Vaccination

1. - Must I get vaccinated if I had COVID-19 and recovered? Yes, guidance from federal and state government is clear on this. 

2. - Are minors, 17 and under, permitted to join the cruise without a vaccination? Yes, there is considerable data that indicates that minors are more resilient to COVID-19. The number of minors is capped at a low percentage of people onboard.  

3. - I have a religious objection to vaccination, will I be allowed aboard with a negative COVID-19 test, only? No, vaccination is required for adults this summer and fall. We suggest that traveling in 2022 may be a better option for guests who are not taking the vaccine. 

4. - I have a Medical condition that prevents me from being vaccinated. Will I be allowed aboard with a negative COVID-19 test, only? No, vaccination is required for adults this summer and fall. We suggest that traveling in 2022 may be a better option for guests who are not taking the vaccine. 

5. - Will I need a vaccination to cruise in 2022? This question is asked world-wide, with no definitive answer, yet. However, recent indications from professionals indicate that once herd immunity is reached, the need for vaccination may change. We will follow the best scientific guidance that is available at that time.  

Testing for COVID-19 

1. - Why are guests required to have a negative COVID-19 molecular test result, 4-days prior to departure? While vaccinated individuals have far less risk of getting severely ill from COVID-19, it is believed that they may carry the illness. Vaccination combined with a molecular test reduces risk for everyone onboard.  

2. - Do I need to have a COVID-19 vaccination prior to cruising? What documents will you accept as proof of vaccination? Yes, all guests will be required to be fully vaccinated prior to boarding our vessels. Guests will be required to submit proof of vaccination in the form of an original vaccination record issued by the country's health authority administering the vaccination or by your medical provider who administered the vaccination.  A legible copy of your vaccination record, digital QR code or reference WILL also be accepted as verification to board.

3. - Are minors, 17 and under, required to have a negative COVID-19 molecular test result, 4-days prior to departure? Yes, children aged 2 and older must have a negative COVID-19 molecular test.  

4. - What will happen if a person tests positive for COVID-19 while traveling before embarkation? Boarding will be denied. Guest should have results from the 4-day pre-departure molecular test before departing home. For example, take the test on Tuesday morning for boarding on Saturday. Guests who find themselves in this situation will be given the opportunity to travel later in the summer or in 2022 based on availability.

5. - I cannot find a local molecular COVID-19 test that returns results in a timely manner. We have had good fortune with Vault at home testing at Vault Health. Details on COVID-19 molecular testing, in Alaska, Washington and Oregon, can be found below this section under Coronavirus resources.

6. - I am traveling in Alaska prior to my UnCruise. Where do I get my COVID-19 molecular test prior to boarding day? Using testing facilities available within Alaska is the best choice. Testing in Anchorage is easy to do. Also, purchasing a Vault testing kit prior to departure from home, and then sending your sample in from Anchorage or Fairbanks is a good option. https://www.vaulthealth.com/covid. Details on COVID-19 molecular testing, in Alaska, Washington and Oregon, can be found below this section under Coronavirus resources.

7. - Does Alaska, Washington or Oregon require testing or vaccination to enter these states? No, currently these states do not have a testing or vaccination requirement for entry. However, Alaska advises (but does not require) travelers to take a 72-hour pre-departure test. 

8. - Why do you have a COVID-19 surcharge on a vaccinated cruise? UnCruise has made considerable investment to operate our adventure cruises at an elevated level of safety. The primary expense is for rapid molecular test kits and analyzers on our vessels. This and many other COVID related enhancements, including greater crew to guest ratios, add a considerable amount to the cost of operations. 

9. - What is the difference between a PCR test and a molecular test? A PCR test is one type of molecular test. There are other types of molecular tests, including rapid tests that can be less expensive and return results more quickly. Any molecular test is acceptable. Antigen tests are not acceptable.

10. - I have had and recovered from COVID, and as a result I will test positive, but I am not contagious. Is there a way for me to travel with you? Yes. You and a doctor must fill out and sign our COVID-19 Statement of Prior Infection and bring it with you. You must still take the molecular test and you must still be fully vaccinated. Those rules apply to all guests over 18. The form will allow you to board with a positive test result. Click here to download COVID-19 Statement of Prior Infection or ask a sales counselor to email it to you.

Life on our Adventure Boats 

1. - Why have you changed your policy on requiring masks onboard? UnCruise Adventures must comply with a complex set of local, state, and federal guidelines. COVID-19 policies change rapidly and are sometimes contradictory at different levels. The new CDC guidance issued May 16, 2021 sets a clear tone that fully vaccinated people are not required to wear masks for most indoor and outdoor activities, including small and large groups.  

2. - Am I at risk while onboard? It is possible for fully vaccinated people to contract COVID-19, which is why you are required to wear a mask on public transportation and requested by UnCruise to wear a mask in ports. When all adult guests are vaccinated and have tested negative within the 4 days prior to embarkation, the risk of COVID -19 transmission within the group is extremely low.

For COVID-19 and many other forms of illness, the health and safety of everyone onboard is intricately linked together. Our onboard cleaning and sanitization protocols along with the cooperation of all guests with hand washing and use of hand sanitizers are designed to prevent the spread of all types of illness, not just COVID-19. This is a communal effort.

3. - What will happen if a vaccinated person tests positive for COVID-19 onboard the boat? The individual will be isolated in their cabin along with any others that test positive. Medical authorities will be contacted and advised on the condition of the guest (s). Due to vaccination, the person may be allowed to stay aboard in isolation or more likely will be transported to isolation ashore, based on a professional’s direction.  

4. - Do children still have to wear a mask? Children who have not been fully vaccinated are required to wear a mask indoors and when social distancing is not possible, such as on a skiff. Children who have been fully vaccinated have the same requirements as adults.

5. - Is UnCruise operating at reduced capacity? Yes, guest cabins have been set aside to provide more open crew areas and provide for quarantine space, if needed.