Icy Strait Whale Watching recommendations

[melaniesmom]

TeeChi, how did you like it? How was their new boat? We're booked with them and had the option of their older 6-person boat or the new 18-person one and we chose the 18-person. Did we make a good decision? Any tips of what to wear, bring, etc? Did they provide any snacks or beverages?

 

We were on this boat last week. It seemed crowded when we were all inside. There are open areas in the front and back. We had a partly cloudy day and were able to spend most of our time outside in the front. It was cold at times, and we were thankful for our layers. When the boat was moving, it was very windy which made it cold. We did have rain pants with us, but did not need them since we did not have any rain. We were glad we had on our waterproof boots since some water did come in through the bottom of the front loading ramp. We did use our binoculars quite a bit. They did have a couple of cans of Pepsi, a box of Diet Pepsi, bottles of water, and individual bags of Famous Amos cookies. I am happy to answer any other questions you have.

[melaniesmom]

That's really too bad to hear! When we booked, we specifically requested the 18-person boat hoping for more stability on the water and better facilities given the fact that it's brand new. They told me that the boat has lots of room both inside and out for the number of passengers it holds, and essentially that we would have an incredible experience even if sailing full. I'm just hoping to be able to get from side to side during whale sightings for photos, have a good window seat inside if the weather isn't cooperating, etc.

 

Do you have any pictures of the boat? I would love to see them if you do!

 

I was responding to your previous post when you posted this one. :) I am not sure if we have any pictures of the boat. I will check tomorrow and post any that we have. According to Louis Juergens, owner of Alaska Galore Tours, they have not received the new boat which is mentioned on the Misty Bay website. He told me that the boat we were on is one they have borrowed for at least several years. I had a lengthy discussion with him the day after our tour. He called me after Hope got very flustered when I called to better understand what had happened and why we were put on the bigger boat when the six passenger boat did go out the same day. Louis Jergens told me he was from Misty Bay Lodge. I have since researched and found out that he is one of the owners of Alaska Galore Tours. I honestly can not tell you who was telling me the truth and who was lying to me. I sure heard a lot of different excuses.

[Newbcruiser1]

I was responding to your previous post when you posted this one. :) I am not sure if we have any pictures of the boat. I will check tomorrow and post any that we have. According to Louis Juergens, owner of Alaska Galore Tours, they have not received the new boat which is mentioned on the Misty Bay website. He told me that the boat we were on is one they have borrowed for at least several years. I had a lengthy discussion with him the day after our tour. He called me after Hope got very flustered when I called to better understand what had happened and why we were put on the bigger boat when the six passenger boat did go out the same day. Louis Jergens told me he was from Misty Bay Lodge. I have since researched and found out that he is one of the owners of Alaska Galore Tours. I honestly can not tell you who was telling me the truth and who was lying to me. I sure heard a lot of different excuses.

 

 

That's really frustrating to hear... It sure sounds like you got the run-around! I know my confirmation was sent from Alaska Galore but Hope had specifically said something along the lines of them being "the same company". I assume they are used for their reservation services or the like.

 

Since it seems the boat being used was not the one advertised... Do you think it was intended to hold 18 people, or did they stretch the capacity?

 

I'm almost tempted to email them and ask when they actually expect the new boat to be ready... They really had me sold on it.

[Newbcruiser1]

And I wonder if "borrowed for several years" is from this season onward, hence the "brand new custom made boat" mentioned on their website is actually the borrowed boat, or in past seasons and they're just using it as a fill-in while their "brand new" boat is delayed! [emoji53]

 

Have you considered writing a review on Trip Advisor? There isn't much from this year and the experiences from last year don't seem to predict the way things will be with this "new boat".

Edited June 16, 2015 by Newbcruiser1

[melaniesmom]

That's really frustrating to hear... It sure sounds like you got the run-around! I know my confirmation was sent from Alaska Galore but Hope had specifically said something along the lines of them being "the same company". I assume they are used for their reservation services or the like.

 

Since it seems the boat being used was not the one advertised... Do you think it was intended to hold 18 people, or did they stretch the capacity?

 

I'm almost tempted to email them and ask when they actually expect the new boat to be ready... They really had me sold on it.

