Are you a baby boomer traveler who prefers a more personal experience when it comes to cruising? What if you could sail the waters of Alaska’s Inside Passage on a small ship—a yacht would be nice—that anchors in a secluded bay each night, offering daytime cruise excursions for the active traveler?
That’s what Alan and I found on the UnCruise Adventures ship, Safari Quest, when we sailed in southeast Alaska. We were invited on the sleek, 24-passenger yacht to test out the company’s adventure excursions. And we were wowed!
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Cruising on Safari Quest
While the excursions might have been hard core adventure, the experience onboard the all-inclusive Safari Quest is pure luxury. The accommodating staff is ever present available to grant your smallest request. Would you like a glass of champagne while you soak in the hot tub on the top deck? No problem. Curious about the Alaskan wilderness right outside your cabin window? Ask one of the staff, they’ll probably know the answer; these guys and gals are Alaska experts. And, if your question stumps them, they’ll research it and get back to you.
Although this is definitely a luxury cruise travel experience, don’t expect a suite with balcony. Remember, these are yachts. The king-size bed with Temper-Pedic memory foam mattress stretches across most of the room, making it necessary for this baby boomer to slide across the mattress or down to the end to get out of bed. But after such a comfortable night’s sleep, who’s complaining?
Considering the small space, efficient storage options provide more than enough room for our gear. A closet takes up part of one wall, while storage drawers underneath the bed offer additional space. And, since Safari Quest provides rain gear, boots and insulated suits for skiff riding, boomers can leave much of the bulky stuff at home. What about dress clothes? You won’t need them on a soft adventure cruise in Alaska.
The bathroom includes a shower, but no tub, plus a plentiful supply of eco-friendly toiletries. The heated bathroom floor is my favorite. In fact, it proves to be a good place to dry out our socks as there is no laundry facility available to guests.
Meals are presented family style in an intimate dining room. Breakfast includes a continental buffet as well as a cooked special that’s served at your table. Don’t miss the fresh-baked muffins. Wait until you taste the coconut lime ones. Lunch offerings include sandwiches and hearty homemade soups. Either at breakfast or lunch, the chef drops by to explain the night’s dinner offerings. The four course meal includes a choice from two main entrees—fish or meat with appropriate wine pairings. Of course, the chef doesn’t mind if you choose both entrees for a surf and turf meal. Can you guess what we order?
Luxury cruisers expecting entertainment or casinos should look elsewhere. Wild Alaska is the star of this cruise experience. Night-time events might include a nature talk by one of the knowledgeable expedition leaders, discussion about the next day’s excursion choices or a movie on the large flat panel screen in the salon.
Since UncruiseAdventure ships anchor each night in a secluded bay, baby boomer cruisers wake up to a quiet Alaskan morning in the wilderness. There’s nothing like standing on the top deck with a cup of coffee, watching the mist rise from the water. Do you see that bald eagle sitting at the top of a spiky tree?
With kayaking, hiking, glacier exploring and whale watching, just to name a few of the soft adventure experiences offered, active baby boomers will find plenty to do. If you’re brave, take a ride on the rope swing then drop into the frigid water. Brrr. Later, grab a book about Alaska from the library nook or soak those tired baby boomer muscles in the hot tub.
Besides Safari Quest, UnCruise Adventures offers two more yacht experiences. The 12-passenger Spirit and the 36-passenger Explorer. In Juneau, we toured the Explorer before boarding the Quest. With slightly larger cabins and bathrooms, plus fitness equipment, yoga classes and complimentary massages, the Explorer offers more of the amenities that I’m accustomed to in luxury cruising. She sails in Hawaii. What do you think, Alan? Is a Hawaiian cruise in our baby boomer future?
Read more about our cruising adventures on Safari Quest
Disclosure: The Un-Cruise company (previously American Safari and InnerSea Discoveries) provided this travel experience, but the opinions are our own.
