The line’s intimate ships and creative itineraries are a perfect fit for active travelers seeking nature-focused experiences off the beaten path
Wildlife watching in the Galapagos Islands. Snorkeling in the Sea of Cortez. Hiking across Hawaiian lava fields. Kayaking along the pristine coast of Southeast Alaska.
These travel experiences and many more await active groups that book vacations with UnCruise Adventures, a small ship cruise line with a fleet of nine expedition vessels that go where the megaships don’t.
The line’s motto sums up its philosophy: Small boats. Small groups. Small footprint. Change the way you see the world!
Further reading: For details on UnCruise group opportunities, Read More.
Guests of UnCruise Adventures’ 86-passenger Wilderness Legacy paddle off the pristine coast of Southeast Alaska.
Groups of All Kinds Sail with UnCruise Adventures
UnCruise Adventures, with offices in Seattle and Juneau, welcomes groups with open arms. It assigns a dedicated account manager who works with the group all the way up to departure.
The line is offering these specials for groups in 2025:
- One complimentary berth (1 guest) for every 13 guests booked—the perfect opportunity for any travel agent to join in, lead their group and make them feel safe
- $250 per person savings for groups of minimum 12 guests
Groups sailing with UnCruise come in all types and sizes, says Aline Burchfield, Groups and Charter Accounts Manager.
“We have family & friends’ groups booking directly with us, sometimes one person is paying for everyone, sometimes each cabin pays individually; we have travel agents booking families right off the bat, or they’re holding group blocks ahead of time and booking into those blocks,” Burchfield says. “We have private organizations booking for alumni or team building events; we have ‘wilderness focus groups’ that will add a cruise to a much larger trip; and we have “Theme” groups that have a common interest, such as photography or birding.”
Are there destinations that groups tend to favor more than others?
Burchfield responds: “UnCruise Adventures is famous for the diversity of itineraries in Alaska, our home grounds, thus we get many requests for Alaska. Once guests have sailed with us once, they want to come back and experience our other destinations.”
As for repeaters, one photography group is a good example, says Burchfield. “They’ve been with us in Baja, Hawaii and Alaska.”
For budget-minded groups interested in Alaska, she advises that they avoid high season and aim for April/May, which “we call the ‘Alaska Awakening’ season. It’s the best time for snow and sunshine, rushing waterfalls and drifting ice, nature awakening with bears and their cubs, sea otter pups, baby goats, Sitka fawns, migrating birds and whales return, budding plants peeking through snow-covered trees; it’s just you and the locals!”
Snorkeling with sea lion pups in Mexico’s Sea of Cortez
Group Charters with UnCruise Adventures
Many UnCruise groups are families ranging from 12 to 20-some guests. Sometimes a multigenerational family will charter an entire ship.
“To charter a vessel is to ensure that you and your family take priority onboard – when it comes to the meals, activities and itinerary. A small intimate group where your trip of a lifetime is our priority,” Burchfield says.
Besides receiving full attention from the crew, benefits of a charter include:
- Special requests and customization are available
- Special celebrations of milestone events
- Unmatched focus on dietary needs
- Every space is yours to use, from the lounge and dining room to all decks and the library
Last year a family chartered the 22-passenger Safari Quest with the matriarch and patriarch celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. As Burchfield explains, “I went behind their back, talked to the lady’s sister to ask what we could do to make that celebration special. She came back to me with a photo from 1973 of their wedding cake. I forwarded it to the pastry chef onboard who worked her magic and was able to re-create that cake for them, including swallows on top of the cake. It was absolutely beautiful, and they had no idea it was coming!
“Another example: we had guests spread out the day before the cruise in different Airbnbs. On embarkation day, we went to pick up guests at each location. This kind of service would only be available for charters.”
The Safari Quest, as the line’s smallest ship, is the one most commonly chartered. In Burchfield’s words, “she’s our flagship little yacht.” Due to her size, “she can navigate into the tiniest nooks even our other vessels can’t reach, offering exclusive access to remote wilderness areas.” (The line’s largest ships, the Wilderness Legacy and Safari Endeavour, hold 86 and 84 passengers, respectively.)
Further reading: For details on UnCruise group opportunities, Read More.
Activities and Amenities on UnCruise Ships
Each UnCruise ship is equipped with top-of-the-line gear for kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling and hiking. Many vessels have a custom-built kayak launch system. Binoculars are available, too.
For exercise onboard, passengers can use the fitness equipment or walk laps around the deck. Some vessels have an on-deck hot tub.
The 76-passenger Wilderness Discoverer in Alaska
Members of the expedition team exhibit an infectious enthusiasm for connecting with nature; many have advanced degrees and can speak in detail about subjects ranging from whales to fungi to geology. Their talks (often illustrated) are sometimes based on what the bow camera catches and the underwater hydrophone sees and hears. They organize adventures ashore, including guided shore walks and rigorous hikes, and explain use of kayaks, inflatable skiffs and paddle boards.
The all-inclusive fare covers adventure equipment and shore excursions, plus unlimited food and beverages including alcohol, airport transfers and baggage handling.
“Groups will follow our regular activities offered each day,” Burchfield says, “but what’s great is that when you have a multi-gen family with very different physical aptitudes, they have the ability to split and choose the activity of their choice. Excursions are as hard-charging or as slow paced as you’d like.”
For best availability on cabin types, Burchfield recommends that large groups book 12 to 18 months in advance.
For information on group bookings with UnCruise Adventures:
- Contact: Aline Burchfield
- Email: groups@uncruise
- Phone – 206-737-5703
For more group travel ideas, you can subscribe to Leisure Group Travel for FREE
By Randy Mink, Senior Editor
Lead Photo – The Malone family, shown here in Alaska’s Prince William Sound, chartered a ship. Upon boarding, they were surprised with a gift from UnCruise Adventures—souvenir shirts.
Photos courtesy of UnCruise Adventures
