UnCruise Adventures

River Cruises

Singles Cruises

Senior Cruises

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Juneau

Ketchikan

Alaska

U.S.A.

Excellent

Very Good

Terrible

Safari Endeavour

Wilderness Discoverer

Wilderness Explorer

Wilderness Adventurer

Safari Explorer

Safari Quest

We wanted a cruise with adventure, where we were not treated as cogs in the corporate revenue machine, where we learned something new, saw new sites, and were trusted to do stuff alone, plus given the cool stuff to do it with.  And, yeah, UnCruise exceeded every expectation.  We were thrilled to be on the Wilderness Explorer (not just because we made it with only moments to spare on our last flight out) and found out that UnCruise is so much more than just the ship.

The 5 star review began when the flights started to fail.  We had to call UnCruise as well as our travel agent.  UnCruise answered (on a Saturday) in less than 5 minutes and Betty's calm voice reassured us that we would make it and if we didn't we would work something out (our travel agent never called back -- won't use them again).  We got on a flight and when it landed, we called Chris who helped us set up transportation even though we had not set that up before.  A couple of texts later, a last minute run to the plane, and when we landed, there was CK with the cab at baggage.  Just like they promised.  No charge.  And CK turned out to be the first of the excellent guides we had throughout the journey.  He dropped us with Sara at reception, who provided all the information about embarkation as well as great ideas on the trails right outside the hotel -- great time!  And out first lecture with Joe about Tinglit culture was entertaining, engaging, informative, and very education.  So, within the first day UnCruise met every criteria and we hadn't even joined the ship yet.  

When we did, the fun continued.  Our room was much larger than we thought from the pictures, with plenty of room for our stuff and our suitcases.  We began at the ship's lounge, with champagne and meeting all the other passengers.  We loved the open seating at all the meals and took as much advantage as we could to meet all the other passengers and learn their stories.  What a wonderful group, dedicated to doing something different and also very environmentally conscious.  

And they were very COVID Conscious -- something very important to us.  All of us had to be vaccinated and they checked our cards (very closely I might add) as well as a recent (within 4 days) PCR test.  In our first meeting with Captain Rob, we learned we were not going to stop in Wrangell because it was a COVID hotspot.  Rob did not mention it, but their hard work created a pretty comfortable bubble that no one wanted to break.  So we got to spend an extra day 'at sea' doing cool stuff.  And the COVID discipline did not stop there -- we were constantly (and correctly) reminded to wear masks when with others, even when we were out on the Skiffs.  Meghan, Colin, Ryan, Omnia, and Miranda worked tirelessly to keep our room and the ship spotless.   Although not fun, it was the right thing to do.  And although people would complain about the masks, I never heard anyone complain about why we needed to wear them.  

So what to say about the different days.  Day 1 was different and we knew it was going to be a great cruise when Brunch included bacon AND Prime Rib -- just awesome.  In the afternoon we went on our first set of excursions.  Kelly described these every day at lunch and they always consisted of skiff tours, guided or open kayak tours, bush whacks (creating a trail on different islands) and sometimes eco walks, snorkeling, and lighter or heavier versions of the bushwacks and kayak tours.  The cool thing across the seven days is how they were able to present these in all the different environments of SouthEast Alaska.  We did these activities in active Fjords with current, placid bays with none, on islands and near glaciers.  

Key to each activity were the enthusiastic and remarkably informed guides.  Each guide was an expert on the area's flora, fauna, fish, and fowl.  It did not matter if the guide were Haley, Michaela, Terra, Ruth, or Annie, they had a remarkable knowledge of the environment and if they could not answer a question (which was rare) they found someone who could.  And everyone was engaged -- no one was just checking the box.

