I had the opportunity to sit down with the owners of ALASKAN STORY this week to chat about their operation. They took ownership of ALASKAN STORY in 2022, and all three owners have an interesting life-story in our region prior to this acquisition with Ryan Lindsay starting Devil’s Club Brewing in downtown Juneau, Max Stanley’s successful partnership at Barnacle Foods, and Jonathan Kriess-Tomkins’ work as a former state legislator (JKT used to represent me & Haines!).
Max and Ryan sat down with me to chat about growing up in Southeast Alaska along the Inside Passage and their experiences sharing our region with guests aboard their Alaska charter yacht.
EB: You took over operations from a renowned couple in the Alaska yacht charter world, Geoff and Debbie Wilson – How has that transition been? Any pleasant surprises or growing pains entering your third year of operation?
Max & Ryan: They are big shoes to fill!! We were very lucky to purchase the business and vessel from Geoff and Debbie as they were pioneers in the Alaska yachting industry, building fantastic systems for the operation and gaining an impressive amount of knowledge about the industry. They remain present for us for questions and counsel and have been incredibly helpful. They’ve also been thrilled to see young Alaskans take on the platform they built. It’s also been really cool to take on guests who grew up traveling with Geoff and Debbie and are now cruising with us!
EB: I’ve heard you have ALASKAN STORY all wrapped up for winter in Juneau. Any big plans for the coming off-season to prepare her for next year?
Max & Ryan: We’ll be doing some routine maintenance to keep everything running smoothly mechanically. Guest areas will be getting a spruce up with some new carpet replacements. The past two years we’ve replaced all the beds and linens. As we transition from the previous owners we’re making efforts to upgrade the on board guest experience in all facets.
EB: I know each month in Southeast Alaska holds something special for visitors, but do you have a particular time of year up here that is your favorite to share with guests?
Max & Ryan: Every month does feature a little treasure. But my personal favorite is August – bears are in the streams feeding on spawning salmon, fish and fishing are super active, and whales are abundant. That being said, it is still hard to beat May with the snow-covered mountains, typically great weather and everything just starting to come alive.
EB: What “WOWS” guests aboard STORY – the comfort of the vessel, Alaskan landscapes and wildlife, the fresh cuisine?
Max & Ryan: You kind of nailed all of it! On top of all those, it has been incredibly rewarding to work with such an excited and energetic crew. Clients see our enthusiasm and it is an unexpected surprise for guests. It’s special to feel how excited guests are to spend the week with us. All the little touches and phenomenal service we provide all pays off.
EB: Do you feel like being a group of Alaskan-locals from Juneau sets you apart from other Alaska yacht operators in our region?
Max & Ryan: Absolutely- From a very young age I’ve been exploring the waters around Juneau and learning about the different plants and animals, remote destinations and secret spots. All the things you can’t get without spending your whole life here.
EB: You are one of the few fortunate permit holders with a concession for entering Glacier Bay National Park – Can you share some highlights of Glacier Bay and why it is unique to the rest of Southeast Alaska and Inside Passage?
Max & Ryan: The Park Service has done such an amazing job of preserving Glacier Bay National Park that you truly feel that you are alone in an untouched wilderness. It also is fun sharing the history of the Park with guests. It has to be one of the hardest National Parks to get to and it is fun to share that with people. The amount of marine life that is in and around Glacier Bay is just massive. Whales, puffins, mountain goats, wolves, all seen from the water and you don’t just don’t see this in the rest of Southeast.
EB: Anything else you’d like to share with us?
Max & Ryan: We’re always excited to share our home state and region with people and get to show all the nooks along the Inside Passage and showcase the wildlife – the best way to see Southeast Alaska is by boat and we thoroughly enjoy sharing that!
EB: Thanks to Max and Ryan for taking the time to chat with us about their Alaska charter yacht and what makes their operation unique in the industry.
If you are interested in an Alaska yacht charter for 2025 aboard ALASKAN STORY or any of our many options for Alaska yacht charters, contact us and begin planning for this coming summer!
