Captain Dan Blanchard on 30 Years of UnCruise Adventures: Community, Curiosity, and the Real Meaning of Expedition Cruising
- Akvile Marozaite
- Jan 26
- 5 min read
Captain Dan Blanchard does not just talk about expedition cruising, he lives it.
If you attended the Expedition Cruise Network Conference last year, you will remember Captain Dan not only for his presence on stage, but for the way he embodies the spirit of expedition travel which is often deeply human, deeply respectful, and always driven by curiosity.
This year marks a major milestone for UnCruise Adventures, celebrating its 30th anniversary and in this Behind the Scenes interview, Captain Dan reflects on the early days, the lessons that shaped his leadership, and why the most meaningful expeditions begin with a simple principle: ask permission first.
“I was on the water from the beginning.”
Captain Dan’s story starts long before UnCruise Adventures existed.
When he was just four years old, his family bought a tugboat and it became their summer home, weekend retreat, and ongoing restoration project for nearly two decades.
“We rebuilt that vessel for 18 years. And that entire time I was on the water.”
That lifelong connection to the sea evolved into something bigger: a desire not only to explore, but to see the world with purpose.
The books that sparked the dream
Captain Dan credits adventure writing — and one book in particular — for igniting the ambition that would shape his life.
As a teenager, he devoured stories by Jack London and Farley Mowat, rereading Grey Seas Under repeatedly. He also remembers being inspired by Robin Lee Graham, who famously sailed around the world at age 15.
“Those books just set off what I already knew… you could have these outrageously fun adventures.”
The early lesson that shaped everything: safety
While the romance of adventure was always there, Captain Dan is clear that expedition cruising requires more than excitement — it requires responsibility.
In his youth, he witnessed tragedies at sea and learned first-hand how quickly conditions can change.
“Safety was just drilled into my head… The balance of exploration and adventure wrapped in a cloak of appropriate safety is really the key.”
It is a philosophy that continues to define UnCruise Adventures today.
“Ask permission first”: working with communities the right way
One of the most powerful themes in the conversation is Captain Dan’s approach to operating in culturally sensitive destinations.
He believes expedition operators should never arrive with a checklist of demands but instead, begin with respect and listening.
“Instead of going into a community and saying, ‘We need dancers…’ the better thing is to go in and say, ‘We would love to come in with your permission.’”
This mindset is not a marketing message — it is how UnCruise builds relationships that last decades.
Hawaii: the expedition side of a destination most people misunderstand
Hawaii is often viewed through a resort-only lens, but UnCruise reveals a very different side of the islands, one which is rooted in culture, community, and immersion.
Captain Dan says guests are often surprised by the depth of cultural experience, particularly on Moloka‘i:
“What they do not expect is the deep cultural immersion… the culture is still alive.”
He also highlights wildlife as a major part of the experience, from humpback whales to monk seals, and how conservation progress is visibly reshaping the destination.
“Hawaiian Monk seals are coming back in a big way… conservation has definitely taken a hold in Hawaii.”
What is changing for Hawaii in 2027?
After 15+ years of sailing in Hawaii, UnCruise is evolving the programme:
shifting departures to O‘ahu (for easier international access)
moving from 7-night to 10-night itineraries
operating year-round except August and September (peak hurricane season)
They will continue using the 36-guest Safari Explorer, in line with agreements that help protect Moloka‘i’s community and cultural integrity.
Baja California: “the most understated destination I have ever been to”
Captain Dan is passionate about Baja and believes it remains one of the most underrated expedition regions in the world.
“It is the most understated destination I have probably ever been to.”
He describes extraordinary wildlife encounters, including sperm whales, recovering turtle populations, and the return of hammerhead sharks.
And for UnCruise, Baja is also about exploration: remote beaches, volcanic climbs, and real wilderness access.
“You literally can walk on beaches that have not seen other traffic in 20, 30 years.”
The human side of expedition cruising: “Bring all the cash you can muster.”
One of the most memorable moments in the interview is Captain Dan’s story of a Baja community relationship that began in the late 1980s and continues today.
He speaks about working with a ranching family who provide mule rides and authentic handicrafts, and how meaningful those guest connections can be.
“This is going to be the one time that there is something that is not included… I want you to buy heavily from this group.”
It is a reminder that expedition travel is not only about wildlife and landscapes but it is also about people, livelihoods, and long-term respect.
Alaska: “Our heart and our soul.”
Alaska is the foundation of UnCruise Adventures and Captain Dan calls it the company’s “ultimate litmus test.”
“It is our heart and our soul… Alaska is the ultimate litmus test for our company.”
He also challenges one of the biggest misconceptions in cruising: that the printed itinerary matters most.
“The itinerary is almost meaningless… we are going to give you the best trip that is available this week.”
Why small-ship Alaska is fundamentally different
Captain Dan explains that many large cruise itineraries spend significant time outside Alaska and are driven by port calls and schedules.
UnCruise’s advantage is flexibility, access, and the ability to start the adventure immediately after arrival.
“You can literally hop off the plane, and you are in our hands, and we are going on that day.”
When is the best time to travel to Alaska?
Captain Dan highlights that timing depends on region but for Southeast Alaska, he notes:
Mid-April to mid-May / early June = drier period, strong chance of seeing bears
Summer (June–August) = peak whale activity
October = not a month he recommends operating in Alaska due to conditions
30 years on: what Captain Dan is most proud of
For Captain Dan, success is not measured only in routes, ships, or growth, it is measured in people.
First, he credits his team:
“My team is the first always.”
And second, he is proud of how travel can change minds, through real conversations, not arguments.
“I have had people… leave the boat telling me, ‘I will never support that again.’”
What is next?
Captain Dan is not slowing down. He plans to shift more into product development and continues to dream about new expedition frontiers, from the Great Lakes to the Orinoco (when conditions allow).
“The joy… is you can say no or yes… I love that.”
UnCruise 30th Anniversary and Columbia River Return
To close, Captain Dan shared that UnCruise is holding a major internal anniversary celebration with long-time team members and partners.
And for those wondering about Columbia River cruising:
planned return: Fall 2028
season window: early September to early November
Final word
Captain Dan’s story is a reminder of what expedition cruising is meant to be: wild, respectful, personal, and deeply connected to place.
At ECN, we are proud to celebrate leaders who have shaped this industry not only through innovation but through values.
Happy 30th anniversary, UnCruise Adventures.
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