Here I have to say something about the relationship between the crew and the passengers.  I really liked that when we went out on excursions, the crew members often went with us.  The guides and the different members of the crew worked closely together both on the ship and on the excursions.  All were trained, at different levels, but I always felt confident.  One on excursion, I was injured and while the guide got out the first aid kit, the steward who was accompanying us helped me to stop the bleeding and made some very good suggestions that I followed (even though I was trained in wilderness first aid).   I enjoyed interacting with the crew as much as discussions with fellow passengers.  We had crewmembers who were actors, authors, dog sled owners/mushers, accomplished and certified bar tenders (Jinny -- awesome), and people who wanted to create a community, not just get a paycheck.   

So you can see, we wanted more in the cruise than just open bar, good food, and fun stuff.  We wanted community and we got it on the Wilderness Explorer.  

Oh -- and there was a ton of fun stuff too.   My favorite were the coldest -- the snorkeling and the polar plunge were exciting as were the open kayaks and the eco excursions where we looked at tidal pools and found cool stuff.  My ONLY suggestion is if we might make time every day just to do an open kayak.  Outside of snorkeling, open kayak was my favorite activity - the ability to take the kayak up to a waterfall and feel the spray was just the best!  

So, this is not the cruise for you if you want to gamble, have other people entertain you, are looking for glitz, want to buy art, want to look at gift shops, or want a crew that is going through the motions and that you can treat poorly.  If you do not want to get sweaty on a bush whack (we had a 6 month pregnant mom go on these -- she was awesome); if you don't want to get wet on a kayak trip, or feel the spray of skiff or learn what Devil's Club is -- this may not be the cruise for you.  And you may feel uncomfortable with the other people on the ship who (like us) soak this stuff up.  

This is the cruise if you really want to get out, see the ecology of an area, have the opportunity for self-learning and discovery, and do it in an environment that meets the thin line between pampering and just being an excellent host.  

And Alaska was a beautiful backdrop to all this great food, fellowship, free drinks, and open thinking.  

Would I do this again? Yep -- and we already put the down payment on the trip.

Would make this a 6 star if possible 

This was our second trip with Uncruise so I knew what to expect.  No extra charges for anything during the trip.  Great service, and especially this trip very friendly staff.  Completely relaxed atmosphere between activities of the day - usually 3 choices of things to do, kayaking to (yes) snorkeling and bushwhacking.  Knowledgeable guides.  We looked forward to all meals and the open seating so we got to know all the guests - 48 on this trip. 

There were plenty of kayaks, wet suits and other gear - no activity was ever 'booked'.  The itinerary changes with wind, tides and weather. We didn't see another vessel of any sort for 5 days, and then one was another UnCruise boat and then some crabbers and a few private rigs.  

We had to cancel a Galapagos trip for the usual reason. UnCruise was very accommodating, offering complete refunds, or a discounted future trip, and helping us get insurance we had paid for transferred.

If you're ok wearing jeans or whatever to dinner, and enjoy being active, this is the cruise for you.

Great Guides, Great food, lots to do

We heard about UnCruise from a couple who wanted to take an Alaska adventure cruise with other couples. We collectively decided that we wanted to “experience” Alaska, rather than just “see” Alaska. We are all 60+ men and women who enjoy moderate outdoor activities. This cruise exceeded our expectations in every way! We arrived a couple of days early to adjust to time change and see Sitka. Departure was smooth as silk. The expedition guides were extremely helpful and knowledgeable, not to mention just plain friendly. They really love what they do. A variety of outings each day allowed us to choose the level of activity we wanted. Want to kayak? Done. How about hiking? Done. Want to ride in a skiff to see some sea lions? Done. Go see a glacier up close and personal? Done. Whale watching? Done. The meals were outstanding and the ingredients fresh. Our bartender could create whatever your palate desired. 

Cabins are small, yet comfortable. Showers are tiny, so don’t drop your soap!  (Note: we didn’t take this cruise to hang out in our rooms!) Our 2 days in port gave us enough time to sample local cuisine and see some sights. This adventure cruise is not for luxury seekers, but if you want to get out and experience Alaska’s natural beauty, then this is the ticket!  Would we travel UnCruise again? You betcha!  Karla K

Best Experience Ever!

