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Discover Alaska Question 1 Why Discover Alaska? What makes booking with Discover Alaska a better choice? Answer: You cannot book our exclusive, customized program directly with the cruise lines or any other company involved in the travel industry. It is a unique and customized product developed by Discover Alaska over the past 45 years. Further, our experienced staff has been to Alaska and knows it first hand! Question 2 I understand that Discover Alaska has produced a new DVD of the entire Alaska cruise/tour, start to finish. How can I get a copy? How much does it cost? Answer: Yes you can obtain a free DVD. Give us a call at 1-800-624-7718 or fill out the “contact me” form on this website and we will send you a DVD documenting the entire trip from start to finish. Question 3 Do I need a passport? Answer: Yes. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel return date. Question 4 What should I expect to pay for gratuities? Answer: Fixed Seating is same as above if you pre-pay, or you may decide for yourself at the end of the cruise. The above covers all gratuities: Room Steward, Waiter & Assistant, and Maitre D'. Gratuities are automatically added to all drinks aboard. Holland America: Open Seating or Fixed, $11.50 per person per day is automatically added to your room charges. Aboard any of the ships, you may go to the front desk and have the tips either increased or decreased as you may see fit. Included Tours: Tips for local driver/escorts are at your discretion. Question 5 I am a diabetic; can I get diabetic friendly meals? Answer: Yes you can, and that even includes diabetic desserts. Be sure to tell us when you book and we can include this information in your registration with the ship. Question 6 I am in a wheelchair, what arrangements can you make for me? Answer: Cruise Ships are wheelchair friendly. As for the land tours included in our program, there are wilderness trails and other times that it may be necessary to get some help. Call us and talk to us about your particular situation and we will do our best to help you get to Alaska. Question 7 If I decide not to go on one of your special land tours, can I get my money back on that tour so that I can spend it on something else? Answer: Sorry, No. There are no refunds or ships credit for tours that you miss or choose not to attend. Discover Alaska has pre-arranged and prepaid all tours and meals in advance and therefore they are non refundable. Question 8 Once I book a cabin with Discover Alaska, how hard is it to change cabins. Answer: Yes, if you change your mind it is usually possible to change cabins, but it depends on availability. The longer you wait, the fewer choices you will have. It is always best to carefully choose your cabin in the first place.
Question 9 What are the advantages to booking early? Answer: Let's see….better prices, better cabin choices, better choice of seating at dinner while onboard ship.
Question 10 Do you have a payment plan? I have a monthly income and would like to pay monthly. Answer: Yes. You may pay the full Deposit plus your insurance premium with final payment due not later than 75 days prior to departure. You may also make monthly payments at no additional charge. We send final invoices 90 days prior to departure. Passengers not paid in full 75 days prior to departure can be cancelled. Payments may be made by check, money order, or major credit card. Call and we will be happy to set up a payment plan best for you.
Question 11 I can't lift heavy suitcases; does Discover Alaska help with the luggage? Answer: Discover Alaska takes care of your luggage from the time you arrive at the hotel in Vancouver (located in the Airport) until the time you arrive at the airport for your return flight from Fairbanks. You will have to carry your luggage through Customs.
Question 12 Can I stay longer at the beginning or end of my trip? Answer: Yes, give us a call.
Question 13 I understand there is a reservations only restaurant on board. How is it different from the main dining room? Answer: The cruise ships offer a delicious alternative to the main Dining Room which are very popular. We recommend you make reservations as soon as you get onboard. Please note that there is a nominal fee when dining at these alternative Restaurants. Question 14 I understand that Discover Alaska provides "tour managers" throughout the entire trip. What exactly does a tour manager do? Answer: Yes, we do provide our own tour managers throughout the program. They work behind the scenes to make sure that things run smoothly and to ensure that you receive all the outstanding features included in our program. Tour Managers are not necessarily with you every minute. They do not accompany sightseeing tours as you will have tour guides for that. Should a need arise when a tour manager is not immediately available, you can always call our Alexandria office on our toll-free number 800-624-7718.
Question 15 If my flight is postponed or delayed how does this impact my trip? Answer: If you purchased travel insurance, the insurance company will reimburse your expenses to get you back on schedule or to compensate for any missed portion of your trip. If you booked your air through the cruise line, they are responsible to get you to the ship on time or to catch up at a later port of call. If you booked the air yourself; it becomes your own responsibility.
Question 16 Can I book my own flights? Answer: Yes. Frequently you can get much better rates, however we highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance.
