ALASKAN SONG
ALASKA YACHT CHARTERS Since 1996
                    Crewed Yacht Charter - The Personalized Cruise Alternative

GUEST COMMENTS

These are comments by guests on board Explorer while Captain Richard Friedman was conducting charters over the past 11 years.

"The five guests and myself, having never visited Alaska, were thoroughly spoiled by Richard's hospitality and knowledge of the area. We visited different harbors each day and saw remote spots where other pleasure craft were not even visible. Pat's cuisine was unmatched by any five star restaurant and varied with each meal. EXPLORER is an excellent vessel for Alaskan waters and I would be privileged to recommend her without reservation to any potential charterer who might be interested in my opinion."
- Joe Bartram, Newport, Rhode Island  

 

I am able to give Richard Friedman, his crew, and his boat my wholehearted endorsement. Last August my wife and I along with our four children (29, 27, 24 and 23) had the marvelous experience of cruising aboard Explorer for six days from Sitka to Juneau. Everything was perfect. The unseasonable weather was in the 80s every day and not a drop of rain (very, very lucky). We were able to be as active or as relaxed as we chose. Each of us set our own pace. Activities included fishing, shrimping and crabbing with excellent results. Some kayaking, hiking and whale watching were also lots of fun. A couple of the kids even jumped in for a very quick dip in the frigid waters (not recommended). We took an optional “flight seeing” excursion over the glaciers in a seaplane and it was breathtaking. There’s plenty of time for reading in lounge chairs on the top deck and soaking up the pristine air and bright sun. The boat is very spacious for a party of six so we never felt crowded. The master bedroom that we stayed in is on the main deck had several windows and was especially comfortable. We never had any problem with seasickness, but again we had remarkably uncharacteristic weather. The boat, however, is built to handle rough seas and Richard’s experience and skill will find you the best waters possible.

Our only complaint was the food! We all made pigs of ourselves and put on a few pounds. All kidding aside, the menu, the variety, the preparation and the presentation were all first-class. The wines that were provided were well chosen and very impressive. The salon where we had our meals was cozy but very comfortable. We only used the salon for meals and a few after dinner movies on DVD. If, however, you encounter some bad weather it would be a very comfortable place to bide your time reading, playing cards or watching movies. Richard and his crew were always very attentive to our desires and needs without hovering, getting in our way or interfering with our “family bonding.”

My wife and I have always wanted to see Alaska. We’ve been on ten different crewed charters for six people aboard catamarans in the British Virgin Islands. The thought of being on a big cruise ship does not appeal to us. As our kids are getting older and “involved” we figured that this might be the last trip that just the six of us would do together. We asked the agent that we use for our BVI charters to recommend a boat in Alaska. She did her homework and came up with Richard and the Explorer. There were other options and there were definitely cheaper options but I couldn’t be happier that we went first-class with the Explorer. I wouldn’t have changed a thing. The rest of the family feels the same.

One final point — while I’m normally not a photography nut, I took over 700 digital pictures on our trip. Pictures of the beautiful natural scenery; pictures of ourselves relaxing and enjoying each others company; picture of us catching fish; pictures of the exquisite meals; and pictures the wonderful crew that became part of our extended family by the trip’s end. I have selected about fifty of my favorite pictures and have put them into a slideshow on my computer and added some music. Whenever I want to relax and bring a smile to my face, all I have to do is play that slideshow for a few minutes. What fantastic memories! I hope that you and your family have the same wonderful experience as we did.
George Schaefer - Chicago, Illinois

 

A Poem by Peter Bunce of St. Louis MO
Guest on board July, 2000

The Explorer is a bonnie boat
A bonnie boat is she
From Chatham Straight to Peril Straight
She sails the Alaskan Seas

And those who sail upon this boat
Can tell heroic tales
Of Porpoises and Orcas
And mighty pods of Whales

For some it's wildlife hits the spot
For others it's the scenery
Richard say's "that's not enough
we also need cuisinery"

Pats' the Chef and
Cami waits and Richards' maitre d'
If Michelin knew about this boat
we'd rate two stars or three

The food is as spectacular
as the wildlife and scenery
To put it in vernacular
This is quite a floating Beanery

So if Alaska rings your bell
and you are lusting for her
Take my advice and rush pell mell 
to book the yacht Explorer.

Thanks Peter; it's nice to know that we inspire such poetry!

"Bellisimo!  Very pleased to recommend this experience to our friends.  My only suggestion is:  Please come to the Mediterranean"
- Enzo Zannini - Milan, Italy 

"Best Boating experience of my life - and I have had a lot.   Totally professional, eminently personal."
- Richard Thiel, Editor in Chief -Power and Motor Yacht magazine New York, NY
 

"The best vacation of my life!  The boat was extraordinary, the captain and the crew were great, the food was unparalleled, the fishing was hot, the whales were everywhere ....My notion of heaven would be waking up every morning to discover there are three days left on the cruise."
- Chuck Sheridan, Redwood Shores, California

"Incomparable - Extraordinary - Memorable - Educational - Fattening ...There was altogether too much hilarity on board.  This was an exceptionally wonderful week.   I loved every minute of it ...I can't say enough about the fabulous food."
-Cissy Van Stone, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

"Without a doubt the best Yachting experience I have ever had in my many years of boating. I can suggest this cruise very strongly to anyone seeking an ultimate experience in adventure, exploring in safety and comfort with privacy … A very special way to experience the action, grandeur, and beauty of Southeast Alaska."
- Bob & Franny Haws, Kaneohe, Hawaii

"This has been an experience of a lifetime. It was a real vacation – no stress, very relaxing and exciting. It was the greatest vacation I have experienced. Your crew, everything and everyone was just great."
- Craig and Kathy Keith, Petaluma, California

"The Explorer lived up to its name. We saw glaciers, whales, sea lions, dolphins, bears, bald eagles, and great scenery. What more could you ask for? But on top of that the Explorer provided fantastic cuisine in a warm, friendly environment. This is a trip I would highly recommend to anyone."
- Roy Moss, Huntington Beach, California