Alaskan Dream Cruises

My family of five enjoyed an excellent cruise on board the Alaskan Dream for a week of admiring wildlife and magnificent glaciers. I expected this small ship cruise to provide views of marine mammals, birds, and bear of southeast Alaska; and this trip definitely delivered. We saw large groups of humpback whales (about 15 whales in one group) while they were engaged in cooperative bubblenet feeding behavior. We watched black bear catching salmon in a creek for a couple of hours. We saw orcas, sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, puffin, bald eagles, and many other birds. The glaciers were awesome to view and we saw several of them, with Johns Hopkins Glacier being our favorite. There were interesting stops at fishing towns, native American villages, or a national park every day of the cruise. We were guided along nature hikes and we had opportunities to kayak. The scenery everywhere was sooo beautiful, especially the Tracy Arm Fjord. The Alaskan Dream crew were all top quality and provided great information, solicitous care, and fresh delicious food at every meal (the smoked salmon and black cod were the best among the consistently high-quality offerings). We greatly enjoyed our week aboard the Alaskan Dream sailing with a total of 39 interesting and amiable fellow passengers.

Alaskan Dream Cruises exceeded our expectations! The crew was amazing. The food was fabulous! The excursions were perfect. Each village we went to had a local talking to us and telling us their history it was beyond what we had envisioned. We are already looking at another cruise for next year.

Our "Ice of the Inside Passage" trip exceeded all expectations. The itinerary was well-planned and included so much more dramatic scenery and wildlife viewing than we expected. Meals offered diverse options, including lots of local seafood. All of the crew were friendly and helpful, and made sincere efforts to connect with the guests. Our cabin was small but comfortable and the beds were very comfortable. This was our first cruise and it checked all our boxes. The kayaking and skiff excursions were a nice inclusion, as were the many visits to museums and cultural sites along the way. There were no children on board, and I can't imagine most would enjoy the limited options for play. Stairways are steep and would require close supervision. Older kids interested in photography, wildlife viewing, indigenous culture or geography of the Inside Passage would be thrilled. If you want an unplugged, immersion trip through the Inside Passage and all it's spectacular glory, and don't need extra entertainment, this just might be the trip you're looking for. Experience enhanced by daily educational presentations by the three expedition leaders.

All adventures are unique but this one is one of a kind. The Captain and crew on the Alaskan Dream are incredible and did a great job making every days adventure run smooth. We were lucky enough to see whales several times throughout the trip. Also bears, deer, eagles, puffins, otters, seals, porpoise and orcas were seen on the cruise. We got closer into areas that the larger ships couldn't. The cultural learning gave us more background and understanding into the area and its people. Getting to meet the people of the area and actually talk with them made the trip that much more meaningful. Each cruise will be different but what an adventure.

This trip was wonderful. Very well organized, excellent food and excellent itinerary. We saw very beautiful awe inspiring scenery and wildlife. The crew all did an outstanding job. Everyone did everything to make things perfect. I may return to do it again. Thanks Alaskan Dream Cruises

We just returned from a wonderful week on the Alaskan Dream. The itinerary was a perfect blend of culture, history, and lots of wildlife and scenery! The crew worked well together and always found a way to exceed our lofty expectations. The boat was excellent for spotting animals and we were able to get about anywhere Captain Eric wanted. It was unforgettable but just in case, I took a bunch of pics!

What a great trip! Always wanted to see whales and orca and bears and eagles in the wild and we got to see them all. The boat is a great size, only holds 40 passengers so you get to know everyone. We had a very fun group of people from all over. A bunch from New Zealand and Australia and they were so fun. Corn hole most nights against the crew and other games. They provide excellent rain gear, which was needed, and even though we had a lot of rain, we got to see spectacular glaciers, a lot of whales and had a great time. Food on board was very good with a variety of selections every meal. Every person on the crew was super friendly and helpful. Fabulous trip!

Our cruise through the Inside Passage was indeed a dream cruise. We especially enjoyed the small size of the ship, which held just 49 passengers. It allowed us to get into narrow fjords where larger ships could not go. We also got to know nearly every person among our group of interesting, congenial fellow passengers. The crew were fantastic; they went out of their way to make everyone’s experience first rate. The food was very good, as were the various educational programs onboard. Shore excursions were excellent. We especially enjoyed meeting local Native Alaskan tribe members and learning about their history and culture. We saw lots of wildlife: whales, seals, sea lions, sea otters, puffins, bear, mountain goats. The scenery was spectacular. A special treat was the optional jet-boat trip to LeComte Glacier, where we rode over the ice floes and saw dozens of seals and their pups. We will long treasure our memories of this fabulous cruise!

The trip could not have been more wonderful! The priority was to experience the Inside Passage of Alaskan water, wildlife, shore and vistas. The Captain and crew did all they could to make it happen! In addition, everyone, staff and guests alike, was friendly and enjoying the trip. Even the food and the service at our tables was beautifully done! It was truly the trip of a lifetime for me, celebrating the year I turned 80 with my youngest Daughter Ingrid. Please excuse the incomplete review I accidentally submitted a moment ago. It was a slip of the pinkie! Thank you so much for the opportunity to tell you how happy I am that I came on the Admiralty with Alaskan Dream Cruises. Kathy Truax

Awesome experiences daily, great food and varieties of food choices daily. Exemplary crew that created an atmosphere that was educational beyond the call and opportunities were presented beyond expectations. This company has stepped up and offered value to each experience daily and treat their customers as they're at most important person. we were able to see land and see wildlife variety of Wales and seals mini glaciers. Experiences were kayaking and polar plunging boat trips to glaciers and islands yet still had time to relax and enjoy the company of other travelers. Thank you, America Dream Cruise .

