Un-Cruise Adventures
Fodor’s Expert Review
Small-ship line American Safari Cruises pioneered yacht cruising in Alaska in 1997; its sister line InnerSea Discoveries enjoyed an inaugural season of expedition-style active exploration of Alaska’s Inside Passage in 2011. The parent company merged the two lines in January 2013 and changed the name of the combined line to Un-Cruise Adventures.Read More
Under the Un-Cruise Adventures brand, the line offers several small-ship cruising styles from which to choose—Active Adventures, Luxury Adventures, and Heritage Adventures—each designed to provide a unique experience. Active Adventures are expedition-style cruises offering more active adventures and delivering them aboard expedition vessels at an economical price point. Luxury Adventures are offered aboard more upscale, yachtlike ships that are loaded with extra amenities; soft-adventure activities are emphasized, and fares range from moderate to high. Heritage Adventures focus on history, both on the ship and ashore. Living History programs are offered aboard a replica Victorian-style steamship for a moderate to high price. All the line’s ships are also available for charter by private groups.
All cruises, regardless of the style, include guided tours ashore, but more included excursions are offered on Luxury Adventures. Heritage Adventures offer more port calls with shore visits to museums and historical sites. Kayaks and paddleboards are available at no charge on Active and Luxury Adventures, but there is a nominal daily use charge for snorkeling gear and wet suits on Active Adventures. Limited quantities of hiking poles, binoculars, mud boots, and rain gear are available on board for use during your cruise.
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What to Expect on Board
Chefs serve a choice of nicely presented dinner entrées, featuring fresh local ingredients and plenty of seafood.
Both Luxury and Heritage cruises are nearly all-inclusive, so premium wines and liquors are available at every meal, and guests are welcome to help themselves to the well-provisioned bar as well as snack options set up between meals. Meals on Active cruises are simpler and often served buffet-style, and on these cruises there is a separate charge for alcoholic beverages. Espresso, coffee, and tea are available 24 hours a day on all ships.
Expert naturalists give informative presentations on board and are available throughout the trip as a resource for assistance and information.
Libraries are stocked with books and DVDs. The Victorian-style steamship SS Legacy has a dance floor for evenings on board for its Heritage cruises.
Exercise equipment, hot tubs, a sauna, and yoga sessions are featured on board.
Kayaking and nature hikes are offered for a more adventurous workout.
Key cruising tips
Your Shipmates
Typical passengers tend to be inquisitive couples from mid-thirties to retirees. Children are welcome, but there are no facilities specifically designed for them.
Dress Code
Dress is always comfortably casual, so guests can feel free to pack any clothing they like. Although there are a limited number of rain slickers, rain pants, and mud boots on board for passenger use, guests may also bring their own to ensure the best fit. Evening attire tends to be more upscale casual on Luxury and Heritage Adventures.
Junior Cruisers
With the exception of the smaller yachts, children are welcome on any sailing. Families with children age 12 and under might prefer one of the limited “Kids in Nature” departures, which are geared toward entertaining and educating kids of all ages.
Service
Crew members tend to passenger needs discreetly, yet in a personal way—they know your name and preferences and your needs will be satisfied in an attentive manner.
Tipping
Tips are discretionary, but a generous 10% of the fare is suggested. A lump sum is pooled and shared among the crew after the cruise.