ALASKAN SONG
ALASKA YACHT CHARTERS Since 1996
Crewed Yacht Charter - The Personalized Cruise Alternative
GUEST COMMENTS
These are comments by guests on board
Explorer(our older boat) or Alaskan Song while Captain Richard Friedman was conducting charters over the past 14
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
Nancy, Richard and Seth –
Janet joins me in again thanking all of you for your very personal and energetic
contributions to our recent Alaskan Adventure. We have literally been unable to
stop enthusiastically discussing every aspect ofthe fabulous week that we
experienced with you. It is very easy to recall the gorgeous scenery; the
unprecedented displays of wildlife; the fantastic stories and explanations which
you offered; the magnificent cuisine; the beautiful and comfortable Alaskan
Song; our engaging sailing companions; and the memorable disc of video, pictures
and music which you produced for us. None of these would have achieved the
clarity of presentation which they did without the passionate involvement which
each of you offered to each of your guests – we feel truly blessed that we had
this opportunity in the Summer of 2008 to join you in your home for an
experience which we will vividly recall forever.
We have had the good fortune to have lived abroad and in many parts of the
United States, and we have traveled extensively – always seeking novelty,
experiencing the grace and charm of a destination, and enjoying the hospitality
and customs offered by the people of the world. Our week with the three of you
is simply at the top of our list. We could have neither asked nor expected more,
although you provided much more than we had any right to anticipate. We are
gratified beyond description that it was our good fortune to have been able to
benefit from your hospitality and friendship.
All the best, Jim Walters, Captain US Navy (retired)
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
"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
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!