 

I would definitely email them and confirm about the new boat. Sorry I don't have any pictures of the boat we were on. My husband did take a picture of their six passenger boat which was traveling near us most of the time. We mainly took pictures of sea lions, whales and sea otters. :) The boat we were on had two long benches in the inside area - one along each side. It also had some big windows on the sides that opened up, but they closed them after a while when some people got cold. They really need to put a picture of their 18 passenger boat on their website. I do think that we were on their new boat. When I spoke with Mr. Juergens, he at first told me there was no new boat. At first he did not believe me that one was mentioned on the website. I believe that he then checked the website which is when he told me that the new boat mentioned there had not arrived yet. I really did not feel like he was being honest with me. When we booked back in November there was no mention of the 18 passenger boat on their website. The six passenger boat was the only one on there.

 

My understanding is that they are now using Alaska Galore Tours for their booking. I had several emails from Mendy at Alaska Galore Tours, and she said that she was assisting Hope at Misty Bay Lodge with reservations. Even after I mentioned Alaska Galore Tours in my conversation with him, Mr Juergens never identified himself as being part of Alaska Galore Tours. Since all of my previous contacts had been with Hope and Mendy, I even said to him during our conversation that I had no idea who he was. All he ever told me was that he was with Misty Bay Lodge. It does seem strange now that I know he is one of the owners of Alaska Galore Tours.

[melaniesmom]

And I wonder if "borrowed for several years" is from this season onward, hence the "brand new custom made boat" mentioned on their website is actually the borrowed boat, or in past seasons and they're just using it as a fill-in while their "brand new" boat is delayed! [emoji53]

 

Have you considered writing a review on Trip Advisor? There isn't much from this year and the experiences from last year don't seem to predict the way things will be with this "new boat".

 

Mr. Juergens definitely talked about the boat we were on as having been used by Misty Bay Lodge in previous years. I don't remember it ever being mentioned in any of the reviews I have read. I honestly don't believe a lot of what he told me. I think he was just trying to talk around any point that I had in relation to our experience. Towards the end of our conversation, he did finally admit that we had booked a "premium experience" and that was not what we got. He also admitted that he made a mistake in assigning people to the boats for the day. He also said that they should have notified us of the change of boat prior to us arriving for the tour.

 

I definitely plan to write a review for Trip Advisor. That is the very reason that I called Hope the day after our experience. I wanted to give them a chance to better explain what happened. After our time on the boat I did speak to someone who was on the other boat, and things this man told me do not match up with what we were told.

 

Please know that we did have a good time on our excursion. We were happy with the number of whales we saw. Captain Dan did a good job of showing us whales, sea lions, and otters. Did we have the experience we were expecting? No. It was definitely different from the reviews from previous years that I read. Did it ruin our day? No. Was it frustrating? Yes. We do feel that our experience would not have been as good if the weather had not been good and we had all been crowded inside for most of the time.

 

I know that I spent a lot of time researching in preparation for our trip. I want others to have accurate information. I am afraid that the reviews from previous years do not provide an accurate description of what Misty Bay Lodge is currently offering.

[VacationCharlene]

Sounds like after reading all the comments about Misty Lodge more reason for other people to book with Glacier Winds ;) We are glad that we have booked with them

[Newbcruiser1]

Mr. Juergens definitely talked about the boat we were on as having been used by Misty Bay Lodge in previous years. I don't remember it ever being mentioned in any of the reviews I have read. I honestly don't believe a lot of what he told me. I think he was just trying to talk around any point that I had in relation to our experience. Towards the end of our conversation, he did finally admit that we had booked a "premium experience" and that was not what we got. He also admitted that he made a mistake in assigning people to the boats for the day. He also said that they should have notified us of the change of boat prior to us arriving for the tour.

 

 

 

I definitely plan to write a review for Trip Advisor. That is the very reason that I called Hope the day after our experience. I wanted to give them a chance to better explain what happened. After our time on the boat I did speak to someone who was on the other boat, and things this man told me do not match up with what we were told.

 

 

 

Please know that we did have a good time on our excursion. We were happy with the number of whales we saw. Captain Dan did a good job of showing us whales, sea lions, and otters. Did we have the experience we were expecting? No. It was definitely different from the reviews from previous years that I read. Did it ruin our day? No. Was it frustrating? Yes. We do feel that our experience would not have been as good if the weather had not been good and we had all been crowded inside for most of the time.

