un-cruise adventures 2015 - Womens Own Adventure

72 Pages·2014·11.55 MB·English

Alaska Columbia & Snake Rivers Mexico’s Sea of Cortés
x x
Hawaiian Islands Coastal Washington & British Columbia Galápagos
x x
®
Unrushed. Uncrowded. Unbelievable.SM
Unequaled Exploration u 22 to 88-Guest Small Ships
September 2014 – April 2016
Dear Adventurers,
It doesn’t take a renaissance man like Leonardo da Vinci to know that “Water is the driver of Nature.”
My time spent growing up, living and working on boats, and yearns for adventure over the years has
held that knowledge true to my core—clearly fueling my desire and vision of sharing with you, a world
on the water. A vision brought to life through the expertise of our crew and office team who are just as
passionate as I am about providing unconventional adventures and going beyond your expectations.
Un-Cruise Adventures speaks to innovation, to freedom, and taking extra steps to provide you with a
Welcome meaningful and exhilarating travel experience. After all, time is precious and what we do with it matters.
Our voyages are inclusive of the many elements that define the quality and value of your experience, and
Aboard!
several of our vessels even include a more generous offering of inclusions and benefits.
As you vicariously travel through these pages, we hope you’ll uncover what inspires the adventurer in
you. The choices are there. New in 2015 is our inclusive wine-focused river cruise along the Columbia
& Snake Rivers (in early crush when the grape harvest begins). Give us a call, visit our website and
Facebook page, and discover something special. Be discriminating—choose differently.
Choose to Un-Cruise!

Dan Blanchard
Captain & Owner
2 | Un-Cruise®
Unconventional.
Uncompromising.
The Un-Cruise Adventures Story
What began in 1996 has flourished into Un-Cruise Adventures—unmatched, hands-on
small group explorations. Our nimble fleet of expedition vessels, yachts, and a replica
turn-of-the-century coastal steamer serve as your platform in Alaska, Mexico’s Sea of
Cortés, the Hawaiian Islands, Columbia & Snake Rivers, and in the coastal waters of
Washington State and British Columbia.
Our mission is this: To provide our guests an enriching adventure travel experience and
inspire an appreciation of local cultures and the natural world.
We’ve got grit. And it’s that dedication, passion, and love-of-life mindset that steadies our
sails and guides our innovative approach to small ship cruising. Un-Cruise Adventures
gives you unmatched and unbelievable access—explore waters inaccessible to larger ships,
step ashore in small communities for exclusive interaction, and get up-close with wildlife.
Filled with unspoiled encounters, our adventures focus on activities and excursions that
complement the wilderness, wildlife, and culture of the places we visit. It’s at the core of
what we do. Change the way you see the world.
Unexpected. | 3
Contents
Welcome Aboard 2 MEXICO’S SEA OF CORTéS 34
Our Story 3
Baja’s Bounty! Whale Sharks, Whales & Mobulas 36
The Un-Cruise Adventures Difference 5
Cousteau’s Aquarium of the World 38
Far From Ordinary 6
Best Time to Visit Mexico’s Sea of Cortés 40
Delivering Experience 7
Mexico Pre- & Post-Cruise Extensions 41
Life On Board 8
HAWAIIAN ISLANDS 42
Adventure Cruising 10
Hawaiian Seascapes 44
River Cruising 11
COLUMBIA & SNAKE RIVERS 46
Kids in Nature 12
Legacy of Discovery 48
Theme Departures 13
Ameritage! Four Rivers of Wine & History 50
Private Charters & Groups 14
COASTAL WASHINGTON & BRITISH COLUMBIA 52
2015 Cruise Calendar 15
Explore! Olympic Wilderness & San Juan Islands 54
ALASKA 16
British Columbia’s Yachters’ Paradise 56
Famed Passages of Discovery 18
Hawaii, Portland, Seattle Pre- & Post-Cruise Extensions 58
Discoverers’ Glacier Country 20
Upcoming Destinations –
Northern Passages & Glacier Bay 22
Introducing Galápagos and Central America 59
Inner Reaches Eastern Coves 24
Fleet Comparison: Features, Amenities & Inclusions 60
Inner Reaches Western Coves 26
Our Small Ship Fleet 61
Ultimate Adventure 28
Responsible Travel & Affiliations 69
Ultimate Coves & Passages 29
Undeniable Benefits 70
Ultimate Bays & Fjords 30
Reservation Information 71
Ultra Adventure 31
Best Time to Visit Alaska 32
Alaska Pre- & Post-Cruise Extensions 33
4 | Un-Cruise®
Unrushed. Uncrowded.
