Un-Cruise Adventures released its full 2015 schedule of small ship adventure cruises with 15 itineraries in Alaska’s Inside Passage, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, Hawaiian Islands, Columbia & Snake Rivers, coastal Washington and British Columbia. New in 2015, the line has more vessels visiting Glacier Bay in Alaska and the number of cruises offered on the Columbia and Snake Rivers.
Travelers choose between three expedition vessels, three yachts and one replica coastal steamer carrying 22-88 guests on voyages focusing on adventure activities in scenic, often remote, destinations or river cruising entwined with living history.
“For 2015, the S.S. Legacy will remain on the Columbia and Snake Rivers during the summer season to significantly increase our river cruise departures there,” said Captain Dan Blanchard, CEO. “It’s an inclusive experience with living history programming on board plus premium shore excursions that guests would normally pay extra for in each port. We’ve had 14 years of experience on these rivers, and this combination is a winner.”
The 88-guest S.S. Legacy, a replica coastal steamer similar to those that have a long history of plying the river, will sail 32 departures on the Columbia, Snake and Willamette Rivers with cruises departing from April through November 2015. Weeklong river cruises sail roundtrip Portland, Oregon with a focus on living history—Lewis and Clark’s Expedition, Oregon Trail, Native Americans, early pioneers and entrepreneurs. A Heritage team on board brings history to life through lively presentations. Highlights include a jet boat tour into Hells Canyon, Multnomah Falls, Bonneville Dam, private tasting at a Washington winery, Fort Walla Walla, Maryhill Museum, Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, Columbia River Maritime Museum, Fort Clatsop and transit of eight locks. A series of four wine themed cruises are scheduled for late summer 2015. Inclusive cruises offer a comprehensive historical perspective on board and ashore with guided tours in each port combined with innovative meals; premium wine, beer and spirits; all taxes and fees; transfers; hot tub, sauna, yoga on deck, exercise equipment and massage for wellness. Rates begin at US$3,195 per person, double occupancy.
Glacier Bay National Park stars on many Alaska adventures in 2015 with 79 out of 107 Alaska cruises visiting the park for two days of in-depth exploration including hiking and kayaking inside the park. Itineraries have been rearranged allowing all six vessels in Alaska to visit Glacier Bay National Park on rotating itineraries. Three yachts—Safari Quest, Safari Explorer and Safari Endeavour—and three expedition vessels—Wilderness Adventurer, Wilderness Discoverer and Wilderness Explorer—sail four itineraries from homeports of Ketchikan, Juneau and Sitka, Alaska. Weeklong cruises visit few if any ports with more time outside in remote wilderness to see nature and wildlife up close. Itineraries are easily combined to create two or three week adventures. In spring and fall, each vessel sails a 12-night itinerary between Seattle and Juneau (and reverse). Rates begin at US$1,895 per person, double occupancy.
The 84-guest Safari Endeavour sails 21 weeklong cruises roundtrip from San José del Cabo, Baja, Mexico from January-April and November-December. Two itineraries offer travelers land and sea explorations in the remote and marine-life rich sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Desert hiking, a convivial nighttime bonfire ashore, a mule ride into the arroyo, whale watching, kayaking, paddle boarding, skiff excursions and snorkeling with sea lions are included on both itineraries. Other highlights may include a trip to Magdalena Bay to see gray whales and calves up close, port calls in Loreto and La Paz and encounters with gentle whale sharks. Dolphins, blue-footed boobies, flying mobulas and other creatures make frequent appearances. The inclusive Mexico cruise includes all activities; exquisite meals; fine wine, premium spirits and microbrews; hot tub, sauna, exercise equipment, yoga on deck and a massage for wellness; transfers; and all port charges, taxes and fees. Rates begin at US$2,995 per person, double occupancy.
The 36-guest Safari Explorer yacht offers 20 island adventure cruises between Moloka’i and Hawaii, the Big Island (and reverse) from January-April and November-December. Weeklong cruises explore four islands—Hawaii, Maui, Lana’i and Moloka’i. Guests enjoy a full complement of water sports activities—kayaking, snorkeling, paddle boarding and skiff excursions. Highlights include night snorkeling with Giant Pacific Manta rays, exclusive cultural tours on Moloka’i and snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay near Captain Cook’s monument. A flexible schedule allows time for encounters with dolphins, whales and green sea turtles. The inclusive Hawaiian Islands cruise offers the convenience and ease of exploring four islands and surrounding waters by yacht with all amenities included–adventure activities, guided shore tours, innovative meals and all beverages; a massage, yoga on deck, exercise equipment and sauna for wellness. Rates begin at US$3,595 per person, double occupancy.
Coastal Washington and British Columbia
The 60-guest Wilderness Adventurer expedition vessel sails a weeklong itinerary in spring and fall exploring shorelines and islands in Washington State—South Hood Canal, Port Townsend, Deception Pass, Lopez Island, Orcas Island, Friday Harbor and Sucia Island. The 22-guest Safari Quest yacht explores Washington’s San Juan Islands and British Columbia’s Harmony and Gulf Islands with extended time in Princess Louisa Inlet in spring and fall. Highlights include a visit to Victoria; High Tea and tour at Butchart Gardens; visit to Friday Harbor, WA; and Chatterbox Falls in Princess Louisa Inlet. Both Pacific Northwest cruises depart roundtrip Seattle. Rates begin at US$1,695 aboard the Wilderness Adventurer and US$3,695 on the Safari Quest, per person, double occupancy.
On cruises aboard the yachts and expedition vessels, guests can be as active as they like and activities include hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling and skiff excursions. Expert naturalists provide interpretation on guided excursions ashore and at sea. Aboard the S.S. Legacy river cruise, a Heritage team provides entertaining and informative interpretation along the route and shore excursions are included in each port.
Fresh, innovative cuisine is served on all vessels. Select theme cruise dates are available for photography and marine biology interests. Kids in Nature departures cater to families with children younger than 13 years. Charters and group incentives are available. To book or to request additional information, contact your travel agent or Un-Cruise Adventures at 888-862-8881 or sales@un-cruise.com.