The Pacific Northwest has no shortage of incredible wine and I was so glad that UnCruise took the time to focus on this aspect of the local history and culture. Our sommalier Julie was not only a wonderful personality on board but also did an amazing job educating us about the history and making of wine as well as the varietals and the science of tasting. She also wasn't afraid to have some fun!
Every lunch and dinner came with a pairing. Julie would always pair a PNW wine with the meat, seafood and vegetarian options and it was clear she put immense thought into her pairings. They ranged from traditional to "off book" (red wine with fish!) but she always seemed to hit the nail on the head. For dessert we went around the world from France and Italy to Argentina and back again. It was a great assortment and she went the extra mile by providing a full list of our meals and her pairings from the whole week.
One of her many lectures was the science of taste in which we tried different wines but also various flavors including rock salt, sweet candies, fruits and meats to understand how our sense of taste comes together.
I have to say that my favorite presentation she did was a junk food pairing where she paired fine wine with corn dogs, pizza rolls, skittles and more. Julie did a great job making wine accessible to everyone - I definitely learned a lot without feeling intimidated.
During our day trip in Walla Walla we also had the opportunity to visit Dunham Cellars. We tasted their wine and of course, had the opportunity to buy a few bottles to be shipped home after the cruise.
Upon boarding the cruise I felt like I knew nothing about wine. I was pleased to come away knowing my favorite red (Cab Sav) and white (Reisling) wines so I can continue to explore more at home.
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
