FAQs

This program offers a variety of activities: skiff rides, walking, hiking, and kayaking. Activities are not strenuous for guests with average mobility. Walks and hikes are leisurely in pace to allow guests the opportunity to see and learn as much as possible about the region. We expect that guests on this program can walk with good balance and go up and down stairs easily without assistance. The nature treks will be on irregular and elevated terrain, such as moist or muddy forest trails with tree roots, wooden boardwalks with stairs, and rocky beaches. Skiffs provide the mode for much of the exploration on this program and sure-footed guests can enter/exit them with little trouble. The Chichagof Dream crew is diligent in assisting guests while boarding and exiting the ship and small craft. Guests with no previous experience can easily handle the double kayaks. We expect that guests on this program can walk with good balance and go up and down stairs easily without assistance, as the Chichagof Dream does not have an elevator.

Arrival and departure information is provided in the Air & Transfer section of the Confirmation Documents emailed to reserved guests approximately five to seven days after booking a tour. Guests who arrive and depart during the suggested times are eligible to receive complimentary airport transfers. If you need an additional copy of your Confirmation Documents or have questions, email guestservices@orbridge.com for assistance.

A visa is not required for this tour for U.S. citizens.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, traveling to the U.S. requires a passport and a visa unless you are coming from a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country. Ensure that your passport has sufficient space for entry and exit stamps and is valid for six months after the date of your return from this program. To check your visa status, visit www.travel.state.gov.

The U.S. Dollar is the currency used throughout this tour. The Chichagof Dream does not have an ATM on board but does accept credit cards. ATMs are accessible in the cities and towns that you will visit. We recommend you carry cash for meals and other items not included in the itinerary, such as beverages, incidentals, and personal shopping expenses, as well as for merchants who may not accept debit or credit cards. Although major credit cards are typically widely recognized, businesses may require a minimum purchase. Even when traveling domestically, inform your bank or credit card company of your travel plans prior to departure.

Summer temperatures in Southeast Alaska range from lows of 47-52°F to highs of 54-70°F. When on the ship, in kayaks or skiffs in ice-laden water or near tidewater glaciers, the temperatures are considerably cooler. Wind-chill factors can reduce temperatures to the low 40s°F. Southeast Alaska is a temperate rainforest ecosystem and misty rain is common. The average humidity ranges from 75-90%, and the days tend to be mostly cloudy with some sunbursts.

Check the forecast for the dates of your stay on www.weather.com to help you prepare.

The ship and all cabins are equipped with standard North American 120-volt electrical outlets. Each cabin also features an outlet with USB ports to charge personal devices (i.e. cell phones, tablets).

Personal care appliances (i.e. curling irons, electric razors) with a maximum power of 750 watts are permitted on board. Appliances with more than 750 watts of power can cause electrical outages are not permitted on board. Hairdryers are available in each cabin for your convenience.

In Alaska's isolated terrain, cell phone service is sporadic. Pay phones are typically available at ports of call, and cell phones only work near the more populated ports. The ship is equipped with satellite phones and radios that are only available for emergencies. Wi-Fi is not available onboard.

While viewing wildlife in their natural habitat, we strive to minimize our impact on the animals and the environment. Your Expedition Leader will ask you to follow these guidelines:

• Litter, including biodegradable food waste, can be dangerous to wildlife. It's important to dispose of garbage properly. Carry it with you until you have access to a garbage bin.
• Stay on marked trails, and follow other instructions for trail use. This will minimize soil erosion, and protect the environment and homes of wildlife.
• Maintain a distance of at least 25 feet between yourself and any wildlife you encounter.
• While viewing wildlife, maintain a quiet voice so as not to disturb the animals or other wildlife watchers.
• Flash photography is not permitted when taking photos of wildlife.

Storage space within the ship’s cabins is limited. For your comfort, restrict luggage to one medium bag per person. Each stateroom offers a closet, and each guest bed sits approximately 15 inches above the ground, providing storage underneath.

The Chichagof Dream does not provide individual cabin safes. If you choose to bring valuable items, you are responsible for all safekeeping and proper care. NOTE: The ship is "keyless," and cabin doors can only be locked from the inside.

Check with your airline(s) for regulations on luggage sizes and fees for checked luggage. Check the TSA website for airport security screening protocols, including a list of prohibited items, instructions for traveling with liquids, and identification requirements.

Make sure to attach the supplied red Orbridge luggage tags (found in your welcome box sent three weeks prior to departure) to your luggage and carry-on bag so that transfer and cruise staff can easily identify them.

We recommend traveling light. Warm, comfortable, casual clothing is appropriate for this tour. Summer weather in Alaska differs considerably, depending upon locations and weather patterns, so prepare for varying temperatures. Jeans and fleece outwear are the norm, including at the farewell dinner. Rain gear, including boots, will be provided on board according to the sizes you provide on the Rain Gear Form in your Confirmation Documents.

Dress in layers to help transition between the chilly outdoors and warmer, heated spaces or overcast skies and sun breaks. Pack like you would for winter: a windproof jacket; nylon, fleece or insulated pants; fleece sweatshirt and/or wool sweater; turtleneck; wool socks; long underwear; warm gloves or mittens; and a warm hat or beanie.

Bring lightweight hiking boots (preferably waterproof) for shore hikes and comfortable sneakers or closed-toe walking shoes for on board the ship. Bring boots/shoes that are already comfortable and broken in. Special footwear is not required for the ship, however high heels or hard-soled shoes are not permitted, as these will damage the deck and make for unsteady footing.

For those choosing to join longer hikes, bring collapsible trekking poles to help maintain balance in more challenging terrains, such as river crossings, tree-root-strewn trails, and wet-and-slippery wood bridges or boardwalks.

Consider bringing a daypack for cameras and binoculars, which are helpful for observing wildlife. The Chichagof Dream supplies quality binoculars available in each cabin for your use while on the cruise, but you are welcome to bring your own. The ship provides soap, body wash, and shampoo but you may want to pack your own preferred brand of lotion and conditioner. Bring sunglasses and prescription eyewear (if applicable).

A packing list will be included with your Final Documents. Use this form to personalize for your own needs.

Click here to view comprehensive wellness protocols for this tour.

The online Guest Information (GIF) does not allow you return and make updates once originally submitted. To update existing information, email the details to guestservices@orbridge.com, and your account will be updated accordingly.

To complete the GIF for the first time, access the secure online form here. It should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. The system will not save partially completed forms, so it's important to complete and submit the form in one sitting.

Access the secure passport form here to input information and upload an electronic copy.

Some domestic tours require us to collect a copy of the photo ID you plan to use while traveling in order to confirm on-tour arrangements. If you have been requested to provide a copy, upload a copy of your ID here.

To pay by check, make the check payable to Orbridge LLC and mail it to:

Orbridge
P.O. Box 1376
Poulsbo, WA 98370

To pay by credit card, click here to access our secure online credit card portal. Be sure to click “submit information” at the bottom of page one in order to be directed to the payment screen.

To pay by electronic funds transfer (EFT), click here to access our secure payment portal where you will be able to conveniently and securely provide your account and routing number.

Payments made by check or EFT may be eligible for a discount. Reference your final payment reminder or email guestservices@orbridge.com to learn more.