“We are voyagers, navigators, and stewards of the sea. Our ancestors charted paths across the Pacific, guided by the stars and their deep knowledge of the ocean.”
— Nainoa Thompson, Master Navigator, Polynesian Voyaging Society
At UnCruise Adventures, we travel with more than a sense of adventure. We travel with respect. This May, during Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we reflect on the people and cultures that have shaped the regions we call home—Hawaiʻi, Alaska, and the Pacific Northwest—and recognize the community members, team, and partners who continue to guide and inspire our work.
The impact of AANHPI individuals is woven into every shoreline, every community, and every voyage. We are honored to work alongside crew and collaborators who share these heritages, and we are grateful for the perspectives, traditions, and wisdom they bring to our ships and guest experiences. Their stories enrich our journeys in ways that cannot be measured in miles.
The Currents That Connect Us
Long before charts and compasses, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander navigators followed the stars and waves, reading the ocean with breathtaking skill. That legacy of stewardship and exploration is not just a story of the past. It is alive today, in the way our guides lead, the way our crew cares for these waters, and the way we build partnerships with local communities.
In the 1800s, Native Hawaiians traveled to Alaska, working in the fur trade and fishing industries. Many stayed, building communities and connections that still exist in places like Hoonah and Sitka. At the same time, Asian Americans began to shape the Pacific Northwest and Alaska through fishing, canning, railroads, farming, and commerce. From Filipino families in Kodiak to Chinese merchants in Juneau to Japanese farmers in Hawaiʻi, their stories are everywhere we sail.
We also take a moment to honor individuals like Patsy Takemoto Mink, a Japanese American leader born in Maui, who became the first woman of color elected to Congress. Her advocacy helped transform education in the United States and opened doors for countless others.
Celebrating the People that Make us UnCruise
Whether it’s a cultural ceremony shared in Hawaiʻi, a family recipe from a crew member in Alaska, or a conversation about heritage on a misty skiff ride with a fellow passenger, these human connections are what make our adventures so personal.
We are also proud to work with AANHPI-owned businesses, nonprofits, historians, and cultural educators throughout our destinations. These partnerships make it possible for us to deliver experiences that are grounded, respectful, and real. The knowledge they share help our guests understand that the places we visit are more than beautiful, but are lived in, protected, and loved.
Learn More: Resources That Expand the Journey
A journey of understanding does not end when you disembark. We've gathered some great resources from our local libraries and from the National Park Service.
Books
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Grandfather’s Journey by Allen Say
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Kapaemahu by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hamer, and Joe Wilson
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Blu’s Hanging by Lois-Ann Yamanaka
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The Making of Asian America by Erika Lee
Films and Documentaries
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The Donut King (PBS) – The story of Cambodian American entrepreneur Ted Ngoy
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American Experience: The Chinese Exclusion Act (PBS) – A look at the only U.S. law that banned a specific ethnic group
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Kumu Hina – A portrait of a Native Hawaiian teacher and cultural leader
Museums and Cultural Centers
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The Wing Luke Museum – Seattle, WA
Focused on the Asian Pacific American experience in the Pacific Northwest -
Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi – Honolulu, HI
Offers exhibits on WWII internment, Japanese immigration, and more -
Filipino Community Center – Waipahu, HI
A vibrant hub celebrating Filipino heritage and arts -
Alaska State Museum – Juneau, AK
Features exhibits on Filipino, Chinese, and Native Hawaiian communities in Alaska
Podcasts and Oral History Projects
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Self Evident: Asian America’s Stories
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PBS Asian Americans series
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Hawaiʻi Rooted – Stories of cultural identity and connection in Hawaiʻi
With Gratitude, We Keep Sailing
To our crew, our partners, and our guests within the AANHPI community, thank you for:
- Sharing your traditions and stories with us
- Showing us what it means to lead with purpose and pride.
- Shaping our company with your insight, your strength, and your heart.
We're proud to carry these stories forward on every wave, in every port of call, and in every encounter that reminds us we are part of something larger than ourselves.
We are honored to voyage with you.
Want to explore more? Visit your local library, museum, or cultural center in Juneau, Seattle, or Honolulu. Or join us on a future UnCruise voyage where discovery is just the beginning, and the stories continue well beyond the horizon.
