Cheweyhead

I know this is the Africa Forum, but we just returned from the Inside Passage of Alaska. And it was wonderful. We went with American Safari Cruises' Safari Quest. Awesome! Whales everyday, Orcas, Sea Lions, Bears, Dolphins. Lots, lots of kayaking. Fresh crab. Easy Hiking and beach walks. The captain, crew, and naturalist amazing. And the food over the top! Expensive, but all inclusive. No extra cost for activities or excursions, or premium vodka and tequila!!.

And, no need for Sea Sickness medication.

Lolo12

How many passengers on the ship? I am thinking of an Alaska trip next year but don't want a large ship. I never heard of Safari Quest.

GrannyJoan

I took this same trip on Safari Cruise's Safari Spirit with 10 people. It was great! Did you enjoy the luscious crab dinner on the back of the deck?

-Granny Joan

Lolo12

Do you have a website for this cruise line? I looked up American Safari Cruises and all I could find were very large ships.

lbodem

To jump in here. We're going to East Africa for the first time in two weeks. Obviously, we are very excited. We went to Alaska last year with Cruise West and truly enjoyed the experience. The ship "Spirit of Yorktown" held about 125 pax.

cw

Looks like a great trip. I particularly liked the smaller ships. Thanks for the information.

Lolo, the website is: http://www.amsafari.com/index.html

Cheweyhead

Granny Joan,
The fresh crab was excellent. We trapped 15 crab in the morning. Had to throw 2 back 'cause they were too small. Cracked crab appetizers and Crab cakes for dinner. We tried the next day but only came up with two starfish.

Lolo 12, Our ship had 20 passengers, it held 22, the company is American Safari Cruises, the boat we were on is called the Safari Quest. They have 36,22, 12, and I think 6 passenger vessels. www.amsafari.com.
Depends on what you are looking for but ASC is a more "active" trip than most of what CruiseWest offers.

GrannyJoan

Glad you had the crab. We actually each had at least 2 lbs of the freshest King Crab for dinner one night on the deck. yummy! Also we loved the kayaking in the Misty Fjords area and a neat float plane trip next to the mountains. We saw many black bear, in fact, one swam in front of our zodiac. Beautiful trip.

Granny Joan

GrannyJoan

PS. We also took the extension of land trip to Denali National Park via the train. Nice accomodations in the park. But actually didn't see much in the park, but saw a big moose near our room when we returned from the long bus ride thru the park. The park rules don't allow people to get out of the park except at special stops, so not conducive to good animal photography.

Granny Joan

atravelynn

I think we just missed each other in AK. Glad you had a good time and saw lots of animals. Welcome back to land.

LyndaS

You went to Alaska too again, Lynne? I didn't know you were going again, where abouts did you go?

Cheweyhead

Thanks Atravelyn.
How was your Alaskan adventure? Did you go to Kodiak to see the bears?

We are back and firming up our Africa plans for late next year. Contemplating Belize in the early spring. I think we will wait til the last minute to decide though.

Dana_M

Cheweyhead,
Thanks for posting here. I'm just starting to look into Alaska for a future trip with my nephew, but I've shuddered at the idea of large cruise ships. This sounds right up my alley.

Lynn,
I didn't realize you were just in Alaska. Isn't it about time to leave for Cape Town and Zambia?

atravelynn

Before that, it's Orr, MN for some black bears.

When I return from Cape Town and Zambia my travels will be nowhere but Walgreen's, the grocery store, and nearby relatives for about a year.

Cheweyhead

Lynn,
Where in Zambia are you going/staying?

Keri

atravelynn

End of July into Aug:

I am spending 2 nights in S. Luangwa at Kakuli, a Norman Carr Camp. I chose it because I wanted S. Luangwa plus a few years back I met a guide (Aubrey) in the Lower Zambezi who was doing an exchange program where guides from one area visit a new area to broaden their horizons. Aubrey and I ended up being 1st time visitors together in LZ, canoeing, night drives, etc. and I thought he was fantastic. He is now managing Kakuli so I had to go there. I requested him as my guide. I hope that works out and that he enjoys a chance to head into the bush. I am looking forward to seeing many puku.

Then 5 nts in N. Luangwa at Kutandala, where I have been before. It is all walking there.

Dana_M

Cheweyhead,
Will you be posting photos of your trip?

Lynn,
If you do a trip report and post photos of Alaska, will you post a link here? And have a great time in Zambia!

MonicaH

Atravelynn and LyndaS-

Please, please post some highlights of your Alaska trip. I am leaving early August for 2 weeks and excited to hear what you both have to say. Thanks!

Monica

Kavey

I went to Alaska as a teen and just loved it. I'll never forget Denali National Park nor sailing the Prince William Sound. A beautiful state indeed.

Cheweyhead

Here are some photo from our Alaska trip.

http://gallery.mac.com/cheweyhead#100048

Haven't done it this way before, hope it works.

Keri