The objections (and misconceptions) to conventional cruising are endless, and to be honest, as an independent traveler myself, cruising was never been my preferred method of travel. But after a family cruise to Alaska, it made me appreciate why travelers love cruising. Dining like royalty, being rocked to sleep every night, exploring a new port every day – It’s exciting. But if you’re like me and love the idea of seeing the world from its oceans and waterways, but doing it with 2500 people makes your wanderlusting heart palpitate, I have a solution; Tap into your inner ‘un-ness’ and set sail on an UnCruise
UnCruise is an American based small ship adventure company that focuses on culture, conservation, and emphasizes the importance of celebrating our ‘un-ness’. So what does that mean exactly?
The ability to To break away from the masses. Challenge. Freely used to release, exemplify, or intensify a force or quality. To engage, connect, and explore unique places, oneself, and with others on a most uncommon adventure.
Sound a bit more up your alley? Yeah, me too. If you’ve ever dreamed of going on an epic expedition, but never envisioned doing it on a floating city, this is a cruise company you may want to get to know.
The UnCruise Introduction
What if, instead of lining up with thousands of other passengers, someone personally greeted you before you stepped on board, took your bags and showed you to your cabin to settle in? Cruising with somewhere between 22 and 88 passengers (depending on the itinerary) means you get to enjoy a level of personal service you won’t find on the large ships. Once you’re all settled into your cabin, a crew member will escort you around your new floating home. You might be might be surprised not only by the array of amenities on board, but all the little extras like mounted cameras so you can watch flora and fauna play beneath the ship. An an open bridge policy means nautical fanatics get to mingle with the Captain and First Mates. And a kayak launch platforms allow for impromptu excursions.
Flexible Itineraries
Because of their size, a traditional cruise ship itinerary runs on a strict schedule, leaving very little room for flexibility. But we all know Mother nature doesn’t exist in stasis, and whether it’s bumpy weather, a playful pod of Orcas, or an impromptu visit from a local conservationist, UnCruise leaves plenty of room in their itineraries for the unexpected. While on a trip with the Wilderness Explorer, a client of mine encountered a mother Grizzly teaching her two cubs how to salmon fish along the shores of Glacier Bay National Park. They were enroute to a small village, but the ship’s captain decided this was worth the deviation. It was an experience she wouldn’t have had on a larger ship, and one she’ll never forget.
Wining & Dining
If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to have a personal chef, the dining experience on board UnCruise will you show you what you’ve been missing. Thoughtful, handcrafted meals are prepared daily by on-board executive chefs, showcasing local flavours, paired with hand selected wines. And the best part? Unlike traditional cruises, your wine, spirits and specialty coffees are included in your cruise fare.
Where Can You Take UnCruise
You can explore the following destinations:
- Alaska
- Columbia & Snake Rivers
- Galapagos
- Hawaiian Islands
- Costa Rica & Panama
- Mexico’s Sea of Cortes
- Pacific North West
Unplug & Get Connected
Connect with nature, connect with others, connect with yourself. Chat with locals and experience local culture. Connect with nature by exploring pristine shorelines, explore underwater worlds, feel the power of a calving glacier up close. Every itinerary promises to show you something you’ve never seen, shows you how to participate rather than just observe adventure, and reminds you of what it means to be an explorer.
Family Fun
The Family Discoveries program aboard UnCruise welcomes families with children eight years old and above to experience a special kind of family holiday:
Our Family Discoveries program celebrates the curiosity and wonderment of kids-at-heart of every age. And while we don’t offer adult-free play zones and there are no babysitting services, everyone learns while having fun—think summer camp for the entire family.
Mud face painting shore side with the grandparents, father-daughter stand-up paddle board sessions, mother-son snorkeling sessions with playful aquatic mammals, UnCruise provides the perfect opportunity for families to connect and create irreplaceable memories.
Okay, I’m Convinced – But What do the Critics Say?
Look, no cruise company is perfect, and like any tour company, hotel or airline, it’s smart to research the ratings. With a rating of 89% on the cruise industries foremost authority on cruise experiences (Cruise Critic), UnCruise gets an “A” for passenger experience, level of service, and quality of their itineraries. And if you’re still not so sure, last year they took home the Trip Advisor Award for Best Adventure Cruise Line in 2015.
Whether you’re an avid cruiser, a newbie or an adventure traveler looking to explore some of the most beautiful oceans and rivers in the world, UnCruise promises small ships with big adventures.
