UnCruise Adventures Nominated Once Again in Travel Age West’s 16th Annual WAVE Awards

The Public Can Vote Online in Support of the Cruise Line and Travel Age West’s 2021 WAVE Awards Editor’s Pick Nominees  

JUNEAU, AK., August 5th, 2021 – The small boat adventure company, UnCruise Adventures, announced its nomination as the Small Ship Cruise Line Providing Best Travel Advisor Support and Best River Cruise Line for U.S. Sailings in 2021. Being nominated by the leading trade media outlet Travel Age West is held as a high honor and is a welcome return to increasing normality in the industry. Voting will run through the month of August culminating in an in-person WAVE Awards Gala October 7th, 2021. 

“The travel industry is finally emerging from a very challenging time, and we want to help our readers acknowledge the companies that have stood by advisors and supported travel no matter what,” said Kenneth Shapiro, Publisher, and Editor-in-Chief of Travel Age West. “We are also excited to bring back the in-person awards dinner this fall. The WAVE Awards have become a pillar of the tourism industry in the West, and we can’t wait to see our partners again and celebrate the return of travel with them.” 

UnCruise Adventures returned to normal operations on May 7th, and has completed 51 successful sailings in Alaska, the most any small boat company has provided worldwide in 2021. The adventure brand provides multi-activity multi-generational explorations of rich tapestries in 8 destinations. 

“We are honored to be part of the distinguished awards and our work with travel advisors through the past 25 years, especially their support during the past 15 months.” Dan Blanchard shares about the nomination. “We congratulate all of the outstanding nominees and express our gratitude for being nominated especially after a restart in a challenging environment. We are back and invite guests to experience everything our vessels, crew, and destinations have to offer.” 

The UnCruise Adventures brand continues to upend trends and has experienced a rise in shorter-term bookings and a demand for adventure travel in 2021, resulting in a strong return to summer travel. When talking about the vote of excellence awards Blanchard says, “We look to set the standard in our industry and this recognition highlights our work. UnCruise has shown time and time again how resilient we can be, and throughout this pandemic, that has not changed. We are honored.” 

For additional information on uncruise.com 

Find the Travel Age West Awards Online:
Website: www.travelagewest.com/wave-awards.  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TravelAgeWest 

2021 WAVE Awards  - WAVE Categories & Editor’s Picks 

Expedition Cruise Line Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support
Hurtigruten Expeditions
Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Silversea Cruises
UnCruise Adventures 

Best River Cruise Line for U.S. Sailings  

American Cruise Lines 
American Queen Steamboat Company 
Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic  
UnCruise Adventures  

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UnCruise Adventures Cruise Comeback for 2021 Starts Alaska Earlier Than Expected Due to Big Demand

The Leading Small Boat Company Moves Earlier Departures from Washington State to Juneau Bringing More People to Alaska Than Any Other Cruise Line 

SEATTLE, WA., May 3rd, 2021 – UnCruise Adventures, listed on the 2021 Conde’ Nast Traveller Gold List, has been a leader in small boat adventure cruising in Alaska for twenty-five years. Hit hard by COVID-19 the small boat adventure brand makes a significant comeback relaunching in Alaska earlier than expected due to high demand.  

Over the weekend UnCruise Adventures quickly modified three Pacific Northwest sailings after Washington State COVID protocols affected departure dates. In place of a cancellation the company saved the long-awaited adventure cruises of dozens of guests offering them an alternative itinerary out of Juneau, covering guest airfare and hotels to ensure an unforgettable experience. The company’s CEO will also lead history walks through Juneau prior to each embarkation. 

“When recent changes were made affecting our Seattle departures, I knew I could not disappoint our guests with another cancellation. Some of our guests have been waiting on this cruise for two or three years,” shares the company’s CEO, Dan Blanchard. “It makes me proud to see my team jump into action and ready to do what it takes to make this year one of the biggest comebacks we’ve ever had.”  

May 7th will kick off the company’s first full sailing out of Juneau with even more adventure in Glacier Bay National Park. The full Alaska season will include six adventure itineraries of 22-86 guests, led by a fully vaccinated crew. The company’s recent policy requires all guests to provide proof of vaccination to embark on their adventure to the Great Land. 

After a global cruise shut down, UnCruise Adventures emerges as a leader in the industry and continues to work with local, state, and national officials to progress travel initiatives and a much-needed boost of cruise lines to the state of Alaska. 

