UnCruise Adventures, the leader in small-ship expedition cruising, has been named Best in Alaska (Expedition Category) in Cruise Critic’s 2026 Best in Cruise Awards. The honor further solidifies UnCruise’s reputation as the premier choice for travelers seeking immersive, off-the-beaten-path experiences in Alaska. The award highlights UnCruise’s strengths in active, all-inclusive adventure travel: the line’s intimate vessels (22–86 guests) allow flexible itineraries, expert naturalist guides, and hands-on excursions (hiking and kayaking) that connect guests deeply with Alaska’s wild places. Importantly, UnCruise’s U.S.-flagged ships make sure an authentic Alaska experience while supporting local economies.

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The Wilderness Legacy in Southeast Alaska.

Cruise Critic’s editorial panel praised UnCruise as “the undisputed leader in the region” for travelers who “hike Alaska’s old-growth forests and kayak to the edge of a glacier.” They noted that on UnCruise’s flexible itineraries, captains often “deviate” from rigid schedules to chase wildlife, taking guests to spots “you won’t see cruising with anyone else.” The editors also observed that UnCruise’s expedition guides “know and love Alaska,” imparting knowledge with contagious enthusiasm, which helps guests quickly bond over shared wilderness adventures.

“We are honored to be recognized as Best in Alaska,” said UnCruise Founder and CEO Capt. Dan Blanchard. “At UnCruise, we believe travel should forge a genuine connection to place. Each voyage is curated around expert guides and flexible itineraries, whether kayaking beside a tidewater glacier, hiking through an ancient rainforest, or learning from our seasoned guides, to enrich guests’ understanding of the natural world and the cultures we visit. We’re committed to sustainability and giving back, ensuring our presence benefits the regions we explore.”

UnCruise’s small ships can anchor in secluded coves and launch kayaks, paddleboards and skiffs for off-ship exploration. Guests spend each day immersed in nature – hiking through mossy rainforests or paddling along glacial fjords, with no casinos or megaship distractions. Captains have latitude to adjust course based on wildlife and weather, and every moment is dedicated to wildlife viewing, guided hikes and genuine cultural exchange.

This honor extends UnCruise’s strong run of industry accolades. Recent recognitions include USA TODAY’s 10Best Best Alaska Cruise and mentions in Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and Newsweek.

About UnCruise Adventures

UnCruise Adventures is a responsible travel and adventure leader in the cruise industry. They operate small ships carrying 22-86 guests on voyages in Alaska’s Inside Passage, Aleutian Islands and Prince William Sound, along with the Hawaiian Islands, Mexico’s Gulf of California, Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, and Ecuador's Galapagos Islands. Operating under the US flag, the company takes pride in its crew and its significant contributions to the US economy.

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