Small Ship Review: UnCruise

It’s not often that you meet a hotel manager while cruising on a small ship through Alaskan waters. In fact, I had no idea that the role of hotel manager existed on the high seas. Yet when you think about an 84-guest passenger ship, it really should be considered a floating boutique hotel. For those curious to learn what it’s like sailing the high seas, read on for my UnCruise small ship review.

 

I was one of 84 guests to experience an UnCruise Adventure aboard Safari Endeavour while exploring Alaska and Glacier Bay National Park. The 232 foot luxury vessel Safari Endeavor is UnCruise Adventures top-of-the-line small ship. Similar to an all-inclusive resort, meals, alcohol, airport transfers to and from the ship, as well as all shore excursions are included in the price of the adventure. Something else that is included in the price of the cruise; one complimentary massage per person. You won’t find that at any luxury hotel!

Uncruise stateroom

 

Like the television show Fantasy Island, passengers are individually shown to their staterooms (offering five accommodation types) and sparkling wine awaits guests in the main lounge. The crew is friendly, energetic, knowledgeable and professional. From expedition leaders to waitstaff, wellness instructors and Safari Endeavour Captain Barrett Whitten, the mindset is “how may we make your experience unforgettable?” The goal of UnCruise – un-plug, un-wind, un-stress.

My stateroom on the third floor deck featured two single berths, a desk and chair, full-length closet, as well as several cabinets and drawers. The bathroom was small, but clean and functional. I loved coming back to my cozy room after an expedition and reading a book while the scenery passed by.

 

UnCruise Small Ship Review: Uncruise Dining

 

After touring the small ship’s all electric galley kitchen, I have new respect for preparing hot meals for 80+ passengers in one sitting. The pastry chef worked her magic throughout the 7 day voyage and the executive chef prepared fresh Alaska salmon, as well as rack of lamb, among other menu items while sailing along Glacier Bay National Park.

“Our food service is based around the expeditions,” said UnCruise Hotel Manager Kathy Madison. “The guests come to experience southeast Alaska. Our role is to support that adventure.”

 

 

UnCruise Adventures Insider Tip
For anyone concerned about food allergies or special dietary needs, UnCruise aims to please. Notes are kept in the kitchen with any special requests from guests, as well as birthday or special occasion celebrations. I also took advantage of the healthy snacks and granola bars available 24/7 for guests to enjoy in the lounge. I travel with my own water bottle, but the hotel staff had placed eco-friendly water bottles, as well as binoculars in each stateroom.

 

I’ve had the pleasure of sailing on UnCruise small ships in Alaska, as well as Oregon and Washington on their Rivers of Adventure cruise. The Seattle-based company cruises to exotic locations in Latin America, Mexico’s Sea of Cortes and Hawaii, among others. With their focus on nature and wildlife, I’d follow their boutique yachts and small ships anywhere!

 

For additional insider tips regarding an UnCruise small ship review follow Luxury Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown on Twitter @Nancydbrown and follow @UnCruise on Twitter.

If You Go:

UnCruise Adventures (888) 862-8881
3826 18th Ave
W. Seattle, Washington 98119

UnCruise small ship review written by and photos courtesy of Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip, Travels from Northern California. Kathy Madison photo courtesy UnCruise. I was a guest of UnCruise Adventures, however all opinions are my own.