To further differentiate UnCruise Adventures and other small-ship lines from large ocean ships during this trying time, Dan Blanchard, CEO of UnCruise Adventures, spearheaded the formation of the U.S. Overnight Passenger Small-Boat Operators Coalition.
The coalition is in discussion with Congress about highlighting the differences between large and small ships. Most notably, small ships are exempt from the current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) no-sail order thanks to the 250-person capacity threshold.
TravelAge West had the opportunity to chat with Blanchard about the latest endeavors and the promising outlook for small-boat cruise travel.
What other partners are participating in the new coalition?
The start of the coalition kicked off on March 3 with a conversation between David Allen of Alaskan Dream Cruises and me. I knew early on that there was going to be a need to define small-boat operators and saw the possibility of being swept up into the same regulations as the megaships.
Then, I reached out to other operators. The coalition is now made up of seven U.S.-flagged operators including UnCruise Adventures, Alaskan Dream Cruises, American Cruise Lines, American Queen Steamboat Company, Blount Small Ship Adventures, The Boat Company and Lindblad Expeditions.
Are regional ports of call involved?
Our itineraries do not involve many ports, and if they do, they are small and local. These may be changed or delayed in light of COVID-19. If there is an Alaska season, it will be Juneau to Juneau and will be with smaller boats like ours — ones that will work directly with the local communities. Juneau is my home, and I'm working closely with the representatives there. The working community will be part of what will determine our sailings.
Dan Blanchard, CEO of UnCruise Adventures
Credit: 2020 UnCruise AdventuresUnCruise has already done a great job of positioning itself as an alternative to mainstream cruises. How will the coalition further that messaging?
We've found that there is a rise in small-boat market amplification as people are finding us in new ways. Part of that is us doing our part in educating the market on what small-boat cruising is as an alternative to other modes of travel. The coalition gives us that platform to let people know who we are; yes, we cruise on a boat, but the way we attack the itinerary is much different.
Some companies in the coalition, such as ours, are much more aligned with adventure travel than the cruise industry. Additionally, we don't fall under the CDC no-sail restriction, and our small adventures translate into a much more predictable and stable environment: such as U.S.-based crew, more management over agile protocols and the ability to pivot quickly for the benefit of our guests and crew.
Some companies in the coalition, such as ours, are much more aligned with adventure travel than the cruise industry. Additionally, we don't fall under the CDC no-sail restriction, and our small adventures translate into a much more predictable and stable environment: U.S.-based crew, more management over agile protocols and the ability to pivot quickly for the benefit of our guests and crew.
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Besides health concerns, what other topics are top of mind for the coalition?
It was obvious early on that stimulus would be needed in this critical time. Working with the coalition gives us a voice in front of federal and local governments for funding and to be defined separately among cruise lines. We continue to look into the CARES Act and are pursuing stimulus for small boat operators.
What are your thoughts regarding Alaska cruising in 2020, which is looking to be uniquely free of large ships?
We are hopeful for the 2020 Alaska season and have a dedicated base of guests who are eager to get back onboard. It is likely that no big ships will be in Alaska this summer at all and though we can sail, when we sail is speculative. This is a more multifaceted question and answer than seen on the surface.
We are currently looking at late mid-July for voyages to resume. Sailing in Alaska this season will be more pristine than ever, and not likely duplicated anytime soon. Alaska has always had my heart. I've sailed there since I was a boy, and I'm excited to get back onboard. With anything we do, we will respect local community requests, and in part, our sailings are determined by the market.
Beyond Alaska, what is UnCruise’s outlook for other destinations? When do you expect each to restart?
The outlook is similar for later in the year. We are currently working on a six-week cadence in assessing our departures. Some of it is not entirely within our control. When will communities allow people in, what mandatory quarantines will be in place and when will guests be comfortable traveling again are all considerations. Our Pacific Northwest and river itineraries are scheduled for fall along with our other destinations later in the year.
How will the pandemic affect UnCruise as a brand?
This year was set to be our biggest year yet for bookings, and now we are using this time to pivot into a smaller and more refined brand. We are reinventing ourselves and essentially re-creating UnCruise Adventures. We are looking at every detail, from how we operate our boats to creating new and shorter five-day itineraries that allow closer-to-home travel and modernizing operations to come out of this even better.
We are known for curating incredible experiences, and our adventure guests tend to be some of the most intrepid travelers. I want to thank everyone for their support; it means the world to me. The coalition is supporting small businesses, such as ourselves, that have come together to make a difference and move ahead.
The Details
UnCruise Adventures
www.uncruise.com
