UnCruise Adventures Announces 2019 Schedule of Small Ship Adventure Cruises

Longer explorations planned in Costa Rica and Panamá

 

 

Seattle, WA, June 26, 2018— New 10- and 12-night cruises in Costa Rica and Panamá highlight what’s new in UnCruise Adventures’  2019 schedule of adventure cruises.  Based in Seattle, Washington, the line operates eight adventure ships, plus a partner vessel in the Galápagos, carrying 22-90 guests in Alaska, coastal Washington, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, Hawaii, Galápagos, Costa Rica and Panamá.

 

Small ships decked out with adventure gear take travelers deeper into the destination: kayaking, paddle boarding, skiff excursions, hiking, bushwhacking, biking, snorkeling and rafting.

 

“After a year of operating in Costa Rica and Panamá, we’re combining elements of our two itineraries into longer, more in depth voyages,” said Captain Dan Blanchard, CEO. “The cultural experience in Panamá is meaningful; it’s worth the time to explore both countries and makes the trip even more memorable.”

 

Costa Rica and Panamá – New 10 and 12-night cruises
Beginning in April 2019 and continuing through September, the Safari Voyager sails nine departures on a 12-night Pure Panamá & Costa Rica cruise.  Panamá highlights include a late afternoon/evening transit of the Panamá Canal, Guna Yala (formerly San Blas) Islands, Fort San Lorenzo, Pearl Islands, visit to an Embera Village in the Darien Jungle and Coiba National Park. In Costa Rica, travelers explore the Golfo Dulce, Osa Conservation Area and Curú National Wildlife Refuge.  In November and December, five departures on a new 10-night Costa Rica & Panamá cruise visit places detailed on the 12-night cruise minus Panamá’s Guna Yala Islands. The eight-night Unveiled Wonders itinerary will sail between Costa Rica and Panamá 15 times from January 2019 until its last departure on April 12. Rates begin at $4,795 per person, based on double occupancy.

 

Columbia and Snake River cruise – New wine and culinary cruise
A new weeklong Rivers of Wine & Culinary cruise debuts aboard the S.S. Legacy in 2019 with six sailings planned in November and December. Sailing roundtrip Portland, Oregon, the cruise visits wineries in four AVAs, a brewery, a cidery and emphasizes hand-crafted meals with local ingredients, as well as wine and food pairings. A sommelier and wine expert sail on board for the week; a guest chef joins for presentations.  Areas visited include Astoria, Hood River, Columbia River Gorge, Walla Walla, Palouse Falls State Park, The Dalles and Willamette Valley. Eight departures on a weeklong Rivers of Adventure cruise sail between Portland, Oregon and Clarkston, Washington (or reverse) packing in adventurous explorations of diverse scenery with hiking, biking, skiff excursions, kayaking, and swimming in the river.  Hike the Rowena Plateau and Multnomah Falls. Raft the Deschutes River and take a jet boat deep into Hells Canyon.  Visit Palouse Falls State Park—hike and kayak. Transit eight locks along the way and taste local wine at Terra Blanca.  Rates begin at $3,745 per person, double occupancy.

 

Southeast Alaska – 1 new itinerary; Glacier Bay National Park-UNESCO site
Seven small ships sail 142 departures on 11 itineraries with a new Alaska’s Glacier Country itinerary sailing roundtrip from Juneau, Alaska.  Ships sail from homeports of Seattle, WA; Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau and Petersburg, Alaska from April through early October. Glacier Bay National Park is a highlight on many cruises with time to explore by kayak and hiking ashore. In spring 2019, UnCruise will feature 24 Alaska Awakening departures in April and May and will begin spring Alaska sailings on April 6, the earliest in company history. Alaska Awakening highlights the benefits of spring and encourages visiting Southeast Alaska during the driest months of the year. On every Alaska Awakening departure, an Alaska Awakening Insider theme host will share their intimate knowledge of the land with guests. Rates for weeklong Alaska cruises sailing April through October begin at $2,995 per person, double occupancy. Two-week itineraries are available.

