Ready. Set. Go

Ready.

It takes permits—thousands of them—to live out our adventure dreams. A process that starts years in advance, it’s a big part of what sets us apart. To keep protected areas wild, the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Tribal Councils, and other agencies often regulate how many people and commercial operators can enter an area and what they can do there. We’re honored that they welcome us.

Once in these wild places, it’s your crew that makes your experience. Your onboard team includes the captain, mates, engineers, chefs, expedition guides, and hotel, galley, and deck staff. All incredibly talented yet unique in the flair they bring on board. Like you, they’ve found their un-ness.

Each crew member is hand-picked for their outstanding knowledge, experience, customer service, and safety skills—as well as their genuine enthusiasm and welcoming spirit. Crew members undergo training in areas such as leadership, CPR, wilderness response, safety, guest services, and Leave No Trace practices. In other words, you’re in great hands.

Your ship is equipped with regional books and your expedition team can answer any questions along the way. From whale and bear aficionados to fluvial geomorphologists (those who study how rivers shape the earth), your guides are full of facts and ready to share. Sit in on an after-dinner talk or pull them aside with one of your burning questions. If they don’t know the answer, they’ll find out.

Set.

Preparing for all the possibilities can feel daunting. But keep it simple with a few essentials and you’ll be set in a snap. Calf-high rubber boots are crucial for Pacific Northwest hiking and Alaskan bushwhacking—and are the ticket to dry feet. In warmer climates, pack your sandals or reef shoes for kayaking and paddle boarding. Trail conditions in Mexico and Latin America call for fully enclosed hiking shoes.

Liquid sunshine or cloud failure, adventures carry on. Let your mantra be “layers, layers, layers.” Add them on, peel them off as needed. The sun can shine bright in all our destinations so sunglasses and a brimmed hat do well to make it in your bag, too. As for general clothing, our guides helped create a packing list of destination-appropriate items to reference long before you travel. Pack the right gear plus your spirit of adventure and you’re on your way.

You don’t need a PhD in cultural or natural history to have a full experience, but it can be fun to get a head start on exploration. That’s why we share recommended reading lists for each destination, plus interviews and bios on any accompanying theme experts. Get to know the people and places of your journey beforehand and get a jump on adventure.

Snapshot: Alaskan tennis shoes for the win.

Snapshot: Not so secret rendezvous.

Go.

Hiking Bushwhack through brush or take a low-key tromp through Alaskan glacial mud and intertidal shores. Columbia & Snake Rivers and Pacific Northwest trails switchback up mountains and across fields. In Latin America, jungles are thick with roots, and trails well-worn by wildlife. A hike into a Mexican arroyo has elevation and possible rock scrambles. From easy strolls to an hours-long thigh-burner, hikes run the gamut, and we have hiking poles if you need them.

Kayaking & paddle boarding Paddling through ebb and flow can be a workout or a natural way to reach your destination. Open kayaking is offered, but most are guided outings lasting from one to four hours. Paddle boards are also available in most destinations. If conditions are mellow and the water is smooth give it a try. Your guide shows you the ropes.

Skiff rides From a quick shuttle ashore to a two-hour exploration, skiff rides get you farther faster. Want an easy-going adventure? Just settle in and focus on what’s around you. Skiff rides are a piece of cake, and fun, too.

Snorkeling & polar plunges Jump in—snorkeling activities range from deep water “jump and go” from a skiff to snorkeling 101 lessons. Your guides are there to help and get you fitted. Wet suits are available on board in some destinations and many guests also snorkel with a noodle. And let’s not forget Alaska’s polar plunge—a giant leap off the fantail into frigid water. Only for the brave or double dog darers. They’re out there!

Learn more about adventure recreation in each destination at: UnCruise.com/adventure-cruises