey roomy and the beds were really comfortable. We had everything we needed. The Sheraton in Juneau was very comfortable and the staff very friendly. The Westward cabins are so efficient! I was amazed at how much room we had to put our clothes and other items. It was perfect.

Meals Review

I cannot say enough about Tracie's food on the boat. It is truly some of the best food I have eaten anywhere! She also baked me an incredible birthday cake! The food at Kantishna was fine. I know they are very remote, but I was dying for some local fish! The service was good and I enjoyed sitting with other guests. We met some really interesting people. 

Crew & Guides Review

Mary was our favorite at Kantishna. She was so enthusiastic and led us on a wonderful 7 mile hike to Skyline Ridge (I think). She knew so much about the plants and all of the wildlife. All four of the folks aboard the Westward were exceptional. Don't know how I can say enough. Bill, Tracie, Kristin, and Liam. All were people I am very happy to have met.

Transportation Review

I really appreciated the detailed itinerary which I carried with me. Knowing exactly which dome train to check in to, for instance, was wonderful and eased any anxiety I may have had about being in the right place. Same with the buses we were on. I think our flights worked out well, although I am now not a big fan of the Seattle airport - it was a zoo! Glad we arrived early for our flight home. I appreciated the cabs being included as well. 

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

I felt that the support from AdventureSmith while planning the trip and before leaving was outstanding. I had all of the information that I needed. I felt that everyone involved was so friendly and quick to respond to any questions I had. We got wonderful, complete info about packing, etc., and felt very well-prepared.

Traveler Advice

Just do it!  Say "yes".

Accommodations Review

Only downside for us was cabin noise from engine. Difficult to hear TV.

Meals Review

We loved everything.

Crew & Guides Review

All guides were fabulous. Dawn did her role very efficiently. We had Cailie and Kate the majority of the time and found them knowledgeable, efficient and genuinely wanted us to have the best time of our lives and we did. Lexie was fabulous getting us places on the skiff. All staff were amazing.  

Traveler Advice

Would tell people it’s the only way to see the inside passage!

Accommodations Review

Ship, cabins, common areas, equipment all very well maintained. Everything was great.

Meals Review

The food was fine, but nothing to write home about.  Long lines at buffets. Seated dinner service a little slow.

Crew & Guides Review

All the guides were above and beyond exceptional.  Their knowledge and ENTHUSIASM was impressive - whether talking about lichen or slugs, the weather, the tides, or a Grizzly, they were all so enthusiastic about everything. Maybe even more so than the guests! They were also amazingly organized. Getting 10-20 day trips organized and punctual can't be easy. The skiff captains and guides worked remarkably well keeping everything running like a German train (super efficient and punctual, that is)!

Transportation Review

Aaron Gaines did an incredible job helping me book the trip, sending me ship, itinerary and flight information. Excellent job of communications. He was also very enthusiastic about making this a wonderful trip for us! You'd think he was going himself!

Traveler Advice

Don't expect to go shopping on this trip (except in the towns where you embark/disembark), this is an ADVENTURE and EXPLORATION experience!  You will travel to remote areas to see whales, porpoises, sea lions, harbor seals, bears, or maybe a wolf, or some mink!  You will walk, hike, kayak and skiff ride! On this cruise you will get close to nature and feed your soul!

Accommodations Review

The Wilderness Explorer was great. Although the cabins were small, we had what we needed and the public spaces were sized to handle the passengers comfortably, and there were so many activities we didn't spend much time in our rooms. The ship cruised smoothly in the inland passages, and even an overnight relocation cruise didn't interrupt sleep. Most enjoyed any kayaking activity off the boat. The launch/retrieve platform is an awesome modification, and probably what makes launching 10-15 kayaks in a short time possible. We greatly appreciated being able to rent the slogging boots on the boat.

Meals Review

No complaints whatsoever. We even had a pastry chef on our ship.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Might be tempted to say AdventureSmith over prepared us, given the extraordinarily good weather we had. We had only one day of rain in the entire week, and then it was in the 50's. Almost 70 in Glacier Bay for glacier kayaking. Personal to Aaron Gaines:  Thanks for the little 50th anniversary gift you had left in our cabin. On that Friday (Aug 7) we got to celebrate by kayaking in front of a glacier, on a beautiful day, with ORCAS swimming about a quarter mile away! Priceless!  

Accommodations Review

Ship was tiny, but had everything that was needed.

Meals Review

All of the dairy free options were great and I really appreciated the effort the galley staff and stewards put in.  Harry's soups were great. More than enough food to keep you full all day.  

Crew & Guides Review

Captain Andy was a great leader (fun, enthusiastic, knowledgeable) and his leadership showed throughout the crew.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Excellent, I had everything I needed.

Accommodations Review

The Sea Bird is old and cabins are what they are, but still really good.  Get fitted sheets. Easier on stewards and passengers. But vessel was great. We knew what to expect so no surprises. The common areas were more than adequate for the expedition.

Meals Review

Amazing work given the limitations of the galley. Breakfast and lunch were perfect to fuel us up and keep us energized. Appetizers were a highlight. I very much liked the portion size at dinner. Soup needs work. Too much of same dark base. Think miso or chowder, but minor. Great baked goods.  Service was A+++ from Val on down.

Crew & Guides Review

No one better than Rab, Betty Lou and Linda. Gold standard. Rab shared personal experiences and emotions and displayed encyclopedic knowledge of every subject. Clone him. Betty Lou's talk on her career was fabulous. The whole team was knowledgeable, personable, helpful, available, great in crisis and enthusiastic. How can one be with Rab and not get excited about the events or with Linda, Betty Lou, Eryn and not learn? 

Photography staff was first rate. Brian and Drew knew everything and explained it clearly. Divers, Jim and Lynn, added a whole different dimension to our experience. Local guides were essential to understanding Haida and Kwakwaka wakaw cultures. And the Watchmen gave such authenticity to our experience. Loved Ranger Molly. Wow!!!! No weak individual on this team.

Itinerary Review

Haida Gwaii, Gwai Hannas, Old Massett, and Alert Bay were strong cultural experiences which made the whole trip worthwhile. The nature walks were well chosen and instructive. Sometimes after dinner talks were repetitious, but small issue.

Zodiak tours were uniformly outstanding and exciting. The excursion into the sea near the Hobbit Hole was a memory for all time as was Rabs talk about Vitas Bering and George Stellars. Whew, all good!!! Glacier visits were well done, awesome, and sobering to see the impacts of climate change. Potlach dances were highlight also as was the ability to meet Jim Hart and Christian White. Legendary and inspiring. Gwaii Hannas was magical.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Andrew was, as always, excellent. Made our trip prep easy. We would recommend AdventureSmith to friends and family without hesitation.

Traveler Advice

Embrace the experience. Pack lighter/take less. Read some history like Muir's Travels in Alaska, history of decimation of tribes by European exposure and books on Northwest art.