UnCruise Adventures

When you come back from an Alaska cruise, it’s a given that you’ll rave about the landscape, its vast and wild nature, and the wildlife you spotted. But what you might not expect is all the AHA moments and adventures you had, and to form lasting connections with your shipmates and crew on an adventure of a lifetime.

With UnCruise Adventures that’s exactly what happens—it’s a much more personal way to travel. No two departures are ever the same, and you share the experience with just 22 to 90-guests. Engaging, attentive crewmembers know your name, learn your preferences, and guide you on an active exploration of Alaska’s wonders.

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Hiking, kayaking, and exploring intertidal zones are just some of the ways you’ll connect with Alaska and other guests. Your home-away-from-home offers up a casual atmosphere—relax on deck, chat over meals, share stories, and learn while having fun.

A Day With UnCruise

Each day brings new waters and wilderness to discover. Aboard a small ship, you can nestle into areas where big ships can’t go, and you have a more flexible itinerary (happily accommodating an extended whale breaching show or making time for a “polar plunge”).

Wake up to a hearty breakfast (tip: don’t miss the bacon!). Morning and afternoon activities are offered rain or shine. Your onboard expedition team helps you sift through the options, catered to your interest and ability. You might choose a skiff ride, walk along a glacial moraine, or kayaking. Try stand-up paddleboarding to explore small coves, or don a wetsuit to snorkel for colorful sea stars and fish. Even a simple hike affords a unique and primeval experience. Take in lush, temperate rainforests, dramatic coastline, and blue glaciers, along with frequent wildlife spotting: soaring eagles, bobbing otters, roaring sea lions, ambling bears, and majestic whales. Do as much or a little as you want!

At the end of the day, relax with cocktail hour and appetizers followed by dinner (always a choice between meat, veggie, and sustainably-sourced seafood options) and baked-on-board breads and desserts. Finally, enjoy an educational talk, mingle with other guests, or a soak under the stars in the hot tub.

The Crew

The owners of UnCruise Adventures, Captain Dan Blanchard and Tim Jacox, infuse their business culture with a focus on Alaska, adventure, and real travel experiences. Both have decades of experience around boats and in the small ship cruise industry, and apply that knowledge toward crafting small-scale, highly rewarding cruise opportunities for their guests.

Having a friendly and knowledgeable crew is fundamental when you’re on a 7- to 14-night voyage. All captains and crewmembers of UnCruise Adventures are well-educated, well-trained, life-long learners who are passionate about a life at sea and a life of adventure.

When to Cruise?

You can book an UnCruise from April through September, and there’s something special to experience in each month. April and early May are what UnCruise calls Alaska Awakening. It’s the driest weather of the year with sunny bluebird skies. Spring flowers are in bloom and it’s warm during the day but still cool enough at night for the snow to cling to the mountains. It’s also an ideal time to see migrating shorebirds and gray whales. And, there are no crowds! Later in the summer the days grow longer and warmer, and your chance of seeing spawning salmon and bears (following the salmon), and humpback whales increase. August and September bring a bit more chance of rain, but that “liquid sunshine” only enhances the lush, temperate rainforests of Southeast, Alaska. And, in September, a darker night sky provides a better chance for spotting the northern lights if they’re out!

Choosing Your Itinerary

While the vessels differ a bit in what they offer (some have larger cabins than others, for example), the most important factor is the destination—place—and leaving a piece of your heart before you head home. Remember that you’ll spend most of the time outside your cabin.

• Destination: Liquid sunshine or cloud failure, experience the rugged wilderness, remote coves, lush rainforests, and glacial landscapes of Southeast Alaska and the Salish Sea through up-close, active exploration.
• Length of trip: The minimum voyage is 7 nights. To see more, opt for 14 nights.
• Vessel size: The largest boat, S.S. Legacy, accommodates 90 guests – just a fraction of the larger cruise lines. If you’re drawn to a very small group, try the Safari Quest (22).
• Ship amenities: Some include a wine library, cabins with private French doors, and Jacuzzi tubs. Others are more like a rustic wilderness lodge with a neighborhood bar. All vessels offer handcrafted meals, a low guest-to-crew ratio, public decks, hot tubs, cabins with private bath/shower, flat-screen TV/DVD, and a view window.
• Who’s going? UnCruise Adventures is a great choice for couples, singles, families, and groups, as activities accommodate many interest levels, from grandparents to children 8 and up.
• Themed cruise: UnCruise Adventures has developed themed cruises so that you can combine your Alaskan voyage with a passion such as photography, birding, or Alaska Insiders marine biology.
• Cruise fares: What most defines your trip is included in every fare—excursions and adventure activities, expertise of expedition guides, handcrafted cuisine, and a wide array of beverage options… including alcohol.

Itineraries begin from Seattle, Juneau, Sitka or Ketchikan. See the featured itineraries below for details.