We did the Sitka to Juneau cruise on the Chichagof Dream (70-passenger vessel) from June 18 to June 23 2023, and it was absolutely fantastic! The crew went out of its way to find and follow the wildlife: whales, wolves, mountain goats, bears, eagles, sea lions... We had the luck of a perfect weather, with no rain at all, which we understand is outside the norm. Whatever the weather, the ship is great, the food very good and the crew extremely warm, welcoming, and fun to interact with. Kudos to Alaskan Dream Cruises.

great trip, great staff, great spaces, fine food, fine itinerary. by the time i got home i had covid. i sent a group email to guests. half of them answered and almost all also had covid. a couple days earlier someone had a bad cold or perhaps worse but was not isolated. after i was sneezed on, i asked the crew about this and they responded that this was a personal issue that the guest needed to resolve without direction from the crew. seems to me that this was a personal issue for all guests and that the crew should have been more proactive. we don't know for sure how the covid got on board and was spread, but i felt that the company policy was totally negligent in being proactive re protecting its guests.

Amazing trip on Alaskan Dream Aug-Sept 2024. Unforgettable people, sights, fun and food. Thank you so much for making it so special every day - not forgetting the corn hole, banagrams and five crowns games!

My husband and I had the most wonderful time on the end of the season excursion on the Chichagof Dream! The captain and crew took such good care to make sure the voyage was very enjoyable, from logistics/accommodations to food to memorable activities, and because of that our first experience of Alaska was amazing! We learned so much about the land, wildlife, and both historical and present culture. A great way to see this beautiful place!!!

What a memory! A great family vacation full of wildlife, family togetherness, adventure, and a business with ethical practices. Unforgettable.

Wonderful time on this 36 passenger cruise with an attentive captain and crew. We were never rushed; always able to spend enough time enjoying the magnificent scenery or exploring the ports. Our tour director gave a presentation the night before describing what we might be seeing on the next hike or stop. Then once we were there, he would point out the native plants, birds, and animals. The locals we met in port talked about the history and culture that helped us understand how ancient and modern man interacted with this majestic territory. Cabins are adequate, and the food was OK. The catamaran was stable, dated but comfortable and most importantly able to maneuver closer to the action.

We had a wonderful time. The meals were delicious and the food was plentiful. The scenery was gorgeous.

Ten years ago after having an awesome experience on the Alaskan Dream with Captain Eric and crew, my wife, Melissa, and I promised each other we would share this experience with our grandchildren. We just completed our second cruise on the Alaskan Dream with Captain Eric and our grandsons aged 8 and 9. Absolutely every hope and expectation were surpassed. Our sailing had three different extended family groups which made our experience even better as it was shared by other families... and produced memories that will never be forgotten.

Our ship was the Alaskan Dream. We could not have had a better time with a skilled and kind crew, amazing scenery and views of wildlife, a wide choice of activities, and delicious food. I especially enjoyed hearing the history of Alaska through the eyes of the Tlingit tribes and the small villages we visited.

Great excursions, great crew, great food. Everyone was very knowledgeable and helpful. The Captain and crew were all very accessible and fun to talk to. Fantastic experience!!!

We recently used Alaskan Dream Cruises on our trip in Alaska. Everything on this cruise was excellent. The crew was great and did everything to make our trip enjoyable. Being a small ship, we were able to get into areas that big cruise ships could not get into. I would highly recommend them. David W.

Best vacation ever!!! If you want to see Alaska up close and personal I highly recommend the Kruzof. Captain Dave and his crew were wonderful. The food was outstanding. Hospitality specialist Michael exceeded our expectations. His DJ skills were spot on. The scenic highlights up close were black bears, humpback whales and Tracy Arm for the glacier. Thank you to the crew for an outstanding week.

This cruise was everything we expected it to be and more. We were able to get closer to the glaciers than the larger cruise lines. The guides were very knowledgeable. The smaller group of passengers led to a more personal experience. The ports we stopped at were interesting and not crowded with tourists.

Best cruise ever. If you cruise for the spa, fitness center, or fine wine, this is not for you. If you want great food, accommodating staff, and to see all the wildlife and glaciers up close, then this is for you. The accommodations are "intimate" but the captain changed course and we sat in a channel for 90 minutes watching humpback whales swim by and nest feed for 90 minutes.

Very Fun active cruise. Had a great time. Staff was very accommodating. We were able to get closer to the glaciers than the larger cruise lines. The guides were very knowledgeable. The smaller group of passengers led to a more personal experience.

Alaska Dream Cruise Lines is a trip of a life time, they can take you to places that big ships can't. the crew is small enough so that you can interact and feel extremely comfortable. Pictures don't do it justice. here are a few.

Our cruise with Alaskan Dream Cruises was on Chichagof Dream last week and is one of the best things we've ever done. Everything about exceeded our expectations - the comfort of our cabin, the amazing meals, the off-boat activities, information about wildlife and indigenous culture, the friendly, knowledgable, helpful crew. By far the best part was the Alaskan scenery and full range of marine creatures in the waters we sailed through. The onboard atmosphere was convivial and fun - we made lots of new friends. Fabulous - highly recommend.

