DEPARTURE DAY FROM JUNEAU
Juneau | UnCruise Adventures | Wilderness Legacy | First Day Onboard
We arrived in Juneau the evening prior to embarkation so we could enjoy Juneau prior to boarding. From our Driftwood Hotel room we noticed daylight at 4am. Welcome to Alaska in June. In fact our departure date was June 19, a mere 2 days before Solstice, (the most daylight of the year).
What a beautiful brilliant sunny day we woke up to in Juneau with a high of about 65. I took the opportunity of waking early to walk/jog to the pier area, maybe 10-minutes away. Lots of stores, shops and restaurants in the center of town and particularly near the pier. This was my first look at our soon to be home for the next week - The Legacy. Could not wait to get onboard.
Back at the hotel we checked out at 11 am and hailed a cab to take us to Fred Meyers department store in the valley to purchase our wellies we would need this week. Got a good buy and did not have to pack the bulky waterproof boots in our luggage for the trip out.
We had plenty of time to explore Juneau before boarding. We checked in at the pier, provided our Covid tests and vaccination papers, left our luggage and were on our way to explore. We had a delicious lunch at The Hanger on the Wharf, just steps from our ship. Fish Tacos and Alaskan Kolsch beer for me. Carol had a fantastic Bread bowl with Seafood Chowder & Caesar Salad.
When we gathered at the pier to board we were met by UnCruise owner Dan Blanchard. What a funny experience, as he welcomed and thanked us for joining the UnCruise adventure he bragged about their wonderful brochure. Then he flipped it over his shoulder and said forget about the itinerary you chose. Captain Alan, and Dawn, our Expedition Leader would consult and select the best locations for our new itinerary based on weather, wildlife and marine life sightings each day. So here's to our new itinerary. In UnCruise we trust!
WELCOME ONBOARD UNCRUISE LEGACY
We had our photo taken just before we boarded the Legacy. Onboard we were greeted by Chase who welcomed us and led us to our cabin 210. Our cabin is small but impressively efficient with plenty of closet, drawer and under the bed space for luggage and belongings. We have a great view from our window and our door opens to a deck which wraps around the deck and easy access to the restaurants and lounges.
We met the crew and officers during our 6 pm Champagne Orientation in the warm, inviting Lounge. From there we made our way upstairs to the Dining Room, where once again we were served by Chase. Seating is open but after the first night we decided to stick with Chase. We enjoyed an excellent dinner: Salmon for me and Tenderloin for Carol. Every meal consists of a meat, seafood and vegetarian option, plus daily standby's such as steak, burgers, baked potatoes, Caesar Salads, etc.
ALL DRINKS ARE INCLUDED ALL DAY ON UNCRUISE
UnCruise includes open bar all day until closing, from 10 am until . . . And all of your favorites are included from Jack Daniels to an extensive wine collection. Often on river cruises beer and wine are included during lunch and dinner only. And on major cruise lines the "all inclusive" package often does not include "premium" brands. Not here! Not on UnCruise. The bar is just about always open with no limits or lack of quality. Our bartender, Steve, was friendly and hard working. He did he best to accommodate every request and took requests for Daily Drink Specials, even mine, ha. Not to mention, Steve and Chase, who became or waiter for every meal all week, both learned our favorites and had them ready when we returned form activities and at out table before every meal. We much appreciated this and are dually impressed.
HERE IS HOW EXCURSIONS & ACITVITIES WORK ON UNCRUISE
We returned to the Lounge after dinner tonight to learn about tomorrows destination, it's highlights, what to expect and the included activities available for us. This meeting would take place every night during Happy Hour before dinner.
It is really pretty simple, lead by Dawn, our Expedition Leader and her fabulous team we learned that we will be going to Glacier Bay tomorrow, stay overnight, followed by another full day in this amazing National Park. Big ships are not allowed to overnight in Glacier Bay. We have already hit a Grand Slam with this "new" itinerary. Not only that but we will get off the ship multiple times over the next 2 full days to skiff, kayak, hike and bushwhack throughout Glacier Bay. Who get to do this? UnCruise guests!
After the next days' highlights and activities are revealed the Adventure Team passes through the room visiting with every guest to answer questions and take a count for who want to do which activity. You are not obligated to stick to this selection. It basically gives the team and good estimate of how many kayaks, hikers, etc. they need to prepare for. You are always welcome to skip your selection or switch.
Following the meeting we walked around the deck to admire the late evening daylight. When we turned in for the night at 11 pm it was still daylight. Woke up at 3:45am and peaked out the window and it was still dusk. Amazing!