Will the COVID Delta Variant Curtail a Return to Travel? UnCruise Adventures Echoes Importance of full Vaccination of Crew and Guests with Pre-boarding PCR Testing
The Small Boat Cruise Line Cancels One Weekend Sailing After it Reported 7 Positive COVID-19 Results
JUNEAU, AK, July 23rd, 2021 – The successful restart of the cruise industry ramped up when UnCruise Adventures (uncruise.com) returned to operations on May 7th with guests and crew fully vaccinated with pre-boarding PCR testing required. However, the COVID Delta variant may slow the industry’s recovery. The company announced today they have confirmed seven positive test results from onboard PCR testing aboard the 74 guest Wilderness Explorer in Alaska. Three crew will isolate onboard and four guests will isolate in a Juneau hotel pre-arranged as part of the company's contingency. All are free to leave isolation this weekend with clearance from Alaska Public Health.
The cruise line took swift action with extensive testing for 37 individuals on those considered in close proximity, including 28 crew and 9 guests. The company made the decision to voluntarily cancel this Sunday’s departure to ensure the safety of guests and crew on that vessel. The news comes on the backend of 51 successful COVID free sailings by the cruise line since May 7th. None of their other vessels have been affected and continue to operate.
UnCruise Adventures is testing all symptomatic guests and crew and is working closely with Ketchikan Public Health the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Epidemiology Sector. Currently, there is no mandate from the U.S. Coast Guard or Alaska Department of Heath to cancel upcoming cruises, however our of an abundance of caution the company’s CEO has opted to cancel this weekend’s sailing on the Wilderness Explorer. The company remains vigilant about the potential spread of COVID-19 and will use this time to isolate crew, disinfect and sanitize the vessel.
"It’s not unforeseen that the new variant would affect our fully vaccinated cruises and it’s more important now than ever that we encourage people everywhere to get fully vaccinated and mask up. We’ve taken immediate action to safeguard those onboard to mitigate transmission, along with the decision to cancel this weekend’s departure.” shares Captain Dan Blanchard, the owner and CEO of UnCruise Adventures.
Blanchard states about the recent test results. “Those testing positive have shown mild cold-like symptoms and everything indicates a quick recovery. I am incredibly proud of our entire team and our supportive partners, along with their efforts over the past 15 months to get us here. We will continue to prepare for a full industry recovery.”
Stay up to date on the COVID resource page or contact an UnCruise Adventure Specialist at 888-862-8881.
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Media contact: Liz Galloway | UnCruise Adventures pr@uncruise.com
Your Health & Wellbeing
To ensure the health and safety of our guests and crew, UnCruise Adventures has implemented a requirement for fully vaccinated cruises, negative PCR testing within 4 days of embarkation and additional safety and sanitary measure onboard all its vessels. Safe distancing will also be adhered to wherever possible, particularly at check-in and boarding, with masks required while onboard. The company’s updated vaccine policy and travel resources can be found on their website uncruise.com.
About UnCruise Adventures
UnCruise Adventures is a responsible travel and adventure leader in the small boat industry. They operate boutique yachts and small boats carrying 22-86 guests on voyages in Alaska, Hawaiian Islands, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, Columbia & Snake Rivers, coastal Washington, Galápagos, Costa Rica, Panama, Belize, and Colombia. In 2019, UnCruise Adventures was picked as the top adventure cruise line by Cruise Critic. Travel & Leisure readers also named UnCruise Adventures in its World’s Best Awards and its list of top 10 small ship ocean cruise lines three years in a row and were recently nominated as Best Expedition Cruise Line 2021 in the World Cruise Awards. UnCruise Adventures is a member of the Adventure Travel Trade Association.