Uncruise Cruises
Overview
UnCruise Adventures pioneered the small-ship adventure cruising concept, delivering immersive wilderness experiences in Alaska, Hawaii, Pacific Northwest, Mexico's Sea of Cortez, Galapagos, and beyond since 1996. Operating a fleet of intimate expedition vessels carrying just 22-86 guests, UnCruise reaches remote destinations and wildlife encounters impossible for traditional cruise ships.
The company's tagline "Adventure, Without Roughing It" perfectly captures their philosophy: providing authentic wilderness experiences with comfortable accommodations, excellent cuisine, and expert naturalist guides. Unlike expedition cruises that emphasize the ship, UnCruise focuses entirely on the destination - every day delivers active adventures from kayaking glacial fjords to hiking rainforests to snorkeling with sea lions.
Award-winning Alaska itineraries remain UnCruise's signature. While mega-ships dock at crowded ports, UnCruise vessels anchor in pristine wilderness - watching bears fish for salmon in remote streams, kayaking past calving glaciers, and hiking through old-growth forests with naturalist guides who share deep knowledge of the ecosystem.
UnCruise maintains an all-inclusive philosophy that eliminates surprise costs. Fares include all excursions, gear (kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel equipment, hiking poles), premium wines and spirits, and crew gratuities. The only extras are massages and boutique purchases. This approach attracts adventure travelers who want simplicity and value.
The company demonstrates genuine environmental commitment through their small footprint, zero-discharge policies, and support for local conservation. UnCruise vessels access sensitive areas with minimal impact while educating guests about environmental stewardship. Their Hawaii itineraries highlight marine conservation, while Alaska voyages support salmon habitat protection.
Fleet Information
UnCruise Adventures Fleet:
Wilderness Discoverer (Flagship - Alaska/Pacific)
- Guests: 76 maximum
- Crew: 28
- Features: Two expedition craft launches, kayaks, paddleboards, hot tub
- Regions: Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Columbia & Snake Rivers
- Starting at $4,795 per person (7 nights Alaska)
Wilderness Explorer (Alaska/Pacific)
- Guests: 76 maximum
- Crew: 28
- Features: Adventure platform, yoga deck, expedition craft
- Regions: Alaska, Puget Sound, Columbia River
- Starting at $4,595 per person (7 nights)
Wilderness Adventurer (Alaska)
- Guests: 60 maximum
- Crew: 25
- Features: Intimate size for deeper wilderness access
- Regions: Southeast Alaska, Inside Passage
- Starting at $4,395 per person (7 nights)
Safari Endeavour (Largest Vessel)
- Guests: 86 maximum
- Crew: 35
- Features: Wine library, underwater viewing, wellness program
- Regions: Alaska, Mexico Sea of Cortez
- Starting at $4,995 per person (7 nights)
Safari Quest (Most Intimate)
- Guests: 22 maximum
- Crew: 12
- Features: Yacht-like intimacy, hot tub, expedition craft
- Regions: Alaska, Mexico Sea of Cortez
- Starting at $5,995 per person (7 nights)
Safari Voyager (Expedition Style)
- Guests: 66 maximum
- Crew: 28
- Features: Marina platform, panoramic lounge
- Regions: Costa Rica, Panama, Belize, Colombia
- Starting at $4,595 per person (7 nights)
Onboard Experience
The UnCruise Experience:
Active Adventures Daily:
- Kayaking: Tandem and single kayaks included daily
- Paddleboarding: Stand-up boards for calm water exploration
- Hiking: Naturalist-led hikes at multiple skill levels
- Skiff Excursions: Expedition craft for wildlife viewing and landing
- Snorkeling: Equipment and instruction included (warm water destinations)
- Wildlife Watching: Bears, whales, sea lions, birds with expert guides
Expedition Gear Provided:
- PFDs and dry bags
- Hiking poles and boots (loan program)
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Snorkel equipment
- Wetsuits where needed
- Rain gear in Alaska
Accommodations:
- All staterooms feature windows or portholes
- Private bathrooms with showers
- Climate control
- Comfortable bedding
- USB charging and reading lights
- Some cabins feature balconies and larger square footage
Onboard Atmosphere:
- Casual dress throughout
- No assigned seating