Commenting on his company’s 2021 return, Captain Dan Blanchard, CEO of UnCruise Adventures states “After a challenging year, it is a remarkable moment to see this realized and look forward to a new day. We continue to win the trust of our partners and guests with our safety-first policies and our commitment to the return of a strong and healthy cruise industry.” 

Eager travelers and travel advisors await access to the nature-rich scenery of Southeast Alaska. UnCruise Adventures provides a combination of daily multi-sport activities and a connection to nature, for the adventure seeker, solo traveler, and multi-generation families.  

“We understand the importance of cruise lines in the Alaska economy and a return to sailing to the future of my company,” shares Blanchard. “Vaccinations are on the rise and data has shown that Alaska has outperformed other states during the pandemic. There is hope on the horizon, and Alaska is wide open for us this season!” 

UnCruise Adventures summer Alaska season will include departures from Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan, and with fully vaccinated crew and guests, the state is welcoming them back with open arms. The company has extended typical wave season specials for 2021 travelers including, waiving single supplements for solo travelers, additional savings up to $600 on May and June departures and including a free hotel night in partnership with Ramada Juneau on select sailings.  

The company’s updated vaccine policy and travel resources can be found on the website uncruise.com. 

For additional information or to make reservations, travelers can contact an UnCruise Adventure Specialist at 888-862-8881 or contact their travel advisor. 

View guest video announcement from the CEO, Dan Blanchard, more from Alaska Governor Dunleavy and a few of our excited guests. 

Alaska Here We Come. UnCruise Adventures Sails Despite New Canadian Big Ship Ban

Seattle, WA, February 5th, 2021 – The award-winning small boat adventure brand, UnCruise Adventures will sail as scheduled despite Canada’s extended cruise ship ban into 2022. The U.S flagged and Alaska owned small boat operator does not fall under the ban, operating vessels with less than 100 passengers and crew. UnCruise Adventures will resume operations in May 2021 with 7–14-night itineraries offered into September.  The company may be one of the only cruise lines operating in Alaska in 2021, working to support the many people in the region who rely on tourism.

The company’s CEO held a virtual press conference this morning to address growing questions and concerns about the future of cruising. UnCruise Adventures has spent the past eleven months in preparation for positive progress to resume operations. Including their commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of guests and crew. The company has firm dates to sail in Alaska that include their COVID safety framework implemented in 2020 and their new triple test process. This three-test combination is a required PCR test 72 hours prior to arrival in Alaska, a follow-up antigen (rapid) test on check-in with an UnCruise Adventures representative, and a second antigen test upon embarkation. This provides a high degree of certainty that people will not be exposed to Covid-19 while aboard the 22-86 passenger boats.  

This new cruise ban comes on the tail of positive news of vaccination availability that has increased guest confidence in travel again,” states company CEO, Dan Blanchard. “If the ban continues, we may be one of the only boats cruising in Alaska this season. This is a great opportunity to educate people about small boat adventure options, but we would have preferred it without an extended cruise ban affecting so many.”

UnCruise Adventures has the ability to operate due to its small boat nature, providing small groups and a small environmental footprint. It does not require port stops and is foregoing visits to small cultural communities during its 2021 sailing season.

This is another strike to those who depend on travel and tourism for their livelihood,” says Blanchard “While other news would have been favorable and this is painful for all of us, including our big brothers in the cruise industry, we understand the Canadian government is working hard to keep its citizens safe.”

UnCruise Adventures will offer a special deal of $500 off their current bookings for cruisers who have had their 2021 cruise canceled on larger ships, with proof of their cruise cancellation. The offer is combinable with UnCruise's current offerings of $600 per cabin for a combined savings of $1100 per cabin. *New bookings only, offer good through February 28th, 2021.

Guests and travelers can speak with an Adventure Specialist at alaska2021@uncruise.com, 888-862-8881 or find more at uncruise.com 

Small Boat Adventure Company Takes Their Onboard Giftshops Virtual for Improved Guest Experience

UnCruise Adventures Launches New Online Boutique to Engage More Travelers at Home 

SEATTLE, WA. November 23rd, 2020. – The leading small boat adventure company, UnCruise Adventures, announces a new online shopping experience to engage more travelers at home. The just launched boutique offers custom gifts and gear previously only available on their exclusive adventure itineraries. The giftshop collections include an ever-changing, fresh mix of outdoor and casual gear that their guests crave. The company states that additional items will be coming for the holiday season. Shoppers can browse limited items at uncruise-gear.com along with early access Black Friday deals available to both U.S. and overseas consumers. The company is dedicating 10% of online gift sales to a relief grant for their foreign-based crew and vendors who have been affected by the pandemic and loss of tourism. 

