UnCruise Adventures is adding a seventh ship to its Alaska fleet for 2018. The 88-guest S.S. Legacy, newly outfitted with kayaks and skiffs, will head to the state as part of a 2018 schedule for the line that also includes ore visits to Glacier Bay National Park and seven new itineraries.
The announcement comes ahead of another strong cruise season for Alaska this summer. In this week’s Alaska cover story we break down what cruise guests can expect as the state welcomes a record 1.06 million cruise guests this summer, the most since 2008, with new and expanded sailings from the likes of Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line and more.
Small ship cruises to Alaska also continue to be on the rise, with Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic launching the new build National Geographic Quest, and Alaskan Dream Cruises adding a second day in Glacier Bay National Park to its seven-night cruises on the Chicagof Dream. In 2017 UnCruise Adventures is adding a half-day visit to the Tlingit village of Kake.
For 2018, UnCruise Adventures is adding calls at Haines to five of its itineraries, where guests can enjoy a float trip down the Chilkat River (available on most itineraries), a guided hike, bikes for riding through town and an onboard presentation by members of the local Chilkat Tlingit.
2018 highlights include:
The 22-guest Safari Quest will offer 15 departures on the new Bears, Bergs & Bushwhacking itinerary, which sails eight nights out of Petersburg (hotel night included), followed by a choice of fishing or flightseeing. The itinerary also explores South Baranof, Admiralty, Tebenkof, Stikine-LeConte Glacier, Kake, and the Fortress of the Bear on Admiralty Island.
Another new for 2018 itinerary, Alaska’s Glaciers & Whales, will take place on the S.S. Legacy and 84-guest Safari Endeavour, with 13 departures from Juneau to Sitka, exploring the Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm, Thomas Bay, Baird Glacier, Le Conte Glacier, Ideal Cove, Frederick Sound, Baranof Island, Sergius Narrows and Kake.
The S.S. Legacy and Safari Endeavour also sail 13 departures on the new, upper Inside Passage focused Whales, Wildlife & Glaciers itinerary from Sitka to Juneau. The new route explores Krestof Sound, Icy Strait, Glacier Bay National Park, Chichagof Island and Lynn Canal. A day in Haines includes a float trip down the Chilkat River, a guided hike, bikes for riding into town and a shipboard presentation by local Chilkat Tlingit members.
The two itineraries are also combinable for a new two-week Alaska Glacier Cruise - Ultimate Expedition.
The next new itinerary, Alaska’s Inside Passage & San Juans Cruise, is available on five ships sailing nine departures on spring and fall transits between Seattle and Juneau (and reverse). Two additional days in 2018 create a 14-day itinerary with added days spent exploring Washington’s Olympic National Park and San Juan Islands, as well as Glacier Bay.
The last new 2018 itinerary is the Glacier Bay National Park Adventure Cruise, where the 60-guest Wilderness Adventurer sails 19 departures roundtrip from Juneau with three days in Glacier Bay. The route also explores Icy Strait, spends a day in Haines for included bikes, hiking, a float trip on the river and a shipboard presentation by local Chilkat Tlingit members.
Returning itineraries for the 2018 season include the Glacier Bay Small Ship Cruise, offered on four ships for 23 departures; the Northern Passages & Glacier Bay cruise on the Wilderness Discoverer and Wilderness Explorer; and Alaska Fjords and Glaciers on three ships with 19 departures from Juneau to Ketchikan (or reverse).