This cruise line was contracted by Road Scholar/Elderhostel for a 7-day trip to the inside passage. RS has never disappointed . . . and this trip was no different. The cruise ship -- The Admirality Dream -- was well staffed with wonderful people of all ages; and the on-board dining was to die for. On our 4th day, things started to fail. Nothing to do with the RS program -- everything to do with our accommodations -- top deck, the expensive room. We kept a daily diary, RS was contacted and extended some responsibility. We contacted ADC during and after the trip -- and got nothing. I wish they had reached out -- an acknowledgement? An apology? Anything? Nothing -- so here is the 'abridged' diary... be forewarned. We were six days into our Road Scholar vacation to Alaska, and five days into our boat tour on the Admiralty Dream when we noticed sewage odor emanating from our bathroom. We addressed the issue with M. our RS tour leader who led us to A. who was Alaskan Cruises assistant housekeeper. A. said she would speak to someone. That evening. we returned to the ship and saw R. -- assistant engineer. He had not been told anything and suggested we flush the drain. We returned to our room -- the odor was much stronger. No evidence that anyone had visited our room to address the problem. We took our showers and opened our window to air out the room before closing it at bedtime. B. awoke at 1:30 with a piercing headache and the stench of sewer. Thursday morning, we spoke to Captain G. R who stated he would look into it. Later that day when we had not heard back, we met M. as well as S. (housekeeping boss lady) and shared our dilemma. S. visited the room and assured us it would be taken care of while we were ashore. Five hours later, we returned to a room to find a rubber disc covering the drain and our window wide open. We closed it, left the room and looked for S. She said that chemicals had been used and R. had opened the window and the issue was resolved. We very firmly requested that she go to our room and see if she wanted to sleep in it. We don't know if she did, but she never followed up with us - never asked how things were, never checked to see if the problem had been resolved. It had NOT! We made it clear that opening a window was not a fix, but a coverup. The room was cold and extremely odorous. Their comments? We were asked what 'we' [ RS or AC] needed to do to make us happy -- R. offered the excuse that this boat is 40 years old. Making this go away and making us happy is not the job of the guests on board! R. replaced the drain grate with a large plug hoping that a tighter seal would help. We left the window opened wide all night....our bathroom and the whole room reeks of sewage. Friday morning the smell is far worse than any outhouse! After going ashore for a bit, we returned and asked Cap'n G.R. to join us in our cabin. He was busy. We saw him about 90 minutes later and asked again....he said someone would be there to check it during lunch. They wax sealed the base of the toilet. G.R. stated he had talked with his home office and they were contacting Road Scholar. Our last night, we sleep in a very cold room looking very much forward to getting off this tug of sewage. Saturday morning the stench in the bathroom makes us both gag and we resort to the mid-level public restroom. We haven't had a shower for over three days. We pack up as quickly as possible and use the public bathroom the remainder of our time on the boat. The room? Tenekee. . . stay away. In fact, stay off the boat. Other guests in cabins on the top floor had begun to smell urine the last two days. And while we kept our story to ourselves and the staff -- it was getting around. I really wish we didn't have to speak out here. I really wish ADC had reached out to us.

Be VERY WARY of this crowd, while their FAQs say they have a strong Covid policy, this is not the case. Our cruise of early July 2022 ended with 27 of 44 passengers ill with Covid. I have a very comprimised immune system and I was gravely ill. Speaking with other passengers, they had observed the sick passangers boarding, saying it was obvious they were ill. Less than 48 hours out we had to return to port and meet an ambulance to take these folks to hospital, they were THAT sick!!! This group is very ill-managed, they only care about separating you from your $$$$. When I asked if there was compensation available, as I lost 5 days of my 7 day cruise isolated in my cabin due to their Covid protocol, the response I got was "no", nothing else, not even a 'thanks for letting us disappoint you.' Small ship cruising is the way to go, just not with these clowns.

Well, just saw a 1 star review for this company. Can't imagine why. Just got back on the 10th of July after an amazing 7 day cruise. We spent the 6 nights in Lisianski suite with Janette as our steward. Great care was taken for our requests and had a clean cabin the entire trip. We were treated to kayaking, hiking, zodiacs & tasty food. The chance to take a 'left turn' and see what others can't, priceless. I am sure some issues around the pandemic could have influenced the review, but not sorry I could go. Naturalist & photographer were very helpful. Thanks Emily & Nico! So, wasn't buyer beware. Just had to know what you were buying.

perfect for what I wanted. great crew and great choice of destinations. small ships are the only way to go!

The "non-adventure" adventure cruise. We were on the Admiralty Dream boat, Last Frontier cruise. If you are seeking activity and/or adventure, do not book the Last Frontier Adventure with Alaskan Dream Cruises. I am writing this review on behalf of my group of 6, but there were others on our 44 passenger cruise that felt the same way. For starters, the company describes this cruise as designed for "guests seeking a higher level of activity". We were on the boat 8 days and were allowed to engage in approximately 8 hours TOTAL of off boat activities. Averaging about 1 hour per day. about 4 of those 8 hours met expectations as described in the company brochure. The other 4 hours included being dropped off on a beach to walk around looking for shells, walking a 1/8 - 1/4 mile flat trail near an old fish cannery, being taken to a presentation of children doing Norwegian folk dancing, and kayaking in a nondescript bay (We were not allowed to kayak in any glacial fjords as described on the website. We were told it was too dangerous even though we repeatedly saw other people doing it and we did it ourselves with an outfitter during our stay after the cruise ). Equipment (kayaks and life jackets) were in poor condition (missing parts). There were no activities on the boat other than board games, cards, and a couple of short presentations made by inexperienced expedition leaders. So all of those additional hours were spent sitting around the lounge, eating, and waiting for the next "activity". While the staff were very nice, the company online brochure says the cruise is led by experienced expedition leaders. ALL of ours graduated from college 2 months before our cruise and none were from Alaska. The company said they compensated for this by including 3 inexperienced ELs instead of the standard 2 experienced ELs. WHAT? The itinerary says you will experience the wonders of Frederick Sound. Our boat traveled through Frederick Sound at night while we were sleeping. Margerie Glacier in Glacier Bay National Park is on the itinerary. We did not go there and were told it was because the staff had already seen it. We were taken to a different glacier as a result. WHAT? Our captain had never sailed in Alaska before this summer. Staff were fired while we were on board. New staff that had never worked on a boat before were picked up. I am only providing a few brief examples of the failure of this trip to meet the expectations outlined in the company's online brochure. I could provide day-by-day examples but the review would get too long. To summarize, do not book with this company. We are not folks that would generally enjoy a larger cruise ship experience. That is why we booked with Alaskan Dream Cruises. However, you would have many many more opportunities for activities and adventure if you just went on a larger cruise ship and booked shore excursions when in port. By the time we left this boat, we were sore from sitting around for 8 days. We went straight to Mendenhall Glacier Park to hike and work out the kinks! We spent an additional 2 weeks in the Inside Passage post cruise. It was wonderful! We booked excursions with outfitters to whale watch, fish, kayak in glacial fjords, observe bears in natural habitats, etc.... and all were amazing. I would recommend going this route rather than a cruise with this company purporting to provide adventure and activity. If this is their "adventure" cruise", I would be troubled to know what their regular "non-adventure" cruise is like!

