Ship Report - UnCruise Safari Explorer

By the Numbers

Length - 145'

Beam - 36'

Decks - 3

Built - 1998 / Joined the UnCruise Fleet in 2008

Registry - USA

Guests - 36

Cabins - 18

Cabins Outside - 100%

Balcony Cabins - 2

Triple Occupancy Cabins - 4

Guest-to-crew ratio - 2:1

Crew - USA

UnCruise Safari Explorer in Hawaii

What makes UnCruise a unique cruise line is their ships.  They operate 9 ships, ranging from 22 - 86 guests.   I was onboard one of the smallest that could hold 36 guests.  Small ships offer experiences the big ships cannot.   The ships might look basic from the outside and even inside you won't find ultra luxury but where they shine is their crew and the adventures off ship.

Since UnCruise ships are US flagged the crew does have to be American (the one exception is the Galapagos sailings since there are special rules in Galapagos).    UnCruise offers cruises in Alaska, Hawaii, Costa Rica, and Mexico.  Outdoor adventures are always the main focus but onboard you will find plenty of comfortable spots and the best food!

Enjoying Happy Hour on the Sun Deck of Safari Explorer

Onboard Safari Explorer you will have 3 decks of guest areas.  

 The Top Deck is called the Bridge Deck which makes sense since it is where you will find the Bridge.  They have an open bridge policy so anytime the door is open guests are welcome to come in and check out the bridge.  The sun lounge is also up on this deck.   There were plenty of lounge chairs along with a table and chairs and a cushioned conversion set.  There is also a small fitness area up here and a hot tub (the hot tub is only available to use on Alaska sailings).   One other nice little feature up here was one of those small bathing suit spinner machines.   This was great since we did snorkel and swim almost every day in Hawaii.

My cabin on Safari Explorer with fixed twin beds

The Middle Deck is called the Cabin Deck which makes sense since really the only thing on this deck is cabins.   This is the deck where my cabin was located.  The Cabins offer all the basics and are comfortable. Some have fixed twin beds (like mine), while others have a Queen or even a King. A few rooms offer an option to accommodate a 3rd guest.  On this deck you can walk all the way around the ship (25 times around equals a mile for anyone needing to get their steps in).   For all of the rooms on this deck your room door opened up to the outside so you have both a door and a window in the room that lets lots of light in.   An interesting fact about UnCruise is they do not have automatic locks on the cabin doors so you don't need to worry about carrying around a room key which I think is great.  You can lock the door from inside so while you are in the room no one can just come in.  

Bow Viewing area of Safari Explorer is perfect for spotting wildlife

The other area on this deck that we spent a good amount of time is the Bow Viewing area.   Anytime the ship was moving many of us would gather up there to look for whales and dolphins.   Most of the time some dolphins would join us and ride our bow waves so it was fun to look over the side and watch them.

Wine Library area of Safari Explorer

The lower deck also called the Main Deck is where the most public areas are.   The Dining Room, Salon, Bar, and Wine Library are all located on this deck.  We had 3 meals a day in the dining room.   All meals were table service but there was an early bird breakfast offered that was sort of buffet style.   The food on UnCruise is the best food I have ever had on a cruise.   They have such talented chefs and they use as much fresh and local as possible.   The Salon has lots of comfy seats and a drop down screen for when some of the naturalists would give their talks.   You can also find games, books, and even DVDs if you need something to do.  Our days were so busy though we never needed other things to do.  There is also a small shop area that offers some UnCruise merch along with a few items that might come in handy on your trip.   You don't even have to bring your own sunblock because they have plenty for everyone to use and they of course have reef safe which is important.

Refreshing drinks by the swim platform

The Main Deck is also where the Swim Platform is located.   Pretty much each day we had the chance to jump off the back of the ship and swim in the beautiful Hawaiian waters. This is also where we would board the skiffs and kayaks for going out on the water as well.  There is a set of lockers where our snorkel gear that we used for the week was stored.   Our lovely bartender would also have some refreshing drinks waiting for us at the table in this outdoor area when we returned from adventures.  

Engine room of the Safari Explorer

We were able to tour the engine room so I do go even one deck lower than the Main Deck.   Safari Explorer recently got 2 new engines so it was cool to be able to take a look.   

I love small ships for so many reasons but the crew and the guests are usually the main part.  With so few guests you get to know everyone onboard.   By the end of the cruise it feels like one big family.   Small ships get you into places that big ships can't and they provide amazing experiences.  UnCruise excels at providing the wow moments because they have such passionate crew members.   My ship reports are usually to give you all the details on the ship I was on but with UnCruise the ship is not the main focus.   Safari Explorer is a very comfortable ship with everything you need to explore Alaska and Hawaii.