Celebrating Alaska Milestones
Alaska marks the 160th anniversary of its transfer from Russia to the U.S. this coming year while nearing its 70th anniversary as a state. More than 6,600 miles of coastline define the region, expanding to 46,000 miles when including islands and bays.
Small ship travel brings visitors close to waterfalls and whales along the Alaskan coast. Nearly half of out-of-state visitors are repeat travelers. Demand for customized, soft-adventure itineraries is soaring, according to the Adventure Travel Trade Association.
Summer Camp for Adults
UnCruise Adventures operates ships ranging from 22 to 88 guests with two daily excursions led by expert guides. Trips are all-inclusive with private cabins, farm-to-table dining, and adventure gear provided.
“It’s summer camp for adults,” says UnCruise Founder Captain Dan Blanchard. Ships avoid ports except for pick-ups and drop-offs, focusing instead on exploring, with itineraries that might pivot based on wildlife sightings, weather, or even glacier calving.
Wilderness Routes and Global Reach
UnCruise operates U.S.-flagged vessels in Alaska from April through September, departing mostly from Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan. Itineraries span seven to 13 nights across southeast, southcentral, southwest, and interior regions like Denali.
Similar small boat wilderness trips extend to Mexico, Hawaii, the Galapagos, Panama, and Costa Rica. Mexico departures cover the Gulf of California/Sea of Cortez, while Hawaii sailings run between Kona and Molokai on a 36-guest ship.
Common questions about UnCruise Alaska itineraries
Where do UnCruise Alaska itineraries usually start?
Most itineraries depart from Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan, letting travelers explore local waters rather than spend days on the open ocean.
What activities are included on the daily excursions?
Guests can choose from kayaking, hiking, beachcombing, paddleboarding, skiff tours, wildlife viewing, and more.
How many guests do the UnCruise vessels carry?
The ships range from 22 to 88 guests, offering an intimate onboard experience and small group sizes for shore landings.