Although the reviews of Uncruise on Trip Advisor and Cruise Critic are generally positive, our trip on the Wilderness Explorer left a lot to be desired, did not mirror the comments of previous reviews and is nothing like the brochure or the information provided to us by the travel agent. We booked this at the last minute, paid way too much-it is a poor value for the price, and are sorry we went. We have been to all 7 continents and are firm from this experience that Alaska is just not worth revisiting. I have been on a small ship like this (75 clients) for 3 weeks to Antarctica and a 15 person boat in the Galapagos for 2 weeks so I know what is possible-both of those experiences were superb. Uncruise is not a good small ship option or good value for the dollar.

The Wilderness Explorer is in need of an overhaul. The rooms are small, dark and dank. The presence of sewer gas in our room and generally on our side of the ship was overwhelming. The "hotel manager", although responsive, indicated that this was an ongoing problem, could not be rectified, put a wet washcloth over the shower drain and the sink drain and gave us a bottle of Glade. Did not do the trick. Had difficult sleeping it was so overpowering. We kept the window open (it is minuscule) but it was not really much help. Spent most days (both when raining and sunny) with the door propped open but given that the source is primarily the shower and the door to the bathroom swings shut and opens out blocking the door to the room, it did not provide much relief. Over the week, many people shared their stories of sewer gas...it just shouldn't be an issue if the ships were maintained properly.

Our bed was also "broken". Did not retract into a couch, making our room even smaller. But, because they dock on a Saturday around 9am and load new passengers around 4:30pm, they were unable to attempt to repair it. I would imagine it had been broken since the beginning of the season and will continue to be broken until the ship finishes its runs for the season.

The activities are just ok. We enjoyed sea kayaking. Although potentially attributable to the unseasonably sunny weather, there is minimal wildlife and there are only so many things you can say about small, orange crabs so shore walks are a bust. Bushwhacking is an attempt to fill time. And the day in Wrangell is a total waste. In Wrangell, you are two hours by boat and less time by helicopter from one of the best bear sanctuaries (on a salmon stream-Anan Bear Sanctuary) and it is impossible to get there because the ship is not in port long enough. The activities in Wrangell are poor at best-brief hike, meeting at the "Chief's house", some petrogylphs (although most have been moved out to various museums so few remaining), etc. Management really needs to figure out how to offer a excursion to the Anan Bear Sanctuary on a regular basis-they have done it before when they were required to spend more time in Wrangell due to ship repairs. It might be the only wildlife anyone sees if it could be arranged.

The food was very mediocre. At most meals, fellow table guests were trying to determine what ingredients that were in today's meal had been served in another form the previous day. Ignore the descriptions in the brochure-those are laughable. And although the chef does a good job with the space she has, even the scrambled eggs are terrible.

The staff is good. Most are enthusiastic (but they are being paid) and helpful. They are knowledgeable although sometimes in esoteric subjects that have nothing to do with what you are seeing (but that may be because you are not seeing anything).

The ship has one large meeting area which is basically the bar. There are no places on the ship that you can get out of your room and not have to sit among hordes of people who are also trying to get out of your room.

Finally, they "share" with you that many people have asked about tipping. Our dinner table had a wonderful laugh about that-no one had asked about tipping before it was brought up. They encourage $250 per person, which is essentially, $50 a day per person. We thought that was high although it is getting split among everyone on the ship. We came to the conclusion that it was probably around $750 per ship employee for the week (some employees are exempted-captain, hotel manager, chef, chief guide, etc.). That lead us to believe they were not being paid particularly well. So, beware the tipping that isn't really optional and they are not upfront about in their brochures.

