Alaska is not only a wildlife-rich destination. It is a culturally-rich destination as well. I hadn't consider this as much as I should have before I booked my cruise. However, I was very grateful in the end for the knowledge and experiences of the native Tlingit tribes we were able to see on our trip. The word Tlingit is pronounced "clink kit" (or something to that effect) in English. In Sitka, we viewed a wonderful performance from the Klingit dancers. They showed us a series of dances that includes different drums and movements. In the center of the hall there was a area for burning fires and the performers invited us to join them in a dance around it. Afterwards, we spent some time outside the hall taking photos and chatting with the families.
The following day we arrived in Petersburg and were greeted by the Sons of Norway community. The invited us in to their hall and performed a few traditional Norwegian dances by the youngsters of the group. They continue to pass down the art of these dances from generation to generation. The majority of the families in Petersburg sustain themselves by working in the fishing industry. They provide a large quantity of salmon to the rest of the world. The children who performed also baked several different cookies and treats for us to purchase. The donations went to further the work of the Norwegian community group in sustaining the traditions for the next generation.
We visited the local museum in Wrangell the following day. They took us out to Petroglyph Beach which is a State Historical Park in Alaska. It was a twenty minute walk from the main town and when we arrived, the sun shone down on the beach with such clarity.
Our guide walked us down the beach and pointed out the petroglyphs along the way. She poured water over them and suddenly stood out against the rocks. They do not know exactly what motivated the artists to create these rock carvings. Some think that they were created to commemorate different events in the history of past tribes. Other archeologists believe they were used to communicate between peoples who moved over these lands in the past. On one part of the park there is a stand where you can read through the history of the park and create your own petroglyph drawing to take home.
Later on in cruise, we stopped by Ketchikan, Alaska and took a walk around the town. When we pulled in to the harbor there were a few other ships docked but we were the smallest by far. We were parked at the end of the pier and quickly filed off onto the waterfront. The other passengers boarding their floating cities sat in long lines that wrapped down the pier and into town. We were so thankful for our ship and the personal service we received!
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.