Buyer Beware! We were scheduled for a cruise in July 2021 but Alaska Dream Cruises canceled it in June. From that point on, Alaska Dream Cruises treated us with callous disregard. They offered a cruise a few weeks later on a lesser cruise with very poor accommodations....near the motors on the back of the boat, despite the fact that we had paid for a second deck stateroom on the second deck, near the front of the boat. We would have lost money on this cruise as it was one day less of travel with poor accommodations. Fortunately Uncruise offered us a top deck stateroom on a cruise that was longer and at a $6000 concession of fees. We are looking forward to cruising got with them as they went out of their way to find us a cruise for less money with superior accommodations, exceeding what Alaskan Dream Cruise management were willing to do! Buyer Beware...this is a cruise company with very questionable practices.

My husband and I just finished a true dream cruise with Alaskan Dream cruises and could not be happier. The small ship experience was enjoyed by all 50 passengers aboard. The attention to detail from the meals to the excursions was beyond expectation. We loved that it was an all inclusive experience. Every step of the way the crew made sure that this was an unforgettable experience. Especially Niko the onboard expert who was extremely knowledgeable about all of the marine life we saw. Each and every crew member made sure that this was a wonderful and unforgettable experience. We loved every minute of the adventure.

scenery fabulous. staff helpful despite being 5 short. bathroom a disaster; flooded two consecutive days and suffered from sewer gas. would not recommend this trip.

My main goal on this trip was to photograph as much wild life as I possibly could. I was not disappointed. The Alaska Dream and it captain Eric were able to maneuver the vessel in areas inaccessible to the large cruise ships. The top deck of the ship has 300 degrees of unobstructed views and some overhead covering, protecting you from the rain. Do dress for colder conditions than the weather forecast, as the ships movement imparts its own wind chill effect. Often, I was the only passenger on this deck dressed warmly enough to enjoy the spectacular views. Our cabin while small, was fully functional and the bed very comfortable. There was plenty of room to store our luggage and my massive amounts of photo gear. The Showerlet was OK too. The food was an acceptable 3 stars. I did not expect to be dining in a 5 star restaurant ever day. The fish, which was always an option, was mostly on the dry side. Each meal had a variety of selections and I think they try to cover everyone's needs. We understood that a naturalist and a cultural guide would be on board and give a lecture each day. The naturalist, Alex gave a couple of lectures and was available to lead shore excursions, but quite frankly we found her to be immature and annoying. The cultural guide gave one poor quality lecture (according to my wife) and was never heard from again. We were able to kayak once and I wish we could have more often. The passengers were a mix of mostly US, UK, AU, NZ home base. 90% are retired and many shared really wonderful stores of their life and travels. With all this said, I would not hesitate a minute to be back on board the Alaska Dream again

WARNING: this review is not for children, pregnant women or those with bad knees. I am so amped to be writing this review I have no idea what sort of bone-bending G-forces it will be giving off so, you know: fair warning. If you blended up Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, Shane Warne, Babe Ruth and Black Caviar into some kind of hero-filled super smoothie (maybe with a little wheatgrass and protein powder, depends what you're into) it still wouldn't be as EPIC to the power of RADICAL as the holidays Alaskan Dream Cruises bang on. When booking an 8-day cruise overseas you never really know what you're in for until you set foot on the boat, and I was plagued by preconceived notions of a giant, soulless cruise liner bristling with watery cocktails, sleazy lounge singers and legions of shapeless retirees in bucket hats and adventure sandals. What I got blew my tiny mind on every level a tiny mind can be blown: morally, metaphysically, allegorically and of course sexually. These guys have nailed the perfect storm: The ideal 3-level boat, intimate yet large enough that it never felt claustrophobic. Actually, it was sort of like an extension of your family home: forward lounge with bar, dining room, top viewing deck, and cray cray cozy cabins. The right number of people: 30-40, max. After a week with these guys we were such fast friends it was really sad to say farewell each other and traipse off back to our respective parts of the world. A killer itinerary: stunning wildlife, waterfalls, glaciers, jet boat rides, ATV-ing, Zeegos, kayaks, trail walks, cultural performances, totem poles, old growth forests and about a billion other things, each bigger, badder and better than the last. And some serious A-class cuisine. This was the biggest surprise of the lot, the food was just SENSATIONAL. We're talking a different kind of fresh seafood every day, four courses for each meal, a pastry chef on board, and custom meals if you wished it. And man do they keep you well fed. Even though there's a bar they still fix you up withg a complimentary glass of wine with each dinner. We all walked off that boat with spare tires around our waists. Rich! Gluttonous! Indulgent! And worth every damned calorie. The glue that brought all these disparate elements together was the crew. I just cannot speak highly enough of these guys. In fact, I think I might love them. All of them. Unconditionally, the way a dog loves it's master. Is that creepy? I don't care if it is. Some special shout-outs: Captain Eric, master and commander of the Alaskan Dream. This guy . . . yow. He went out of his way to make everyone feel comfortable with the type of laconic, humorous, friendly style anyone in a service industry should envy frantically. Nothing was too much trouble. He took a couple of teenage kids ATV-ing after hours one evening just to give them a thrill. Didn't have to. Didn't make a big deal of it. But he gave them something they'll talk about for years. Invited every passenger to join him in the captain's cabin to chat, hold the wheel, hang out, look at charts and machines, whatever. Brianna the chef: amazing value, one of those characters that make the boat a fun place to be. Put out a giant bowl of chocolate mousse one night with a $5 reward for whoever ate it. With no utensils. Just their face. We went fishing one day and caught halibut and pink, silver and chum salmon and Brianna quietly turned them into 5 different super gourmet seafood dishes including the most delicious spicy ceviche I've eaten outside of Ecuador. Just don't play her at cards. Fastest hands in the west. Larisa & Emily, the activity guides who know, well, everything about everything flora and fauna and gave daily presentations on crazy Alaskan stuff. Easy with a laugh and loads of fun to hang out and shoot the shit with, and always up for an off-the-itinerary hike or play. And Jess, the most entertaining deckhand in the history of the profession. Sang to us in the buffet line, quick with a joke or to light up your smoke, there's no place he'd rather be. Interacting with someone who has such joy and dedication for his work is quite simply a pleasure to behold. Random stuff I got a mad fat kick out of: seeing whales breach right in front of us, watching gigantic glaciers calve, seals lazing on sapphire-blue icebergs, otters floating on their backs cracking open clams with rocks,brown bears, more bald eagles than you can point a Nikon at, late night card sessions with the crew, island excursion to the last remaining whale house in North America, monstrous king crab legs, smoked salmon bloody marys, guh, I could go on. There were no down sides. None. It was all killer no filler, so well planned and executed. So, yeah, this review sort of turned into a paean, I know that. But this company CRUSHES it, they really do. I've been all over the world and this was one of the greatest holiday travel experiences of my life. Bar. Raised.

