Hi, I'm going to America Golden West in April 2013. There seems to be a lot of interest from people ion the website about Alcatraz. Is there any chance that JY could organise a tour there? People seem to be trying to get there on their own and are unsure of how to do it. There are various suggestions on the website from previous travellers but it would be great if JY could take away the worries and uncertainties. I'm rather nervous about booking in advance with unfamiliar websites [/b]in case something goes wrong!

Good morning,

Thanks for getting in touch, It is really difficult for us to arrange Alcatraz because of the terms and conditions involved for operating groups there. The administration of it all is really complex and we just don't have the resource to do it at present. There is also the issue that we would have to buy a whole groups worth of tickets and then if any went unsold we would lose that money.

We are going to be talking to Alcatraz early next year to see if there is anything we can do though.

http://www.alcatrazcruises.com/  - just go on to that website and buy tickets for the date of your choice and then print before you go on holiday. Then all you have to do is turn up at the pier and away you go - no queuing or hassle! the tour is excellent and includes an audio guide which is just brilliant.

I hope this helps,

Kindest,

Ben

Hi

I've been to Alcatraz when I've been to SF recently (nothing to do with JY). I booked the tour in advance from the UK, and it really is very straightforward.

I would echo everything that Ben says. It's a must do tour and is relatively inexpensive, the "cruise" out is enjoyable as well. The Alcatraz tours can get very, very busy, and I would strongly suggest that you book it in advance. If you leave it until you actually get to SF, then I suspect that you would have a very limited choice of times, and it may even be that the tour is fully booked for the next couple of days.

I've noticed that people on this holiday have posted on this site, and thereby got a number of people on a particular holiday all to all book on the same Alcatraz tour, and this is a possibility especially as you've got a few months before your holiday.

Enjoy SF.

Stuart

I will add that your hotel (assume they still use the Radisson at Fishermans Wharf) is really close to where you catch the ferry.

Thanks guys for the reassurance. I'll wait until I get my travel package from JY in January and when I know what day/time is best for Alcatraz I will go ahead and book from the UK on the Alcatraz website. Hopefully I can liaise with one or two others to book the same cruise - really don't want to go wandering around SF on my own or I might never make it back to the hotel in time for dinner!!!!