American Safari Cruises Announces a New Yacht to their fleet and Yacht Cruising in the Hawaiian Islands
SEATTLE, WA — In celebration of its 10th anniversary, luxury yacht cruise line American Safari Cruises is increasing its fleet capacity by 100 percent by adding the 145--foot, 36-passenger yacht Safari Explorer. The company also is adding a fifth destination, inter-island cruising in Hawaii.
The new yacht expands passenger capacity on its four vessels to include 12, 12, 22 and 36. The vessel will go into service in Alaska in May 2008. Prior, the Safari Explorer will have a multi-million dollar retrofit before its Alaska debut and will begin Hawaii cruising December 19, 2008. Twenty-one departures are scheduled through May 9, 2009.
American Safari Cruises becomes the first cruise line to offer unstructured inter-island yacht cruising in Hawaii, where the next “port” may not be a port at all. Instead, it may be a passage rich with wildlife, a secluded sandy beach or a quiet cove where guests explore their surroundings on the shore or in the water.
The company’s signature cruising style is built on flexibility, which allows the yachts to follow whales and dolphins or dodge unpleasant weather. “We’ve built our reputation on spontaneity,” says Dan Blanchard, President and CEO, who has explored the islands extensively by private boat. “Our style makes it possible to explore Hawaii without having to be at a specific port at a specific time. We can gunkhole, stop in out-of-the-way bays and coves, and be ready for whatever experiences may come along.”
American Safari Cruises’ sights always focus on a close-up look at wildlife and nature. Travel is in the daytime only, with nights spent in protected coves and bays, so nothing is missed. The yachts offer exceptional cuisine, complimentary fine wines and premium spirits and a 2-to-1 guest-crew ratio. They carry mountain bikes, kayaks, skiffs and other watercraft, and their relatively small size enables them to go where big ships can’t.
In Hawaii, guests will see and experience the islands from a different perspective than at a high-end resort. “Hawaii will never be closer,” says Tim Jacox, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “This will be a new way to see the islands, places you can only explore by boat. We’ll meet the locals and learn from them. Our goal is to establish new traditions in cruising while respecting the age-old traditions of Hawaii.”
On the eight-day, seven-night Hawaii cruises; the Safari Explorer will sail one-way between Kailua-Kona on the Big Island and Kahului on Maui. Along the way, guests will learn the legend and lore of the islands from resident historians and experts. Cruising will focus on the leeward side of the Maui island group, which also includes the islands of Kahoolawe and Lanai. The half-sunken crater of Molokini offers unparalleled snorkeling and certified divers may also explore the reef; the yacht is fully equipped for scuba diving activities. The company also will customize add-on extensions to Kauai and other Hawaiian islands, pre- or post-cruise.
Among the included shore excursions are a helicopter tour over Volcanoes National Park, a mule ride into Kalaupapa National Historic Park on Molokai, a drive to Haleakala National Park on Maui and night cruising along the Big Island to see Kilauea’s lava flow into the sea. An inclusive Hawaiian Islands 7 night/8 day itinerary price begins at $3,995 per person double occupancy.
The Safari Explorer Alaska 7 night/8 day itinerary includes up to two days in spectacular Glacier Bay National Park, where other vessels cruise in and out in a matter of hours. Other highlights will be a circumnavigation of Admiralty Island and exploration of its rugged bays, wildlife-rich waters to see whales, and Endicott Arm and Dawes glaciers. Inclusive prices begin at $4,395 per person double occupancy.
Wherever its destination, the Safari Explorer offers elegant accommodations in a casual atmosphere. There is an overall spa influence with complimentary massages from an onboard masseuse, yoga classes, sauna, on-deck whirlpool spa and exercise equipment. The yacht features a wine library for special tastings. The salon has a large-screen TV/DVD and video library. A variety of 18 staterooms are available. All have TV/DVD players, a sliding glass door or view window, some small balconies and private baths with some Jacuzzis.
The All-American crew will include the captain, mates, executive chef and assistants, expedition leader/professional naturalists, hotel manager, stewards, engineers and deckhands. The guest-crew ratio will be approximately 2 to 1.
American Safari Cruises pioneered yacht cruising in Alaska in 1997. Other destinations include Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, Columbia and Snake Rivers and Pacific Northwest. Information: www.amsafari.com or 888/862-8881.