 

Mexico’s Sea of Cortés – UNESCO Site
From January through March and December, the Safari Endeavour sails 16 departures on a weeklong Baja’s Bounty itinerary roundtrip San José del Cabo with an included transfer to the ship in La Paz. A week of exploring remote islands and waters in the UNESCO World Heritage Site includes a burro ride into an  arroyo led by a local ranchero family, snorkeling with sea lions at Los Islotes, desert hikes and marine life searches. Depending on the time of year, don snorkels and swim with whale sharks (gentle giants) or cross the Baja peninsula to Magdalena Bay, board a panga boat and see grey whales and calves up close. Rates begin at $3,795 per person, based on double occupancy.

 

Galápagos Islands –UNESCO site
Six departures of a 7-night Darwin’s Discoveries itinerary aboard La Pinta sails roundtrip Guayaquil, Ecuador and explores seven islands and islets in the Galapagos Islands –Islas Baltra, Seymore Norte, Isabella, Fernandina, Rábida, Santa Cruz and Floreana. A pre-cruise hotel night in Guayaquil is included along with roundtrip air between Guayaquil and the Galapagos. Local guides lead excursions ashore and by sea exploring wildlife. Snorkel, kayak, swim, glass-bottom boat and hike.  See giant tortoises and visit the Charles Darwin Research Center. Rates begin at $8,345 per person, based on double occupancy.

 

Hawaiian Islands – Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary
The Safari Explorer sails 22 departures on a Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary one-way between Moloka’i and Hawai’i (or reverse) from January through March and November through December. The island hopping cruise visits Maui, Lana’i, Moloka’i and the big island of Hawai’i. An overnight and full day on Moloka’i explores traditional Hawaiian culture with locals in Halawa Valley, as well as a Pa’ina feast in the evening. Snorkeling and small boat explorations reveal the universe of marine life—dolphins, tropical fish, whales, green sea turtles and a night snorkel with Giant Pacific Manta rays. Watch for whales in the Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Rates begin at $4,695 per person, based on double occupancy.

 

Coastal Washington – Olympic National Park-UNESCO site
In spring and fall, 15 departures on a weeklong Explore! Olympic Wilderness and San Juan Islands itinerary sail roundtrip Seattle exploring Puget Sounds’ shores, the Olympic Peninsula and the San Juan Islands. The 22-guest Safari Quest tucks into small bays for explorations. Hike Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park, take in the views from Mt. Constitution on Orcas Island, kayak off Lopez Island, and hike across Sucia, a Washington State marine park. Rates begin at $4,195 per person, based on double occupancy.

 

With a focus on exploring nature and wildlife outside, UnCruise carries its own adventure equipment and employs a team of knowledgeable expedition guides to lead adventures off ship. Guests are immersed in the destination and can choose from varying levels of activities—kayaking, hiking, beachcombing, paddle boarding, snorkeling, skiff excursions and wildlife searches.

 

Inclusive cruises include fresh, innovative meals; all beverages including alcohol; adventure activities; transfers day of cruise and wellness amenities. Port taxes and fees are additional. Stopover hotel stays and land packages are available in connection with cruises. Theme cruise topics include photography, marine biology, ornithology, wellness and wine. A Family Discoveries program encourages families to bring children 8 years and older with a savings of $500 for kids ages 8 to 13 years old. To book or to request additional information, contact your travel agent or UnCruise Adventures at 888-862-8881 or sales@uncruise.com.

 

Connect with UnCruise Adventures on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterestand Instagram.

 

 

About UnCruise Adventures

UnCruise Adventures’ boutique yachts and small ships carry 22-90 guests on voyages in Alaska, Hawaiian Islands, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, Columbia & Snake Rivers, coastal Washington, Galápagos Islands and Costa Rica and Panamá.