For Immediate Release:

Date: August 31, 2023

Contact: Katie Nave
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 907-713-7285

Conatct: Olivia Klupar
Email: [email protected]
Phone number: 907-600-1727

Skagway, Alaska, August 31, 2023 – UnCruise Adventures, a cruise line offering immersive Alaskan experiences, is the latest travel partner to join the Shop Local Alaska Program, an initiative between BuyAlaska, part of the Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and Voyij.com, an online e-commerce marketplace for Alaskan businesses. The partnership aims to raise awareness by Alaskan-owned companies in destinations across the State and encourages UnCruise Adventures passengers to support the local economy.

The program launched in April with UnCruise Adventures’ first voyage to Alaska and provides guests a valuable opportunity to connect with local artists and businesses and shop online via the Voyij.com e-commerce platform.

The collaboration leverages UnCruise Adventures’ extensive network and itineraries, BuyAlaska's commitment to strengthening Alaska's economy, and Voyij.com's marketplace platform to provide UnCruise Adventures’ guests an unparalleled connection to local communities and an enjoyable way to discover and shop from Alaskan businesses. 

"We are thrilled to join forces with BuyAlaska and Voyij.com to support and uplift Alaskan small businesses,” shares Captain Dan Blanchard, Owner & CEO of UnCruise Adventures. "As a small ship brand deeply rooted in the Alaskan community, we recognize the importance of supporting small communities and being a forward-thinking business around sustainability and progress. This partnership allows us to connect our guests with the rich and vibrant culture of Alaska, and support local artists, native people and businesses while having a positive impact. By supporting the 'Shop Local' initiative on our vessels we aim to provide a wider experience for our guests and help them take home a bit of Alaska while leaving a positive footprint.” 

The Shop Local Alaska Program is marketed to guests on the company's ships, allowing them to browse virtual Alaskan stores and buy directly from local businesses via Voyij.com. From locally caught seafood to beautiful Alaskan jewelry to authentic Alaska Native Art and clothing of the North, Voyij.com offers the largest selection of Alaskan gifts and keepsakes available online from 220+ businesses Statewide. Any Alaskan-owned business can list its products on the Voyij.com marketplace for free. a

Other cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean Group and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Ltd., have pledged their support for the Shop Local Alaska Program. 

Follow BuyAlaska and Voyij.com on social media to stay up to date with the latest on the Shop Local Alaska Program. 

Facebook: @buyalaska.local.first @VoyijTravel

Instagram: @buyalaska.local.first @VoyijTravel

#ShopLocalAlaska

About BuyAlaska

BuyAlaska, led by the Alaska Small Business Development Center, promotes and supports local businesses, generating opportunities for sustainable growth and visibility for Alaska's artists, retailers, and small enterprises. By connecting visitors with Alaskan-owned businesses, BuyAlaska enriches experiences of the state's diverse culture while contributing to local community prosperity.

About Voyij.com

Voyij.com is an online marketplace on a mission to share the joy of Alaska by helping travelers buy products from local Alaskan businesses. The voyij.com website sells the largest selection of uniquely Alaskan gifts and keepsakes, from Alaska Native Art to fresh seafood and local jewelry, available for sale from 220+ small businesses and artists from all regions of the State.

About UnCruise Adventures

UnCruise?Adventures is a responsible travel and adventure leader in the small boat industry. They?operate?boutique yachts and small boats carrying 22-86 guests on voyages in Alaska, the Hawaiian Islands, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, Northern Baja California, Prince William Sound, Aleutian Islands, Coastal Washington, & Galápagos. UnCruise?Adventures have been? picked as the top adventure cruise line by Cruise Critic, multiple times, and by Travel & Leisure readers? are they also, named?UnCruise?Adventures in its World’s Best Awards and its list of top 10 small ship ocean cruise lines for multiple years in a row. UnCruise?Adventure is a member of the Adventure Travel Trade Association and Transformational Travel Council.