
Which expedition cruise company do you work for?
UnCruise Adventures
What do you think sets your company apart from other expedition cruise operators?

UnCruise Adventures stands out among expedition cruise operators by delivering an unparalleled focus on immersive, small-ship experiences that cater to both novice and experienced adventure travellers. As a U.S.-flagged company, we proudly operate domestically, ensuring high standards of safety, quality, and seamless travel within U.S. waters.
Our fleet of intimate vessels, most equipped with innovative EZ Docks, allows guests to kayak, paddleboard, and enjoy other activities directly from the ship, maximizing their connection with nature. With a commitment to adventure, our all-inclusive cruises blend active exploration, personalized service, and flexible itineraries, fostering a deep engagement with the destinations we visit. UnCruise redefines adventure cruising, offering opportunities to explore wild, remote areas without sacrificing comfort or accessibility, ensuring memorable journeys for every traveller.
Do you have a favourite destination that you always recommend to first-time expedition cruisers and if so, which destination is it?

For first-time expedition cruisers, Alaska is a destination I always recommend. Its incredible diversity and breath-taking landscapes make it the perfect introduction to small-ship adventure cruising. Alaska offers something for everyone, from towering glaciers and snow-capped peaks to lush rainforests and abundant wildlife. Whether you’re kayaking alongside sea otters, spotting humpback whales, or hiking through pristine wilderness, Alaska’s natural beauty and rugged charm never fail to inspire.
The variety of experiences available in Alaska ensures that both novice and seasoned adventure travellers will find something unforgettable. The ever-changing weather and dramatic scenery create a sense of spontaneity, making each journey unique. Plus, with UnCruise’s small ships, you can explore remote inlets, secluded coves, and areas inaccessible to larger ships. Mother Nature always puts on an incredible show in Alaska, making it a truly magical destination for your first expedition cruise.
If you could design your dream expedition cruise itinerary, what would it include?
Photos @Julie Quarry
If I were to design my dream expedition cruise itinerary, it would be a photographer’s paradise, offering endless opportunities to capture the beauty and magic of nature. Each destination would be carefully chosen to showcase the most breath-taking landscapes and vibrant wildlife, with Mother Nature bringing all her elements to create unforgettable memories. From sunrises over misty fjords to dramatic coastlines and towering glaciers, every moment would feel like stepping into a postcard.
Wildlife encounters would play a central role, with chances to photograph majestic wildlife and landscape. To enhance the experience, the itinerary would include golden hour hikes, zodiac excursions for up-close encounters, and evenings spent stargazing under the clearest skies. It would be a journey designed to inspire and capture the heart of any adventurer. 📸
What are your top three travel hacks for making the most out of an expedition cruise?
Maximizing your expedition cruise experience is all about preparation, flexibility, and embracing the moment.
1. Pack Smart and Light: Choose versatile, moisture-wicking layers that can handle changing weather. Don’t forget waterproof gear, sturdy shoes, and a dry bag for excursions. Keep essentials like sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, camera and binoculars handy to enhance your onshore and onboard experiences.
2. Stay Open-Minded and Flexible: Expedition cruising often involves adapting to weather or wildlife conditions. Be ready to embrace spontaneous itinerary changes—they often lead to the most memorable experiences, like unexpected wildlife sightings or bonus activities.
3. Capture the Moment But Stay Present: Your camera is a great tool for preserving memories and I take mine where ever I go, but don’t let it take you out of the experience. Take a moment to immerse yourself fully—feel the breeze, listen to the sounds of nature, touch the textures around you, and savor the tastes of local flavors. Engaging all your senses will make your memories even richer.
Which lesser-known destination do you think deserves more attention from travellers?

Destinations with an Expiration—I believe a lesser-known destinations with a sense of untouched authenticity deserve more attention from travellers. These places offer the opportunity to experience landscapes, cultures, and wildlife in their most natural, unspoiled form before the influence of mass tourism alters their essence. For example, remote islands, hidden fjords, or secluded coastal regions offer a raw beauty that larger, more commercialized destinations cannot replicate. Visiting such destinations means you can witness pristine environments and engage with local communities in a more intimate and meaningful way.
By traveling to these lesser-known locations, you’re helping to support sustainable tourism that prioritizes preserving the integrity of these places, rather than contributing to overcrowding and environmental degradation. “Destinations with an Expiration” is about experiencing a destination as it is now, not as it might be in the future, and leaving with a deeper appreciation for the fragility of our planet. These journeys offer a richer, more personal connection with the world’s wonders.
If you could only visit one destination for the rest of your life, which would it be?

Most people would pick an actual destination—somewhere far away, filled with adventure and beauty—but if I could visit only one destination for the rest of my life, I would choose a place of inner peace and joy. This destination is not a physical location, but a state of mind, a place within me where I can find solace in every moment. It’s about embracing the journey and seeing the world with a sense of awe, whether it’s through the lens of a mountaintop or the quiet of a simple day.
So, my one destination would be the place of peace and joy I carry within me—always accessible, always capable of bringing me happiness no matter where I am.
The one thing you take with you wherever you travel:

One thing I always take with me wherever I travel is a sense of adventure, packed with patience and an open mind. No matter where I go, I know that things won’t always go as planned—delays, unexpected detours, and unforeseen challenges are part of the journey. That’s why I make sure to carry a sense of humour and flexibility with me.
Travel is as much about the experiences and people you encounter as it is about the destination itself. Embracing the unknown, trying new things, and remaining patient with the unpredictability of it all creates memories that are often the most rewarding. Whether it’s navigating a new culture, trying unfamiliar food, or exploring hidden gems off the beaten path, bringing that sense of adventure allows me to fully enjoy every moment. So, packing patience, fun, and an open spirit becomes my secret to making each trip unforgettable.
Julie Quarry is Outside Sales Director at UnCruise Adventures and a keen photographer. You can reach out to her at julieq@uncruise.com
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