Mamie and Dot 

UnCruise: Pacific Northwest, San Juan Islands, and Olympic National Park in Washington State

Mamie recounted, “I was disconnected from the world, the nightly news, and technology; I was wholly immersed in nature and totally relaxed.” Every day they were on a different island, kayaking or skiffing (small boats), paddleboarding, or stepping out on long or short hikes, all led by enthusiastic and engaging expedition crew members. Late afternoons were spent relaxing with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and, in the evening, a delicious meal with a relaxing glass of wine or beer, a luxurious hot tub soak, and a little information presentation to prepare for the next day's adventures. “I went to bed totally exhausted and slept really, really well.” 

For Dot, the most memorable activity was the sea kayaking. She was determined to accomplish a new skill on her adventure vacation, and she had several opportunities to hone her talent on the water, rain or shine. 

A traditional UnCruise activity included the polar plunge, a spectacular dive off the side of the ship, purely optional, of course! Mamie, ever the adventurous one, joined the hardy group who took the plunge. In April, the water temperature is a chilling 55 degrees. Dot, who felt that “discretion was the greater part of valor," observed the tenacious group from a warm, dry, cozy nook. 

Many of the UnCruise adventure cruises follow a theme with an expert on board to inform, challenge, and teach. For their cruise, the theme was local craft beer. They had the opportunity to learn about brew culture, visit an artisanal brewery, participate in beer tastings, and compare brew pairings with different foods. Other popular cruise themes include photography, storytelling, musical entertainment, area marine wildlife, and bird watching, where an ornithologist will guide you to discover the amazing winged creatures you will encounter on your cruise.