My husband and I are independent travelers in early 40s, and we spend out vacations hiking, biking, and exploring beautiful places on our own. We are most definitely *not* cruise people. In fact, the idea of spending our vacation with a few thousands of people in a floating equivalent of Times Square is simply horrifying. However, to see Alaska, you need to get on a cruise or on a small plane, as only a tenth of the state is accessible via roads. And we wanted to see Alaska. We have chosen the Alaskan Dream Cruises (ADC) as we liked their small ships, itineraries, strong focus on the wildlife and Native culture, and the fact that the company was own and operated by an old-time Alaskan family. We liked the layout of their Alaskan Dream catamaran the most, so we decided to splurge on their Owner's Suite and joined the ADC for their "Alaska's Inside Passage Sojourn" in early May 2019. It was their first cruise of the 2019 season. We loved every single minute of our trip. The scenery and wildlife were breathtaking, there are simply not enough words in English language the describe the beauty of Southeast Alaska, and how intimate we became with it. The crew was fantastic, enthusiastic, friendly, and going an extra mile to make out trip even more special. We spent our days kayaking, SUPing (Captain Eric generously shared his personal SUP!), hiking, visiting small towns and Native villages, enjoying the phenomenal scenery, and playing board games. Captain Eric was terrific in finding wildlife and adapting out itinerary so that we could enjoy it as much as we could. And no, there was no tv, no wifi, no casino, and we wouldn't have it any other way. It was truly an amazing trip. 10/10!

They cancelled the cruise and kept $1045 of our prepaid fee! There we were, two months before departure. ADC and the Government telling us to "shelter in place, not to travel or cruise" and ADC suspending its spring sailings. We had to cancel our vacation plans. Under these pandemic conditions exceptions to normal payment/refund policy should change. When we asked for a refund for a cruise that would not sail ADC offered a credit for a future cruise. We are in our late eighties. Who knows when, or if, we will be healthy enough for another vacation? We are in no position to make any reservations under current conditions and many forecast a return of the crono virus next year. An other option offered to us was to cancel our booking and receive the stated 45 day before departure (50%) refund. We raised the unfairness of this alternative and were told by Liveaboard, the agent representing ADC, that this was the policy of ADC management and its owners. After numerous attempts by our travel agent and calls to ADC management, "Liveaboard" offered us ADC's published "early cancellation" fee $350 per person, then added an additional 3% fee for handling booking. Others may have had great experiences on ADC ships and or booking through Liveaboard but keeping prepaid bookings under pandemic conditions is pure greed from two companies I would not recommend or support.

My husband and I booked with Alaskan Dream Cruises for a small boat experience. They cancelled the first cruise (booked in March, 2022) in May siting "supply chain issues with parts" but gave us the option for another cruise at a discount. We changed all of our flights, hotels and car rentals because the second cruise was for a different date and starting city. Then, on June 2nd they cancelled the second cruise which was supposed to leave on June 15th. We had already left for an extended west coast trip and couldn't (nor did we trust them) rearrange all of our plans once again. They used the same supply chain reason. We didn't go to Alaska, had to make other plans (which cost us dearly as a result of last minute flight changes) and didn't get over $800 back for trip insurance we didn't need. They may be nice people and have a great cruise but BEWARE!!! I feel bad for them as I'm sure it hasn't been easy these last few years but customers should be aware of the problems.

Our Alaskan Dream Cruise was wonderful. We met many new friends, including the crew. We stayed in the Vista View Suite with forward facing windows. It was GREAT! The food on the boat was fantastic. We also enjoyed salmon and king crab at Orca Point Lodge on Colt Island. We saw lots of wild life and beautiful "blue" Glaciers. Thank you Captain Eric, and crew, for making this a truly amazing adventure.

Everything about this trip was spectacular. Alaskan Dream Cruises takes care of you from the minute you step off of the airplane, making sure you and your luggage gets to exactly where it needs to go, and you have local things to do before your boat even leaves. The crew on board was universally kind and clearly loves their job and their captain. We had Captain Eric and he was terrific. On a small boat like this (only 40 passengers and 17 crew), you get to know just about everyone. And it is small enough to get into areas that a big cruise ship could never go. We visited small towns communities of Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian and learned about their societies and totem poles and got to know people a little bit; saw incredible wildlife and glaciers; and enjoyed relaxing time cruising through beautiful scenery. I can't recommend this company or this experience enough.

OMG!!!!!!!!!!! This was our first time to Alaska , and my husband and I just spent one of the BEST WEEKS OF OUR LIVES aboard the Admiralty Dream, one of the many ships owned and operated by Alaskan Dream Cruises! We had a BLAST!!!!! We haven't even left Juneau for home yet, and all we do is look at each other and say "wasn't that the best vacation EVER?" Many many thanks and compliments to the entire Crew of the Admiralty Dream for making the past week so perfect and wonderful. The Ship is 40 years old, but runs wonderfully due to its magnificent Captain Gordon and his crew. His deck hands also take care of the excursions such as manning the DIB's and Kayaks. Amazing Crew!!!The Hospitality HR run by Linda is incredibly perfect: meals synchronized, always on-time and organized, and served by a kind and professional crew, the guest's rooms clean and sparkling, the linens fresh, etc! The Chef and her kitchen crew outdid themselves on a daily basis: fully served excellent meals with fresh supplies. This was First Class Dining all the time! Amazing food choices....we gained so much weight and now move around like fattened Baby Harp Seals!!!!!! Last but not least, our deepest Thanks to Stephen and Brittany who took care of our safety, the daily excursions, the educational presentations, games and fun activities......you both created a special bond between all of the passengers, and you both have so much patience and kindness when dealing with so many people who want everything!!!! Thanks to Alaskan Dream Cruises and their wonderful Employees in Sitka who met us at the airport, transferred us to our hotel, and provided a safe meeting place for us to relax and refresh while waiting for our first tours in Sitka and then accompanying us to the Admiralty Dream for boarding. We HIGHLY recommend this Family Run small ship cruise line!

