The Pacific Northwest put craft beer on the map and now you can discover some of the region’s best brews on four new craft beer theme cruises with Un-Cruise Adventures.
The Seattle-based adventure cruise line has just announced new fall and spring departures in Washington’s Puget Sound and Salish Sea that bring together local micro-brew experts with adventure while cruising the scenic area from South Hood Canal to Olympic National Park and the San Juan Islands.
The 60-guest Wilderness Adventurer expedition vessel sails roundtrip Seattle on a weeklong Explore! Olympic Wilderness & San Juan Islands itinerary from September – November and April – May.
Craft beer theme cruises are set for October 4, 2014, April 25 and October 3, 2015 and April 30, 2016. Kendall Jones and Kim Sharpe Jones, authorities on the Seattle craft beer scene and media partners for the Washington Beer Commission, join the October 4 departure as guest hosts. Robyn Schumacher, an owner and brewer at Stoup Brewing in Seattle, joins the April 25 cruise. Guest hosts for the remaining two dates will be announced later.
“Whether you are a beer lover or a novice, you’re sure to learn and enjoy the expertise of our guest hosts on board,” said Captain Dan Blanchard, CEO. “After a day of kayaking and hiking, relax on the top deck for a hosted beer tasting featuring Washington state micro-brews.”
Guests will enjoy nightly happy hour tastings of select craft beer from nearby breweries—most unavailable outside the state —presentations, and beer recommendations matching the evening’s dinner menu. A brewery tour and tasting will be offered at both Port Townsend Brewing in Port Townsend and Island Hoppin Brewery on Orcas Island. A Sucia Island beach bonfire on the last night sets the stage for a session on Beach Beers and the virtues of craft beer in aluminum cans.
Highlights of the itinerary include hiking in Olympic National Park (a World Heritage Site), Mt. Constitution and Washington State Parks. Waterborne expeditions by kayaks, skiffs and paddle boards explore glacial fjords and the San Juan archipelago. In Quilcene Bay, a local family hosts a home-grown oyster and clam tasting. Guests enjoy free time in scenic Friday Harbor and discover Native cultures in Port Townsend. Eyes are kept peeled for marine life and seabirds—gray whales, orcas, seals, sea lions and bald eagles.
The craft beer cruise includes all meals, beer tastings, transfers, adventure activities, hot tub, sauna and yoga on deck. Rates begin at $1,895 per person, double occupancy. Charters and group incentives are available. To book or to request additional information, contact your travel agent or Un-Cruise Adventures at 888-862-8881 or sales@un-cruise.com.
About Un-Cruise Adventures
Un-Cruise Adventures’ fleet of eight vessels carries 22-88 guests on adventures in Alaska, Hawaiian Islands, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, Columbia & Snake Rivers, and Coastal Washington & British Columbia. Un-Cruise Adventures, under the parent company of InnerSea Discoveries Alaska Inc., is a member of Trusted Adventures, dedicated to the highest standards of small-group travel and to giving back to the places visited.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".