Trip Details & Resources

We are very casual (see our “Packing Suggestions”) — the emphasis is on layers as the weather is variable.

Yes! In a temperate rain forest rain is possible year-round. A lightweight waterproof shell and rain pants, layered over pants, shirt and jacket, will ensure your comfort during the many off-boat activities we offer. Rubber boots are essential on these trips, especially since the trails can be quite wet and muddy. It is not uncommon to be in up to your ankles in mud or cross small streams on some of our hikes. Many guests forgo hiking boots altogether and stick with rubber boots with an extra pair of wool socks for cushioning.

Yes. Just let us know before you embark and the crew will be ready to help you celebrate in style.

You have spent a lot of time and effort planning your trip to Alaska. Unforeseen circumstances could spoil your once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Travel insurance can cover a number of contingencies and provide peace of mind.

You will be traveling on the sheltered waters of the inside passage; and sleep at anchor each night. If you are prone to motion sickness, it is best to consult your physician beforehand and choose either a prescription or OTC remedy.

Space is limited onboard – we recommend 1 standard size luggage per person.

Recognition for exceptional service is entirely at your discretion. Guests who wish to tip usually give the Captain about 10 – 15% of the cost of the cruise from each person in their party at the end of their trip (check or credit card). Tips are pooled and shared by all crew members. Let your satisfaction with our service be your guide.

Additional costs may include but not be limited to: round-trip airfare to Alaska, travel insurance, possible fuel surcharges, gratuities and shipping fish home.

Our boats carry communication gear to conduct official ship business and to ensure your safety, but we do not have phones or internet access for guests. Your cell phone or a laptop equipped with a cellular wireless card may get intermittent service. AT&T has the best coverage; Verizon, not so much.

There is an entertainment center with a TV-VCR-DVD unit in the main salon for viewing movies and naturalist presentations, but broadcast reception is unavailable.

Your cabin is ‘move-in’ ready with en-suite bathroom with toilet, stall shower, shampoo, conditioner, soaps, lotion and hair dryer, 110-volt outlets, a flashlight and high-power binoculars for wildlife viewing.

No, but the ship’s drying locker may be used to dry your wet clothes. See Packing Suggestions for tips on planning.

All the tap water aboard is ‘potable’ — fresh from our reverse-osmosis water makers.

All the electrical outlets supply 110 volt current, which is the same as in homes throughout North America. If you are coming from outside the United States and Canada, you may need a plug adapter for any personal electronics you bring.

Alaska’s Inside Passage is a temperate rain forest. Rainfall averages about 3½“ during May and June, trending upward to 7½“ in September. Temperatures average in the mid-60s during the day and mid-40s at night, but range from 80s to 30s—layers are the key to comfort! Bring a light day pack so you may shed and add layers when off the boat.

Most likely not. The summer nights do not get dark enough, there is often a lot of cloud cover, and we won’t be quite far enough north.

Biting insects are not as prevalent in the Inside Passage, yet peak in July. Pack your preferred brand of insect repellent and we will also have head nets and a variety of sprays, lotions and creams aboard. “Deep Woods OFF” and “Ultrathon” (by 3M) work well. See this recent guide from Consumer reports.

We always visit the glaciers south of Juneau. You will see glaciers calve and, weather permitting, the crew will even take you in for a closer look by skiff or kayak.

We see brown and black bear throughout the summer. They will be stream fishing in fall. Dolphins and whales, especially humpbacks, abound; we will call all hands on deck when they are spotted. Orca (killer whales) and sea otter are less common but also present. We will see seals on ice floes with new pups as we travel up Tracy Arm to view glaciers, and we usually visit a sea lion rookery each trip. Deer are seen, of course, and different kinds of birds – notably bald eagles, hawks and other raptors – may be observed on hikes or along the shore when at anchor.

Smoking is not permitted indoors but is allowed on deck (on the lee side in an area set aside for you, so the smoke is carried overboard). Both decks have a covered companionway.

The short answer is no. While the State of Alaska has legalized recreational and medical Marijuana – and you may see stores selling it in Juneau and Sitka – The Boat Company vessels are under federal jurisdiction and will not allow Marijuana or any illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia aboard.

You may pay with check or credit card. The Boat Company accepts Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Deposits may be made on a credit card without a surcharge, but later credit card payments will include a 4% convenience fee.

We do not have a doctor or nurse on board, but at least one crew member is a certified “Wilderness First Responder” and all crew are current on first-aid, CPR and use of an on board defibrillator. Each ship carries oxygen for emergency use. Captains can arrange emergency medical evacuation as well as Med-Link remote communication with a physician. We recommend that you carry your regular medications in your hand luggage, including extra supplies to cover any unexpected circumstances or travel delays. If you have received treatment for any significant medical condition, please carry a recent report along with any pertinent information from your physician. We also urge you to review your health insurance coverage before your trip. We strongly recommend that you secure travel protection.

Our chefs can accommodate vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten-free and child friendly diets. Use the Passenger Registration form at booking to inform us of any allergies or dietary requirements.

The Boat Company passengers hail from all over the world — though predominantly from North America – and are generally easygoing, adventurous and curious about the Tongass National Forest and its conservation. More than 70% of passengers each year are either returning guests or have been referred by previous passengers. We work hard to create congenial groups on each trip and can give you an overview of the others who will be traveling with you.

There are no required activities. You may happily spend your entire trip curled up in the salon with a good book, or watch it all go by from a chair up on the skiff deck while sipping coffee or a chilled glass of wine. The crew will meet daily with guests to advise you on hiking, kayaking, fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. You are free to choose for your days.

Yes. Our deckhand/guides are happy to help novices. They will get you started, but their primary job while ashore in bear country is to ensure group safety so this will not allow for prolonged one-on-one individual attention. We will provide your fishing license & King salmon stamp (if needed).

We will provide your fishing license & King salmon stamp (if needed). You will need to show the crew a photo ID at the time of license/stamp creation.

Yes! The crew will clean; fillet and vacuum-seal your fish before stowing it in the walk-in freezer on board. At the end of your trip, they will pack your catch in an insulated box for your flight home.

We do not offer separate babysitting services. However, the crew is skilled at including kids in all the activities and in tailoring hikes, fishing and wildlife to their level. Some families opt to bring a nanny along to mind their little ones.