North America Cruise Trips

We flew to Fairbanks a day early, so we had a free day to explore Fairbanks on our own. We had a fun visit to the Fairbanks Ice Museum followed by lunch at The Crepery, all within walking distance to the Westmark Fairbanks. After lunch we strolled along the Chena River viewing the Golden Heart Plaza, the Land Lease Monument, and the Antler Arch. We then visited the impressive Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center with its interpretive exhibits and displays. As we walked back to the hotel, we stopped in at the Humble Roots Beer Project for some locally brewed beer. A great way to start our trip.

Anyone considering going on this trip needs to think about why they are going. If it is for wildlife eg. birds, they need to investigate the best time of the year to go, taking migration into account etc. I had a wonderful time on this trip. Whilst the wildlife were not particularly co-operative, or the weather, the Expedition Team did their best at all times to fulfil the itinerary and give us the best opportunity to see the expected wild life. Whilst many whales were missing, we had the unusual bonus of seeing six Polar Bears and 17 Narwhals! You win some, you lose some! The M/V Greg Mortimer is an impressive ship, keeping the rocking and rolling across Baffin Bay, to a minimum. Inside it is extremely comfortable, all the 'hotel' staff are friendly and very professional. The rooms were kept spotless and serviced twice a day. There was a very large choice of good food at all meals. Two meals are buffet and the evening dinner, a served meal. The lectures on board, given by members of the Expedition Team and some guest lecturers, were linked to the programme and additional ones added where particular interest was shown by passengers. They were of a high standard. I am very happy to recommend this trip to those who are prepared to be flexible, both with the itinerary and daily programme. One day we started on Plan A and ended on Plan E thanks to the weather! It should not be considered as a cruise but a truly exploratory trip, getting into zodiacs a couple of times a day to go and get close up views of icebergs, bird nesting cliffs, glaciers: anything that may be of interest.

The trip to Alaska with our tour guide, Janice Burnett was wonderful. Janice was on top of everything, even the unexpected. She is a book of knowledge and answered all our questions when asked. The accomodations were great! On to the ship! We had a little problem with our room but Janice to the rescue! Due to an unfortunate loss of 4 people who had to leave the trip there were 2 rooms that were unoccupied on the ship and we were transferred to one of them thanks to Janice being right there to help! We have nothing but praise for her help when needed and her wonderful personality! Would take another trip if we could have her with us! Bruce and Karen Schramm

The excursion to Hubbard glacier was awesome I’m not sure I would ever use Colette again. The tour was fine, but the airfare on all three trips that I have done with Colette has been horrendous. I wouldn’t mind paying a little bit more and leaving out a Hartford instead of Boston and not having the long layovers and at one point arriving at 3 AM and having to be upgoing at seven. You do great on your tours, but horrible on your transportation.

Denali bus tour and Hubbard Glacier my highlights. Tour manager Barry was super! He was very attentive to every need and answered all questions. The Collette land tours were by far better than the ones offered by Holland America. John, bus driver on Denali day trip was wonderful. The staff on the ship very pleasant and informed. The band at orange party who also performed in club great! The trip way exceeded my expectations. I would definitely go on another Collette tour.

Train was great. Cruise was great. Forest fire not so good but we were reimbursed 75$ for not being able to go on the riverboat. I wish in Ketchikan we had a tour of city or area not the plane thing. Other than that it was very good tour.