 

 

 

I know that I spent a lot of time researching in preparation for our trip. I want others to have accurate information. I am afraid that the reviews from previous years do not provide an accurate description of what Misty Bay Lodge is currently offering.

 

 

Thanks so much for the further information. I'm glad you were still able to enjoy your tour and the sea life! Did you find it difficult navigating through the "crowd" to get to the railing/window and catch the sights? And most importantly - it sounds like they did admit that they were in the wrong. Did you receive any compensation?

 

I am going to email them and request the 6-person boat for our tour... Hopefully it's not already "sold out".

Edited June 17, 2015 by Newbcruiser1

[clc6p]

I used Misty Bay Lodge last week. There were 17 people on our boat.

 

 

Interesting. Misty Bay Lodge would only allow 6 on our boat when we went 2 weeks ago! My booking also went through Alaska Galore Tours.

Edited June 17, 2015 by clc6p

[clc6p]

Here is my review of ISP from 2 weeks ago. We went with Dan from Misty Bay Lodge and they would only allow 6 people on our boat.

 

http://www.iluvwineandtravel.com/?p=1954

[teachatthebeach]

Wow. We are booked with Misty Bay next week. Just sent off an email and got one back confirming we are on the 6 passenger boat. I booked last year! Would have been really disappointed if we were on the new boat.

[caribbeanpuss]

well we have now booked with Glacier wind and as per the previous reviews they have already been very helpful and professional.

I am now wondering if we were not offered the six man boat because we are a party of three. It maybe that they are using the 18 man boat for the smaller groups?? and leaving the six man boat for the large parties to book exclusively - Also our trip was for Mid august, so again maybe it only changes when they are close to the time and realise they cannot fill the large boat - whatever?? they did not allow us to book the six man boat.

Actually glad we moved now to Glacier wind their replies and response times have been far superior and certainly more welcoming:)

[melaniesmom]

Thanks so much for the further information. I'm glad you were still able to enjoy your tour and the sea life! Did you find it difficult navigating through the "crowd" to get to the railing/window and catch the sights? And most importantly - it sounds like they did admit that they were in the wrong. Did you receive any compensation?

 

I am going to email them and request the 6-person boat for our tour... Hopefully it's not already "sold out".

 

My husband and I spent most of the trip at a railing in the front open area. A lot of the time it was just the two of us out there. Several others, including our son, would join us at times. It never got crowded in this outside area. There were a few times that I felt the need to move away from the railing to be considerate of others. We did not spend any time on the back open area. When I was inside, I definitely felt more of a need to be considerate to not block the view of others. I was able to find space at a window. Since my son spent a little more time inside, I asked him about his experience. He told me that most of the time he did not have any trouble finding a spot at a window. It did help when some of the people were spending time on the two outside areas. Just so you know - neither of the outside areas is covered on the boat we were on. I believe there is a covered outside area on their six person boat.

 

We did not receive any compensation. I did not ask for any and none was offered.

[Newbcruiser1]

My husband and I spent most of the trip at a railing in the front open area. A lot of the time it was just the two of us out there. Several others, including our son, would join us at times. It never got crowded in this outside area. There were a few times that I felt the need to move away from the railing to be considerate of others. We did not spend any time on the back open area. When I was inside, I definitely felt more of a need to be considerate to not block the view of others. I was able to find space at a window. Since my son spent a little more time inside, I asked him about his experience. He told me that most of the time he did not have any trouble finding a spot at a window. It did help when some of the people were spending time on the two outside areas. Just so you know - neither of the outside areas is covered on the boat we were on. I believe there is a covered outside area on their six person boat.

 

 

 

We did not receive any compensation. I did not ask for any and none was offered.

 

 

Thank you for the further details!!! It sounds like if we end up on that boat, it will be acceptable but the lack of covered outdoor area doesn't sound great (although the fact that the inside windows open sounds like it would help with being able to take pictures without the glass in the way).

 

I did just send them an email asking about the status of the "new" boat, and the possibility of switching to the 6-passenger boat. When I booked back in April, they told me they had space on both and left the option to us so we'll see if that's still the case.

 

Thanks so much again for your help!

[melaniesmom]

I called Misty Bay Lodge this morning. I wanted to give them a chance for some clarification about our experience before writing a review. Louis Juergens of Alaska Galore Tours returned my call. Alaska Galore Tours handles the reservations for Misty Bay Lodge.

