More Reasons To Try An Un-Cruise Adventure

You may remember we featured a cruise in Alaska with Un-Cruise Adventures in the most recent edition of World of Cruising (which you can still see on this link - pages 32-36), and we also featured the voyage in day-by-day blogs here at Time Spent At Sea, a series that earned a nomination in the 2013 Avis A-List Awards for travel blogs.

You can still see the blogs, starting with Day One, on this link. So you can tell we are committed Un-Cruise fans, and are always on the lookout for news from this highly distinctive and original adventure-cruise line.

With that in mind, here are some snippets about their forthcoming cruises for 2014 aboard their luxury period style of the unique SS Legacy (above), which we can thoroughly recommend as well worth looking into.

Alaska

From June 15 through August 17, there will be 10 departures of a new Alaska’s Golden History cruise that bring the 1890s Klondike Gold Rush alive. The 7-night cruise visits Wrangell, Petersburg, Sitka, Glacier Bay National Park, Haines and Skagway, while Frederick Sound and Icy Strait are also prime whale-watching territory. An 11-night Gold Rush Legacy cruise between Seattle and Juneau (and reverse) will be offered in June and August.

Columbia and Snake Rivers

From March through May and September through November, week-long cruises depart round-trip from Portland, Oregon, to explore the history and scenery of the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Areas visited include the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Clarkston, Hells Canyon, Walla Walla, Washington Wine Country, The Dalles and Astoria, all of which offer another rare and history-rich cruise experience. 

More info: call (in the US) 1888-862-8881 or visit www.un-cruise.com.

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this year - 50 per cent OFF the regular rate AND the chance to win a cruise in our free prize draw offer. See this link!

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An Alaskan Un-Cruise Adventure - Pt 6, Petersburg

More from our magnificent Alaska cruise experience with Un-Cruise Adventures on their unique SS Legacy...

Legacy Cruise Day 6

Another morning in Alaska, another morning of majestic whale-sightings. We are on our way to the tiny Norwegian-founded community of Petersburg today, which means a morning traversing Frederick Sound, and a wide, lake-like body of water that is home to many hundreds of humpback and minke whales.

In typical fashion, we are pretty much wide awake with the early-riser breakfast served at 7am in the main lounge (as an alternative to the full breakfast served in the dining room an hour later) and on deck in time for the first sighting of the day (actually, it was the second, as a minke had already been spotted by the earliest risers).

With the sea a complete, glassy calm all around, it was easy to see the first humpback surface.

And the second. And the third. And so on, until the Legacy was completely surrounded by more than a dozen whales, all cruising the Sound in search of food.

To one side was a group vigorously slapping the water with their tails; to the starboard side was a group dipping and diving in regular fashion. Aft of us was yet another pod engaged in what looked like sideways feeding, where we could see their heads first, then their flippers and finally the big, signature tails.

And, off in the distance, was a solo ‘performer’ simply enjoying the pleasures of a late summer day, breaching at regular intervals and crashing into the sea on his back. Why to whales do this? No-one seems to know, but it could well just be because they can.

Finally, after an hour with the ship drifting along to enjoy the show, the Captain got us back on course for the small town of Petersburg – population less than 3,000.

This heavily fishing-inspired port sees little in the way of cruise traffic and is all the better for it.

We were met at the dock by two ‘fishing’ guides, locasl who can tell us the town’s maritime history (largely based on salmon fishing and processing) as we walk along the shore to the Sons of Norway Hall.

Here the local Norwegian-inspired youth put on a show of traditional dancing (below) while we enjoy coffee and pastries, concluding with some amusing stories from the kids about their lives in Petersburg, and others’ perceptions of it.

The tour continues with a bus ride to the key local sites, which include the quaint downtown area, the Scandinavian-inspired domestic architecture, wall murals and the extensive muskeg at the back of town – a thick peat bog that most people are advised to avoid at all costs!

A black-tailed deer wandered out into the road at one point, bothering the driver not a jot, while

a stop at the Clausen Museum afforded an opportunity for some of the group to jump off and learn more local history.

