Mary Ann Erdos

Review of Un-Cruise Adventures

If you are looking for an extraordinary way to exp...

If you are looking for an extraordinary way to explore the Last Frontier, unCruise Adventures gifts you the opportunity to not just visit Alaska, but to step Inside!
- Kayak through frozen, glacial water
- Paddleboard alongside jumping salmon
- Bushwhack through remote islands and land on deserted beaches
- Skiff to the face of calving glaciers
- Taste bullwhip seaweed
- Have a glacier silt facemask
- Kiss a giant slug
- Dive into Polar Waters
- Witness bears pounce and salmon jump
- View a dozen 50-ton Humpback whales play and breach off the bow of your boat
- Spot bald eagles, mountain goats, puffins, porpoise, sea lions, sea otters, seal, orca whales, countless bird species, starfish, porcupine....
- Berry hunt for the sweetest, wild blueberries and strawberries you ve ever tasted
These can all be apart of your Alaskan Adventure!

Mid-August, my family and I spent a week on Uncruise Adventures' largest ship, the 90-passenger S.S. Legacy. The cruise was roundtrip from Juneau and we spent the week sailing the Inside Passage including Glacier Park National Park. We were able to maneuver into small bays where no large cruise ship could attempt to go. And because of this flexibility, the crew could make changes based on the weather forecast or stops for wildlife at a moments notice.

Once onboard, my family of four (kids 5 & 7) found our accommodations very comfortable with twin beds in each room and fair-sized bathrooms. Our cabins are very well-appointed but not traditionally considered luxury in comparison to newer, larger ships, but don't let it scare you because the service is absolutely first class! This is an expedition-style ship with a focus on adventure and most of your time is spent off the boat or in common areas mingling with other guests.

Every morning and afternoon there were a wide variety of excursions for all activity levels, including the kids -- short/long kayaking tours, paddleboarding, zodiac tours, beach and meadow walks, beginner bushwacks, extreme bushwacks, etc. The expedition team is incredibly friendly, knowledgable, flexible and enthusiastic! The Legacy is also equipped with a special launch pad, called the Sea Dragon, allowing guests to load into the zodiacs, kayaks, and paddleboards without touching in the water or getting wet.

For the kids, Alaskan-family-travel writer and guide, Erin Kirland created specific activities and excursions just for them. Parents could join in or choose to go on their own separate adventure, which allowed for a perfect balance between family time and freedom. There were 67 passengers and roughly 16 children onboard ranging from 5 years of age up to high school. My kids had the most incredible week learning about Alaskan wildlife, creating button quilts, making friendship bracelets, wild berry hunting, touring the engine room, exploring the beach, becoming Jr. Rangers, and enjoying "Kids Happy Hour" with the best snacks and so much more!

The Food and Beverage program on the SS Legacy was exceptional. There is a full bar located in the lounge with 2 incredible bartenders who make daily craft cocktails or any guests' favorite drink. A full sit down breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the dining room with beautiful windows for viewing the incredible scenery and wildlife. The menu always included meat, fish, salad, and vegetarian options with wine pairings and a full kids menu and all meals were incredibly fresh and delicious.

Once you have been on an UnCruise, you immediately want to go on another! The beauty of the sea, land, and wildlife, the attentiveness of the crew, and the connections made with other guests combine to call you back for more. One of our fellow cruisers was on his 7th UnCruise Adventure! And my son had such an incredible experience and made such sweet friendships, he cried for two hours after leaving the ship. Both my kids speak daily of fond memories of our time in Alaska. To date, this is one of our favorite family trips!