“We are always listening and learning from our guests,” states company owner and CEO, Dan Blanchard. “We are on a mission to relentlessly improve our guest experience and constantly innovate. This is a simple way to do that at a time when our guests can’t come to us.” 

The evolving travel experience has created new opportunities for brands to engage with their guests and adapt to the pandemic. UnCruise Adventures understands the actions they take now will prepare them for a strong future. This includes solid health safety standards, company restructuring, traveler surveys and, strong outreach to guests and future adventurers. As technology comes front and center for the travel industry and more virtual access is expected, UnCruise Adventures provides more of what their guests expect. 

According to the brand, guests have been asking for options to continue their connection with an online experience. Keepsakes and souvenirs have long been at the heart of travel and this is a perfect complement to allow guests to bring their adventure memories home. 

“This is a time to rethink everything. We are not content with just waiting out the pandemic. We are evolving and providing more access points for our guests to stay in touch and stay inspired for future travel. We are excited to offer this new shopping experience.” shares Blanchard.

The site debuts collections for everyone, including ladies, men’s, kids, footwear, accessories, and pets. Visit uncruise-gear.com to shop online or request customization on individual items. Shoppers can share their new finds online with #DreamBigShopSmall  

More at www.uncruise.com 

COVID Cruise? Not on UnCruise Adventures. Small Boat Company Bursts the Bubble of Presumption About Transmission OnBoard Cruises

Leading Small Boat Company is Resolute to Find a Better Way to Test After Canceling the Season

SEATTLE, WA. AUGUST 14th, 2020. – The small boat adventure company, UnCruise Adventures, confirmed today that the majority of last week’s quarantined guests were cleared and released over the weekend. The original COVID positive guest returned home just a few days later. The company implemented a swift contingency plan and strict quarantine last week upon the news of a positive test onboard. The adventure brand immediately canceled its four subsequent sailings in Alaska for the summer. Revised news now shows all tests received back for guests and crew are negative and there was no transmission onboard. However, the season will not be recovered.

Is there a better way? UnCruise Adventures has provided some validation that there are safe sailing protocol options and continues to advocate for better testing to help save the travel industry. The company is now focused on rebooting their upcoming seasons and creating safe outdoor bubbles for travelers.

“Strict planning paid off,” says Captain Dan Blanchard, UnCruise Adventures Owner, and CEO. “We were able to act quickly, but that doesn’t mean this event has not been painful to our company and guests. Our policies held up and may be a footprint for future sailings and the industry.”

UnCruise Adventures worked in tandem with local and state officials which was an asset to the company and guests. Most guests were not required to quarantine for the expected 14 days but began departing for home on August 8th. The company has received support from the local community and the industry at large, with some criticism on being the first to return to sail this season.

The adventure brand remains resolute in its focus to educate the industry on what small boat travel is and the safe routes to follow that will help lead the industry. “We've been lobbying Congress for rapid testing that would change the game. We can all do better and are asking national leaders to work with us.” Blanchard states.

Here’s the timeline:

• July 28th Identified guest takes a test prior to departure from home city.

• August 1st UnCruise Adventures returns to sail and all guests with a gap of more than the 72-hour requirement were retested at the Juneau airport.

• August 4th a guest onboard received communication from the State of Alaska of a positive C-19 test retaken at the Juneau airport.

• August 4th contact tracing was immediately implemented by the state.

• August 4th the identified guest and four traveling companions were retested onboard the vessel by trained staff.

• August 5th the 60-person passenger vessel, the Wilderness Adventurer returned to Juneau. It was operating at a 60% occupancy cap.

• August 5th all guests were securely quarantined at a local hotel in Juneau with costs covered by UnCruise Adventures. The crew quarantined onboard the vessel.

• August 6th all guests and crew were tested.

• August 7th UnCruise Adventures received negatives results back on all tests to date.

• August 7th 30 of the 36 guests were greenlighted by the State of Alaska to be released.

• August 8th guests began flying home.

UnCruise Adventures understands that accessible rapid COVID testing is needed across industries for businesses and tourism to return. More studies are showing that small boat sanitization is high and, in some instances, pose less of a risk of viruses than an average location that individuals visit in their local neighborhoods.

“Small businesses like ours have taken a considerable hit during COVID, and this was a big one.” Blanchard states. “We have taken proactive steps and understand our responsibility to our guests, crew, communities, and the industry. Safety remains our focus and we will continue to accelerate protocol standards.”

