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Laughing
Raven Touring Co. operates a unique deluxe
motorcoach. “Unique” means it is not
as big as a 40 or 45-foot long monstrosity of
a coach. It’s also much more substantial
than a modified van that’s best suited for
short shuttle trips. “Deluxe” means
it rides like a full-sized motorcoach, and has
3-across seating; the seats are 1/3 wider than
those found on a standard motorcoach . Think “business
class.” The pair of seats has a large, padded
armrest that can be lowered between the seats.
As a result of its shorter length and wider seats,
Raven 1 will accommodate only 25 passengers. It
is a very comfortable, intimate way to enjoy Alaska’s
incredible scenic highways. In addition, Raven
1 is lavatory equipped, and has a deluxe sound
system.
As
noted in the “About
Laughing Raven” portion of the website,
Mark, the driver (coach commander) of Raven 1
has lived in, and driven tours across Alaska for
over 25 years. He can provide you with as much,
or as little, of the state’s natural and
human history as you desire.
Our goal, at Laughing Raven, is to provide you
with care-free travel in southcentral Alaska.
We understand that a trip to Alaska is often a
once-in-a-lifetime event, and believe that traveling
on vacation should be an effortless pleasure.
We’ll work with you toward that end.
SHIP
TRANSFERS
To or from Whittier: $50 per seat
The trip between Anchorage and Whittier is about
1 1/2 hours. It is possible to add stops at the
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Park and/or the town
of Girdwood (a number of good eateries) for up
to an additional hour of travel time, at no additional
cost. Admission to the wildlife park is not included.
To or from Seward: $75 per seat
The trip between Anchorage and Seward is about
3 hours. The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Park
and Girdwood (a number of good eateries) are along
the way, and up to an hour of travel time may
be added to enjoy those venues. Admission to the
wildlife park is not included.CHARTERS
Raven 1, our deluxe motorcoach, is at your service
to travel from Fairbanks to Homer. Laughing Raven
Touring Co. is not licensed to travel internationally
and so cannot accommodate charters to Skagway
(it’s necessary to cross Canadian territory
to drive to Skagway) or any Canadian locales.
But the rest of Alaska is available to us.
Our
motorcoach, Raven 1,
was created as a 40-foot motorcoach. At some point
in its career it was shortened to 35 feet.
This makes its interior feel more intimate and
less like a cattle car. To enhance this effect,
it’s equipped with 3-across seating.
This allows for seats that are 1/3 wider
than the industry standard. Raven 1 can
accommodate only 25 passengers.
Like a standard motorcoach, passengers sit above
the ample luggage bays so views of Alaska’s
phenomenal scenery don’t get any better.
To paraphrase a popular ad campaign, having an
experienced driver/guide in Alaska: Priceless.
Most of Alaska’s roads are 2-lane, and places
to stop are often great distances apart. Once
away from the population centers, the eateries
are owned and operated by local folks. Howard
Johnsons and Carl’s Jr. are not options
for meal stops. When you travel in Alaska, you’ll
find having an experienced driver familiar with
the roads, waysides, and businesses along the
way to be an invaluable asset.
If you wish to set up a multi-day tour in Alaska
and prefer to book a large group, contact Laughing
Raven, and we’ll refer you to the operators
of the large motorcoaches based in Anchorage.
If, on the other hand, you’d prefer to create
tours for smaller groups of travelers and want
the best in highway travel, let us know. We’re
eager to work with you, and will offer very competitive
pricing.
Charter rates are approximately
$100 per hour and include 350 miles per day. Prices
may increase if fuel prices increase dramatically
before the 2008 season. For quotes or information
on times or distances between locales, contact
Laughing Raven Touring Co. at
3343 Seawind Cir.
Anchorage, AK 99516
fax: 907.336.2865
or contact us by e-mail:
Please note:
Raven 1, our deluxe motorcoach is available
for daily and weekly charters, and ship and airport
transfers between Whittier or Seward, and Anchorage
during the month of July, and through August 17th
in 2008. Weekend charters and ship transfers are
available in May, July, August, and September.
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