I can't say enough about the wonderful experience we had on our 10 night cruise on the Alaskan Dream. We are not at all "cruise people" but we wanted to explore the Inside Passage. I was fortunate to find Alaskan Dream Cruises. On this small 20-stateroom, catamaran-style ship we were able to go places where larger cruise lines could never go. And we never had to get out of our jeans! I loved visiting the small villages where sometimes Alaskan Dream was the ships that visit. This cruise line is owned and operated by the Allen family out of Sitka. The family, and by extension the captain and crew of the ship, have established many close relationships with these small villages, so you really get an inside up close and personal view of the destinations we visited. If you are fortunate enough to get Captain Eric, activities director Emily, chef Shannon, and mixologist Amy, you are really in for a special experience. Captain Eric seems to have a special "whale-dar" and could spot whales off in the distance. The small ship is very fast and maneuverable so was able to quickly move to where the whales were located. We saw at least 10 instances of the spectacular bubble net feeding with 6 to 12 humpback whales in a feeding group. Captain was able to arrange a last-minute and special tour of the Anon Wilderness Reserve where we say dozens of brown and black bears catching and eating salmon. When a rough seas prevented us from touring Misty Fjords as scheduled, Captain Eric was able to quickly adjust the itinerary to include Caroll Arm instead. And did I mention that the food and drinks were amazing? Every single meal was a special treat and mixologist Amy surprised us with a special signature drink every day. To my surprise, our stateroom was very comfortable and roomy enough for 2 of us. The bed was comfy and the linens soft and high quality (I did bring my own pillow though, and glad I did). When we asked that our room be reconfigured our room to a queen bed and facing a different direction, they did so quickly and with a smile. Our friends booked the Owner's Suite which was big enough for the 4 of us to gather when we wanted some time to ourselves. You wont be sorry if you book any cruise or tour experience with the company.

We just took one of their 8 day cruises and it was a truly a dream trip. We had 42 passengers from all over. We all agreed that the food, outings, whale watching and other sea animal were the high lights of the trip. This does not lessen the wonderful crew, Tlingit information, nature walks or all the other things we were were able to do. I would do this adventure again in a flash.

My wife and I sailed on the Baranof Dream the week of August 10th - 17th, 2013, and we had a wonderful time. As many of the reviews have highlighted the crew is super nice and goes out of their way to fulfill your requests. Food was very good the entire trip and they were even able to accommodate a gluten free diet and still make delicious food. We saw more wildlife then I ever expected. Whales, Bears, Seals, Sea Lions, etc. and the glaciers were really good. Enjoyed the majority of the shore excursions with the exception of Juneau. We spent 4 hours there and speaking for myself, a non-shopper, 2 hours would have been fine. Five cruse ships were docked on the day we visited so you get the picture. Ultimately, if you enjoy tourist trinket shopping I can see how Juneau would be fun and four hours might not be enough. If you do not enjoy shopping then Juneau downtown is not for you. We would highly recommend ADK for anyone who enjoys wildlife and an outstanding ship experience.

Read all the following; it is ALL TRUE. Captain Eric (?Erik) Morrow, the trained chef Brianna (can't remember whether it was CIA or Johnson and Wales), and the remainder of the crew... just superb. All this causes me to consider going AGAIN. Flat out fabulous; don't miss this, friends!!

We recently completed the "Alaska's Inside Passage Sojourn" cruise aboard the Alaskan Dream and would highly recommend this tour. This was our first trip to Alaska and only our second cruise (first being a Crystal River Cruise) and it definitely did not disappoint. A good measure of a company is how they handle the situation when something goes sideways and in our case Allen Marine (the mother company of Alaska Dream Cruises) really excelled. There was a minor incident that delayed the start of our tour, we were supposed to board at 4:00pm in the evening and boarding was delayed until 10:00am the next morning. We were kept well informed by the Allen Marine Tours staff and briefed by upper management. They went above expectations to ensure that we would have a great trip. They handled the lodging and meals for the day we were delayed, and also arranged a wonderful 3-hour wildlife boat tour on which we got to see otters, sea lions, puffins and humpback whales, including one breeching. In addition we received on-board credits and all alcohol was handled by the company. There were 37 people (the boat has 20 staterooms) on our cruise along with about a dozen staff. The boat was well designed for handling this many people, and we spent much of our time in the forward lounge or on the top deck enjoying the scenery and wildlife. The rooms could use a little refurbishment and in general do not expect the over the top luxury of a big boat. The "showlet" (combination toilet/shower) took a little getting used to but was very manageable. The queen bed was very comfortable and we were in the Vista State room which stretched half of the bow end on the second floor. We had a fantastic view and often felt conflicted on if we should lower the shades due to the only 3 hours of "night" or leave them open to enjoy the view. There were a number of notable crew members onboard. Amy was the bartender and she is one of the best, a true mixologist not just the bartender. She had a different drink special each day often made with house-made syrups and mixers, she remembered each person's preferences, and always had great suggestions. Captain Eric was very personable and maintained an open bridge policy. He was very adept at finding wildlife for us to see, and making sure that we had plenty of time to watch. Alex and Kari were our Expedition leaders; Kari was a native Alaskan (Tlingit), and Alex was the naturalist with extensive experience researching whales in the local waters for her MS degree. During an evening presentation on Humpbacks that include some incredible underwater "whale cam" video of bubble feeding, the captain interrupted as there were orcas just off the boat. As we were all watching the whales, Kari began to sing the Tlingit orca song in her native language - it really brought Alaskan cultures and wildlife together for us. The food on board was excellent and included fresh local fish (salmon, halibut, black cod, clams and several types of crab). Wildlife encounters during the cruise included orcas, humpback whales, seals, sea lions, otters, puffins, bald eagles, bears (brown and black), mountain goats, deer and porpoise. The highlight was the first evening about sunset when we ran into humpbacks "bubble net feeding". Capt. Eric idled the boat as the waters around us exploded with the group of eight whales feeding, one time they surfaced so close off the bow we had to reverse the engine to give them room. What an incredible thing to be able to see! There was also exceptional scenery - waterfalls, forests, mountains and glaciers. We were able take to the DIBS (smaller 15 person inflatables) several times during the trip including the opportunity to explore Sawyer Glacier and Misty Fjord. We stopped in several very small towns (the smallest being about 50 people) to learn about the Alaskan way of life and more specifically the family structure and moiety of the native Alaskan people. At several of these locations there were optional hikes to view the wilderness or a trail through totem parks. We also visited several Long houses to watch and in some cases participate in native celebrations of song and dance. Overall, we had a great time on the tour and loved being able to see Alaska and learn about it from local Alaskans. If you like the glam and glitz or the casinos and stage shows of the big boats this is not the cruise for you. If you are more adventurous and don't mind the Glamping approach of the smaller boats then this is an outstanding way to go. We would highly recommend this tour as well as Allen Marine Tours in general.

