Wilderness Adventurer | ShermansTravel

UnCruise Adventures' 60-guest Wilderness Adventurer is a soft-expedition ship that cruises in Alaska, including the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay National Park. The ship lacks the bells and whistles of larger vessels (there is no pool and just one dining room and lounge) and activities revolve around lectures and kayaking excursions that launch right from the sports dock. But you don't choose Wilderness Adventurer for nightlife and water parks — it's all about getting an up-close look at the region's spectacular natural wonders and amazing wildlife.

What We Love

Happy Hour: These congenial mixers before dinner are where you can unwind after an active day, and nibble on appetizers (a different one is served every night) paired with wine, craft beer, and creatively mixed cocktails.

EZ Dock: Wilderness Adventurer's sports dock is designed with rollers for kayaks, which means you can easily step right in and get settled before the crew rolls you into the water.

Best Known For

Up-Close Adventure: An expedition-size vessel can take you much closer to the amazing wildlife and glaciers of Alaska than large mainstream cruise ships can. Since Wilderness Adventurer's captain can easily change the itinerary, seeing whales up close is practically guaranteed on most itineraries, and if someone spots a grizzly on one side of the ship, everyone can see it immediately by just turning around.

Who It's Best For

Active Adults: The seven-night Alaska itineraries offer lots of opportunities for hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, and exploring in the small skiffs. You can choose to do as much (or as little) as you want.

Active Families: Children as young as eight are welcome on many Wilderness Adventurer sailings, and many of the activities are gentle enough for families to do together.

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

Small Accommodations: This ship was refurbished in 2011, but all 30 cabins and their baths are small and basic. There are also no stateroom balconies.

No Casino, No Dance Band, No Sequins: If you cruise for the gambling and onboard entertainment, you will likely be disappointed. Wilderness Adventurer is also completely casual, with jeans welcome at all meals.

Linda Garrison

Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

Georgia-based Linda Garrison has been writing about cruises for About.com for 16 years. During that time, she has visited on a wide variety of cruise ships, ranging from eight-passenger sailboats to mega-ships that rival resorts for their activities and amenities.