Alaska Uncruise
 

Hi. We're a family of three adults (parents and 23-year-old son) looking for a small-ship Alaska cruise this summer to allow access to wildlife, hiking, kayaking, etc. We're close to booking with Uncruise for their Aug trip from Juneau to Ketchikan. It's pricey but the itinerary looks good. I'm a little uncertain about accommodations, having read mixed reviews on condition of the rooms and space to gather outside of the rooms. Would appreciate any insight/experience.

Thanks .

I am not familiar with the trip you are looking at but I can recommend this trip. Spirit Bear Viewing Tours - See Kermode & Ghost Bears in BC's Wild | Luxury Wilderness Adventure Tours & Cruises on BC's West Coast | Ocean Adventures Charter Co. Ltd, Vancouver, Canada It's also pricey but I cannot describe how amazing the trip was. 5 guests on a 54' ship. All inclusive. I would book the one closest to the private bookings on their schedule because that is prime time. If you're at all interested I can link photos I took.

No personal experience; I'd probably hustle over to Cruise Critic for more input. The reviews I've seen are all fairly similar - pros include the range of activities, lots of wildlife, etc., and the cons mostly center around small cabins and nighttime noise from the ship's generators. I'm sure you'll have a terrific time. Personally I'd opt for an itinerary that included Sitka rather than Ketchikan. To me (and many others) Sitka is the most attractive of the SE Alaska towns, and its limited port facilities means it's bypassed by most of the big cruise ships, while Ketchikan is a stop on (AFAIK) every single sailing from Seattle, Vancouver, Seward and Whittier. Sitka has it all - terrific Russian America and Tlingit history, stunning landscapes close by, lots of wildlife including the worthwhile Fortress of the Bear and Raptor Centers right in town, and easy access to all sorts of nearby activities and wonders.

Now all that said, if it was me shelling out that much money, I'd be investigating alternative places and activities that might require a bit more self-direction. Of course it all depends on your priorities, but there are so many options; for example a 3-day cruise around Prince William Sound on Discovery Voyages - Discovery Voyages - Alaska small ship cruise specialists :: Prince William Sound, Alaska : Discovery Voyages - would leave you with enough time to visit SE Alaska for a few days, maybe a land-based visit to Sitka with local wildlife, kayaking, glacier trekking, etc. arranged from there, or for a real change of pace and scenery, a flight up to Nome on the Bering Sea or Kotzebue on a branch of the Arctic Ocean (or both - same plane) to see some aspects of Alaska not experienced by the vast majority of visitors.

Your call, of course.

Can you tell me where is Cruise Critic.
Also, what did you decide about Uncruise, we also are considering them.

Why don't you just take the regular ferries of the Alaska Marine Highway?