We preferred to head back into the ‘downtown’ area (all 3 blocks of it) and learn that the Petersburg Fisheries (a division of the Icicle Seafoods, Inc) had canned some 21,792,048 cans of salmon so far this year. Yes, that's right more than 21 million (although the salmon canning industry used to be MUCH bigger in this region, before people started demanding more whole-fish product).

It was easy to see why, as the various different harbours afforded huge and easy access for the big fishing fleet here, and it was refreshing to see a true working port without any of the usual heavy industry or even the yachting marina with its pleasure craft instead of working vessels. There is nothing pretentious about Petersburg – just honest-to-goodness simplicity and sureness.

Back on board, the mist and fog had started to roll in as we prepared for dinner, providing for

some suitably atmospheric photos of the inlet and its surrounds. 

We were due to stay in the area overnight, dropping anchor just up from the port itself, and we enjoyed yet another impressive 4-course dinner, this time featuring a chili-rubbed bison ribeye steak that was truly taste tantalising.

The evening was given over to a one-man tour de force from one of the costumed characters, Kenny, playing the part of successful prospector CJ Berry (who had appeared earlier in the day with his faithful wife Ethel - as played by re-enactor Arika) and regaling us with his stories of failure and ultimate triumph, in the Klondike.

Once again, it underlined the great novelty – and interest value – of this period-style voyage,

and ensured we had yet another memorable historic experience to go with our present-day ones.

Tomorrow - Wrangell

To learn more about Un-Cruise adventures, call 1888 862 8881 in the US; or visit www.un-cruise.com. In the UK, specialist cruise agents The Cruise Line can also help with bookings.

Be sure to read the full report of the cruise in the Autumn edition of World of Cruising, out September 20. You can subscribe here: http://www.worldofcruising.co.uk/subscribeOrder.html

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

An Alaskan Un-Cruise Adventure - Pt 5, Sitka

Continuing our magnificent Alaskan Gold Rush voyage with Un-Cruise Adventures on their unique new SS Legacy...

Legacy Cruise Day 5

After two immensely rewarding days at sea, we were heading for port again today, but only after a morning cruising the intricate interior waterways between Baranof and Chichagof islands, with a narrow passageway that afforded genuine close-ups with both shores in turn.

Another humpback whale passed by, lazily cruising close in to the rocky shoreline, and a huge colony of sea otters were spied among great clumps of floating kelp along several rocky outcrops.

Chief barman Jason provided another highlight of the morning with his own speciality Bloody Mary mix, featuring a bacon-wrapped whole shrimp. Here was a meal in a glass, and mighty tasty to boot!

The approach to Sitka itself was equally breathtaking, the mountainous hinterland still topped

by snow and ice while the busy working fishing harbour maintains a constant flow in and out. The Japanese-built suspension bridge served as an iconic entryway and the extinct volcano of Mt Edgecumbe appeared offshore out of the clearing cloud.

After a quick lunch, and with the cloud giving way to unseasonably warm sunshine, we embarked on our included tour for the afternoon, on the Tribal Tours trolleys with native Tlingit guide Toby.

Our first stop, at the Sheet'ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi tribal heritage centre where the Naa Kahidi Dancers (below left) provided a traditional Tlingit welcome and song and dance show, demonstrating traditional dances and activities in heart-warming fashion (several of the ‘performers’ were barely four years old, but joined in with gusto!).

Next up was the Raptor Rehabilitation Center, where we were given a close-up of an (injured) bald eagle and told about the highly successful volunteer-led rehab programme, that takes in many injured eagles, hawks, owls and even ravens and returns them to the wild if at all possible. The handful of birds that cannot be treated and returned to flight are, instead, treated to a five-star rest home for the rest of their lives.

There was an optional extra tour at this point, to go kayaking, but we decided we would prefer to stick with the main group and see more of the area.

Back on the Trolley, it was time to take in the Sitka National Historic Park, where we learned more about Tlingit history and especially their long-established tradition of totem pole carving and narrative story-telling. A side-trip to the park's central stream revealed a narrow waterway positively choked with salmon, many dead and the rest in the slow process of coming to a halt and dying. A sobering if macabrely fascinating sight.