- Open bridge policy
- Naturalist presentations nightly
- Cocktail hour with hors d'oeuvres
- Photo review and sharing sessions
Dining & Entertainment
UnCruise Culinary Program:
Dining Philosophy:
Family-style meals in single seating encourage mingling:
- Locally-sourced ingredients
- Fresh-caught Alaskan seafood
- Regional cuisine specialties
- Vegetarian and dietary accommodations
- House-baked breads and desserts
- Al fresco dining when weather permits
Included Beverages:
- Premium wines at dinner (and lunch on select voyages)
- Craft beers and local selections
- Spirits and cocktails
- Specialty coffees and teas
- Soft drinks and juice
Sample Menu Highlights:
- Dungeness crab fresh from Alaska waters
- Grilled wild salmon with seasonal vegetables
- Hawaiian poke and local specialties
- Mexican-inspired cuisine in Sea of Cortez
- Pacific Northwest farm-to-table creations
Evening Programs:
- Naturalist presentations on wildlife and ecology
- Photography workshops and image sharing
- Star-gazing on deck
- Local entertainment when available
- Captain's welcome and farewell dinners
- Hot tub under the stars
Pricing Guide
UnCruise Adventures Pricing Guide:
Alaska 7-Night Adventures:
- Navigator cabin (interior): $4,295-$5,195 per person
- Trailblazer cabin (view): $4,995-$5,995 per person
- Pathfinder cabin (window): $5,795-$6,995 per person
- Commander cabin (deluxe): $6,495-$7,995 per person
- Admiral suite: $8,995-$10,995 per person
Hawaii 7-Night Adventures:
- Navigator cabin: $4,695-$5,495 per person
- Pathfinder cabin: $5,995-$7,295 per person
- Commander cabin: $6,995-$8,495 per person
Mexico Sea of Cortez 7-Night:
- Navigator cabin: $3,895-$4,695 per person
- Pathfinder cabin: $4,895-$5,895 per person
- Commander cabin: $5,595-$6,895 per person
All-Inclusive Value:
Fares include:
- All excursions and activities
- Kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear
- Expert naturalist guides
- Premium wines, spirits, beer
- All meals and snacks
- Crew gratuities
- Transfers on embark/debark days
- Adventure gear and equipment
Cruise Now Pay Later:
Secure your adventure with flexible payment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
UnCruise offers multiple activity levels daily - from gentle walks to strenuous hikes, from leisurely kayaking to challenging paddles. You choose your adventure level each day. Average physical fitness recommended but not required.
Yes, UnCruise offers dedicated family departures on select voyages with modified activities, kids' pricing, and young adventure specialist guides. Minimum age varies by voyage (typically 8+ for Alaska).
UnCruise vessels reach wilderness areas impossible for large ships - hidden coves, remote glaciers, bear-watching streams. You're active daily with kayaking, hiking, and wildlife encounters rather than touring ports.
Nearly everything. All excursions, activities, gear, premium beverages, and gratuities are included. Only spa treatments and boutique purchases are extra - no nickel-and-diming.
Layers for Alaska, casual activewear throughout. UnCruise provides expedition gear including rain gear, boots, and binoculars. Pack light - there's limited stateroom storage.
No prior experience needed. Naturalist guides provide instruction and lead groups at appropriate skill levels. Equipment is stable and beginner-friendly.
Guest Reviews
Kayaking past calving glaciers, watching bears catch salmon feet away, incredible naturalists who taught us so much - UnCruise delivered the authentic Alaska we dreamed of.
Ship: Wilderness Discoverer | Destination: Southeast Alaska | July 2024Our kids (10 and 13) loved every minute - paddleboarding, wildlife spotting, earning their junior naturalist badges. The crew made everyone feel like family.
Ship: Safari Endeavour | Destination: Alaska Inside Passage | June 2024Swimming with sea lions, whale watching, hidden coves for snorkeling - and all included. The all-inclusive value made planning simple and stress-free.
Ship: Safari Quest | Destination: Baja Sea of Cortez | February 2024As a solo woman, I felt completely welcomed. The small group meant instant friendships, and every day offered adventures I couldn't have found on my own.
Ship: Wilderness Explorer | Destination: Pacific Northwest | September 2024