By James Shillinglaw, Dec 09, 2021
With the recent news of a new COVID variant and large cruise line bans continuing in Hawaii, UnCruise Adventures just found out that it has been granted local permissions to operate thanks to the many officials and locals who have supported the small ship adventure line.
Throughout the stages of the pandemic, UnCruise has continued to gain industry presence and attention for its small ship adventures, small groups, and the company’s transparency in keeping guests and media updated at all stages. It is now the sole overnight passenger vessel operating in Hawaii. The 36-guest Safari Explorer kicked off her winter season with in-depth cultural immersion in Halawa Valley on the island of Molokai.
Hawaii delivered a major setback for large ship cruise lines that were forced into canceling cruises in Hawaii until 2022. UnCruise Adventures says it does not fall into the large cruise ship ranks and has received permission to operate in ports and parks in Hawaii. UnCruise Adventures’ safety and operations team worked with all levels of management at the state and county levels, including close coordination with the Hawaii Department of Transportation and the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.
UnCruise said it worked diligently with the Hawaii Department of Health to gain approval of the company’s 100 percent full vaccination and testing requirements for all guests and crew. UnCruise is now celebrating 12 years of operations in Hawaii with its seven-night Hawaiian Seascape adventures from Molokai to the Kona Coast and reverse.
“It’s time to focus on our guest’s experience and the people and culture of Hawaii,” said Capt. Dan Blanchard, UnCruise’s owner. “After almost two years of very limited travel, we are celebrating the permissions granted to us, and our ability to share an immersive exploration of the Hawaiian Islands, including the less-traveled island of Molokai, whose people and culture have become a part of the UnCruise Adventures family. We continue to work with the counties of Maui and Hawaii on operational details.”
Guests on the Hawaiian adventure can immerse themselves in the heritage and living culture of the locals while sailing from Molokai to Maui, Lanai, and the Big Island of Hawaii with multiple adventures each day. The itinerary highlights the UnCruise focus on community, culture and connection. The Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary visits four islands in one week and includes Halawa Valley, Hualalai Volcano, and Kealakekua Bay as examples of just three of the focal points along the route.
“We have worked diligently to ensure that Hawaii’s residents are safe and confident in our operations,” Blanchard said. “The support shown by Hawaii government officials has been invaluable in routing a path for our guests to experience these beautiful islands. It is humbling to be granted permission to operate. Mahalo to the many officials and residents of Hawaii that support our experiential adventures.”
For more information, visit www.uncruise.com. For the latest on the company’s COVID-19 health protocols and Hawaii testing requirements, visit https://uncruise.com/pages/covid-travel-updates.
