The Last Frontier Adventure cruise aboard the Admiralty Dream was fantastic from start to finish! This small-ship cruise line has figured out how to wow its passengers while providing opportunities on the Last Frontier Adventure cruise to view wild life (sea-going, air-going and land loving), to get up close and personal with glaciers, to learn about Tlingit history and culture and about the flora and fauna of Alaska. The staff is over-the-top service oriented, diverse, well-educated and fun to be around! They appear proud to be members of the crew, respectful of each other and the passengers and happy to be of service. Food is well-prepared and the menu always contains a range of offerings to appeal to every pallet, including special dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free. Since all port visits and shore excursions are included in the cost of the cruise, once you are met at the airport by cruise line staff, you can relax and participate on the exciting on shore or on water experiences that will provide you treasured memories, ample photo opportunities and valuable educational experiences. The ship, Admiralty Dream, is small enough (we had approximately 50 passengers and 21 staff/crew aboard) that we could go into the more narrow passages that large cruise ships avoid, could get close to shore out in the wilds and could easily stop to enjoy wildlife viewing from the decks. Our cabin, while small, was well-lit, in excellent condition and working order and had comfortable beds. All in all the cruise was an "exceeded expectations" experience with only one caveat - be certain to book a cabin in the forward portion of the ship and away from air circulation vents to ensure a quieter ambiance in your cabin. Read Less

Alumni cruise for Navy/Notre Dame/U Mich/U Minn....small ship with four USNA classmates sounded great. Whales/bears/eagles/glaciers were great but food was awful though advertised at '5 star'. 11 people embarked following Denali precruise that were ill and we were never informed; at least 17 got sick before anyone advised to take precautions; three dinners were edible but others were bad; dungeness crab not fresh; breakfast never varied from scrambled eggs that were rarely hot and often cold; juice was watery; english muffins were not Thomas'; shortribs were served Wellington but that dough was soggy....more meat would have been better and no one does Wellington anymore; side trip to a hatchery was great for bear watching but hatchery in Juneau (not included) is far better. The staff tried to be helpful but once everyone got sick there was not a lot they could do. The staff did have VOX boxes but should have used them on every event and not selectively. It is the only way for everyone to hear what is being said by the guide. Avoid this cruise line/ship which was put together by Orbridge out of Seattle. Read Less

The cooks did a great job and all the meals were excellent with reasonable choices for those who weren't fond of fish. The trip was very educational and included stops at three different tribal villages where we learned about customs and, for two of the tribes, dances. All our stops were both educational and interesting. The day at Hobart Bay, exclusive to Allen Marine who owns and operates Admiralty Dream, was outstanding. Not only was it a beautiful spot, but the four different activities were excellent. The trip down Tracy Arm was both spectacular and great for taking pictures. The captain was able to get us quite close to South Sawyer Glacier and everyone enjoyed this opportunity. The stop at Orca Point Lodge was a highlight. The meal of unlimited fresh crab legs was outstanding. The morning in Juneau was just OK, partly because of rain, but seeing the Mendenhall Glacier in the afternoon without rain was excellent. We ended in Sitka on a beautiful day and we were able to see tourists sights. The whole trip was great and the Admiralty Dream was important in making this possible. Read Less

We decided on going with the Alaskan Dream Cruise line after reading a review of one of their trips in a newspaper many years ago. Being a small ship with only 50 passengers, we knew it would mean we could visit places that the bigger cruise ships could not and we would get to know the other passengers. With the company being owned by an Alaskan family, the promise was to visit select native owned lands which we did. Our journey commenced in Juneau where we were met at the airport by a representative of the company and taken to our hotel. Until our agreed meeting time the following day we were able to walk around the town, view the different shops and eating places for our evening meal. The following day we met at the National Museum for a tour before being transferred by coach to the ship. From this point on there was no question about the quality of the service provided in the staff, food, activities on board, selection of off boat excursions (which were all inclusive of the fare) and settings within the boat. The Captain made himself and the Bridge available at any time we wanted. It was the most amazing trip and we loved every minute of it. Very sad to have a final meal on reaching Juneau again and everyone going their separate ways. We would certainly travel with Alaskan Cruise Lines again and recommend the Admiralty Dream in particular to others. Read Less

We wanted a small ship to really see the wildlife and scenery in Alaska. The Admiralty Dream had 50 passengers and the flexibility to slow down and stop when something incredible, like whales bubble netting happened. Our room was comfortable and they loan you rain gear and boots....The area around Juneau is a rainforest. The crew and guides were exceptionally knowledgeable and friendly. The food on board was great with seafood, game, and vegetarian options.....They were even able to acommodate special dietary requirements form some guests. The cruise was focused on the wildlife and scenery of Alaska. There were edicational presentations in the evenings in the lounge and the staff went ashore with us and provider interesting information at each of the stops' There were kayaks to use, excursions on small boats, beachcombing, and just hanging out in the lounge getting to know our fellow cruisers. This was one of the most spectacular vacations we have ever had. Read Less

