Wide open spaces have been a big draw over the past year, as families sought out a safe escape from the confines of home. It doesn’t get much more sprawling than Alaska. It’s larger than California, Texas and Montana combined. A visit to Alaska provides a dose of perspective. It reminds us we’re just a small piece of something much bigger.
Getting to Alaska is one thing, and getting around Alaska is something else entirely. When it comes to the Inside Passage, the best way to explore it is by boat. Yes, you’ll see big cruise ships sailing around, but small ship cruises, like the ones operated by UnCruise Adventures can navigate into spaces the big boats simply can’t.
We sailed with UnCruise from Juneau to Sitka on the Northern Passages and Glacier Bay Itinerary. The Captain and Expedition Leader will be quick to tell you that no route is set in stone, so don’t get too attached to the itinerary outlined in the cruise brochure. It will change based on weather, wildlife … and whim. That said here’s an idea of what you can expect on an 8 day sailing in Alaska:
Day 1: Embarkation in Juneau
On our departure day, we checked in at the UnCruise hospitality center located along the Juneau waterfront. We dropped off our bags and got our name badges. The hospitality center is open all day, but the ship doesn’t board until late afternoon. We’d recommend dropping your bags off early and then using your time to explore the Juneau-area.
Related: 48 Hours in Juneau, Alaska
KidTripster Tip: No matter who you’re cruising with, we always recommend arriving at the port a day prior to sailing. A missed flight (we once narrowly missed a cruise to Mexico), could mean a cancelled cruise. Flying in a day early gives you some breathing room and, if you’re lucky, a little time to explore.
We returned to the UnCruise hospitality center at 4:45pm and lined up with other guests at the dock. When it was our turn, we headed aboard. My son was so excited about the adventure that he skipped down the gangway. Before boarding the ship, the crew snapped our photos. (They later post them in the lobby so that you can get to know the other passengers.) A crew member then greeted us and ushered us to our cabins, providing a brief tour of the ship along the way.
Our family of four was assigned two cabins, as most cabins sleep just two guests. We split up by gender, the girls in one cabin, the boys in the other. We had a few minutes to get settled. The cabins are small, but include a wardrobe and some drawers for clothing. You can store a large, roller suitcase under the bed.
KidTripster Tip: Currently all UnCruise guests 18+ are required to be vaccinated and masks are required on-board except when eating or drinking. All guests must provide evidence of negative COVID tests, taken within 4 days of sailing. Review the most up-to-date UnCruise Covid policies here.
Not long after we boarded, it was time for our safety drill, a requirement for all vessels before leaving port. We took our life jackets to the lounge and received instructions for what to do in case of an emergency. Once we completed the safety drill, it was time for dinner. The ship quietly left port as we took our first bites.
Our first meal aboard was a good introduction into what mealtimes are like on-board, and we got to meet our server for the week. We were given a choice between a land and sea dish. (There’s also a vegetarian option at every meal.) Our options were smoked salmon or sirloin. Dessert was a strawberry pavlova.
After dinner, we headed back to the lounge to learn more about the week ahead in Southeast Alaska. Then we went to bed with full tummies and our heads swirling about all that lay in store for us.
Click on the “2” below to read about Day 2 (our first full day aboard the Legacy) which included sightseeing at a famous glacier.
