Common Questions and Answers
1. Do we stop to eat?
Our meal is served onboard while cruising, allowing a maximum opportunity for wildlife viewing. Our vessel has large fog free picture windows so you won’t miss out on sightings while you dine.
2. Is there a vegetarian meal option?
Our all you can eat buffet includes rice pilaf, tossed green salad, hot sourdough bread, and a full dessert bar. If you decide not purchase the buffet, you are welcome to bring your own food onboard.
3. Do I have to add the meal now?
You are more than welcome to add the meal as late as check in the day of your cruise.
4. Do we stop and get of the boat anywhere?
We will be constantly cruising throughout the duration of the trip. This will allow a maximum opportunity to view wildlife.
5. How close do we get to the animals?
Our experienced captain will hug the coastlines and pull the vessel within feet of the mountainside waterfalls and seabird rookeries.
6. How close do we get to the glaciers?
For passenger safety and comfort, the captains will maintain a distance no less than 1/4 mile away from the face of the glaciers. Actual distance may vary due to wind, weather and ice conditions at the glacier.
7. Can I choose my own seat?
Seating arrangements are assigned the night prior to your cruise by Major Marine Tours staff. If you have any special requirements or needs please let our staff know in advance.
8. Is there a place to store my luggage while on the cruise?
You are more than welcome to store your luggage in our office throughout the duration of your cruise.
9. Can you help us book a hotel?
We cannot book your hotel for you, but we can direct you to some favorable lodging facilities around Seward and Whittier. Under “Site Map” at the top of your screen click on “Alaska Links”. There you will find links to several locations in Alaska. Scroll down and click on your desired destination.
10. Can I use a Northern Lights Coupon for more than two people at a time?
Northern Lights Coupons can be applied to any two people in a reservation. Buying one at regular price will get you the second free. For all other passengers we will apply our current cruise rate.
11. When is the latest I can make a reservation?
Advance reservations are encouraged to ensure you your desired cruise date. You are welcome to book as late as the morning of but we are unable to guarantee availability at such short notice.
12. How long does it take to drive to Seward from Anchorage?
Allow yourself approximately 3 hours of driving time between Anchorage and Seward. This allows plenty of time incase you run into construction delays or need to make any brief stops along the way.
13. How long does it take to drive to Whittier from Anchorage?
Allow yourself approximately 1.5 hours of driving time between Anchorage and Whittier. This allows plenty of time incase you run into construction delays or need to make any brief stops along the way.
14. Is there a bus to Whittier?
Transportation into Whittier is limited to the Alaska Railroad or driving yourself. Unfortunately, there is not a bus option that works in conjunction with our cruise.
15. How do we get to the check in office from the Seward train station?
At Major Marine Tours we provide a complimentary shuttle to and from the Seward train station and our check in office. If the sun is shining, feel free to walk to our office just two blocks south of the station on 4th Avenue.
16. Where do we park our car?
There are two full day public parking lots in the Seward small boat harbor. One is just a block north of our office while the other is just a block south of our office. There is a $10 charge per vehicle. Parking is available directly across the street from our office in Whittier for $5 per vehicle.
17. Where do we check in at in Seward?
Please check in at our office, which is #2 of the boardwalk on 4th Avenue in the Seward small boat harbor. Look for a big orca whale carving!
