Small ship cruises with big adventures off the boat – that’s what writer Debi Lander got to experience when she went on an UnCruise in Alaska. She shares her experiences, including the adventurous activities and delicious eating to be done. 

What’s it Like to UnCruise Alaska? 

Alaska was one of only three states in the U.S. that I had not visited. So, naturally, I was thrilled to head to the 49th state for a Spring Awakenings UnCruise. I imagined moss and moose, thunderous glaciers and tiny birds. I wanted to visit rainforests, glaciers, fjords, waterfalls, Glacier Bay National Park and Tongass National Forest. I hoped to see Grizzlies, black bears and “spirit bears,” not to mention bald eagles, puffins, mountain goats, salmon and whales. I was not disappointed.

So, what’s an UnCruise? UnCruise is a company that operates small boats (the size of those European river cruises or smaller) but promises big adventures off the ship. So, in Alaska that meant hiking, kayaking, skiff outings, beachcombing, wildlife sightings, and glacier viewing as well as the joys of a typical cruise.

The SS Legacy, our UnCcruise in Alaska.

My trip began and ended in Juneau, on the boat named the SS Legacy. The Legacy, a replica of an 1898 coastal gold rush steamer sports Victorian-style décor and modern machinery. She can hold up to 90 passengers and slip into narrow spaces, another advantage over the mega-sized cruise liners.

The Spring Awakenings itinerary explored the Inner Passage in early May, a place that’s been called the red carpet to The Last Frontier. It stretches through some 500 miles of Southeast Alaska, where it reaches to the corner of Canada’s Yukon Territory. The big draw remains pristine wilderness and Glacier Bay—and you’ll get it. If you haven’t been to Alaska, don’t wait as long as I did. Book a trip soon! The landscape is truly one of America’s treasures.

Glacial ice in Alaska.

My partner and I arrived late the day before embarking, so we could tour the city of Juneau the next morning and learn about the small town’s gold rush history. We started with an unexpected climb up 146 steps toward the Capitol building. While catching my breath, I saw my first totem pole. (Yes!! I was indeed in Alaska, not Florida). We breezed through the capitol building, visiting the galleries of both the Senate and House chambers and managed to witness a vote in each. We shopped, grabbed a bite, and found the smallest U.S. capital city easy to cover on foot.

The beautiful view from the Tram.

The welcoming sun came out, so we rode the tram (complimentary tickets from UnCruise) to the top of Mount Roberts and overlooked the scenic panorama. Some of the mountaintops still had snow. The air looked and felt so clean.

In the afternoon, we hopped aboard the SS Legacy and were greeted with a glass of champagne. Nice start, UnCruise!

Taking the polar plunge!

During our week aboard, we remained active, hiking most days and using the mud boots I bought for the trip. One day I bravely took the polar plunge into Glacier Bay (38-degree water). And another day, a humpback whale gave a 45-minute show of breaching, fin and tail flapping that was most extraordinaire. The glaciers of blue ice glistened in the sunshine and their calving provided unexpected surprises and shouts of joy. We saw many aquatic animals like otters, orcas, sea lions and dolphins and, yes, we saw a few bears. The entire experience proved fascinating and even when it rained on the final day, I found the scenery breathtaking.

A whale breaching while Uncruising.

The Food Scene When You UnCruise in Alaska

All meals are taken in the Klondike Dining Room, the only dining room on the ship. There is no dress code for dining because UnCruises are meant to be low-key and relaxing. For early morning risers, breakfast and afternoon snacks are served in the upstairs lounge.

Lunch and dinner are usually themed: Italian, barbecue, Mediterranean, etc. and offer three options (meat, seafood or vegetarian, and salads). At lunch, you may always request a hamburger. BLT’s should be requested at breakfast, so bacon can be prepared and saved for lunch.

An appetizer board served on the UnCruise.

Enjoy dishes like Rack of Lamb while UnCruising in Alaska.

Dinner appetizers included soup, family-style antipasto boards, charcuterie boards, salads and baked Brie. Entree choices included filet, pork loin, chicken breast, beef short rib, rack of lamb, crab-stuffed trout, Alaskan halibut, and a few different types of salmon. The all-you-can-eat Dungeness crab fest is traditionally a big hit. Guests may order double entrees or split an entrée to make a surf and turf choice.

All-you-can-eat Dungeness Crab on an Alaskan UnCruise.

Every evening, the pastry chef created one special made-from-scratch dessert, and it always arrived beautifully plated – and tasted yummy! I loved the flourless chocolate cake. Should you have a hankering for ice cream, this option or sorbet, can be requested.

A dense, rich, flourless chocolate cake.

I found the crab stuffed salmon dish so delicious, I requested the recipe and UnCruise was gracious enough to provide it. At home, I gave it a try. We’re sharing the recipe here on RealFoodTraveler.com so you can make it at home too – until you get your chance to experience the dish on your own UnCruise.

Overall, I found the food excellent, not perhaps a five-star restaurant experience, but always fresh and flavorful and better than expected. All passengers needing individual menu choices such as vegetarian and gluten-free versions can be accommodated but should be requested when booking the cruise. Both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages including hand-mixed cocktails with premium spirits (such as a shot of scotch before the polar plunge), plus excursions, and transfers are included in the cruise fare. For more information about UnCruise Adventures, visit their website, here.

— Story and photos by Debi Lander

Hungry for more? Enjoy some more Alaskan seafood inspiration with this popular recipe for Alaskan Halibut Mini-Cakes. And read more about cruising, in this article. And if you missed it, here’s the recipe Debi made at home, courtesy of UnCruise.

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