Alaska - Sailing in the Majestic Fjords

1. How big are the groups?

Each group is limited to 12 participants. Small groups are an important ingredient in adventure travel. They allow for more interaction and more personalized service throughout the itinerary.

2. What is included in the tour price?

Accommodation aboard the M/V Catalyst; meals on the boat, starting with lunch on day 1, finishing with breakfast on day 7; all internal transportation (excluding transfers) and all day-trips as outlined in the itinerary.

3. Are these “educational” tours?

Yes, in the broadest sense of the word, “educational”. We visit many natural sites, and have talks and discussions on many aspects of natural history and wildlife. Our guides will help to interpret what you see. There is also an excellent library of books on board for your reference.

4. How do we travel during the tour?

The 74-foot yacht-vessel, M/V Catalyst, is our primary means of transportation between Petersburg and Juneau. Excursions are by Zodiac motor boat and kayaks.

5. What are our accommodations like?

The cabins on board are very comfortable. Each one has its own porthole and space to store belongings. Passengers share 2 heads (washrooms) on board, one of them has a shower. Two cabins have private washrooms. The main salon comfortably seats all passengers.

6. What about the weather?

Temperatures range from a low in the upper 30s˚F at night, to a possible high of 70˚F on sunny days. Rain is a possibility anytime during the sailing season.

7. When is payment due?

A non-refundable deposit of $750 (plus insurance if you require it) is due at time of booking and will reserve your place on the tour. Payment of the full price is due 120 days before departure. Cancellation charges are applicable and are outlined in the “Terms & Conditions” section of our brochure.

8. What should I take on the tour?

There is a detailed “What to Take” list in our Trip Kit, which we will send to you after you have booked the trip.

9. What meals are included?

All meals on the boat are included, starting with lunch on day 1, and finishing with breakfast on day 7. The cook on board prepares delicious and healthy meals.

10. Can you arrange my flights?

We would be happy to take care of your air arrangements. ElderTreks offers personalized flight itineraries — not group flights. Stop over en route, come in a few days early, or extend your stay. Call us for a customized itinerary.

11. What if I would like more information?

If you have any further questions about the trip, please do not hesitate to contact our office for additional information. A Trip Kit containing further details on the destination will be sent to you once you have booked the trip.

M/V Catalyst History

The Catalyst was the University of Washington’s first oceanographic research vessel. It was designed by 2 naval architects, Roland and Strickland, to serve the university’s research expeditions. The yacht was constructed of white oak, Alaskan yellow cedar, Douglas fir, teak and Australian ironwood. Classic accommodations include cozy, private staterooms, a spacious galley, and a warm wood-paneled salon. With the heartbeat of her slow-turning, rugged diesel engine chugging in the background, the pace aboard a Catalyst cruise is relaxed and unhurried. In 1932, in the year of its completion, the M/V Catalyst cruised through the Inside Passage and across the Gulf of Alaska. It spent the next 11 years collecting data in the area. During WWII, the Navy conscripted the vessel, mounted a machine gun on top of its pilot house and added racks of depth charges on its stern. The Catalyst spent the war years patrolling the Aleutian Islands for Japanese submarines. After the war,the M/V Catalyst was owned by an Alaskan mining company, and was later sold to a few other lucky owners. The Catalyst has cruised the waters of Alaska, Baja California, and Hawaii. Now it has been restored to its original purpose, learning about the oceanic world, only this time, with adventurous travelers aboard.

Please note:

Itinerary may change according to tides, weather conditions, desires of the guests and nature’s surprises.

Cabin Description:

Cabin 1:
upper deck, private washroom with shower; double bed 49”w x 80”l, single pull down upper bunk 32”w x 74”l, door to deck or 3 portholes (1 opens)

Cabin 2:
lower deck, double bed 50”w x 78”l, 2 non-opening portholes

Cabin 3:
lower deck, double bed 50”w x 78”l, 2 non-opening portholes

Cabin 4:
lower deck, single bed 43”w x 84”l, one non-opening porthole

Cabin 5:
lower deck, two lower beds 48”w x 80”l, two upper bunks 36”, six opening portholes, four non-opening portholes

Cabin 6:
pilot house deck, private washroom with shower, double bed 50”w x 78”l, door to deck, opening portholes and windows