Ask a Guest Coordinator: Your Questions, Answered (Part 2)

Mar 10

Planning an Alaska cruise often comes with a lot of questions — and we love that.

A few weeks ago, we shared the first installment of our “Ask a Guest Coordinator” series and invited you to send in your questions about traveling with The Boat Company, and/or questions about traveling on a small ship cruise in general. From hiking and wildlife encounters to meals onboard and seasickness, your responses covered everything from the practical to the curious.

Our Guest Coordinator, Margo Finch, received so many great questions that she recorded a follow-up video answering several of them. This time, she even took the conversation outdoors — filming from a forest nearby her home to stay in the spirit of the wild places we explore together.

Watch the video below to hear her answers directly.

Can I Go Hiking During My Alaska Cruise?

Yes — hiking is one of the highlights of many voyages.

On most trips, we offer at least one hiking opportunity each day, ranging from relaxed beach walks to more adventurous off-trail hikes through the forest. Because our ships carry only 20–24 guests, guides can adapt excursions to match the interests and abilities of the group.

And sometimes nature has its own plans.

If whales, orcas, or dolphins suddenly appear, the schedule may shift so guests can enjoy the moment. That flexibility is part of what makes small-ship travel in Alaska so special.

If hiking is important to you, simply let your Guest Coordinator know ahead of time. Our crew works hard to tailor each week around the interests of the guests onboard.

Is There Food Between Meals?

Short answer: yes.

Once the ship leaves port, we’re traveling through the remote wilderness of the Tongass National Forest, far from grocery stores or supply stops. Because of that, the crew plans carefully and stocks the boat with everything needed for the week.

Guests can expect:

Snacks between meals
Flexible options for dietary needs
Plenty of hearty, satisfying meals after days spent exploring

And as Margo jokes in the video, many guests leave the boat with a few extra pounds — a sign that the food onboard is doing its job!

If you have specific preferences or dietary restrictions, simply contact the reservations team in advance so we can plan accordingly.

Should I Worry About Seasickness?

This is one of the most common questions we hear.

The good news is that our routes primarily travel through protected channels of the Inside Passage. At night, the ships anchor in quiet bays, which helps keep the experience calm and comfortable.

On rare occasions when weather changes, the captain and crew do their best to adjust course to maintain a steady ride.

For guests who are especially prone to motion sickness, the only time you might notice more movement is during certain skiff excursions, such as saltwater fishing in open water.

Are Non-Alcoholic Drinks Available?

Absolutely.

While we do offer wine, beer and other spirits onboard, there are also plenty of non-alcoholic options, including:

NA beer and NA wine
Soda
Coffee and tea
Hot chocolate
Hot apple cider

Whether you prefer a glass of wine or a warm drink after a rainy hike, our goal is simple: to make everyone content and comfortable.

Is There a Dress Code Onboard?

Not really — comfort comes first.

After a full day of exploring Alaska’s forests, beaches, and fjords (often in rain gear and boots), most guests change into comfortable clothes like jeans or casual layers for the evening.

However, Friday nights are a special tradition onboard. It’s the final evening of the voyage, and the crew likes to celebrate the week everyone has shared together. Guests sometimes choose to dress up a little for the occasion.

And by “dress up,” Margo notes with a smile, the crew usually puts on their nicest Orvis shirt.

Keep the Questions Coming!

This video answered just the first round of questions we received — and this is a series we plan to continue, so stay tuned!

If you’re preparing for a voyage or simply curious about what it’s like to explore Alaska with The Boat Company, we’d love to hear from you.