FAQ

Should we expect to encounter rough seas on our yacht cruise?

One of the nice things about our Alaska adventures is that they operate primarily in the inside of the Inside Passage. In the Hawaiian Islands the Safari Explorer hugs the shoreline and operates in areas rarely affected by the westerly winds. Rarely are the vessels exposed to the open ocean. In the event that we do expect unfavorable weather, we will give you plenty of notice so that you may take whatever motion sickness remedy that works best for you.

Is there access to a phone or email on the yacht?

A satellite phone is available on the bridge of each yacht for guest use at $5.00 per minute, minutes are recorded and paid at the end of the cruise. While our yachts do have communication devices to conduct ship's business and for emergency purposes, they do not have email capabilities for public use. There are usually pay phones on or near the places we dock in port. The crew can also tell you where the nearest email access is in most ports of call.

Will I be able to use my cell phone on the yacht?

We find that cellular phones work when we get near the more populated ports and in certain remote areas. You will be able to use them from time to time and your crew will try and let you know when we are in cellular range.

Is there television aboard the yacht?

The yachts are equipped with TV/DVD units in each stateroom. Television channels, however, are usually unavailable due to the remote areas we visit. While you will have plenty of activities to keep you busy throughout the day and into the evening, we do have an extensive collection of movies onboard for you to view in your stateroom. We suggest you immerse yourself in the scenery and the adventure and leave the stresses of the modern living behind you. They will assuredly be there when you return.

What types of amenities do you have onboard? Is there anything I DON'T need to pack?

Each stateroom offers two luxurious bathrobes, a hair dryer and sundries such as shampoo, conditioner, soap and lotion. The ship has an iron onboard but remember, this is casual yachting so no one will look twice if your clothes aren't perfectly pressed. The yachts also have umbrellas, rain slickers and pants, and mud boots for you to use so you needn't pack those. Each yacht has a large resource library and hundreds of DVD titles. Each stateroom also has an iPod docking station.

What things should I be sure to pack?

Binoculars, cameras, lots of film, a water and windproof jacket, hat and gloves, hiking boots or comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a battery operated alarm clock, sun glasses, a bathing suit for the Jacuzzi or natural hot springs, for the beach in Mexico or Hawaii, and a day bag or back pack to carry things. A travel journal to write of your adventures in is also a great idea.

Are their laundry services aboard?

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer laundry service on board our yachts.

Is the water that comes out of the tap in my stateroom drinkable?

Absolutely. The water on board is treated and filtered and tastes quite good. We also offer plenty of bottled water for you to use or refill.

FOR MEXICO: The vessels will be making their own water onboard so there should be no concerns about its safety.

Will my hair dryer (or other electrical appliance) work on the vessel or do I need to bring an adapter?

The electrical outlets on the yachts are the same voltage as yours at home, if you live in North America. If you live in other parts of the world, you may need an adapter.

Is there fishing allowed from the yacht?

Yes, fishing rods are available and licenses may be purchased for fishing in Alaska. Fishing excursions too can be arranged, at an additional charge.

What's the best time of year to visit Alaska?

We try not to get into the business of predicting the weather or the wildlife. It has been our experience that the weather can be beautiful at anytime between April and September. Wildlife, too, is evident during these months. Most people travel to Alaska during May, June, July, August and early September.

I've heard that there are a lot of insects in Alaska, particularly mosquitoes. Should we bring bug spray?

We have found that there is not a great deal of bugs in the areas that we travel. However, if we do encounter them, your yacht crew will provide you with insect repellent.

Will we get to see the Northern Lights in Alaska?

Northern lights (or Aurora Borealis) are more prevalent in the beginning and the end of the summer, when it gets darker earlier. You have a good chance of seeing them if you travel in May or August.

Is there a limit to how much luggage I can bring?

While our staterooms are surprisingly spacious, storage space is limited. The nice thing about our casual atmosphere is that you don't need to pack your evening gowns or tuxedos. Try to limit your bags to two per stateroom. Soft-sided luggage or duffel bags are preferred.

What, if any, are the medical facilities aboard the yachts?

Your yacht crew is trained in both first aid and CPR and there are first aid supplies onboard. While we don't have a physician onboard, we are never too far from a port where medical facilities are available.

How can I get answers to other questions that I have?

If you have a specific question that has not been addressed on this page, please send your email questions to admin [at] americansafaricruises.com or call toll free 888-862-8881, Monday through Friday, 6:00am - 5:00pm PST.

Is smoking allowed on the yacht?

Smoking is prohibited anywhere inside the boat. Our smoking guests are welcome to smoke on the outer decks and ashtrays are provided.

What's the best time for me to visit Southeast Alaska?

That question seems to often come up no matter what destination is being considered. With Alaska travel, it’s almost always a question that is not only asked by virtually everyone, but it’s also the first question. Rain, bears, whales, sunlight, temperature, number of people, fishing, snow level, flowers, insects, Northern Lights – how much, how little, how long, where exactly, how thick, what variety, how high/low – these are all key interests for travelers planning an Alaskan vacation. It’s The Big Land, and therefore, there is no “cookie cutter” answer to these curiosities. But we do want to help by providing a guideline or chart as shown below to describe when “skies are most blue” and when salmon change hue.

With “The Un-Cruise” (American Safari Cruises), weather becomes less of a general concern since we are able to get so close to wildlife, scenery and continually have a hands-on experience throughout our explorations. But if you have certain interests you want to try to maximize by paying attention to annual norms, please peruse the information provided below. Of course, wildlife and weather are unpredictable, but trends and patterns can be valuable to you in deciding “What’s best for me?”