Finally, we had time for a half-hour wander through the town itself – and the central icon of St

Michael’s Cathedral (right), the 19th century Russian Orthodox church that burned down in 1966 but has been faithfully rebuilt.

Back aboard, we said a fond farewell to Sitka amidst a beautifully mild evening, sailing away from the shadow of Mt Edgecumbe while the crew prepared yet another excellent dinner.

An evening showing of the classic John Wayne film North to Alaska concluded proceedings but, truth to tell, we were nodding off long before the end.

Next up – a visit to Norwegian-inspired Petersburg.

To learn more about Un-Cruise adventures, call 1888 862 8881 in the US; or visit www.un-cruise.com. In the UK, specialist cruise agents The Cruise Line can also help with bookings.

Be sure to read the full report of the cruise in the Autumn edition of World of Cruising, out September 20. You can subscribe here: http://www.worldofcruising.co.uk/subscribeOrder.html

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.

Alaska Here We Come!

OK, today is the day we venture back off to Alaska and try something new - something really new, as it is only the second cruise on the revamped SS Legacy of Un-Cruise Adventures, and it promises to be a special voyage indeed.

It will all be featured in the Autumn edition of World of Cruising (providing we have no delays on the flight back!) and is a voyage we have been keenly looking forward to since Un-Cruise announced the first of their Heritage Adventure cruises earlier this year.

First of all the Legacy is an 88-passenger replica Victorian steamship designed for coastal and river-cruising. Formerly the Spirit of '98 of failed line Cruise West, she has been rescued by Un-Cruise and given a new lease of life following her christening earlier this month.

And, while Un-Cruise already feature Active Adventures (on three ships in Alaska, Coastal Washington and British Columbia), and their Luxury Adventure style (four even smaller vessels visiting Hawaii and Mexico's Sea of Cortes), the Heritage Adventures are completely new and limited purely to the SS Legacy.

The idea is they will provide a historic and more personal view of the areas they travel, and our cruise from Juneau in Alaska back down to Seattle in Washington state has a Gold Rush heritage theme, so we will get to hear about the 19th century history of the region, as well as sail up-close-and-personal in the 49th state and get some more great looks at one of our favourite parts of the world with its amazing scenery and wildlife.

It all kicks off tomorrow from the Alaskan capital (we're staying overnight in Juneau at the Westmark Baranof Hotel), as we board our chic little vessel and get acquainted with our fellow passengers and the crew, who promise:

• Interpretive staff preparing guests for visits ashore.
• Characters appearing in period costume.
• Presentations by knowledgeable historians.
• Expert guest speakers stepping on board to keep the history alive.
• Important artifacts in the regions visited.
• Local residents sharing their heritage.
• Informative activities to enhance the place in time.
• And all aboard a replica coastal steamer with Victorian-style décor.

Along the way, we will visit Sitka, Wrangell, Haines, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Petersburg and Frederick Sound in Alaska (with some truly out-of-the-way stops en route), and Johnston Strait and the San Juan Islands in Washington, before we reach our end destination of Seattle.

It all shapes up to be a truly original and captivating voyage, with just one small drawback. With the vessel itself and in most of the areas we're travelling, there is no Internet

connection for nearly all the way, so it's unlikely we'll be able to report back as we go (plus, we may well be too busy soaking up all the Alaskan heritage to sit in front of a laptop for long!).

However, we WILL post a day-by-day look at things once we're back and, of course, you can't miss our Autumn issue for the full story and photos. Make sure you subscribe on this link!

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Alaska Unleashed with InnerSea Discoveries

With more vessels and itinerary choices in Alaska than any previous year, un-cruise adventure operator InnerSea Discoveries and American Safari Cruises has unveiled 2013 rates and dates for its fleet of expedition vessels and yachts. New in 2013, a refurbished Safari Legacy joins the fleet of yachts while InnerSea Discoveries schedules three Alaska Unleashed cruises for the utmost in active adventures.