Earlier this year UnCruise Adventures spearheaded the small boat coalition with several other industry associates. The purpose was to educate the public and government officials on the nature of small boats and differences needed in regulation. Events like these leave small-business owners affected when full support is needed to re-ignite economies. The need for a united industry voice continues. Information updates will be made available on the company’s website and via the communications department. Find more at www.uncruise.com

New Year, Big Savings on a Small Ship Adventure Cruise

UnCruise Adventures offers savings on 2020 sailings in Alaska, Mexico, Hawaii, Latin America

SEATTLE, Jan. 2, 2020 – Travelers planning an adventure in the new year have two months to save on adventure cruises with UnCruise Adventures. The line is offering up to $1,000 per couple in adventure savings in Alaska, Mexico, Costa Rica & Panama, Belize & Guatemala, Colombia & Panama and Hawaii. A suite deal offers groups a savings on larger suites.

Ships carrying 22-86 guests sail adventure cruises with a focus on nature and wildlife. Adventure activities are included in every UnCruise—kayaking, hiking, beachcombing, paddle boarding, snorkeling, skiff excursions and wildlife searches.

“Plan your travel now and enjoy the anticipation of a memorable adventure in 2020,” said Captain Dan Blanchard, owner and CEO of UnCruise Adventures. “Go explore the wilds of Alaska or snorkel in Belize. Whatever it is, get outside your comfort zone and discover something new.”

Offers are available on new reservations for select 2020 departures booked between January 2 and February 28, 2020. Mention a savings code to receive the offer.

Southeast Alaska

Save up to $1,000 per couple on weeklong Alaska adventures aboard the 84-guest Safari Endeavour and the 86-guest Legacy when booking a commander cabin or higher category. The Safari Endeavour sails from Juneau and Sitka and the Legacy sails from Juneau and Ketchikan. Mention code WAVE1000AK.

Save up to $500 per couple on weeklong Alaska adventure cruises aboard the 76-guest Wilderness Discoverer and 74-guest Wilderness Explorer when booking a trailblazer cabin or higher category. Both ships sail from Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan. Mention code WAVE500AK.

With few or no port calls, every Alaska cruise includes daily adventure activities in remote wilderness. Flexible itineraries and the small group size facilitate unimpeded exploration and time to search for and watch wildlife.

Hawaiian Islands

In celebration of its first year of year-round Hawaii sailings, a savings offer of $700 per couple is offered on weeklong Hawaii cruises departing between March 7 – September 5, 2020. The 36-guest Safari Explorer yacht visits Hawai’i, Molokai, Lanai and Maui with included activities exploring land and sea. Cultural heritage is a key component of the UnCruise experience in the islands with a full day spent with locals on Molokai. Mention code 700HI20.

Latin America: Belize, Guatemala, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica

The 66-guest Safari Voyager sails adventure cruises in Latin America. Belize and Colombia itineraries are new in fall 2020. Save $800 per couple on seven-night Costa Rica & Panama, Belize & Guatemala, and Colombia & Panama cruises departing between April 20 and December 5, 2020. Mention code 800LAM20. Save $1,000 per couple on 10-night Costa Rica & Panama cruises departing January 9 through March 29, 2020. Mention code 1000CRP10N.

Mexico’s Sea of Cortés

Save $700 per couple on Sea of Cortés cruises departing January 4 through April 4, 2020 when booking a commander cabin or higher category. The 84-guest Safari Endeavour explores the marine life rich waters of Baja, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on weeklong adventures roundtrip from San Jose del Cabo. Activities include snorkeling with sea lions at Los Islotes, whale and marine life searches, desert hikes and remote beach explorations, a mule ride with local rancheros, and close up encounters with gray whales and calves at Magdalena Bay during calving season. Mention code 700MEX20.

Suite Deal

Families and other groups booking four or more cabins aboard the Legacy, Safari Voyager or Safari Endeavour on select 2020 Latin America or Alaska adventure cruises can save 50% on a larger suite as the fourth cabin. Suites provide a private gathering and party space for small groups. Save 50% on the 600-sq. foot Owner’s Suite aboard the Legacy and Safari Voyager or a Commodore Suite on the Safari Endeavour. Mention code SUITE2020.

Cruises start at $3,995 (before savings) and are inclusive featuring fresh, innovative meals; all beverages, including alcohol; adventure activities and transfers day of cruise. Port taxes and fees are additional. The offers are combinable with UnCruise’s Loyalty, Referral and Family Discoveries savings programs. To book or to request additional information, contact a travel advisor or UnCruise Adventures at 888-862-8881 or sales@uncruise.com.