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1. When is the best time to visit Alaska? 1. When is the best time to visit Alaska? Our best kept secret is May and June. There are more dry, sunny days before July 4th than after. The days are getting longer, but there is still darkness at night allowing you to get a good nights sleep in the fresh, clean air and perhaps capture the sights of the northern lights. The shore birds have returned and the whales are feeding - this is the best time. Our chartering season extends from May through September. Many of the vessels offer heavy discounts in the early spring and fall. June has the most daylight hours giving you more time to explore. August is a favorite time to view the wildlife and catch fish. 2. Where will the charter take me? In the spring and fall many yachts offer discounts while chartering the Inside Passage from the Puget Sound in Washington to Ketchikan, Juneau, or Sitka, Alaska. Charters usually include the whole “Alaska” experience, which means you’ll be surrounded by the exquisite beauty of the inland passages, deep glacier formed fjords, majestic snow capped mountains, water and all that comes with it: birds, wildlife, and marine life. Fishing is fun for the whole family. Children under 16 do not need a license. Your chef will gladly prepare the catch-of-the-day. Charters allow you to go where the cruise ships don’t. You’ll be “up close and personal” with the marine life, glaciers, watching the bears as they feed from the shorelines. Kayaks, sea cycles and various other smaller vessels are in carried along for exploration. Hiking in the lush rainforest is magical as you take in Alaska’s flora and fauna. The essence of the trip is living the moment. Your memories will be of the unique experience of those moments. Every vessel has its own personality. Some are geared more for the eco-tour experience and wilderness adventure. Most however, include everything from sport fishing to exploring the safe harbors of Alaska that include glaciers, animals, and wildlife. Some of the main considerations when choosing a vessel are: 5. What is the difference in a Skippered-Bareboat, All-Inclusive, Fully-Crewed, or Boat + Expenses charter? Each vessel has its own level of operation. Some vessels offer both the skippered-bareboat charter and all-inclusive choice. The main choices are: Skippered-Bareboat: Offers the vessel and the captain only. Crew and crew services are not supplied. All costs including food, fuel, and port fees are separate. There is an expectation of help from the captain from time to time during the charter. This is the most economical way to charter. All-Inclusive or Fully-Crewed: In this scenario, everything is included with the exception of hard liquor, tax, fishing licenses, and gratuity. Boat + Expenses: The cost for chartering the luxury vessel varies with the optional “+ expenses”. Usually it does not include the additional fees of food, wine, beverages, crew, captain, fuel, supplies, port charges, etc. Again this can vary. Please call for details. Alaska Charter Boats to the rescue. We make it very simple. In establishing your preferences as outlined above, we will make recommendations on available vessels. Once the particulars of your charter are confirmed, we will send you an Agreement for your signature. A deposit will confirm your booking. Often it is desired by the Captain of the vessel to contact you to determine your charter preferences and outline a charter course. Don’t forget the bathing suit, tanning lotion, and sunglasses! Summer weather within the Inside Passage is generally mild with temperatures averaging in the 50’s and 60’s. On sunny summer days the temperature may soar into the 80’s and 90’s. However, be prepared for cooler weather, light rain, mist or clouds. Take into account that when the boat is underway, there is a breeze. During the summer, days are longer. June has an average of 18:15 hours of daylight, whereas September has almost 13 hours of daylight. There’s no such thing as bad weather...only bad clothing. To combat the fluctuation in temperature and conditions, we recommend a layered approach to dressing. your outer wear should be waterproof and able to withstand a steady downpour. Clothing made from synthetic materials is more effective when participating in off-vessel activities such as kayaking and nature walks. Fleece, polypropylene, capilene and wool (although it is a natural fiber it has the same qualities) keep you warm even when they are wet and wick away perspiration. Cotton will draw away your body heat and take a long time to dry. Please keep in mind that there is limited space on board the vessel and in your stateroom. Avoid hard suitcases and pack efficiently bringing as little as possible. Footwear 8. What type of luggage is best? 9. How do I obtain a fishing license and how much are they? If you wish to fish or drop a crab pot, a sport fishing license is required. You can purchase your fishing license and King salmon stamp online at www.admin.adfg.state.ak.us/license, upon your arrival to Alaska, or on-board some of the fishing vessels. License Rates as of 01/06: 10. What is the typical gratuity? 11. How can I prevent Sea Sickness? SCOPOLAMINE®: BONINE®: DRAMAMINE®: SEA BAND®: 12. Should I purchase Travel Insurance? Our standard policy dictates in your contract that if for any reason the captain determines that it is not safe to cruise or if anything whatsoever prevents the vessel from providing the charter, your money is completely returned with or without insurance. Travel Insurance is recommended in the event you are not able to meet the boat as planned, or you need to cancel for a number of reasons: illness, work, family matters, emergencies, etc. It covers delays caused by lost baggage, unforseen events, cancellations and medical emergencies. They also offer primary coverage, no deductibles, coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, bankruptcy/financial default, medical evacuation, and worldwide travel assistance 24/7. Life can be uncertain and we are able to present a travel insurance that covers all possible trip interruption and cancellation possibilities. We encourage you to read the information to determine if it would be beneficial to you at www.travelex-insurance.com/Consumer/Welcome.htmx?location=02-0005. We hope this helps you have a great adventure! |
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