The 88-guest Legacy, an elegant vessel reminiscent of a gold-rush coastal steamer with Victorian décor, debuts with American Safari Cruises in summer 2013. Sailing week-long cruises between Ketchikan and Juneau, Alaska, the vessel visits Skagway, Haines, Sitka, Petersburg, Wrangell, Glacier Bay and the remote fishing village of Pelican. On board, a Living History programme focuses on the storied past of Alaska, including the Klondike gold rush and historical characters such as naturalist and author John Muir, outlaw Soapy Smith and prospector Skookum Jim. Legacy Leaders and local guest storytellers bring the history and spirit of the past alive with period re-enactments and lively presentations.

“The Safari Legacy will be unique within our fleet and adds an option for those interested in exploring the port towns and history of Alaska,” said Tim Jacox, executive vice president of sales and marketing. “We’ll also offer more days inside Glacier Bay National Park, with six boats making regular visits, most for multiple days of exploration.”

Adventurers interested in more technical hikes, longer kayaking trips and more opportunities to be active out in the wilderness can choose to sail on one of three week-long Alaska Unleashed cruises aboard the Wilderness Adventurer. On these exclusive adventures, guest capacity is reduced from 60 to 36 guests to enable a more rigorous slate of outdoor activities. Dates are June 8, July 13 and August 10. For this advanced adventure programme, rates start at $5,595 per person based on double occupancy.

Specialising in active adventures in the wilderness, InnerSea Discoveries’ three expedition vessels include the 60-guest Adventurer and 76-guest Wilderness Discoverer and Wilderness Explorer. The upscale fleet of American Safari Cruises includes the 12-guest Safari Spirit, 22-guest Safari Quest, 36-guest Safari Explorer, 86-guest Safari Endeavour and 88-guest Safari Legacy.

For more booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's luxury cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

PS: The new edition of World of Cruising magazine is now available online. Follow this link to read it and enjoy cruising even more!

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Junior Rangers To Inspire Kids on Crystal's Alaska Cruises

With multi-generational family bookings on the rise, Crystal Cruises is putting a special focus on family-friendliness for its Alaska summer series, with all-ages excursions, an extended Junior Activities programme and an alliance with the National Park Service for a Junior Rangers programme.

When Crystal Symphony (above) sails through Glacier Bay this May to August, park rangers will come on board to lead kid-friendly activities and presentations about the area’s natural history. Through interactive projects and activity books, children and teens can become park Junior Rangers, earning official badges and certificates.

“The adult rangers ask children to pledge to ‘help take care of special places’,” explains Vice President International Sales & Marketing, Philip Ordever. “Such innovative and collaborative education ensures that kids take a greater interest in the beautiful destinations they’re visiting.”

Complementing this programme will be extended hours of stimulating, tiered, on-board activities for children aged 3-17, led by Crystal-staffed Junior Activities Directors. Kids can meet for board games or arts and crafts in Crystal’s Fantasia playroom, for Sony PlayStation® 3, Nintendo Wii™ or Xbox 360TM video games in the Waves arcade, or participate in behind-the-scenes happenings like galley tours, scavenger hunts, sushi-making classes, and backstage costume “dress-up”.

Families can also take advantage of Hollywood Theatre movies, Library DVD and book check-outs, piano lessons, babysitting services or favourite “finicky eater” foods throughout the ship. On land, there are dozens of shore excursions designated as “family friendly”.

Nine 12-night San Francisco round-trips visit Victoria, Vancouver, Sitka, Juneau, Skagway/Haines, Ketchikan and either Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay. Departure dates are May 9 and 21; June 2, 14, 26; July 8 and 20; and August 1 and 13. Fly-cruise prices are from £3,998 per person, including return economy class flights, 12 nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window with all meals and soft drinks, port taxes and a $500 per person onboard credit.

In addition, Crystal is offerings its guests a choice of two fabulous options – they can choose either a free upgrade to World Traveller Plus or a complimentary three-night pre- or post-cruise land package in San Francisco that includes three nights accommodation at the five-star The Clift, a half-day city tour followed by a trip to Alcatraz Island, a full day wine-tasting tour to Sonoma and Napa Valley, a romantic Champagne dinner and use of an exclusive concierge service.

