I reserved a Jeep a month in advance. We’ve never been to Skagway, and the interactive iPad with location info and audio guides was a big selling point. When we arrived, they said due to Covid, all their Jeeps were stuck in Anchorage. We were provided a Toyota 4Runner. No iPad, no audio guides, just a binder with local info. The staff was nice. They provided a box lunch, but for $325, I would’ve passed on a double the cost avis rental car. I have the exact 4Runner in my garage at home. Save your $. As long as the Canadian border is closed, there is no reason to spend $356.95 (the cost with tax) to drive around Skagway. Biggest waste of money on this vacation so far. I feel like we should’ve been notified they had no Jeeps and no iPads, and given an option for a refund.
Ответ от хоста
Aug 2021
It is true we have made temporary accommodations to adapt to the new Covid restrictions. Due to the border closure, we were not able to get you a jeep for your DIY tour, but instead, we offered you an upgrade at no extra charge. We offered you a brand new 2021 4x4 Four Runner with an SR5 package. That vehicle cost over $65K. It is a substantial upgrade to the jeep wrangler you were promised.
Each DIY Tour is still allowed to drive to the top of the White Pass Summit. On that trip, you get to see all the best waterfalls, glaciers, and amazing pull outs for viewing and photo taking. You still need a passport because you will be required to show it on your return trip through US Customs even though you never went through Canadian Customs.
We supplied you with a thumb drive with the audio guide loaded on it that was tethered to your car stereo so you could listen to the tour while you drive. Our IPAD interactive tour is linked to a GPS and not entering Canada makes that an issue. We also supplied you with a laminated Murray's Guide with colored maps and mile by mile descriptions.
Your DIY Tour also came with a Turkey Wrap Lunch made fresh that morning with Chips, Cookies and a 20oz Bottled Water included with a Cooler and Ice Packs.
Yes, the tour is different, but to insinuate it is not worth the cost for what you get is unfair. FYI, a regular rental car in Skagway or Anchorage right now is almost $300. That is if you can even find one.
In closing, we explain all of this to each customer before they leave the parking lot, and of course, we offer a full refund if the customer would want one. So far, no one has ask for one. All our feedback has been positive, and most are very thankful for our ingenuity in even having this tour available under the circumstances.
Another special thing we have offered all our guest for the 2021 season is a side trip out to DYEA to the tidal flats to see the salmon spawning and the chance of seeing Grizzly Bears. This area is also the start of the famous Chilkoot Trailhead. This side trip is offered at no additional cost to the customer and is purely a bonus to the DIY Tour experience to help make up for some of the Covid restrictions.
None of these temporary changes will be needed for the 2022 tour season. They are only in place right now due to Canada not allowing us to enter into their country.