FAQ

Q: Is Jewell Gardens & Glassworks fully accessible and appropriate for all ages & physical abilities?

A: Yes! Our venue is almost entirely flat and the walking is easy – there are extensive boardwalks and groomed paths throughout. Ramps are provided where necessary for wheelchair access, and we have an ADA accessible restroom.

Please note that while Jewell Gardens & Glassworks is fully accessible, the transportation for a particualar tour may not be, or may require advanced notice. Please contact Holland America if you are unable to step on and off a tour bus. The only age restriction is a minimum age of 7 years for the Golden Glassblowing Experience.

With the fire, tools and molten glass in the glass hot shop and the magnificent organic show garden there is a truly unique Alaskan experience to remember here for everyone! Not to mention the delicious garden fresh cuisine served to guests on most of our programs…

Q: What is served at the tea services and lunches?

A: Our full tea service includes: herbed cream cheese tea sandwiches, freshly made herb scones, carrot cat, your choice of spinach or smoked salmon quiche, and our signature ‘ruby-begonia’ dessert bars. You’ll also enjoy our reowned english rose tea, coffee and mint lemonade.

Our lunches include: a large serving of our freshly made spinach or smoked salmon quiche, a garden fresh salad, homemade soup of the day, a fresh baked bread, and our signature ‘ruby-begonia’ dessert bars. You’ll also enjoy our reowned english rose tea, coffee and mint lemonade.

Wine and beer are also available for purchase (included for guests 21 years or older on the Golden Glassblowing Experience!). Everything me make features fresh organic ingredients from our garden whenever possible!

Q: Are you able to accommodate special dietarty requests?

A: Yes! If you notify the Tour Desk on board your ship at least 24 hours in advance we are happy to accommodate special dietary needs, including vegan and dairy-free or wheat/gluten-free requests.

Q: Do I need any prior Glassblowing experience to do it myself on the Golden Glassblowing Experience?

A: No! Virtually no one who takes this tour has ever had the opportunity to try glassblowing themselves – that’s why this excursion is such a hit! Our experienced glassblowing artists walk you through the process step by step and help control the blowpipe for guaranteed results! You choose your colors & pattern and blow your air to inflate the glass and our artists assist with everything else.

We provide everything you need, including a protective lab coat, eye protection, and individual sterilized mouthpieces. We ask that guests wear natural fiber clothing (no fleece) and closed-toe shoes. Come join us at the “hottest new venue in Skagway” – it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Q: Am I able to take my glass piece with me after I make it on the Golden Glassblowing Experience?

A: No – hand blown glass must be cooled down very slowly (overnight) or it is so brittle that it can break even with a light touch! Once “annealed” or tempered by show cooling the piece becomes durable and long lasting (though you still don’t want to drop it!). We ship your finished work to you anywhere in the world (included in the price of your tour), and in most cases it will arrive about the time you get home from your Alaskan vacation, or soon thereafter. The bonus for you is that you don’t have to try and pack it in your suitcase!

Q: Is it possible to rent a portion of the Garden and/or Glassworks for a wedding or special event?

A: Yes! We are host to several such events every summer and have dedicated a special corner of our property so that event guests enjoy privacy from the rest of the garden visitors. We can easily accommodate groups of up to 100 people with plenty of advance notice and planning. We offer on-site catering, photography, and even our own florist and state certified marriage commissioners! Event guests can blow glass, wander the gardens, or play on our new sporting green featuring a golf putting green, croquet, horseshoes & more!

Please let your Holland America Cruise representative know if you are interested in a quote for your special event!