Question 17 When do we need to have our invoice paid? Answer: We will send a final invoice 90 days prior to sailing. Passengers can be cancelled if not paid in full 75 days prior to sailing.
Question 18 Do I have to take the tours that you have arranged for Discover Alaska travelers? Answer: No. but no refunds will be returned if you miss one.
Question 19 Can we get connecting cabins? Answer: Yes, there are a handful of connecting cabins aboard the cruise ships. Call us and we will help you find them. BOOK EARLY for a better chance to get them.
Question 20 Can I get a roll away bed for a third or fourth person in my cabins? Answer: No. There are no rollaway beds, but there are cabins with convertible sofa beds for a third and a few with an upper berth for a fourth. Call us and we will help you find them. BOOK EARLY for a better chance to get them.
Question 21 I am booking alone; do I have to pay a supplement to room alone? Answer: Yes, but the amount of surcharge depends on the cruise line and the cabin category. Check our pricing sheets or call us to get a precise amount. If you don't already have a roommate, we may be able to help you find a “share.” Call us.
Question 22 This is my first time cruising, I'm nervous about getting sea sick. What can I do to minimize sea sickness? Answer: First of all, this is the Inside Passage of Alaska. The water remains smooth and calm. With islands on one side and the Alaska mainland on the other side, sea sickness is seldom a problem. If this explanation isn't enough, call you local doctor or visit your local drug store and ask some questions.
Question 23 When is the best time to go? Answer: The best time to go is when you can get away, but give us a call and we will tell you about the advantages of spring, summer, and early fall.
Question 24 How much luggage can we bring? Answer: This will vary depending upon the airline. Be sure to check with the airline to determine how much luggage and if there will be any checked baggage charges.
Question 25 What's the weather like? Answer: The temperature during our sailing season is pleasant, between 55 and 80 degrees. A bit cooler around the glaciers.
Question 26 Can my family reach me if there's an emergency? Answer: Yes. You may easily make and receive calls in the privacy of your stateroom using satellite communication telephones. Your documentation packet will contain detailed information, including the phone number for your ship at each specific location. Additionally, email is available if you wish to use it. Your documents will also include phone numbers of the hotels used during the land portion of your tour. For a shore to ship at sea call: Royal Caribbean 1-888-724-7447 Celebrity 1-877-266-1020 Holland America Line 1-866-425-7447 Have the ship name, party's name and state room number ready.
Question 27 Would you recommend an Inside or Outside cabin? Answer: Outside. You are always near land so the views are always fabulous! There is land on both sides of the Inside Passage, so both sides of the ship are outstanding.
Question 28 Is a Balcony worth it? Answer: If it were transatlantic, no….maybe. But in Alaska, with the shore (and wildlife) so close, yes it is worth it, and they sell out first.
Question 29 There will be several of us; can we room next to one another? Answer: Yes, based upon availability. Book early, Book early, Book early!
Question 30 Can we have 3 or 4 people in a cabin? Answer: Yes, but only in cabins that are designed for a third and fourth. They are few. Book early.
Question 31 Do you offer incentives for referring travelers who book with Discover Alaska? Answer: Yes, multiple cabin incentives information can be found on this website at incentives or just give us a toll free call at 1-800-624-7718
Question 32 Can we pre-book any additional excursions? Answer: Yes, we have special deals with numerous excursion companies in Alaska. Call us or check out the Optional Tours page on our website.
Question 33 Is room service on the ship really free? Answer: Yes. Although a tip is most appreciated.
Question 34 Can we renew our vows on board? Answer: Yes.
Question 35 What's there to do on a cruise ship in the evenings? Answer: You will be amazed! Call for our free Alaska video. 1-800-624-7718
Question 36 Can I get my hair done onboard? Answer: Yes and many other ways to pamper yourself in the Spa.
Question 37 I understand that we do not use cash on board, what if I run short of cash for shore shopping excursions? Answer: There are ATM's onboard and cash can always be withdrawn at the purser's desk by credit card.
Question 38 I do not like to dress up, are the dinners formal? Answer: Yes, there are two formal dinners, but dress in Alaska is very casual for the most part. If formal just isn't for you, try one of the other “never formal” eating venues onboard. Formal wear is considered to be a Tuxedo or business suit for the gentlemen. For the ladies an evening dress is always appropriate.
Question 39 How's the food? Answer: GREAT! Everything in the Dining Room is prepared to order - just like any first-class restaurant. For faster service, you can enjoy the buffet where the selection and quality are excellent.