We are not "cruise people." Our idea of a vacation is not being crammed onto a floating city with thousands of other people but getting out and hiking in beautiful places. However, to see the Inside Passage, you need to go on a cruise. It quickly became obvious that the large cruise lines were not a good fit for this region, as they spend too much time on open ocean and can't get into the fjords and nooks and crannies that make the Inside Passage what it is. (And "excursions" booked as extras from those big lines are a hassle and can quickly add to the price.) We also didn't want a super "active" water adventure cruise, as we're not water people. We did, however, enjoy the sea kayaking one day with ADC. After reading several reviews, we settled on ADC and decided we liked the layout of the Admiralty Dream ship the best, as you can walk around the entire craft on two levels. The cabins aren't fancy, but they have been recently updated a bit (not what you see on the website this summer), and the beds are very comfortable. Besides, we were only in our cabin to sleep and change layers. We were either on a shore excursion, listening to an interesting naturalist or Tlingit interpreter give a presentation, eating, or standing outside watching for wildlife and visiting with other passengers and crew. To be fair, we seem to have had exceptional weather and wildlife siting on our week. The crew said it was the first time this year they had seen the tops of the mountains in Tracy Arm Fjord, and we saw 13 Alaskan brown bears (aka, grizzlies), including one up close at Reid Glacier! An hour and a half of whale-watching in Frederick Sound during a magical sunset was another highlight. However, even if the weather had been wetter, the crew goes out of their way to make sure you get the most out of every wildlife-watching opportunity. Michele and Jamie were wonderful expedition leader naturalists--informed, easy-going, professional. Everyone associated with this Sitka-owned company was outstanding. They all clearly love working for this company and go out of their way to make the whole experience "real," enjoyable, and friction-free. If you want to be pampered with spa treatments, take a big cruise line trip. If you want to see Alaska and learn about it, go with Alaskan Dream Cruises! We packed layers of the same clothes we would have taken on a hiking trip and felt right at home. (Do take a warm hat, gloves, and core layers so you can enjoy being outdoors.) Note that I'm not giving an "entertainment" score because there wasn't "traditional cruise entertainment." However, our fellow passengers were entertaining! Thank you all for our most memorable trip ever! Read Less

WOW OMG... I only have superlatives for this cruise...I cannot begin to thank this company for what turned out to be a truly fantastic voyage (8day Glacier Bay & Island Adventure) From an included airport shuttle and hotel drop-off ( get there a day early to enjoy Juneau) this trips gets off to a great start, with a visit to the Alaskan State Museum and the Mendenhall Glacier after free time (shopping anyone??)in this lovely port city. After boarding the Admiralty Dream ,we were taken to a private island for dinner at the Orca Point Lodge which was incredible in both cuisine and location. Onboard, I found my single cabin #202 to be well-appointed and spacious with two comfy twin beds (which I switched off every night lol) plenty of storage, under bed and in a deep closet, as well as a large picture window allowing for wonderful scenic views. The "shotoilet", as I dubbed the combo toilet and shower, were the epitome of maritime efficiency, stocked with locally made toiletries. All meals provided were culinary delights (thanks chef Eric and galley) starting with early breakfast of freshly baked danishes/pastries at a 24 hour coffee/tea/hot water station, full breakfast, lunch, 3 pm cookie time (which paired nicely with an Alaskan stout), 530 pm hors d'oeuvres, then dinner in a casual setting with picturesque views served by an amazing waitstaff who also doubled as room stewards. (thanks Val!) Complimentary wine/beer provided with dinner featured local brews and vintages from CA/OR/WE...After dinner and those over the top dessert (thanks Sunshine!) you can relax in the lounge with its daily drink special prepared by Brent (spruce tip martini anyone?) using Alaskan spirits, syrups, and themes for reasonable prices as alcohol is not included. Raingear, boots and binoculars provided by the cruise line came in handy for our numerous outdoor excursions...be it above deck, on land or sea. And what fun they were! Paddling 2 person kayaks on gentle Sound waters, DIB rides (inflatable boats) expertly steered by Kevin, took us as close as possible to wildlife, glaciers and waterfalls. Hiking backwoods trails in the forest or a bog allowed us to burn off those calories! The Admiralty Dream's decks and windows allowed for many phenomenal photo-ops and her gracious Captain, Capt. Gavin, allowed us to visit his bridge often. Her size allowed us to visit smaller port towns like Kake, a Tlinglit, and Petersburg, settled by Norwegians, giving us time to truly experience Alaskan cultures and her people. A few brave souls(myself included) took part in a polar plunge of sorts, joining the "killer whale club" by jumping off the back of the boat into those frigid waters...bracing but invigorating! And what an education ADC delivers! Tlingit heritage guides, Gary and William, joined us at Glacier Bay along with a US Park Ranger, Patrick, and together with our resident naturalists, Michelle and Jamie and Sam Sockeye, Tlinglit artisan and guide, they provided thoughtful and insightful lectures on all things Alaska. Glaciers calving, humpback whale watching,sea lion haul-outs, bald eagles galore...even a white wolf made a cameo....the only thing I missed was the Aurora Borealis but not from a lack of trying (and there was a wake-up call for that lol) I highly recommend this cruise line and this trip as a great way to see and appreciate a more intimate Alaska than one can achieve via those big boats (sorry NCL!) I feel truly blessed to be one of the"Lucky 13" passengers meeting wonderful people who really made this the trip of a lifetime for me. Thanks!! Read Less

