UnCruise's Wild, Woolly & WOW (They Mean It)

In May 2026, I had the opportunity to sail with UnCruise Adventures on their Wild, Woolly and Wow with Glacier Bay itinerary. The Wilderness Legacy, an 86-passenger vessel, was the perfect size for accessing remote areas that larger cruise ships simply can’t reach.

Founded in Alaska in 1996, UnCruise has since expanded to destinations like Hawai'i, Baja, Costa Rica, and the Galápagos, offering a range of itineraries across varying trip lengths. Their mission is to foster a deeper appreciation for local cultures and the natural world, and it really comes through.

I was pleasantly surprised by the wide range of ages onboard, including many families celebrating major milestones. While the standard minimum age is 8, they also offer select “Family in Nature” sailings where that requirement is waived, making it a great option for those looking to introduce kids to adventure travel.

One of the most unique aspects of this trip is its flexibility; no two weeks are exactly the same. The itinerary can shift at a moment’s notice based on weather, wildlife sightings, or simply the captain’s instinct to explore somewhere new.

A typical week includes highlights like kayaking and hiking through remote islands, navigating fjords to tidewater glaciers, and exploring untouched areas of Glacier Bay National Park. Days are packed with options: guided and independent kayaking, skiff rides along the coastline, bushwhack hikes, and even full-day “yak and whack” adventures where you paddle to shore, hike inland, and kayak back. There’s truly something for every activity level, and the crew does an excellent job accommodating a wide range of abilities.

The crew themselves were some of the most impressive people I’ve ever traveled with. By the end of the trip, they knew every guest by name, and their passion for the environment and guest experience was evident in everything they did. Instead of traditional cruise entertainment, evenings featured engaging, educational talks led by the guides. They covered topics like whales, eagles, fish, and even kelp, which added a meaningful layer to the experience.

If you’re wondering about the food, don’t. You will not go hungry. Guests select meals the night before to help reduce waste, but you can always order seconds (or a surf-and-turf combo if you’re feeling indulgent). Each meal includes thoughtful options for meat, seafood, and vegetarians, and the kitchen does a fantastic job accommodating dietary restrictions without sacrificing quality. There are opportunities for snacking throughout the day, and every meal comes with a dessert!

And the wildlife is truly unforgettable. We saw an incredible variety and volume throughout the week, and there’s even a running list on board where guests can log sightings as they happen. It quickly becomes a fun, shared part of the experience.

All in all, this is not your typical cruise. It’s an active, immersive adventure that brings you deep into Alaska’s wild, untamed beauty. I cannot wait to sail with UnCruise again, either on another adventure in Alaska or one of their many other locations.

Itineraries sell out quickly, so make sure to book early to get the best accommodations and dates!

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our cruises page.