Frequently Asked Questions
On this page you should find the answers to every question you have about the tour – all the information you need to plan and prepare with confidence for your Bering Sea adventure.
If you have a question and you don’t see the answer on this page, we want to hear from you! Please contact us and our friendly staff will be delighted to help.
When you step aboard the Aleutian Ballad you will have an experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world. We are the only boat of its kind, a true Bering Sea crab fishing vessel featured on the Discovery Channel, taking passengers along to experience and share in the wildlife, the stories and the beauty that is “The Last Frontier”.
During a typical tour on the (fishing vessel) Aleutian Ballad we will encounter life above and below the sea. Common sightings include: Whales, Orcas, American Bald Eagles, porpoise, giant octopus, king crab, opilio crab, shrimp, jelly fish, sharks, many different fish and a huge list of unexpected sightings.
The experience you have is really up to you. If you would prefer to stay top-side, photographing the wilderness landscapes and relaxing as you listen to the fisherman’s tales – that is up to you! Perhaps you’d prefer to stay by the live tank, touching all the sea creatures we pull up from the depths and learning about the different species of fish, octopus and crab – do it! Want to do some shopping? Visit our on board gift shop and take home some memories of this special day. This tour is what you make of it and it is all at your fingertips…
No need to worry! Ketchikan is located within Alaska’s inside passage. The water here is normally very calm. Even when the winds pick up during the winter months and the weather gets bad, the islands create a break for us and we hardly see a wave.
The F/V Aleutian Ballad is over 100 feet long and made of solid steel, the boat was specifically created to handle the roughest seas in the world. Also, as the seating area is outside (covered and heated, of course) there is always a lovely cool breeze that refreshes the senses.
If you are extremely sensitive to motion, you may want to take typical motion sickness medicine before coming. However it’s highly unlikely that you will need it.
Yes, we were. The F/V Aleutian Ballad was featured on season 2 of the Discovery Channel’s number one series Deadliest Catch. It was made famous when, purely by chance, a camera was mounted in the wheelhouse by a crewman. Just moments later a massive rogue wave which almost capsized the boat was caught on film. It has become one of the most watched film clips in the series history.
The tour is 3 hours long and includes complimentary creature comforts such as large stadium jackets (if needed), heaters, coffee, tea, and hot cocoa.
During the tour you will hear stories and interact with wild life. For more on what the tour includes, please click here.
The commercial fishermen will be doing the catching. Since this isn’t a sport fishing tour we use 100% real commercial grade equipment that must be operated by experienced professionals.
Once the catch is on board, that’s when you get to participate! Guests are encouraged to touch the sea creatures, photograph them and in some cases, hold them. Capture that “Deadliest Catch” moment on film!
No fishing license is needed.
View our 2024 Cruise Ship Calednar here to ensure you book the right time:
Yes, we have 4 full size restrooms on board. One restroom is wheelchair accessible.
Yes!
Tickets can be purchased on your cruise ship. If you are concerned with scheduling times and missing your cruise departure just give us a call at 888-239-3816.
No! As a professional tour company that contracts with all major cruise lines, our level of service is impeccable. Tours are scheduled within the parameters of all cruise ships port times allowing at least one departure for each ship. We have never been the cause of any guest missing their ship.
Yes.
We do have some perks and discounts for larger groups (15 or more). If you are interested in group perks please call us at 888-239-3816 to see what you may be eligible for.
Yes, you can and what a gift they make!! Just click here to buy a gift for someone.
- 7 days prior to departure is 100% refundable
- Within 7 days is non-refundable
When you arrive in Ketchikan via cruise ship, you will be in the quaint downtown area. There are 4 berths where the cruise ships tie up and all of them are within walking distance to our boat. Before departing your cruise ship in Ketchikan, ask a cruise line employee which berth you are located at for reference.
A representative from The Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour will be waiting for you at the bottom of your gangway (steps off of the boat) 30 minutes prior to the tour departure time. Look for the bright yellow jacket and the sign that reads, “Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour.”
The Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour is located at berth 3 and is centrally located. All guests must check in with the boat (F/V Aleutian Ballad) at least 15 minutes prior to the tour departure time. For instance, if you have an 8:00am tour, you would need to be on board the Aleutian Ballad by 7:45am.
Yes, we do have a gift shop, which is located on board the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour boat named the F/V Aleutian Ballad. You can also purchase gifts through our online shop.
When you arrive in Ketchikan via cruise ship, you will be in the quaint downtown area. There are 4 berths where the cruise ships tie up and all of them are within walking distance to our boat. Before departing your cruise ship in Ketchikan, ask a cruise line employee which berth you are located at for reference.
A representative from The Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour will be waiting for you at the bottom of your gangway (steps off of the boat) 30 minutes prior to the tour departure time. Look for the bright yellow jacket and the sign that reads, “Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour.”
The Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour is located at berth 3 and is centrally located. All guests must check in with the boat (F/V Aleutian Ballad) at least 15 minutes prior to the tour departure time. For instance, if you have an 8:00am tour, you would need to be on board the Aleutian Ballad by 7:45am.
Yes, we do have a gift shop, which is located on board the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour boat named the F/V Aleutian Ballad. You can also purchase gifts through our online shop.
