Transcribed

17. Discovering Alaska with Captain Dan Blanchard

Jun 4, 2026 · 36m 12s
17. Discovering Alaska with Captain Dan Blanchard
Chapters

01 · Small Ship Advantage

4m 11s

02 · Best Time to Go

6m 58s

03 · Wild Encounters At Sea

10m 21s

04 · Passion behind UnCruise

13m 12s

05 · Responsible Travel Choices

15m 18s

06 · Why it is called UnCruise

19m 52s

07 · Tlingit Adoption Story

21m 25s

08 · A Day on Expedition

24m 4s

09 · Wifi and being present

28m 59s

10 · Planning a Trip

32m 2s

11 · Measuring Success

35m 37s

Description

In this episode, host Sue Stockdale is joined by Dan Blanchard, captain, entrepreneur, and founder of UnCruise Adventures, to explore what makes Alaska one of the world's most remarkable expedition...

show more
In this episode, host Sue Stockdale is joined by Dan Blanchard, captain, entrepreneur, and founder of UnCruise Adventures, to explore what makes Alaska one of the world's most remarkable expedition destinations.

Dan shares his deep connection to Alaska's vast wilderness, describing a landscape of towering glaciers, remote waterways, and extraordinary wildlife encounters. He explains how small-ship expedition travel offers a fundamentally different experience from traditional cruising, allowing guests to reach secluded locations, navigate narrow fjords, and immerse themselves in places that larger vessels simply cannot access.

The conversation explores the best times to visit different regions of Alaska, depending on whether travellers hope to see bears, whales, seabirds, or dramatic glacier landscapes. Dan also recounts some of the unforgettable wildlife encounters and human moments that have stayed with him throughout his years on the water.

Sue and Dan discuss the philosophy behind UnCruise Adventures and the decision to create what Dan describes as an "anti-cruise" experience—one centred on adventure, flexibility, learning, and genuine connection with nature. They also examine the role of technology onboard, the benefits of disconnecting from constant connectivity, and the importance of being fully present in remote environments.

The episode concludes with a discussion on responsible travel, including practical measures to reduce environmental impact, support local communities, and encourage a slower, more meaningful approach to exploration.

Whether you're considering your first expedition voyage or simply fascinated by Alaska's wild places, this conversation offers valuable insights into experiencing the Last Frontier with curiosity, purpose, and respect.



Featured Cruises To find out more about expedition cruises contact Jane Middleton on +44 (0)7971 568155 or jane@authentictravelcompany.com

Plan your next cruising adventure with Authentic Travel company 

Producer: Sue Stockdale  
Sound Editor: Matias de Ezcurra
show less
Information
Author Sue Stockdale
Organization Sue Stockdale
Website -
Tags

Looks like you don't have any active episode

Browse Spreaker Catalogue to discover great new content

Current

Podcast Cover

Looks like you don't have any episodes in your queue

Browse Spreaker Catalogue to discover great new content

Next Up

Episode Cover Episode Cover

It's so quiet here...

Time to discover new episodes!

Discover
Your Library
Search