Unbelievable.
The Un-Cruise Adventures Difference
Committed to delivering the unexpected, Un-Cruise Adventures’ small group experiences
are an unbeatable combination of activity and discovery, impeccable service and expertise,
and awe-inspiring encounters. And with fewer than 90 guests on our vessels, we can
ensure you an experience that truly embodies exclusivity.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with a companion, as a family, or with a group sharing
a common interest, we provide an unimaginable way of uncovering hidden worlds and
learning while having fun. Once you step on board, you’ll find the things that best define
your experience are all included. There’s not much you’ll pay extra for, and there’s a cruise
to fit most any budget.
Unmatched Exclusivity Uncompromising Dedication
u Unique and flexible itineraries u Licensed and certified onboard crew
u Off-the-beaten-path explorations u Trained onboard leaders and guides
u Small-group, up-close discoveries u Decades of industry experience
u Unspoiled natural wonders u Follow “Leave No Trace” practices
u Insightful cultural encounters u Positive impact in local communities
u No waiting in long lines u Operate a responsible business
Unbelievable Ambience
u Casual and relaxed atmosphere
u Fresh, handcrafted, regional cuisine
u Exceptional, personalized service
u High crew-to-guest ratio
u Top-of-the-line equipment and amenities on board
u Unforgettable camaraderie on every adventure
Unrivaled. | 5
Unmatched
Exclusivity
Far From Ordinary
Built on a reputation of quality and experience, our explorations are intended to inspire
and satisfy your curious nature. Every rare encounter, unexpected “aha!” moment, and
uncommon amenity and activity are unique to your destination, itinerary, and vessel—and
they are all exceptional.
Aboard our adventure cruises, you can expect days of play and relaxation—wildlife in its
natural environment; exhilarating activities such as hiking and kayaking; wilderness exploration
by expedition vessel or yacht; and personal exchanges behind the scenes with locals.
On our river cruises, you’ll be engaged and entertained on board and ashore. We include shore
excursions to historic sites and museums; wine tasting and local culinary treats; presentations
from onboard heritage guides and historians; and living history and cultural discoveries.
Guests rave about the Un-Cruise experience and how genuine our crew is, often commenting
that it’s not like a cruise at all. Yet the biggest endorsement from our guests: they come back,
and they refer us to their friends. Our secret… we work in thriving environments; we promote
good health in our bodies and on our planet; we enjoy the freedom from perpetual hurry; and
we get to share our casual, far from ordinary, memory-making adventures with you.
6 | Un-Cruise®
Uncompromising
Dedication
Delivering Experience
Onboard Team
The best in the industry—our captains, chefs, guides, hotel and deck staff are individually
selected not only for their outstanding knowledge, customer service, and safety skills, but also
for their genuinely welcoming and enthusiastic personalities. Our expedition and heritage teams
are experienced guides with advanced training in natural and/or cultural history. Our customer
service staff is made up of energetic men and women who are as excited about where you’re
going as you are. Our captains and engineers have the certifications and skills to provide you with
a safe and confident cruise experience.
Experts in the Field
In addition to getting extraordinarily close to nature and wildlife, we ensure that guests have
opportunities to learn about what they are seeing and experiencing. We engage experts and
historians to interpret, narrate, or bring history to life. In Alaska, a National Park Ranger might join
you on board for up to two days; or a U.S. Forest Service wilderness ranger kayaks right up to
the vessel and hops aboard to talk about natural history and their special bond with the land. Or
in Hawaii, a respected elder teaches you to make poi. And on any special themed departure, your
experience is enhanced by hands-on interaction with a guest host. Supplementing our onboard
team, these specialists provide a tremendous resource and added value for all guests on board.
We’ve deservedly earned our reputation—one guest at a time.
Unsurpassed. | 7
Unbelievable Ambience
Comforts and Fodder of Life On Board
Wining & Dining
All of our meals ensure innovative, healthful dining experiences and our executive chefs use
ingredients that reflect the flavors of your destination. Mornings feature an early-riser breakfast
of fresh fruit, baked-on-board pastries and breads, and a full breakfast complete with specialty
items. Lunches range from pasta salads and sandwiches to homemade soups and ethnic
dishes. Dinners offer a choice of entrées that include fresh seafood and meats. Vegetarian
dishes are available and special dietary needs can be met with advance notice. Hors d’oeuvres
are offered during the cocktail hour, and desserts are varied and plentiful.
