National Geographic Alaska’s Inside Passage

Accommodations Review

The Sea Bird is a small ship, so naturally accommodations were small, but we enjoyed the limited number of passengers and ability to know crew and staff.

Meals Review

Good variety and accommodation for special food needs of the vegetarians, small child and gluten free passengers in our group. 

Crew & Guides Review

Rab, the group leader, was engaging, knowledgeable and always enthusiastic. He also was excellent at addressing individual requests. We enjoyed Kyle, the bartender, who was always welcoming and especially attentive to the 6 and 8-year-olds on our trip. The naturalists Andy and Jared were outstanding both in their expertise and their willingness to socialize with guests and answer all questions.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Our Adventure Specialist was exceptionally helpful during our rather more complicated preparations involving travelers from 3 locations and various ages and special needs. She was always available for any questions. She also successfully managed to have a lost item returned to us after the cruise. Any travel issues prior to departure were addressed by AdventureSmith expeditiously and knowledgeably. An A plus experience. 

Traveler Advice

No kidding, you really do need the rubber boots! It is a temperate rain forest environment, so just bring the wet gear and know that rain or shine it will be a fabulous destination.

Accommodations Review

The bed was incredibly comfortable, and the ship sailed so smoothly that I could tell if we were cruising or anchored. Bathroom was quite adequate.

Meals Review

The food was inconsistent, though many meals were great, some were not as good. Pancakes and french toasts were so dry that they were some of the worst. Some meals were rather salty. Overall, I was quite satisfied, however.

Crew & Guides Review

All naturalist guides were excellent and were clearly passionate about their work and sharing the wilderness with us.

Itinerary Review

The opportunities to land on pristine rainforest bay areas with untouched wilderness was simply magnificent. My best day was Kelp Bay in Baranof Island, where we had a fantastic encounter with 2 bears in the salmon stream. I will never forget that for the rest of my life. I was hoping to see more marine wildlife, but that did not turn out to be the case during our week. The fantastic bear encounter made up for the entire week, however.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Andrew has been the best consultant ever. Always prompt, always full of information and detailed in his response. I have never had a better person to prepare me for a trip. Anyone would be so fortunate to have Andrew's guidance.

Traveler Advice

Be prepared for whatever weather that Alaska throws at you. It rained the entire week, and so good waterproof gear is a must. Don't expect to find wildlife up close -- it does not happen reliably, or you might get disappointed. Make the most of each day and get the most out of the naturalists.

Accommodations Review

Clean, well appointed, private, and comfortable. Luggage was handled seamlessly. Our room on the middle deck of the ship had a private balcony, just above the water, with sliding glass door to our tidy room. This feature allowed a peaceful, private retreat to view water, vistas, and bring fresh air, allowing a feeling of immersion in the environment.

Meals Review

The crew on Venture accommodated my life-threatening dairy allergy seamlessly. I felt secure and cared for. They served one meal that was better tossed in the compost, on the night that they made a huge fuss about a "crab feast", serving vegetarian option of a cold skewer of tofu and vegetables, where a knife and strength was needed to cut tofu. Desert was a paltry substitution of what the omnivore was provided.

Itinerary Review

[We most enjoyed]...glacial exploration by Zodiac and kayaks, dining experience with a wide variety of vegan options, with special care for my life threatening dairy allergy; full access to education from a host of experienced and knowledgeable guides offering inspiration and educational opportunities; opportunities to get off the ship every day to experience hiking, kayaking, stand up paddling, and Zodiac tours. The much anticipated tour of Glacier Bay National Park, was not as described in brochure, having no Tlingit guide for the day, and rushing us off the ship to see the welcome center or walk a couple of miles on the park access road. The other disappointment was the ship plan for a Crab Feast on evening, with the focus on feeding all diners with crab and ribs, while offering me a cold skewer of tofu and vegetables that was a real let down from their general excellent fare for vegan options.

Fellow Passengers Review

A good mix of individuals and small families together at meals and education/lounge communication with one another, bringing lots of opportunity to share experiences, knowledge, and common interests.

Crew & Guides Review

The expedition leader was John Mitchell. He was organized, and delivered his daily information pieces with humor that engaged all ages and interests. He was very available, and made necessary changes smoothly when needed due to changing conditions.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Kevin Marshall's communications were clear, timely, and professional. He communicated a sense of genuine enthusiasm for my experience, with professional, clearly worded messages, only when necessary to support my knowledge. ASE support and attention to detail with good and clear communication left me feeling assured of my ability to manage the unknowns of my anticipated travel experience.

Traveler Advice

Be prepared to be awed by the epic scenery, wildlife, wildflowers, active outdoor opportunities and native cultural collections in excellent museums.