So, picture this: we’ve been aware of and plotting to experiencer UnCruise Adventures since 2016, and we finally got to hop on board for our first (and second) sailings. Spoiler alert: they were both was fan-freaking-tastic! We’re talking about a travel experience that’s so unique, it’ll make your typical vacay seem like there’s a lot of room for improvement. And that’s why we’re excited to share UnCruise with you!
We partner with UnCruise Adventures so are excited to be able to offer a discount code if you’re planning a trip. If you choose to book, please let us know so we can follow up and make sure you have an awesome experience.
When booking an UnCruise small ship sailing, mention our code (online or via phone) TWODADS500 to receive $500 discount towards your passage.
What Makes UnCruise Adventures a DIFFERENT Type of Alaska Cruise?
Now, before you start thinking, “Oh great, another boring cruise review,” hold your horses! UnCruise is like the rebel child of the cruise world – it’s small, it’s nimble, and it’s got an approach that’s all about adventure. We’re talking zodiac-style skiffs that’ll zip you into coves so secret, even Google Maps hasn’t found them yet (I’ve tried to find the names of some of our stops).
But wait, there’s more! Kayaking and active excursions are the name of the game here. It’s like they looked at regular cruises and said, “Nah, too much of the same thing everyone else has done on an Alaskan cruise. Let’s make people tell NEW vacation stories” And you know what? We’ve loved every remote, adventurous and quiet minute of it.
But here’s the real kicker: UnCruise is like having a personal tour guide, bartender, and adventure buddy all rolled into one. The crew-to-passenger ratio is so good, you’ll feel like a VIP. On our Hawaiian adventure, there were only 30 passengers and on our Alaska sailing we only had 40. It was like a floating wilderness camp with your new best friends.
Value of an Alaska UnCruise
First off, UnCruise is all-inclusive. And we don’t mean the “Oh, but alcohol and excursions are extra” kind of all-inclusive. We’re talking food, drinks, and fun, all wrapped up in one neat little package. No surprise bills at the end that’ll make you want to swim home.
We did some serious number crunching (because we’re nerds like that), and compared to a big ol’ cruise ship, UnCruise actually comes out on top when you factor in all the extras on a regular cruise – excursions, drink packages, hidden fees – suddenly that UnCruise price tag doesn’t look so scary.
UnCruise Accessibility
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: accessibility. We’ll be honest, UnCruise isn’t exactly wheelchair-friendly. There are options though, including an accessible elevator and flexible planning on the Wilderness Legacy, but most of the ships are quite small and not built to accommodate guests with wheelchairs. If you’re mobile and just need a little extra help, the UnCruise crew for sure will have your back. They’re like the world’s friendliest helper, ready to lend a hand whenever you need it, from disembarking to choosing the activities that are best for your activity level.
Onboard Activities with UnCruise in Alaska
Let’s talk fun! UnCruise ships are like floating toy boxes for adults. Kayaks? Check. Paddleboards? You bet. Snorkel gear? Of course (and yes, there are times you may want it on an Alaska sailing)! They’ve even got yoga mats, because nothing says “vacation” like downward dog on a moving ship, right? Actually, the seas are very calm when you’re sailing the Inside Passage with UnCruise. That’s part of the beauty of Southeast Alaska.
Don’t worry if this all sounds more active than you’re interested in. There’s plenty of time to relax too. Lounge chairs, hot tubs (sometimes, depending on the ship), and even a library for when you want to find a new book to read. Board games abound on UnCruise ships. They’ve thought of everything!
Now, we know what you’re thinking: “This sounds great for you fit, adventurous types, but what about us regular folk?” Well, have no fear, because here’s the best part: UnCruise is all about flexibility. Feeling a bit sore from yesterday’s hike? No problem. Swap that kayaking trip for a leisurely skiff ride or a shore walk. It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure book, but way cooler because you’re exploring the remote Alaskan wilderness.
Crew to Passenger Ratio on UnCruise
Let’s not forget about the crew. These folks aren’t just staff – they’re like the coolest camp counselors you never had. By the end of our first trip, our youngest was baking up a storm with the pastry chef. After our second trip our kids were sad to leave our friends who we did both our sailings with, our captain and lead bar tender. It’s such a wonderfully informal experience that everyone has the chance to bond with the crew and each other.
As I mentioned, the ratio of crew to passengers during an UnCruise sailing is what really helps it become a wonderful experience. Most ships have a crew to passenger ratio of 1:3, but on smaller ships or if the ship isn’t fully booked, it’s even better. Not that we just let our kids roam and then we take naps between dropping anchor, but we felt very comfortable allowing them their freedom on board because 1) they’re responsible and 2) there is always crew around that we were very familiar with.
Flexible UnCruise Itineraries
But perhaps the best part of UnCruise is the unexpected. When we sailed on the Wilderness Legacy from Juneau, our itinerary was shared in such a vague fashion that each day we didn’t know what we would see. One night we sailed through icebergs in the mist and the next we were being splashed by a waterfall on the bow.
On our Hawaii trip, the calm seas meant we got to see parts of Molokai and Lanai that most people never do. It’s like Mother Nature decided to roll out the red carpet just for us. And when the weather got a bit choppy? No problem! We just scooted over to a sheltered bay.
Alaska Small Ship Fleet and Itineraries
Here are the current Alaska small ship itineraries available through UnCruise. The boats are all a little different but offer the same style of travel and daily activities. The Safari Quest is the smallest ship and the Wilderness Legacy is the largest. We’ve sailed on both the Safari Explorer and Wilderness Legacy. Both were awesome!
- Safari Endeavor – Sitka to Juneau
- Wilderness Discoverer – Glacier Bay Adventure OR Alaska’s Fjords from Ketchikan to Juneau
- Safari Quest – Glacier Wilderness from Juneau
- Wilderness Legacy – Kids in Nature OR Wild, Wooly and WOW from Juneau
- Safari Explorer – Prince William Sound OR Aleutian Islands Adventure
UnCruise sails from a few different ports for small ship Alaska itineraries:
- Juneau – this is the primary port for Southeast Alaska trips
- Ketchikan or Sitka – used for one-way trips and special sailings
- Whittier – for Prince William Sound and Aleutian Islands trips
- Dutch Harbor – for Aleutian Islands itineraries
When booking an UnCruise small ship sailing, mention our code (online or via phone) TWODADS500 to receive $500 discount towards your passage.
So, there you have it. UnCruise is like the cool kid of the travel world – a bit pricey in comparison to a 3 day Caribbean cruise, sure, but totally worth it for a unique small ship Alaska sailing. It’s for people who want to see the world, not just take selfies in front of it. It’s for families who want to bond over more than just Wi-Fi passwords (because there isn’t wifi). And it’s for anyone who’s ever looked at a typical cruise itinerary and thought, “I want more.”
Whether you’re young or retired, gay, straight, or anywhere in between, whether you’ve got kids or you’re flying solo, UnCruise is a great opportunity to experience a side of travel you never knew existed. It’s not just a vacation – it’s an adventure with a capital “A.” Remember, life’s too short for boring vacations. So go ahead, take the plunge, and join an UnCruise Adventure. Who knows? You might just find yourself planning your next trip before you even step off the ship.
If you have any questions about choosing an UnCruise sailing, want more specifics as to what the experience is like, or need other Alaska trip suggestions, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to help with planning an unforgettable trip.
