Small-Ship Cruising the Safe Way
Passenger Vaccinations
UnCruise announced in March that future sailings, beginning with Alaska cruises in May 2021, will require everyone on board to be vaccinated. Guests over the age of 18 and crew members alike will need to present proof of vaccination before stepping on the ship. UnCruise Adventures’ CEO Dan Blanchard noted at the time that Alaska has the highest vaccination rate of any state in the nation. In fact, Alaska has been frequently cited over the past year as the safest U.S. state to be in during the pandemic. Keep in mind that your last vaccine shot must be administered at least 14 days before boarding.
Kayaking and the Uncruise Wilderness Explorer in Misty Fjords
Negative Molecular Tests
As an extra measure of safety, UnCruise Adventures requires a negative molecular test (PCR tests) received within four days of embarking. For example, if your ship departs on a Saturday, don’t take the test any earlier than the Tuesday prior. Combined with the vaccine, this requirement provides extra reassurance that contracting or spreading the virus will not happen on board or at ports. As with vaccine requirements, guests will be required to show proof of the negative molecular test results, printed out or on mobile phone, before getting on board. This may seem at first like an extra step, but the peace of mind you’ll have on vacation will make it well worth your while.
Whales breaching near Uncruise Legacy
Mask Wearing Mandates
Vaccination doesn’t mean mask-free. For complete safety on board, and to comply with federal regulations, passengers will be expected to wear face masks in the interior of the ship and within six feet of people not in their bubble. Masks don’t have to be worn on deck or when participating in activities, eating or drinking. If the federal government eases restrictions regarding masks on fully vaccinated cruises, this policy is subject to change. Make sure to pack masks but if you happen to forget them, they’ll be provided on board.
In addition to eliminating stress and the possibility of contracting or spreading COVID, these measures come with an additional perk—the chance to make port calls to the towns of Ketchikan and Sitka. An Alaskan cruise wouldn’t feel complete without a visit to its vibrant communities, and now that risks have been significantly reduced, passengers will be able to enjoy the full Alaska experience.
Contact our agency to plan your Alaskan adventure today!