In summary, choose another ship, ask questions about the last time it was FULLY overhauled-not just had a coat of paint slapped on it. And ask what they typically see in terms of animals. We asked all those questions and got satisfactory answers. Our travel agent is relaying our disappointment to their sales rep, but as much as we are glad that he is getting the feedback, it doesn't make our trip any better.

Wilderness Explorer-Wouldn't do it again!

Boston

A First time cruise for me and taking my 12yr old grandson made the week SPECIAL!

The crew was super friendly and helpful; the food extraordinary and always different;the scenery spectacular and we had the most beautiful weather- unexpected!!

We saw glaciers up close the 1st day. We kayaked and went out on skiffs to learn about the environment from our knowledgeable guides. We hiked to a lake thru amazing terrain.We saw whales and seals and eagles! And finally our last day saw a bear!!

Our captain took the boat in so close to waterfalls we could feel the spray!

But most fun for my grandson was paddle boarding w/ a friend- they finally were able to do headstands on the boards! And the water wasn’t so cold when they fell in!

The guests were welcomed on the Bridge, and I was fascinated to learn amongst the crew were 6 registered captains!!

Fantastic week on a SMALL ship!!

Weather is a huge factor on any trip, and is very unpredictable in Alaska.  We were lucky to have mostly cloudy but dry weather with only a few sprinkles one day of the 7.  We are an active retired couple who had avoided big cruise ships since a conference I attended years ago aboard a Carnival ship visiting Key West and Cozumel.  Since then, we had enjoyed a 4-day, 400-passenger ship river cruise on the Yangtze as part of a China tour, and an even smaller (28 passenger) riverboat voyage on the Mekong.  We bike, kayak and hike and travel to see new places and meet people, not to overeat, gamble and drink aboard a floating city. We found more than 70 other passengers of mixed age groups on board the Wilderness Explorer who were "our kind of people", on our full-capacity early July Glaciers and Fjords Alaska cruise with UnCruise.  We loved and appreciated the crew and how hard they work, enjoyed the fresh and attentively-prepared food, and the opportunity to get up close and personal with nature in SW Alaska's inside passage after a 2-week small group land tour (much more affordable) to points further north and east through G-Adventures (also recommended).  We did see quite a variety of wildife on land and sea (even a few bears) though not at close-enough range to spot without binoculars and zoom lenses.  I agree with some of the other reviews that some longer and more physically vigorous excursions would be welcomed by some of the more active passengers, also that the ship's interiors are getting a bit worn and outdated and could do with an overhaul.  We didn't participate in the "polar plunge" but enjoyed watching others jump into the icy water, including an 80-something-year-old patriarch of a large extend-family multi-generational group.  With full capacity, our ship was a bit crowded at times especially the (only) lounge/bar area, where there was insufficient seating for the nightly gathering to reserve the next days' excursions.  Our cabin was fine, small but with efficient use of the space including a murphy bed that raised up into the wall while a sofa took its' place. The ventilation system was a bit noisy, and generators constantly running so no at-sea peace and quiet like I recalled from some youthful times aboard a small sailing yacht.  There were DVD's in the small shelf library, but no DVD-player in our cabin, we speculated that we would have had to request them to be played on a central system, but never asked since we had brought books to read.  Alcohol, including a special bartender's "drink of the day", using premium liquors and fresh fruit juices, was included and unlimited but no one seemed to obviously overindulge.  Since our consumption is typically limited to one beer a day, I would prefer to pay separately for drinks with a reduction in cruise fare or less lofty gratuities expected. Those came as kind of a shock as they were triple ($500 for the week compared to $25/day) the set-rate gratuity we're being charged by Windstar on an upcoming Caribbean cruise we have booked. It sort of tainted our final day farewell experience, raising suspicions that they are underpaying the crew and expecting them to make it solely on the gratuities. I would rather they price the cruise higher and pay them a decent wage, but perhaps they're reluctant to do that due to already being high-priced compared to other cruises. But it's a significant amount to be added-on unexpectedly, and the way it was handled on our ship (maybe not always the case?) was pretty tacky, in my opinion, as everyone is checked-out at the bar register on the last day, waiting in line to pay your tab, with the gratuity added on, ringing up the amount you tell them in full view of others in line and verbally confirming the amount in an audible voice, as if to shame anyone who might want to tip anything less than the $500.  We had already planned to tip more than for the Windstar cruise considering the excursion guides (who on other cruises would be separately tipped individually) were part of the crew sharing in the total gratuity, not solely the ship's hotel, kitchen, cleaning and wait staff.  However, our choice would have been perhaps double the amount, not triple.  My preference would have been to tip each excursion guide separately from the ship's crew, since we liked some guides much more than others.  This handling of the gratuity and pressure/obligation to tip so lavishly unfortunately tainted our overall UnCruise experience.  I wondered if it was a company policy, that particular ship or that particular crew who quoted such a high suggested amount and had decided they could be more assured of getting it by collecting it so very publicly? I won't say we would not do another UnCruise adventure (especially if they start offering Antarctica or the Amazon), but it won't be our automatic go-to cruise line without investigating what else (among smaller-ship, more casual and active cruises--a segment that I hope will grow considerably beyond the limited choices now available) our internet searches and friends' recommendations might turn up for the same destination.

