Passengers aboard the Safari Endeavor had just begun to file into a rubber dinghy for a shoreside hike when the captain pointed into the distance. “Fluke up!” he cried, as every head turned just in time to catch the giant tail of a humpback whale sliding quietly into the briny waters of Thomas Bay, Alaska. Cameras clicked and exclamations of “Oh, look!” carried across the deck as another day of exploration began.
This is UnCruise Adventures, one of several smaller ship lines taking the concept of cruising and turning it on its head. Straddling the line between sightseeing and hard-core adventure, companies like UnCruise Adventures are known for connections with nature that appeal to passengers who never thought they could like a cruising vacation.
With cabins accommodating between 22 and 88 guests, UnCruise vessels are designed to spend time nosing in and out of the nooks and crannies of waterways unreachable by larger ships, dropping anchor in remote wilderness where the only sounds might be wind in the treetops or the chatter of bald eagles. Daily activities include kayaking, hiking, or relaxing topside while enjoying the view, combining the allure of wild places with the comfort and convenience of cruising life.
Operating from base offices in Seattle, Washington and Juneau, Alaska, UnCruise Adventures recently celebrated 20 years of small-ship cruising with a mission of providing guests an enriching experience with plenty of cultural, natural and historical experiences. It’s more than merely boarding a smaller cruise ship to see places like Alaska, Mexico, or Costa Rica, says UnCruise Adventures CEO Dan Blanchard. It’s an immersion.
“We connect with nature and each other on these adventures in remote places; it’s meaningful and memorable.”
Courtesy of UnCruise
The Destinations
While UnCruise Adventures sailed primarily around the placid waters of Alaska’s Inside Passage during its early days, the company quickly realized the same model that introduced guests to the Last Frontier could also be used in other places. Currently, UnCruise sails to six western coastline regions besides Alaska: Mexico’s Sea of Cortés; Hawaiian Islands; Costa Rica/Panama; Galápagos; the Columbia and Snake Rivers; and the Pacific Northwest, including portions of Canada.
Guests seeking wild adventure often choose Alaska itineraries that provide up-close encounters with whales, bears and the state’s abundant glaciers in the Last Frontier. People looking for sun and sand during long, cold winter months often head to Mexico, Costa Rica, or the Hawaiian Islands.
The UnCruise fleet is made up of expedition vessels with kayak “easy docks” and ample deck space, boutique yachts that allow for smaller groups and a replica turn-of-the-century steamer. Each ship is specifically designed to perform nimble exploration in places the larger cruise lines cannot travel, giving guests a truly remarkable, intimate experience.
Courtesy of UnCruise
Small Ship Life
For those unaccustomed to cruising, UnCruise Adventures eases passengers through the process even before they’ve embarked upon the ship. Sales counselors help would-be guests choose the trip to fit their style of travel, family size and personal interest, including handy checklists for gear and testimonials from previous guests.
On board, inviting spaces welcome opportunities for relaxation and activity, with daily social hours, evening programs and libraries where guests can curl up with a good book or watch the scenery from expansive windows. Dining, too, turns into an experience with carefully-crafted meals featuring local ingredients and from-scratch desserts.
For many passengers the essence of small ship travel is the ability to enjoy the diverse activities right from the vessel, instead of transferring to a port of call. UnCruise Adventures experiences range from serene to extreme and utilize the vast, unspoiled wilderness in which the company operates. Kayaking within easy sight of a fuzzy sea otter having a clam breakfast? Check. Hiking within range of a towering waterfall? Can do. Whether guests prefer soaking in a hot tub on the aft deck or climbing through brushy rainforests, UnCruise crew members work to make sure the passenger experience is comfortable and unique. Wellness staff offer morning yoga or stretching classes and massages and expedition guides present interesting slide shows about the rich history of Pacific Ocean waterways. Even the captain of the vessel takes an active role in guests’ experience by opening the bridge area for hands-on lessons in maritime operations or wildlife habitat.
Families with children are welcomed aboard UnCruise vessels with activities just for them and an expedition crew who take time to provide important lessons in stewardship of the world’s most beautiful natural places. Kids thrive in an outdoor environment that embraces their curiosity and need to move, with nature hikes, skiff rides and the chance to try out new things like kayaking or Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP). The company also offers a $500 savings for kids between 8 and 13.
The best part? Activities are included, leaving guests and their families to relax, unwind and discover their own little slice of paradise.
That’s the UnCruise difference.
Courtesy of UnCruise
By Erin Kirkland. For more information on small ship cruises, visit UnCruise Adventures.