 

Mr. Juergens wanted to make things right and did offer us compensation to make up for the issues we experienced.

 

He did tell me that the new boat is not yet in Hoonah. They expect to have it any time now. I believe he said that it is currently in Juneau. The 18 passenger boat that we were on is one they are using until they have the new one there to use.

 

He also told me that they will book passengers on the 6 passenger boat - the 18 passenger boat does not need to be full first. They realize that some people are looking for an experience with fewer passengers. He said that he would be talking to the person who handles reservations to make sure there is not confusion with this.

 

I know that I made our reservation based on many good reviews. I want to believe that our experience was just one bad experience because of some poor communication.

[Newbcruiser1]

I called Misty Bay Lodge this morning. I wanted to give them a chance for some clarification about our experience before writing a review. Louis Juergens of Alaska Galore Tours returned my call. Alaska Galore Tours handles the reservations for Misty Bay Lodge.

 

 

 

Mr. Juergens wanted to make things right and did offer us compensation to make up for the issues we experienced.

 

 

 

He did tell me that the new boat is not yet in Hoonah. They expect to have it any time now. I believe he said that it is currently in Juneau. The 18 passenger boat that we were on is one they are using until they have the new one there to use.

 

 

 

He also told me that they will book passengers on the 6 passenger boat - the 18 passenger boat does not need to be full first. They realize that some people are looking for an experience with fewer passengers. He said that he would be talking to the person who handles reservations to make sure there is not confusion with this.

 

 

 

I know that I made our reservation based on many good reviews. I want to believe that our experience was just one bad experience because of some poor communication.

 

 

Looks like we got the same answers - and from different people nonetheless! Here is the reply I just got from them by email:

 

"Right now, Misty Bay still has Islander, the 18 passenger boat being used for whale watches that you referred to in your e-mail. The new, custom boat has come up from the builder down in the lower 48; but the boat is still over in Juneau where it is getting the final preparations done to make it ready for daily tour use.

 

Since the new boat is not yet physically in Hoonah, I have changed you to the 6 passenger boat.

 

Please let me know if this will be satisfactory. If not, I am happy to offer you a full refund so that you can pursue a tour with another company."

 

 

So it sounds to me like they have all communicated and have their act together now! :) I am fully satisfied with the service received so far! They seem quite accommodating. I will make sure to report back with my experiences in August after our tour!

 

I just hope I didn't make a mistake switching boats now that they told you the new one will be in use shortly! :)

[melaniesmom]

Looks like we got the same answers - and from different people nonetheless! Here is the reply I just got from them by email:

 

"Right now, Misty Bay still has Islander, the 18 passenger boat being used for whale watches that you referred to in your e-mail. The new, custom boat has come up from the builder down in the lower 48; but the boat is still over in Juneau where it is getting the final preparations done to make it ready for daily tour use.

 

Since the new boat is not yet physically in Hoonah, I have changed you to the 6 passenger boat.

 

Please let me know if this will be satisfactory. If not, I am happy to offer you a full refund so that you can pursue a tour with another company."

 

 

So it sounds to me like they have all communicated and have their act together now! :) I am fully satisfied with the service received so far! They seem quite accommodating. I will make sure to report back with my experiences in August after our tour!

 

I just hope I didn't make a mistake switching boats now that they told you the new one will be in use shortly! :)

 

I don't think you made a mistake. I really believe that a six passenger boat will make for a better experience. All of the really good reviews I have read are from people who were on a six passenger one. Just be prepared that it may be their boat which you see on the website or another 6 passenger one that they are using. Have a great trip!:)

[Newbcruiser1]

I don't think you made a mistake. I really believe that a six passenger boat will make for a better experience. All of the really good reviews I have read are from people who were on a six passenger one. Just be prepared that it may be their boat which you see on the website or another 6 passenger one that they are using. Have a great trip!:)

 

 

Thank you! :)

 

So they have more than 2 6-passenger boats as well? Haha! This is getting more confusing each day!

 

Hoping the smaller boat won't be much rockier on the water!

[melaniesmom]

Thank you! :)

 

So they have more than 2 6-passenger boats as well? Haha! This is getting more confusing each day!

 

Hoping the smaller boat won't be much rockier on the water!

 

I believe they are only using two 6 passenger boats. Sorry if I made that confusing.