Ships will sail ornithology, marine biology, history, music , photography, wine and craft beer cruises
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Un-Cruise Adventures is to offer seven themed cruises onboard its ships in 2015.
This year, the small ships will explore Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, Alaska, coastal Washington and the Columbia & Snake Rivers in the US.
“We invite specialists on board to add another element to the week’s adventure,” said Captain Dan Blanchard, CEO. “Since our vessels are intimate with less than 90 guests onboard, guests will have time to meet and talk to the photographer or marine biologist. Nothing is taken away from our regular programming; we’re adding to it.”
Sailing roundtrip from San José del Cabo in Mexico, the 84-guest Safari Endeavour will explore the islands, bays and marine life in the Sea of Cortés, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mexico-based ornithologist Dave Verner will join the ship on 14 November for a Birding cruise.
Meanwhile, the 88-guest SS Legacy will sail Enhanced Lewis & Clark voyages on 16 and 23 May, as well as 31 October and 7 November. During the cruises, which will tour the Columbia and Snake Rivers and trace the Lewis & Clark expedition, guests can enjoy excursions to museums, wineries and forts. Todd Weber, an expert on American history and the Lewis & Clark expedition, will also give onboard living history presentations.
On 8 August, SS Legacy will offer a music-themed cruise featuring shows by singing duo Letters from Home, who will perform 1940s-style harmonies, tap dances and comedy sketches.
SS Legacy will also sail new Ameritage! Four Rivers of Wine and History itineraries, which include visits to nine wineries. One cruise will take place on 15 August with certified sommeliers and owners of the Wine Shack in Cannon Beach, Steven and MaryAnn Sinkler. A second cruise will depart on 22 August with Kevin Correll, owner of Barrage Cellars, while a third will start on 29 August with Jameson Fink, wine expert and blogger.
Coastal Washington and British Columbia will also feature on the line’s 2015 itineraries, with the 60-guest Wilderness Adventurer exploring Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands, and the 22-guest Safari Quest sailing to British Columbia and Princess Louisa Inlet.
Wilderness Adventurer will sail a Craft Beer cruise on 25 April, where guests will be joined by Robyn Schumacher, owner and brewer at Seattle’s Stoup Brewing. A similar cruise will be offered on 3 October with Nate and Becca Schons, owners and brewers at Orcas Island’s Island Hoppin’ Brewery.
Ken Wilson, teacher and expert in natural history and birding, will join Safari Quest’s 2 May Birding cruise in British Columbia.
Un-Cruise Adventures will also offer four themed roundtrips from Juneau, Alaska onboard the 84-guest Safari Endeavour.
Professional photographer and adventurer Peter West Carey will join the ship’s 5 July Photography cruise, while marine biologist Jackie Hedgpeth will board the ship for two Marine Biology cruises on 26 July and 2 August. On 16 August, oceanographer Gary Freitag will sail on a third Marine Biology cruise.