Frommer's Review
This is the dominant tour operator, with the most daily sailings and choices of destination. The main part of the operation uses 90- to 150-passenger vessels, many of which have forward-facing seats, like an airplane's. They're professionally staffed. The whole operation runs remarkably smoothly and we found the crew extremely attentive. When the ships are crowded, however, the experience becomes more impersonal. Onboard, the captain or an employee provides the commentary. The same company also owns Mariah Tours, which operates more intimate 16-passenger vessels. Their trips are more spontaneous and go farther; the downside is that the smaller boats move more in the waves.
Most of the large Kenai Fjords vessels call on a lodge the company owns on Fox Island, in Resurrection Bay, for lunch and park service ranger talks. The lodge sits on a long cobble beach near Sunny Cove, where painter Rockwell Kent lived in seclusion with his son in 1918 and 1919 and produced the art that made him famous. It is an inspiring spot. The lodge itself stands on a narrow strip of land between the beach and a pond, which visitors overlook from large wooden decks. Lunch is grilled salmon. Big, touristy salmon bakes tend to overcook the food, and we found no exception here, but it was a pleasant meal nonetheless. Some passengers spend the night at the lodge on all-inclusive packages, and half-day sea-kayaking paddles from the island are offered for day-trippers or overnight guests: $79 to $89 per person as an add-on for overnighters; or $149 to $169, including a Resurrection Bay tour boat ride, for day-trippers.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