Question 40 Can we tour the Galley? Answer: Usually, yes, by signing up for one of the free tours.
Question 41 I would like to do a couple of days of fishing, can I leave the ship and catch up with it a day or two later? Answer: No. But you can take day trips fishing in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway or Icy Strait Point.
Question 42 Are there smoking areas on the ship? Answer: Yes.
Question 43 Do you need a currency exchange when going to Canada? Answer: No, they will take American money, but you will likely get Canadian money in change. It's better to use a credit card.
Question 44 On formal nights, is it all right for the men to wear a sports jacket and necktie? Answer: Yes
Question 45 When will we receive our final documents? Answer: 2 to 3 weeks before your sailing date.
Question 46 Is there a duty-free shop on board? Answer: Yes, many, and at very competitive prices.
Question 47 Are there hair dryers in the cabins? Answer: Yes and in the hotels
Question 48 Do they have e-mail accessibility on the cruise? Answer: Yes, guests can send and receive electronic mail.
Question 49 Is there a laundry on the ship? Answer: Yes. Dry cleaning and pressing are available aboard RCCL and Celebrity. There are self-service Laundromats situated (washer and dryer) aboard Holland America. During th land portion, laundry facilities are available only in Fairbanks.
Question 50 Are there safes in the cabins? Answer: Yes, each cabin has its own safe.
Question 51 Does it cost to use the ATM machine aboard the ship? Answer: Yes there is a small charge.
Question 52 Is there a medical staff aboard the ship? Answer: Yes, there is medical staff aboard the ship. They will bill you directly for services rendered. We highly recommend travel insurance.
Question 53 If I choose to handle my own flights, do I need to tell Discover Alaska? Answer: Yes. If you are going to handle your own flights, please tell your Discover Alaska specialist at the time of booking. That way it will be in your record so we can arrange your transfers.
Question 54 Why buy the Discover Alaska Travel and Cancellation Insurance? Why buy insurance at all? Answer: With the state of travel today, many travelers believe insurance is well worth the additional cost. Late planes, sickness, lost luggage, and many other setbacks can be minimized by a small investment. Discover Alaska offers one of he best insurance policies in the industry. Check out the question below for an additional incentive!
Question 55 Are there any incentives for buying the insurance through Discover Alaska? Answer: Book early and Discover Alaska will pay 30% toward your Travel and Cancellation Insurance policy premium! That's right, early bookers will receive 30% off insurance if they decide to buy. We have found that early bookers are aggressively seeking out the best values and usually opt for the insurance. Call us and we will explain more. 1-800-624-7718. Just say I want to learn more about the 30% discount on travel and cancellation insurance.
Question 56 What is the Fuel Surcharge? Answer: When the cost of fuel oil rises dramatically, the cruise lines and the airlines reserve the right to add a fuel surcharge. It can frequently change, so be sure to ask.
Question 57 What happens if I book, then change my mind? Answer: Your deposit is refundable minus administrative fees up till 75 days prior to departure. Within 75 days of departure the cruise lines starts to impose some fairly hefty cancellation penalties. That is why it's a good idea to buy cancellation insurance. Discover Alaska offers one of the best insurance policies in the industry. Give us a call and we will tell you all about it. Please read carefully Discover Alaska's Terms and Conditions pertaining to penalties and administrative fees.
Question 58 What are the dining hours? Answer: Dining times vary depending on the ship you select.
Question 59 Can you accommodate special diets? Answer: Cruise Lines make every effort to assist special dietary requests, including vegetarian, fat-free, sugar or salt-free, if advised at time of booking. Kosher or special medical diets must be pre-ordered a minimum of 90 days prior to sailing. * Kosher meals are prepared off the ship in a kosher kitchen, frozen and brought to the table sealed in their original containers. There is no kosher kitchen on board. Question 60 How do I pay for shipboard purchases? Answer: Sign for your purchases, then settle your account with one convenient transaction at the end. Payment is accepted with American Express, VISA, MasterCard, Discover Card, cash or travelers' checks.
Question 61 What it the best way to request excursions on the trip? Answer: Its easy. Just click the link below. Discover Alaska Optional Tours and submit your request.
Question 62 Are pets allowed on this Cruise/tour? Answer: No pets allowed, with one exception. You guessed it …seeing eye dogs.
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Discover Alaska is located on the banks of the Potomac River in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, in the shadow of the Nation's Capitol.
Discover Alaska has been sending happy travelers to Alaska for over 40 years.