The previous reviewer has done a very comprehensive summing up of a cruise on Alaskan Dream so I would just like to reiterate the main points. The ship is lovely and very intimate with no more than 40 passengers (we had 38). The Itinerary is comprehensive (we did the South East Explorer trip)and we visited many places that the large cruise ships cannot get to. One of the best was Rudyerd Bay in Misty Fjords. What a pleasure it was to be able to go deep into the inlet without the distraction of a massive boat in the vicinity. The food was fantastic, with everyone able to have exactly what they wanted even if it was a mix and match from the menu items that was not intended by the amazing cook. The cabin was comfortable; having said that we had the most expensive cabin, called a Vista Suite, which was not as large as the Owners Cabin but which faced forward with nice armchairs. Best of all was the crew, who were, without exception, wonderful. Captain Eric was fantastic, caring and so calming with a wonderful voice. He made sure we saw everything we possibly could and hung around with the engines cut for ages when we were surrounded by whales in Frederick Sound. This is not a cheap cruise but would I have swapped it for some of the massive cruise ships we encountered en route? Not a chance! We got to know all the other passengers and the crew, which made it feel like we were on a family cruise. We saw some terrific scenery, wildlife and cultural gems. If you can afford it then do it. Read Less

In late June of 2015 we took our grandson, nearly 11, on an intergenerational trip. There were over 40 passengers plus the crew. It wasn't luxury - our small room had a double bed, a single bed, a sink and a separate combined toilet and shower. But the beds were comfortable and we succeeded in unpacking everything and getting along well on the trip. Since the days were very long - the sun set around 11 pm - we needed and had good light protection in front of the large window in our room. We got on the ship by transferring at sea from a catamaran. Everyone made it with no problems. The cooks did a great job and all the meals were excellent with reasonable choices for those who weren't fond of fish. The trip was very educational and included stops at three different tribal villages where we learned about customs and, for two of the tribes, dances. All our stops were both educational and interesting. The day at Hobart Bay, exclusive to Allen Marine who owns and operates Admiralty Dream, was outstanding. Not only was it a beautiful spot, but the four different activities were excellent. The trip down Tracy Arm was both spectacular and great for taking pictures. The captain was able to get us quite close to South Sawyer Glacier and everyone enjoyed this opportunity. The stop at Orca Point Lodge was a highlight. The meal of unlimited fresh crab legs was outstanding. The morning in Juneau was just OK, partly because of rain, but seeing the Mendenhall Glacier in the afternoon without rain was excellent. We ended in Sitka on a beautiful day and we were able to see tourists sights. The whole trip was great and the Admiralty Dream was important in making this possible. Read Less

This was a trip of a lifetime. We have travelled a lot, but this way exceeded our expectations. Here are 10 reasons why people should do this particular trip - 1. Understanding Alaska Being a company with native routes, they have a true understanding and empathy with the nature, the wildlife, the people, the balance. 2. The food is great. 3. The parent company, Allen Marine, has a really mpressive infrastructure in the area - so if something unforeseen happens (and occasionally it does) they are able to solve it seamlesslessly, effortlessly without inconveniencing the passengers in any way. This is great, proactive management. 4. Being a small ship - they are able to nestle up close under glaciers, to change course to follow a pod of whales, to moor up in small native Indian communities. 5. Being 50 people on board, you have the opportunity to discover real friendships. Also, with just 50 people on board - when you arrive somewhere you do not swamp or overwhelm the town. 6. The bar prices are entirely reasonable. 7. The itinerary combines classic Alaska, stunning wildlife and an insight into the indigenous people of Southern Alaska. 8. Our captain, Captain Ken, totally understood what we, the passengers, hoped for from our Alaskan Adventure and made every effort, turned every corner, did everything he possibly could to deliver it. 9. I doubt that you could find a more smiley, more positive staff and crew aboard a boat in North America than this lot. They were a delight. 10. I paid a little bit extra to get a larger cabin - would I have paid twice as much for the Alaska Dream Experience - yes I would! Well done, one and all. And if all this wasn't enough - the sun shone for 8 days, the glaciers 'calved' and the killer whales came out to play! Tim Edmunds Read Less