Dinner is a plated service and the chef does an outstanding job. Fish, meat, and vegan options are available each evening. The salads and vegetables are outstanding. I could go on and on about the desserts, which were delicious, especially the freshly baked strawberry shortcake.

This Alaska cruise — with all its excursions — was a treat for body and soul. Small ship cruising puts nature right on your doorstep, and Alaska is a natural choice: the beauty of the flora and fauna, the chill and freshness in the air. The experience awakened my imagination to all things in its past, and my hopes for the future.

Preparing For An Alaska Cruise? Here Are A Few Tips

The cabins on the Wilderness Explorer were small but very comfortable. Pack light with smaller luggage, which will be easier to store in your wardrobe or under the beds. The dress code on the ship was very casual, so no need to bring any formal wear.

The weather in Alaska is very temperate and ranges from full-on sun to cold winds and rain. Be prepared by bringing the following (included in UnCruise’s packing guidelines):

• A wardrobe consisting of layers that you can add and remove as conditions change throughout the day. Note that multiple thin layers are much better than one or two thick ones, and opt for moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabrics as they’re most effective at keeping you warm. Limit your inclusion of slow-to-dry cotton in your cruise wardrobe.
• A heavy-duty rain jacket and at least one pair of pants made of waterproof fabric.
• Rubber boots that extend above the calf for wet landings and encounters in muddy terrain. Before investing in this gear, reach out to your cruise ship provider. UnCruise provides boots on board, so we didn’t have to lug these along.
• A reusable water bottle. UnCruise discourages single-use plastics and espouses sustainable practices, and you can get behind this effort, too.
• Binoculars. Again, UnCruise provides these for its passengers, but you may want to bring your own.
• Waterproof gloves. If you plan on bushwhacking or kayaking, these will contribute to your comfort and the enjoyment of your excursion.
• Cameras. If you’re interested in capturing spectacular shots of Alaska, then it’s advisable to bring a DSLR camera with a zoom lens.