Good time, good group, a bit pricey (especially with gratuity)

Very impressed with Uncruise. Having sailed big cruise ships before, this was a far superior experience. Every day we saw beautiful, jaw dropping sights without another boat in sight. It was lovely to go kayaking and be completely alone in nature and turn back and see our charming vessel anchored in a little cove. The staff were very keen and enthusiastic and tried very hard, even though not always as knowledgeable as I hoped they would be.Southeastern Alaska is a geologic marvel and a little more information such as regarding the role of glaciers in carving the landscape would have been welcome. The presentations in the evening were very not very informative despite the staff trying hard. Perhaps Uncruise could employ someone who has extensive knowledge to do the presentations and not expect the young adventure guides to perform that role.  We were lucky to have days with good weather, but one windy day did prevent off the boat activities. I loved the gender equality aboard and the lack of single use plastic. The boat could use some updating. Our cabin while extremely clean( very hardworking staff) was run down and needed a complete overhaul. The beds were comfortable and bedding, while not Frette, was fresh and clean. The biggest downsides were the lounge did not have enough seating for all guests and one had to line up at mealtimes. I was very impressed however with the quality of the equipment: life jackets, kayaks, skiffs etc as well as the concern for safety.  The getting in and out of skiffs and kayaks was extremely well monitored and easy. The food was good. Portions were adequate and the staff certainly took into account special requests and asked each meal if we had food allergies. I loved the waitstaff, Jonathan and Tichelle who worked really hard and were so pleasant. We did a galley tour and was amazed at the tight quarters and limited equipment.  I can’t imagine how the chef, Bri was able to turn out the meals she did in that space.: Another example of the excellent employees of Uncruise. Most people onboard were very well traveled, very friendly and active. While I usually avoid open seating like the plague,on this cruise I enjoyed meeting new people and hearing their interesting travel stories. By the end of the week I had spoken to most people on board as we had either sat with them at meals, chatted over drinks or done an activity together. I recommend this cruise to people who want a more active vacation and to see parts of Alaska the big ships don’t go.

The road less traveled

First off let me set the tone of the reviewers, we are seasoned cruisers with over 30+ cruises including 5 in Alaska along with a three month Alaska road trip in an RV traveling the main land.  We are 59 & 61, together over 45 years and still working.   I consider us “Budget Cruisers”, so this trip is way out of our normal affordability.   

The boat has a capacity of 74.  This trip there were 38 people, so a small group which did lend to a very positive experience.  The week aboard the Wilderness Explorer was called “Alaska's Fjords & Glaciers”.  This is the first year that Uncruise started this early, about four weeks earlier than usual.  They called this the “May Awakening”.

