Canadian World Traveller Spring 2020 Issue

46
Uncruising and Unwinding in Alaska
Article and photography by Jennifer Merrick
The stress of selling our home had
taken its toll. Bags appeared on top
of bags under our eyes from the
preparation, staging, showings, open houses
and uncertainty. Sleepless nights were the
norm as we feverishly wished for somebody,
anybody, to buy our home. But finally, it sold.
Three days after the successful sale, still shellshocked,
we flew to Juneau, Alaska, to
embark on an UnCruise. This Seattle-based
company differentiates itself from other cruise
lines with its small ships (its biggest vessel has
a maximum passenger capacity of 90), inclusive
expedition-styled itineraries and its focus
on nature, wildlife and culture.
Our ship, the aptly named Wilderness
Explorer, sailed a section of Alaska’s Inside
Passage, a route that weaved through countless
islands along the Pacific coast. We boarded
tense and tired, and disembarked, seven
days later, relaxed and filled with awe by the
expansiveness and staggering beauty of the
Alaskan landscape.
Days of Adventure
We fell easily into the rhythm of the ship.
“Good morning, Wilderness Explorers,” the
announcement would chime at the start of
each day. “Breakfast is now being served in
the dining room.”
After a delicious and hearty meal, we’d set out
to do exactly what our ship’s name dictated
and explore the wilderness. Unlike other
cruises I’d been on, all of the UnCruise excursions
were included in the price and designed
to get you out in the wilds of Alaska at whatever
intensity suited you best. Choices ranged
from easy discovery walks and zodiac tours to
paddleboarding, sea kayaking and bushwhacking.
The latter was an UnCruise speciality,
which could be described as hiking
without a trail, and often involved slithering
under fallen trees, clamouring up rocks and
sliding down hills.
“We’re exploring, too!” our enthusiastic
guides chirped as we dove into the lush vege-