UnCruise Adventures

In 1996, American Safari Cruises was founded to combine the upscale amenities of smaller yachts with expedition-style cruising. Several years later in 2009, InnerSea Discoveries, a second brand within the company was founded and entered the Alaskan market with two ships, later adding a third in 2012. In January 2013, the two cruise lines merged to create UnCruise Adventures, which is headquartered in Seattle. Now, the rest is history.

Ships: 8

How Many Passengers: From 22 to 88 passengers.

Personality: The fleet features a variety of ships, including expedition vessels, boutique yachts, and a replica coastal steamer. Because of this, there’s no fast-and-hard “style” to the line per se, but the general atmosphere aboard an UnCruise vessel is relaxed, yet luxurious and sophisticated. The line is meant for adventurers, and the ambiance reflects that.

Fellow Passengers: Guests are mostly outdoors enthusiasts and families, and many itineraries attract active 45 to 70-year olds and more. Many passengers are avid photography lovers, and you’ll find that most guests are from the US, Canada, Britain, Australia, and Europe.

Cabins: All cabins are above-deck with windows, and include flat-screen televisions, a bath with shower, iPod docking stations, and generous storage space. Each vessel includes multiple cabin categories in a range of sizes, and the finishes and design of each ship is carried into the cabins’ style as well.

Dining Experience: Breakfasts include hot and cold options, fresh fruit, and pastries. Lunch is light fare like salad, sandwiches, soups, and dishes that reflect the region the ship is cruising. Dinner is a relaxed affair, and offers at least three choices for an entree including fresh, local seafood, meats and a vegetarian option. An onboard pastry chef ensures that dessert is an occasion to not be missed with fresh choices like tiramisu and panna cotta. Sometimes, the cruise line will arrange special lunches ashore or barbecues onboard, too.

Amenities: Depending upon the ships and itineraries, amenities may include a multitude of equipment for guests’ use, like paddle boards, kayaks, hydrophones for listening to sounds below the water, wet suits, snorkel equipment, and more. For onboard enjoyment, there is a hot tub, massage services, outdoor decks for observation or relaxation, the main lounge, cozy library, and fitness equipment.

Best For: Adventurous couples or families, nature and photography lovers, English-speaking guests. Solo guests will be comfortable, too.

Included Alcohol: Wine, beer, and top-shelf spirits are included 24/7.

Gratuities: Additional, and at the discretion of the guest. Gratuities can be given via checks, cash, or credit cards, and are shared equally throughout the crew members.

Where They Go: Alaska, Columbia and Snake Rivers, Costa Rica and Panama, the Galapagos Islands, Hawaiian Islands, Mexico’s Sea of Cortes, and the Pacific Northwest.

Contributor: Sarah Bretz