Unless there’s a barbecue on deck or some other special event, most meals are served
over several courses—with particular attention to your personal preferences. We offer a
casual-style dining experience, and seating is open so you are free to join new friends and
choose a different table at every meal. And if you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary,
or other milestone occasion, let us know before you board and our expert pastry chef
will make it memorable by whipping up a surprise treat.
Our approach to wetting-your-whistle is as uncharacteristic as our vessels. And depending on
the one you’re on, you could find yourself in the setting of a cozy neighborhood pub, a rustic
turn-of-the-century saloon, a quiet wine bar, or an intimate upscale lounge. Fine spirits, wines,
and microbrews are served aboard all of our vessels, with many even featuring sustainable
cask wines on tap. A rotating list of wine and microbrew selections will vary depending on your
destination. On many of our itineraries, wine, beer, and spirits are included in your fare.
8 | Un-Cruise®
Outer Decks & Inner Spaces
Each vessel has its own unique personality, but all share a universal goal and with you in
mind—to relax and be comfortable. Designed to bring the outside in, they come alive
with art and artifacts from the places we travel. And our open bridge policy welcomes
you to visit and discuss navigation with the captain.
Public spaces common throughout the fleet include an inviting dining room, main lounge or
salon (with a varied collection of board games, books, and DVDs), and observation decks
ideal for close-up wildlife viewing and relaxing under the stars. You may also find a hot
tub, massage room, and sauna; and most of our vessels are equipped with an underwater
hydrophone, a kayak launch platform or swim step (making access water to the water
easy), as well as, cameras that connect to the TVs, bringing life in the water directly inside
the boat!
Wellness, Fitness & Relaxation
Onboard amenities allow you to escape through morning yoga stretches, relaxing in
the on-deck hot tub or sauna, laps around the deck, enjoying a workout on the fitness
equipment, or being pampered by our wellness instructor / massage therapist. Nature’s
splendor takes care of the rest. And at the end of your cruise, our onboard team will send
you off with a renewed sense of beauty and spirit.
A complimentary massage is included as an added bonus aboard the S.S. Legacy, Safari
Endeavour, and Safari Explorer. Depending on your massage therapist, your choices may
include traditional massage, lomi lomi, shiatsu, or a comfortable chair massage.
Amenities vary by vessel; refer to the Fleet Comparison chart on page 60 for details.
Unassuming. | 9
Unleash Your Excitement
Adventure Cruising
Focused on experiencing life on the outside—rain or shine—we offer different destinations, a
mix of price points (some generously inclusive), and an exciting range of multi-sport activities.
Kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), hiking, snorkeling, inflatable skiff excursions, and
cultural encounters top the agenda. Our experiential cruise vacations are delivered from
a variety of platforms, and depending on your choices, will accommodate from 22 to 84
like-minded guests. We provide the adventure, equipment, opportunities, fun, expert crew,
expedition guides, and the vessel. The rest... is up to you.
Equipped for action, adventure cruises are delivered from aboard our expedition vessels and
boutique yachts: Wilderness Adventurer; Wilderness Discoverer; Wilderness Explorer; Safari
Endeavour; Safari Explorer; Safari Quest
Activity & Equipment
You could be kayaking and SUPing one morning and snorkeling the next. Another day may
offer a leisurely afternoon shore walk or have you feeling the burn from a rigorous hike (or
even a little bushwhacking). If you like to take your adventure on the lighter side, you can
uncover nature’s secrets on a skiff ride or chat up the captain on the bridge. We offer activities
to suit a range of skill levels and preferences. So take it easy, or stay on the go—your onboard
expedition team will provide the insight needed for you to make a safe and enjoyable choice.
Vessels are equipped with top-of-the-line kayaks, SUPs, hiking poles, binoculars, and many
even feature a custom-built kayak launch system. Depending on your destination and vessel,
snorkeling gear, wet suits, and limited quantities of rain gear and mud boots are also offered
for your use (although, to ensure availability, fit, and comfort, we encourage you to bring your
own). A detailed packing list is available on our website.
Activities may include:
u Whale watching u Unequaled glacier viewing
u Unbelievable kayaking and SUPing u Untamed wildlife observation
u Inflatable skiff excursions u “Polar bear plunges” or desert mule ride
u Morning yoga stretches u Cultural experiences and exchanges
u Guided hikes in the wilderness, to a with locals
cave or waterfall, or a shore walk
u Discoveries by underwater hydrophone
u Timely presentations on flora and fauna and bow-mounted camera
Our expert captains and guides lead you on adventure and our small guest numbers
keep your experience up-close and personal. It’s all about the untamed wild and woolly
wilderness and the many ways you get to discover it. So come play. We think it’s pretty
cool and our guests tend to agree.
10 | Un-Cruise®