The boat is small, intimate and cozy.  Easy to move around and get to and from staterooms to anywhere on the boat within a minute.   The kayak launching system lends itself to ease of entering and exiting the water.   To use the skiffs, there was always a crew member inside and outside the skiff to assist in boarding.   

The food was top notch and well presented.  Three dinner options daily, meat, fish or vegetarian meal.   Portions at first appear small, but were adequate for most diners.   Don't be afraid to ask for half & half meals.  Lunches were buffet as was breakfast.   Each afternoon around 3, there were cookies and coffee available and on some evenings, appetizers were offered in the lounge before dinner.  Lastly, the bar was well stocked with awesome bartender and plenty of suggestions to be had.

Activities for the most part were broken up to morning and afternoon events, with a return in time for lunch and dinner.  This trip, the activities included kayaking, bushwhacking, skiff tours, snorkeling, paddle boarding  and beach walks.  Two of the afternoons were onboard the main boat to whale and nature watch.  

There is no way to compare this cruise with any of the many cruises we have taken.  Up to now, the passenger numbers have ranged from a low of 2,000 to a high 6,000 with average sailing cost around $500 to $700 per person.  

One of our future cruises will be the Galápagos Islands and Uncruise will be on our list of potential tour companies.  

If interested, I have pictures and YouTube clips of the cruise including the snorkeling part.  In addition, there is also a detailed review of day to day that includes our travel from Boston to a long layover in Seattle.  Feel free to email me any questions about our trip or any of our trips to dpstimmler@gmail.com. 

Happy Sailings!

Uncruise Alaskan Expedition Cruise

This was my first cruise & it was perfect for me.  I swore I would never go on a cruise until I heard of Uncruise. They showed me the Alaska I dreamed of. The kayaking hiking skiffing & exploring were amazing. I saw so many animals upclose & took amazing photos. The guides were phenomenal & extremely fun, funny & knowledgeable. I learned so much & laughed all day long.  I was not interested in luxury & although the boat was older It was immaculate & the service was perfect. Every crew member was eager to answer any question & fulfill every whim. The food was plentiful & delicious. I was happy that the cruise was all inclusive & therefor worry free. The passengers were like minded in their commitment to get out of their normal comfort zones which the guides were always (gently) urging us to do. I just got back & already miss the boat the crew & my fellow explorers! My only regret was that I didn't do the Polar Plunge & kayak more to improve my skills. Guess I'll have to go back!

Best trip I've ever taken!

This was our second Un-cruise trip to Alaska. We chose Un-cruise as we wanted a small ship and to have the opportunity for skiff rides, kayaking and hiking.  For us it was all about seeing the natural sites and wildlife.  The trip began with a whale getting caught in our anchor chain. The Captain and Crew were dedicated to saving the whale. NOAA and a whale expert came to help as no one had seen this before. It took over 12 hours for a successful release to occur, the result was we lost our anchor. We also lost a days activity without one complaint from a passenger, the whale was the most important thing that day. As result we went to port in Petersburg to get a new anchor. Un-Cruise arranged for us to have a walking tour of the town lead by a retired teacher with a great sense of humor. Learned about local life and fishing industry. The highlight of the trip was arranged tour with Alaska Vistas to Anan bear viewing. Situated on stream filled with salmon there is a viewing platform and a blind to watch the bears fish and interact with each other-wonderful day.

The food was very good, two breakfast options one early with pastry and fruit followed by full buffet breakfast, lunch was soup, salad and sandwich or wrap buffet with homemade cookies. Evenings were plated and served with choice of meat, seafood or vegetarian. All wine and drinks are included.

The crew are the best, well educated funny and very hardworking.  They bring Alaska to life. The guides all had knowledge of wildlife trees and plants which made hikes and skiff tours very interesting.

Had a wonderful trip and have put a deposit down for Costa Rica Panama with Un-Cruise

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