UPDATE: Sadly, Michael Noel Wien passed away unexpectedly on January 29th, 2017. His obituary can be found here.
Travel Insider Interview: Michael N. Wien, Vice President, Alaska Dream Cruises
A fifth generation Alaskan, Michael Wien hails from Fairbanks, Alaska. He’s been involved in helping visitors enjoy Alaska since his teenage days when he starting working transporting guest’s luggage as a bell hop.
Michael since worked his way up in the travel industry with stints as a tour guide, pilot, cruise ship staff member, marketing director and international sales director for a major cruise line, traveling the world through his work.
In 2011, Michael returned to his Alaskan roots to join Alaska Dream Cruises, a new small ship cruise offering founded by Bob and Betty Allen to complement their highly respected tour boat operations and Sitka-based boat building operations.
We asked Michael – a proud Alaskan and passionate global traveler — to share some of his insights on traveling and Alaska.
An Orca whale breaching in Southeast Alaska
The Jones: What inspired your love of the travel industry?
Michael: As a young boy growing up in Fairbanks I would listen to my grandparents talk about traveling and flying – my mother’s father, Bill O’Neill was a mining consultant and would travel the world, departing and arriving Fairbanks on Pan American. My Dad’s father, Noel Wien, was always talking about flying in the early days of Alaska.
What did you like most about growing up in Alaska?
Michael: The unique lifestyle we had and my family who we traveled the state in either a bush plane or our camper on the back of our Ford pick-up truck.
Glaciers in Southeast Alaska
Why do you think that travel is important?
Michael: It’s an adventure!
Do you have a favorite destination?
Michael: I love the bush in Alaska.
Black bear exploring Alaska coastline.
What do you love most about Alaska?
Michael: My family and our unique lifestyle.
Why should travelers visit Southeast Alaska?
Michael: It’s one of the best kept secrets! Sitka! Marine life and the spectacular scenery – the Killer whales (Orcas) fascinate the heck out of me.
A close-up view of the killer whales (orcas).
What do first-time visitors to Alaska need to know before they go?
Michael: One cannot see this state in one trip; get ready for adventure and bring a camera!
From your travels, do you have a practice or insight that makes your travel experiences more enjoyable?
Michael: Dress in layers and have lots of memory in my camera.
Alaska Dream Cruises include activities such as kayaking