Our cruise was with a company called Alaskan Dream. It is Alaskan owned by a family in Sitka that also conveniently owns a unique lodge called Orca Point. They have decided to incorporate a stop at this lodge on their Alaska cruises, and I believe that is the absolute correct decision! It was one of the highlights of our trip! Not only is it nice to have a landing to break up time on the ship, but it is simply "Alaskan". When you think of The Last Frontier, visions come to mind of being in a remote cabin surrounded by trees and wildlife. This gives guests a taste of that wild experience, but with an easy catamaran ride to shore from a luxury cruise ship.
There is a tide pool exhibit where you can look at starfish, anemone, sea urchins, and more up close. Better yet, walk along the lodge's beach where you will find piles of mussels, scurrying crabs, bladder kelp, and more! Don't forget to peel your eyes from the wildlife-rich ground every so often. You might miss the playful porpoises jumping out of the water and the numerous bald eagles soaring above your head. It's truly amazing to have so much life LITERALLY all around you, under you, and above you!
But that's not all, folks! You get to have dinner at Orca Point Lodge. And not just any dinner...KING CRAB LEGS, PRIME RIB, COHO SALMON...not to mention homemade bread, a colorfully fresh salad, roasted root vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, among other things I could not fit on my plate nor in my belly. I'm still daydreaming about those sweet, buttery King Crab legs. I would say it's because I have lived in land-locked states my entire life, but even the local Alaskans were claiming these "THE BEST King Crab" they had ever tasted. And I think just being an Alaskan makes you an expert in all things crab by default.
Your lovely evening at the lodge slowly concludes with a huge bonfire and s'mores. (Jordan was quickly recognized by his passion for constructing and roasting the "perfect s'more". I guess the intensity of his eyes and sudden silence gave it away pretty quickly.) It's the perfect time to get to know your fellow passengers a little better, breathe in the freshest of salty air, and experience time slowing down while gazing mesmerized into a glowing fire.
Erin made things easier than I thought possible. So good at answering questions in a timely manner and explaining all. I feel she looks out for me.
Fran Folkman
1 day ago
Very personable and knowledgeable! Able to answer questions and provide advice based on personal experiences.
Robert Thompson
1 day ago
Erin is a seasoned travel planner and is very personable. She is a good listener and uses our questions and concerns to make the trip just as we want it. She is very good at moving the booking process along and meticulous with the details.
This is why we came back to have her plan this trip for us.
Lynn Oveson
1 day ago
Erin C. was incredibly helpful and thorough. I had answers immediately or within the same day.
Marilyn Snook
2 days ago
Great follow through and help in what needed to be done to have a safe successful trip !