For more info, visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk or luxury cruise agents The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Crystal Showcases Emerging Artists on Alaska Voyages

Whether you’re addicted to X Factor or a patron of the arts, it’s always exciting to discover new talent. For this reason, Crystal Cruises is treating guests to its own performance series of high-calibre “Emerging Artists” during its new Alaska season, which kicks off in May.

Through its partnership with The Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County, seven “Experiences of Discovery” theme cruises from May to August will feature a total of 22 gifted young artists, including members of the San Francisco Ballet, accomplished composers and songwriters, students from Juilliard School and the Berklee College of Music and an “America’s Most Talented Kid” TV show contestant.

The 17-25-year-old participants are all alumni of the Center's renowned Spotlight Awards programme, which nurtures the audition and performance skills of senior school-aged artists from Southern California. The year-long intensive course of study culminates in the Spotlight Awards presentation, with many award-winners invited on Crystal Symphony to showcase their talents in ballet, classical piano, Broadway-style vocals, international dance, opera, jazz and blues.

While sailing amongst ice-blue glaciers and serene wildlife of the Last Frontier, guests will be able to enjoy performances as well as observe a Master Class between artists and Music Centre Master Class teachers/ambassadors. These exclusive seminars will give an insider’s peek at the intensive training professional performers undergo to perfect their art.

Round-trip from San Francisco, the 12-night voyages are set for May 21; June 2, 14 and 26; July 8 and 20; and August 1, calling at Sitka, Juneau, Skagway/Haines, Ketchikan, Victoria, Vancouver and either Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier.

Prices start from £4,188 per person (based on May 21 and June 2 departures) including free return economy class flights, 12 nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window with all meals and soft drinks and port taxes. In addition, as part of Crystal's "All Inclusive - As You Wish" promotion, guests on this voyage will also receive onboard spending money of $500 per person, which can be spent on shore excursions, spa treatments, alcoholic beverages, purchases in the onboard boutiques, gratuities or Vintage Room experiences.

For reservations, visit http://www.crystalcruises.co.uk/ or contact the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

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High Cuisine and Totem Poles

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Author, lecturer and naturalist Terry Breen will lecture on board Oceania Cruises' summer Alaska cruises on the elegant 684-passenger Regatta when the new itineraries debut in May. Breen will give enrichment lectures and share personal insights with guests as they explore the Inside Passage and lesser-known Alaskan ports.

With 19 years of expedition experience, Terry Breen has honed her love for cultural anthropology and exploration and has become an acclaimed area specialist. Author of The Cruiser Friendly Onboard Guide series, the first and only guides that explore the world as seen from the decks of a cruise ship, Breen will share her invaluable insight and understanding of Alaska's celebrated sights and uncultivated wilderness with guests.

- 12-day Alaskan Grandeur starting at £1406 per person -

Oceania's Alaskan Grandeur itinerary operates between San Francisco and Vancouver on May 26 and again August 14. Fares start from £1406 per person, based on two sharing. Ports include: Astoria, Wrangell, Juneau, Hoona, Sitka (called "Shee Atika" by the Tlingit Indians, then "New Archangel" by the Russians who moved in next) ousted and Ketchikan. Totem poles are one of Ketchikan's main attractions and the best places to view them are the Saxman Native Village (above) and Totem Bight State Park. Guests can also learn about the local cultures and ecosystems at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Centre.

As a special highlight, Pacific Northwest specialties will be featured during lunch in the casual Terrace Café and in the ship's elegant Grand Dining Room. Regional specialities will also be showcased in all four of the ship's open-seating restaurants, all of which are available with no surcharge.

Provisions are bought locally whenever possible and the ship's executive chef seeks the freshest catch and shellfish, making on-the-spot decisions. Consequently, not all selections will always be available and there may be surprise menu additions. Depending on the voyage and venue, appetisers might include Fresh Halibut Velouté - a creamy fish soup with saffron rice and julienne leeks - or Alaskan King Crab Legs, sure to be a guest favourite.

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

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