8 new ways to explore the wilds of Alaska

Wild and remote, the ‘Last Frontier’ will charm, educate and light up your world as you explore its unforgettable, glacial landscape.

At over 1.7 million square kilometres, Alaska is the USA’s biggest state. In fact, if this remote state was a country, it would be the world’s 18th largest. Its colossal landmass boasts a glossy picture book of active glaciers, ice fields and over three million aquamarine lakes – and its unseen pages are just waiting to be turned.

Forget large cruise ships, which struggle to anchor in Alaska’s far-reaching nautical nooks. Instead, leave the masses behind and step aboard UnCruise Adventures’s expeditions for life-changing experiences. The small ship cruises are for only 22–86 passengers – and not only that, but they’re also entirely all-inclusive, from food and alcoholic drinks to activities.

The following eight cruises are just a taste of what this unique company has to offer.

Get up close to Alaska’s glaciers on UnCruise Adventures.

1. Hike through Glacier Bay National Park

Glacier Bay National Park is a place like no other. Thick walls of ice surround the ocean, forming deep, sheltered fjords. Beyond, find rugged mountains and temperate rainforests.

To see it all from your ship during UnCruise’s Wild Woolly & Wow with Glacier Bay itinerary is incredible, and to become part of the one per cent of all visitors who actually step foot on land to walk among the ice garden or join a ridge hike to view a glacier from above is an unforgettable experience. Expert naturalists and expedition leaders will be on hand to show you the way.

Take your adventure off the ship and onto the trails.

2. Treat yourself to fine dining

If we’re being honest, a cruise isn’t just about the itinerary. With UnCruise, not only are onboard meals included in your fare, but the chefs truly work hard to surprise and delight. The focus is always on locally sourced produce and cuisine from the area. In Alaska, enjoy multi-course meals of fresh seafood, like Dungeness crab. Wash it all down with signature cocktails every night. This is fresh, handcrafted cuisine at its best – it just happens to be on a ship.

Delight in Alaskan flavors with UnCruise’s locally sourced meals.

3. Spot brown bears on Chichagof Island

Nature never provides a guarantee, but Chichagof Island is home to the famous brown bear, making it a must-stop for enthusiastic wildlife spotters. At the right time of year, salmon runs attract bears for feeding, making the likelihood of spotting one of the fuzzy giants even higher. But there’s no wrong time to visit – other seasons bring the aurora borealis and meadows carpeted with wildflowers.

Visit the island on the luxurious Safari Endeavour during the eight-day Northern Passages with Glacier Bay & Sitka voyage.

Witness brown bears devouring fresh salmon.

4. Connect to the local culture

Be sure to make a stop at Ketchikan, an Alaskan city that lives and breathes traditional Tlingit culture. You’ll spot striking totem poles, common to these Indigenous peoples, and colourful wooden buildings. Join a local tribal leader to delve deeper into these lands, walking through the surrounding forest or challenging yourself on more rigorous trails on the Glacier Bay National Park with Inside Passage & San Juan Islands itinerary.

Immerse yourself in Ketchikan’s Tlingit culture. (Image: Unsplash/Eddie Quintero)

5. Snorkel in Alaskan waters

Above and below the water, the Blashke Islands are a naturist’s paradise. Northern sea otters, spotted seals, porpoises and humpback whales all call this place home, among other colourful underwater critters.

Dive into the refreshingly icy waters (don’t worry, UnCruise provides thick wetsuits with gloves and booties) to get a view of this underwater world on Alaska’s Fjords & Glaciers Ultimate with Glacier Bay Adventure cruise.

Experience snorkelling in Alaska’s stunning fjords.

6. Hike through Tongass National Forest

When we think of forests we imagine thick green foliage, but Alaska’s Tongass National Forest has so much more. Home to sky-high glaciers, ice-capped mountains, rich flora and diverse wildlife, it’s a hiker’s and cyclist’s playground. Slip on mud boots or jump on a mountain bike to search for wolves, brown bears and the majestic bald eagle. Expert naturalists and expedition leaders will be on hand to point the way when you witness it all as part of the eight-day Alaska’s Fjords & Glaciers with Ketchikan cruise aboard the luxury Wilderness Discoverer.

Visit Juneau after a hike.

7. Spot humpbacks and orcas

Calling all intrepid travellers for a thrilling adventure in Windham Bay and Stephens Passage. Humpback whales and orcas migrate here to feed, so it’s your chance to see them up close and in action. Explore from your own kayak and spot sea stars and shore birds in the same arena.

The captain of the luxury Safari Quest (which hosts only 22 guests) weaves through winding waterways too narrow for larger ships on the eight-day Alaska’s Glacier Wilderness with Glacier Bay itinerary.

Thrill to the sight of orcas and humpback whales.

8. Stretch on deck and watch Alaska go by

Let Mother Nature lead the way as she picks where you’ll sail depending on the weather. It might be Icy Strait, where marine life is abundant, or Neka Bay, where land-based exploration in the form of hiking with naturalist guides awaits. Either way, the views that greet you as you start the morning with on-deck yoga stretches, pastries and coffee will set the day in a magical motion.

Make sure to pack extra camera memory cards for the 15-day Alaska’s Fjords & Glaciers Ultimate with Glacier Bay Adventure Cruise itinerary.

Relax on deck and soak in the incredible views.

Start planning your Alaskan trip of a lifetime with UnCruise Adventures.