Hops Aboard – Un-Cruise Adventures Plans Craft Beer Theme Cruises on Coastal Washington Adventure Cruises

60-guest Wilderness Adventurer sails roundtrip Seattle

Un-Cruise Adventures hops to it with four new craft beer theme cruises set for fall and spring departures in Washington’s Puget Sound and Salish Sea. The

Seattle-based adventure cruise line marries local micro-brew experts with adventure in scenic areas 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.