UnCruise Adventures announced that it will return to service on August 1, with the start of its Alaska voyages.
The entire travel industry has been frozen, with cruises shut down since early March, as the coronavirus pandemic gripped the world. UnCruise and other U.S.-based small-ship operators have the chance to return to service earlier than most companies, as they use ships that sail with fewer than 250 people onboard, thus avoiding a CDC temporary ban on ships operating above that number of passengers.
With so many avid travelers and cruisers eager to get back out exploring, the resumption of UnCruise's Alaska expeditions is great news. Certainly, travel during these times will look a little different and will come with enhanced health protocols. But if you are eager to travel and love an active vacation, UnCruise has designed a safe and exciting way to visit a magical destination.
"As one of the first companies to restart service, this is a pivotal moment for the travel industry and Alaska," says UnCruise Adventures Owner and CEO Dan Blanchard. "These initial departures represent a reframing of what adventure travelers are increasingly looking for, small groups, inclusion and human connection."
The initial Alaska sailing is a roundtrip seven-night Glacier Bay National Park Adventure, departing from Juneau and with an enhanced wilderness itinerary. During two days in Glacier Bay, the UnCruise experience is free from a large-ship presence and offers immersion in the pristine solitude of Southeast Alaska. Your program features active adventures daily with remote wilderness hikes, shoreline kayaks and a full slate of other nature-based activities.
The ability to set sail prior to other operators highlights the benefits of small, American-flagged ships with a local presence and the quick actions taken by the company to restart travel. UnCruise Adventures has taken strong measures to implement health safety standards with a coronavirus protocol plan.
The restart of the summer sailings represents a dedication to supporting regional partnerships and UnCruise Adventures' long-standing work with Alaska state officials.
"How we structure our recovery efforts with new health safety standards, establish partnerships and operate with a small footprint will continue to define our industry and the pristine environments we visit for decades to come," Blanchard says. "The market is showing a growing interest in off-the-beaten-path destinations, and that is what we do best. We've been social distancing since 1996."
Daily temperature checks for guests and crew.
Daily sanitation of all touchpoints in staterooms, with attention to handles, doorknobs, switches, etc.
Sanitation rounds conducted four times daily with attention to all touchpoints, such as railings, handholds, doorknobs, etc.
Sanitation of adventure gear and equipment after each guest's use.
Use of personal protective gear such as masks during certain events and as situations may require.
Placement of additional hand sanitizing stations throughout the vessel.
Plated meal service to replace buffets.
Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be kept behind transmission barriers and passed to guests individually.
Crew to exercise social distancing best practices at all times.
Crew member training in COVID-19 symptom observation, identification, and reporting.
Thorough PPE equipment training for all crew members.
Onboard supply of personal protective equipment (PPR) including face shields, gloves, and face masks for the crew.
Masks will be required when direct contact with people is planned. For example, during transfers on/off vessels. As such guests are requested to bring masks to last the duration of your adventure experience. A limited supply will also be available on board if you forget.
Detailed crew response plan in the event of any suspected outbreaks.
Thanks for reading,
JR