Family

Family Travel

“My kids don't want to leave Alaska. They are ‘city kids’! Thank you for showing them Alaska and (for) teaching them about the amazing outdoors.”

— Neal T., Marietta, GA (Alaska)

Family [F]UnCruise Discoveries

Bring the whole family and share a journey across generations—we welcome kids from age 8 to 98 (and beyond!) to experience magical wilderness, wildlife, history, and cultures together.

Wisely noted by Ralph Waldo Emerson, “It is a happy talent to know how to play.” Our Family Discoveries program celebrates the curiosity and wonderment of kids-at-heart of every age. And while we don’t offer adult-free play zones and there are no babysitting services, everyone learns while having fun—think summer camp for the entire family.

On our adventure cruises, a unique smorgasbord of activities presents opportunities for building family bonds and creating lifelong memories. Reconnect and discover.

Family Activities

“I spy” with breaching whales and leaping dolphins
Tide pool treasure hunts
Identifying flora and fauna
Face painting with glacial mud
Skiff expedition explorations
Card games and board games in the lounge
Snorkeling with sea creatures
Polar plunges and paddle board races
Asking your captain 20 questions on a visit to the bridge
Storytelling and s’mores around a beach bonfire
Parent/child and grandparent/grandchild kayak paddles

Family Discoveries Savings

Kids 8 years & older are welcomed aboard most vessels+, destinations, and departure dates. Families bringing kids ages 8 to 17 save $500 per child!*

+ Safari Quest welcomes children ages 13 and younger on private yacht charters only. * Exceptions for kids under 8 years require special approval.

Family Travel FAQs

Q. Are there special “kid” rates?

Yes. Save $500 per child (ages 8-17).

Q: Are children allowed on all departures and vessels?

Kids 8 years & older are welcomed aboard all vessels, destinations, and departure dates. The Safari Quest welcomes any age on private yacht charters only. Please note that parents and guardians need to maintain guidance and responsibility of children at all times; there are no childcare services available.

Exceptions for children 7 years & younger may be made; call UnCruise Adventures or your travel agent to request pre-approval. On private charters of any vessel, all ages are welcome; child age restriction is waived.

Q. Are life jackets (PFDs) available on board to fit my child?

We carry Type 1 life preservers (PFDs—personal floatation devices) on board for each guest (adult and child) in the case of an emergency. In addition, we use Type III PFDs for our excursions from the vessel. For children, these PFDs are sized by weight. Regarding our activities and PFDs for children, we have the following guidelines established:

Children weighing 30-90 pounds: we provide a Type III PFD

Children weighing 30 pounds or less: we ask that you provide Type III PFD for off the vessel activities

See examples of Type I and Type III PFDs/life preservers here.

Q. Do I need to pack anything extra for my kids?

None of our vessels carry kid-sized boots and rain gear. You must pack and bring our own. If traveling to Alaska, we recommend bringing an extra pair of gloves—kids tend to get wet

Q. My kids are so active. Are they going to go stir crazy on a boat for a week?

On the contrary, kids kayak, hike, examine starfish in their hand with the help of the expedition guides, and learn about nature from all of the crewmembers. Like adults, they love seeing whales, bears, dolphins, sea otters, eagles and all kinds of wildlife close off the bow of the vessel or inflatable launch. Paddle boarding, snorkeling, beachcombing, burro trail rides, and other adventures await kids and adults alike. Kids enjoy the hot tubs, games, kid-friendly DVDs, and books available on board. With so many varied activities at their fingertips, kids tend to forget that video games even exist.

Download our handy Traveling with Kids factsheet to help with your planning.

TRAVELING WITH MINORS

If you’re traveling with children not your own, it is your responsibility to confirm entry requirements or documentation needed for travel with a minor. Some countries require birth certificates, notarized consent letters from the child’s parents/legal guardians, and/or special forms.

Consult with your home country’s state department and/or your destination’s embassy or state department for entry/exit requirements. Failure to do so could result in denial of entry upon arrival to your destination country. Even if it’s not part of the country’s requirements, we strongly recommend carrying documentation showing parental consent/permission.

Here are a few links to get you started:

U.S. State Department: https://www.state.gov/travel/
U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Ecuador: https://ec.usembassy.gov
U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Mexico: https://mx.usembassy.gov
U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Panama: https://pa.usembassy.gov/
U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Costa Rica: https://cr.usembassy.gov/
U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Colombia: https://co.usembassy.gov/
U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Belize: https://bz.usembassy.gov/
U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Guatemala: https://gt.usembassy.gov/

“We have just returned from our UnCruise and it was better than I could have imagined. I am so sad that it is over. Truly amazing sightings of wildlife, and the most accomplished crew. I cannot say enough about the service and the activities. It will be a memory of a lifetime for the whole family, all 14 of us. ”

— Kathy H, Burlington, NC (Alaska)