UnCruise to Alaska onboard the Safari Explorer


By Nicole Fitzpatrick

June 9-16th, 2017—Roundtrip Juneau

Visiting Icy Strait, Glacier Bay National Park (2 full days with Park Ranger,)  Baranof Island/Chatham Strait, Frederick Sound, Port Houghton/Stephens Passage, Endicott Arm/Fords Terror and Juneau

We arrived in Juneau and were greeted by the UnCruise staff and our driver.  After driving roughly 20 mins. to the Centennial Hall convention center, we dropped off luggage, met with our cruise representatives and had a selection of coffee, tea, cookies, fruit and snacks available for us to enjoy.  Maps were also made available for exploring Juneau.

Our exploration of Juneau started with a lovely visit to the State Museum.  It runs $12.00 pp and is open from 9 am – 5 pm Mon-Friday.  Weekend hours I did not note.  We walked around shops, enjoyed a local distillery and brewery, and enjoyed lunch at Deckhand Dave’s, home of the BEST salmon tacos and sweet potato fries EVER!  Good local brew as well.  At 4 pm we met back at Centennial hall to have an orientation.  We met the owner of the company, Dave.  Very nice guy and passionate about his company.

We boarded the ship at 5:30 pm (you walk across the street to board the ship.)  If you come into Juneau the day before, you should stay at the Four Points Sheraton, which is literally across the street from dock and next door to Centennial Hall!  The Safari Explorer holds 36 guests.  The guest to staff ratio is 2 to 1 (we had 30 guests and 16 staff members)—so very attentive.  Our cabin was B11 – it consisted of a short queen/or 2 twins.  If made as a queen it is up against the wall.  Kind of like an RV queen bed, but not as long as a true queen.  I have an RV so was used to it, but some may want to upgrade to the rooms with walk around queen or full king beds.  The bathroom had toilet/shower only across.  A bit bigger than an RV shower–not the luxury RV’s, but you could still move around.  The sink is in the “bedroom, living area.”  There was lots of storage space and I felt like there was enough room for time spent in it, which for us was a small amount.  All rooms have a small window and doors with full length window.  We slept soundly and undisturbed with the cabin’s black out curtains (could also have something to do with being so tired each day!)

They keep you busy with activities.  First and foremost, many were shocked to learn there are NO TV’s, no cell service and no internet!  YAY!  It was exhilarating to actually unplug for 8 days.  Each day you could have early riser breakfast at 6:30 am which consisted of coffee, tea, juice, some type of coffee cake/pastry, yogurt parfait and fresh fruit.  Yoga on deck at 7 am (for those determined yogis) and  regular breakfast was served at 8:00 am–which always consisted of a specialty breakfast option of eggs any style, bacon, sausage, oatmeal or the early riser stuff.  After breakfast the chef advised you of the lunch and dinner menu, so that it could be ordered ahead of time.

Activities took place anywhere from 9 am – 10 am (start time) until up to 12:30 pm.  Lunch was served at 12:30pm, then you get to enjoy some free time, or if arriving at a new destination, we could again have activities from 1:40 – 5:00 pm.  Happy Hour was 5:30 – 6:30 pm with cocktails and hot and cold hors d’oeuvres.  Dinner was at 6:30 pm, where they served the best freshly made bread every night!  The cuisine was deliciously fresh and wonderful.  You always had a fish, chicken and beef/duck/pork option, as well as a vegetarian option.  The desserts were nothing short of amazing as they served the best homemade peanut butter ice cream!  Every evening after dinner around 8:30 pm, they did a talk on wildlife and at 9:30 pm, everyone either played games, went in the hot tub or retired to bed.  They have a whole selection of DVD’s you can watch on your TV (this TV only gets 3 channels and they all have to do with the cruise.)

Other available amenities include a small range of work out stuff (elliptical, bike, free weights.)  On the Safari Explorer, you also receive a 30 min. complimentary massage.  It was fabulous.  You can’t book any spa or pay as there isn’t enough time for everyone to do more than they allot.

We saw so much wildlife!  We saw a bear every day, over 50 bald eagles, orcas and humpback whales.
We saw harlequin birds, seals, sea lions, river otters, sea otters, mink, black bear, brown bear, red squirrels, puffins, and so many types of birds and wildlife.  We kayaked, hiked and took small boat skiff tours.  Our ages ranged from 34 yrs. to 82 yrs young and veryone participated and had a wonderful time.  The group was wonderful.

I will have to say that UnCruise was so much fun, so relaxing and I can’t wait to do another.  All the guests stated they were so happy and it was wonderful.  They enjoyed everything.

I strongly recommend this to anyone looking for soft adventure, wildlife, no crowds and a chance to re-connect.  I am looking forward to my next one.

Please contact me for information on your next UnCruise!

Nicole Fitzpatrick
Travel Consultant
Branch: Carmel Mountain
11885 Carmel Mt Rd Ste 906
San Diego, CA 92128 | Directions
Toll-Free: 800-795-0720
Direct Line: 858.592.7541

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