Great cruise on the Alaskan Dream with Captain Eric, chef Brianna, cruise director Emily, house director Amy G. and barkeep Amy. They, and all of the crew, could not have done a better job. The food was amazing, the small boat itself immaculate, the cabin service deluxe, the bar service (although all we had were diet Cokes) was raved about by others. Only 41 passengers, so we got to know and hang out with all - great back stories from everyone. The cruise itself could not have been better, from small Native Alaskan villages to very close to the face of glaciers and breaching whales in between. The only downside was Juneau - more time in smaller village settings would have been better. Comfortable room with nice beds. Even the shoilet (combined toilet and shower stall in the room) wasn't enough to detract. Cannot recommend this cruise highly enough. Ten stars.

Superlative is rare. Good happens frequently, excellent much less often. But truly outstanding experiences, the ones that stand alone in one's ever-expanding life memory, are seldom and savored. Such is the Inland Passage cruise we completed on June 29, 2013 aboard the "Alaskan Dream." We have never been on a typical cruise ship, and never will be. As long-time bareboat sailors, we are physically-active folks who like to be 5' off the water, not 100'. So when we decided in the fall of 2012 to forgo another trip to the Caribbean and visit Southeast Alaska, we considered only a small vessel with size-limited ports of call and culturally-enriching participatory activities. Universally positive web reviews narrowed the options to Sitka-based Alaskan Dream Cruises, and any initial concerns about their relatively short history vanished with additional research into the parent company, Allen Marine. Sitka to Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm (Sawyer Glacier North and South) to Hobart Bay, Kake to Orca Point, Petersburg to the Mendenhall glacier and falls, Taku Harbor to Chapin Bay - each was an exceptional new adventure. Every day brought up-close encounters with humpbacks, orcas, sea lions, eagles, bears, porcupines and deer. The snow-capped mountains, splashing waterfalls, dense green forests, placid waters and bright-hued wildflowers were magnificent from afar, but even more beautiful when viewed from feet to inches away. Spontaneity and flexibility were the watchwords. Spot whales to port? Slow down and watch! We don't have to be anywhere other than where we are right now! The scenery and environment were beyond words. But this voyage was made special by the people. Generations of Tlingit and Norwegian culture were brought alive by dancers young and old. We learned a boatload of interesting information from our on-board cultural specialist, Leonty, and nature guide, Larisa, not by formal lectures but through unhurried conversations among friends. The depth of their knowledge, love of the land and people and enthusiasm to share was awesome! As veteran sailors, we were specially appreciative of the almost unlimited access to the bridge, and to the maritime skills demonstrated and knowledge imparted by Captain Erik and his crew - Dave, Patrick, Nate, Jon, Matt, Nick, Traci and Alex. There is just nothing like watching and listening to consummate professionals doing what they love. Swapping sea tales with these new friends while vicariously navigating and "driving the boat" from the pilothouse was an unexpected bonus without price! Hospitality was emphasized. Each day while we were out on another excursion, hotel manager Heather and her assistants expertly prepared our cabins for another restful night of sleep. To our gastronomic delight, Chef Briana, sous chef Raymond, baker Kimberly and their assistant Mark surprised us at every meal with a choice of soups, salads, breads, entrees and desserts that would surpass fine dining restaurants ashore. Half-portions, splits, one of each - no request was refused by the lead steward Deseray and her assistants Jayde, Stacy and Michael. Behind the bar, Chelsy not only mixed up an excellent daily special to accompany the hot social hour hors doeuvres, but could not be stumped if someone wanted a favorite libation instead. And not to be forgotten - the 24-hour coffee and tea stand and daily mid-afternoon fresh homemade cookies! How was all this accomplished? It's a matter of attitude, respect, competency and relationships that starts at the top and flows down. Allen Marine's CEO Dave and his wife Lauren probably learned it from Dave's parents, Bob and Betty. From our first contacts with Eileen in the booking office to our final personal goodbyes with the entire crew (and Dave and Lauren's daughter Zaide) on the debarkation ramp, we encountered nothing but friendly, outgoing personalities who seemed to genuinely like each and what they were doing. Hiring people who are privileged to enjoy what they do for a living and those with whom they are doing it just naturally results in superior guest treatment. We can't think of a better example than Captain Erik. The depth of his knowledge and experience were obvious, befitting his responsibility for the safety and comfort of his passengers and crew. However, we also soon came to appreciate his calm demeanor and gentle hand, both with the vessel and its crew. Erik operated the "American Dream" like a good pilot flies a plane, caressing the rudder and throttles to smoothly keep the "Alaskan Dream" on course at the right speed. So to with the crew. Even when things went slightly awry, as they will on any vessel, Erik never once raised his voice or seemed upset as he set about correcting the situation. Always the able seaman and perfect host, Erik is also a natural motivator and mentor. In short, a wonderful and wonder-filled voyage on a unique vessel with an unmatched crew. Don't miss this one!

