Over many summers I have explored most of Alaska from the passenger side of a small 4-seat airplane…and a car. But the thing that was always been missing was the opportunity to experience parts of this vast wilderness from water-level–up close and personal. I also wanted to be able to venture onshore, do a little “poke” into the woods and experience the sights, sounds, and smells that only untrammeled wilderness can offer–far, far, far from the maddening crowds. Enter Uncruise Adventures.
Bucket List Item – Check!
I have had my eye on UnCruise for more than a decade. For me, they offer the perfect way to explore some of the vast shoreline of Alaska. Their fleet of small vessels (22 – 86 passengers) can venture into remote, hard-to-get-to spots in Alaska, unlike those behemoth cruise ships that may be seven stories high and can obliterate the views for anyone else. On top of that, each Uncruise ship is equipped with small skiffs and kayaks that can take you ashore to explore the coast line, lick a glacier (yes…I really did that…it was kind of gritty), crawl through a muskeg, and/or just paddle blissfully around.
And the wildlife! Holy Cow! Humpback whales bubble-net feeding! Sea otters with babies on their chests! Seals, sea lions, and…..big brown bears…close, but not too close. And myriad species of birds.
So, when a last-minute opportunity arose for my daughter, Alex, and me to board the Safari Quest for an “uncruise” into the farthest and most remote reaches of Glacier Bay National Park, I jumped at the chance…not just because I so wanted to do it, but because I also wanted to explore the possibility of using this as a vehicle for a future Ukulele Adventure. And I am convinced this meets the bill in every respect.
Let’s start with the crew. What a gracious, talented, and fun-loving group–always there with what we needed, even if we didn’t know we needed it. (I was, however, a little concerned when our baker jumped off the ship into the icy cold water!)
And the food! Starting with pre-breakfast for early risers, followed by actual breakfast. No matter what we did in the morning, we were always back on board for hot lunch. And then there were cookies at 3, happy hour at 5 (with a custom, featured cocktail each day), and dinner at 7. Everything was local, delicious, and fresh, fresh, fresh. (Sorry, I was too busy eating to get many pictures. But really….you should have been there!)
And there was never a dull moment. If we weren’t busy exploring by kayak, skiff, or on foot, we were just as busy resting and/or eating! There would have been plenty of time to play the ukulele, as well, had I brought mine! And the views as we motored from stop to stop were astounding. There was even a hot tub on the top deck! (Jumping into the icy water was not obligatory!) BTW we had a wonderful family onboard with their 5 adult-age children. There were a lot of “Here, hold my beer!” moments…and why they are featured in so many of the photos.
And the best part? Not another cruise ship in sight!
A Once in a Lifetime Adventure
Personally, I loved the opportunity to get up close and personal with a muskeg and to explore the amazing wealth and squishiness of a temperate rain forest…both firsts for me! (And yes! That is an albino banana slug!) And tide pooling! Not to mention seven whole days with no WIFI or cell service! Pure bliss! The only thing missing was a bunch of ‘ukulele players!
Would I do it, again? In a heartbeat. Would I like you all to join me? You betcha!
Uncruise has myriad opportunities to explore Alaska, up close and personal. And I can help you with booking any one of them. But better yet, why don’t you join fellow ukulele players aboard the Wilderness Legacy, Sept. 13, 2026 for a Wild, Woolly, and Wow! Adventure?
Any other questions? Please contact me.
Elaine