The crew and food were terrific. But the cabins were so cold. They heated the lounge and dining areas but the cabins were freezing. Some people managed to get a heater. although the sights were amazing I could not recommend.

I was finally talked into doing an Alaskan cruise by my family. They wanted to go on a smaller cruise ship as they thought it would be more intimate. I initially questioned going on this cruise line as it seemed to be about 15% more expensive than the larger cruise lines. I was told that all activities were included so that solved that issue. This cruise line is owned by the same company that does most of the day expeditions in SE Alaska so we had several side excursions on nice boats. We did the 10 day cruise from Sitka to Ketchikan on the Alaskan Dream. Our guides were Larisa and Simon. Larisa is an Alaskan from Sitka and she is a wealth of information (I hope I Spelled her name right). Simon seemed to know the answer to just about any question I asked him on wildlife. He is also a photographer and his shots are amazing. The crew was very friendly and it seemed as if all of them were willing to pitch in where passengers are concerned. You could ask anyone for something and they would help you. By the end of the cruise we knew most of the staff by name. The captain went out of his way to make sure the cruise was peaceful. If he saw whale activity he would softly announce it over the intercom so you wouldn't miss it. He also had no issues stopping and sight seeing whenever there was something to see and staying there as long as there was activity. Being a small cruise ship they were able to go to places that the larger cruise lines will never go. When the seas got rough the captain would change course to avoid it. This sometimes put our activities on a different timeline but we were Able to do everything. I have a gluten issue and requested a gluten free diet. The pastry chef stopped by my cabin on the first night and asked me about what I could eat. She wanted to make certain that there weren't any issues with what she was planning on making. At every meal and dessert there was a gluten free alternative that tasted great. Although there was no 24 hour Buffett like on most of the larger cruises we were never hungry. They offered breakfast, lunch plus dessert, a 3pm cookie break, cocktail hour with snacks and dinner with dessert. The portions are about the size you would expect at a five star restaurant and the food was of the same quality. If you go on cruises because you love shopping this might not be the cruise line for you. Out of the 10 days you are really only in larger towns with shops on two of those days. If shopping is not what you go cruising for these guys will keep you pretty active. Some of the activities I did were: kayaking, hiking, jet boating, ATVi'ing, riding a tram, water tour of a glacier park, walking tours of several villages and plenty of wildlife sighting and picture taking. Every evening they offered a presentation in the lounge. These were normally geared towards things you saw or would be seeing. They were very educational. We went the beginning of August and the weather was perfect the first 7 days with sunny skies and flat water. The last two were typical Alaskan with rain. On the last day of the trip Larisa put on a presentation of the many things we saw and did on the trip. Normally when you sit down and watch one of these the ending line is "and for only $$$ you can have the DVD of this presentation...." There ending line was "you guys will find a copy of this presentation on the DVD left on your bed. If you enjoy being active and meeting new people this is the cruise to go on.

Just a quick note to echo Benjamin B.'s wonderful review. We took an 8 day cruise on the Alaska Dream in August, 2011. Truly a first-class introduction to S.E. Alaska, its history, people and natural beauty. A wonderful, intimate experience. Recommended reading: I download Tlingit Myths and Texts by John Reed Swanton onto my Kindle, from archive.org . A wonderfully-translated book that includes creation myths and historical references. Really sets the mood when you travel through the area.

Our first cruise ever. We knew what we did not want, 3000 other passengers, a Las Vegas on the sea. What we got was beyond our expectations. Pristine coves, intimate meals, each landing well though-out with a different activity daily. Others in my office have done the large cruise ships to Alaska-they did not see bears, whales right at our bow, eagles walking the shores, otters so close that I could have reached out and touched them. We went with a group of seven friends. The ship size provided opportunities for privacy as well as a place to gather together and play a game of uno or chess. I do know what I want in life, experiences like this.

I agree with everything written so far. Our June cruise was one of the best travel experiences I've ever had. We went on the 8 day voyage on the Alaskan Dream in mid-June, with Captain Eric and his wonderful staff. Among the 10 people I traveled with were 4 kids (11-17) - all of us had an absolutely wonderful experience. Not only did we see wonderful wildlife and amazing natural sites, we were also very impressed by the unique visits we had with Native American villages and villagers. We loved that fact that we could hang out on the bridge at all hours, veer from the slated voyage to get closer to wildlife, get close to the glaciers and dock at small ports, and eat wonderful food. The crew was amazing with our kids - playing games with them and really engaging them. I would say that hanging with the crew (including the Captain and other drivers) was one of the highlights. We loved our naturalist and culturalist, who along with the other crew, couldn't have been more knowledgeable, helpful and accommodating. We loved that the crew was as excited by wildlife sitings as we were, and were all so enthusiastic and friendly. The fact that much of the crew and management of the boat are from Alaska made this a much more authentic experience. Allen Marine really seems to know how to cultivate a true family among the crew, and somehow invited the passengers into the family. I would highly recommend this cruise to others Note: we liked the progression of sites on the South to North route. We wish we'd taken a better camera with great telephoto to get better wildlife photos.

We just finished an 8 day cruise aboard the Alaskan Dream in the inside passage of Alaska. It was my first cruise & first trip to Alaska. OMG!!! If I could give it 10 stars I would. The crew, the food, the wildlife, the Tlinget cultural experience & the excursions were second to none. There were around 45 passengers on the ship & around 16 crew. By the end of the week you knew every person on the ship by name and the crew knew our names too! I am on a gluten free diet & I had delicious options at every meal ( and snack). We saw so much wildlife it was ridiculous-orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, sea otters, bears & more birds than I care to write. It was one of the best weeks of my life! I don't see how another cruise can compare. It's pricey but worth every penny!!

Just returned and Captain Eric Morrow and the Allens are an unbeatable combination. They bend over backwards to make sure you have the best trip possible. Their itinerary is a nice combination of wildlife and culture. The only criticism I could have for which I was warned in previous reviews is that it is too much time in Juneau. However, I guess that the boat needs that time for refueling and maintenance. I would totally recommend this to anyone.