New itinerary in the Hawaiian Islands and an new yacht highlight American Safari Cruises' 2008 offerings
SEATTLE, WA. – For American Safari Cruises, it’s a one-two punch: One new destination, the islands of Hawaii; a new yacht in the fleet; and two new itineraries, one in Alaska and one in Hawaii. Details are available in the company’s new comprehensive brochure for 2008 through April 2009, now being mailed to travel agents nationwide.
American Safari Cruises is taking its signature concept of close-up luxury yacht cruising to a unique exploration of the inter-island waters less traveled in Hawaii. One yacht is being added to the fleet, the 145-foot, 36-guest Safari Explorer, which will sail in Hawaii. The vessel will begin its Alaska itineraries in May 2008.
The Hawaii itinerary includes the Big Island, Kahoolawe, Molokini for swimming and snorkeling, Haleakala and Lahaina on Maui, night lava-flow viewing, volcano flightseeing by helicopter, seldom-visited Lanai and a mule-back adventure on Molokai. “We’re the only yacht or small ship company doing inter-island cruising. ‘Gungholing’ and running multiple activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving and hiking from a quiet cove, rather than steaming port-to-port, opens up a whole new Hawaii experience” says Tim Jacox, vice president of sales and marketing. “ We’re used to being pioneers – we were the first to offer by-the-cabin yacht cruising in Alaska 10 years ago. ” The inaugural Hawaii cruise will be Dec. 19-27, 2008, with a complimentary extra cruise day; thereafter, there will be 19 eight-day, seven-night departures between Kailua-Kona on the Big Island and Kahului on Maui through May 9, 2009. Prices begin at $3,995 per person double occupancy.
In Alaska, there are two new itineraries. The Safari Explorer will cruise round-trip from Juneau, including spectacular Glacier Bay National Park, whale watching in the wildlife-rich waters of Frederick Sound and Icy Strait, and visits to Admiralty Island and the fishing village of Petersburg. Prices begin at $4,395 per person. The Safari Explorer boasts new features such as complimentary massages, an intimate wine library and commodore suites.
The new destination, yachts and itineraries signal significant expansion for the 10-year-old company. At the recent Virtuoso annual conference for luxury/adventure travel agents, American Safari Cruises was included with four of the best-known – and much larger – luxury cruise lines in the Best Small Ship/Specialty Cruise Company 2007 competition.
"We sometimes think of ourselves as the Little Cruise Line That Could,” says Jacox. “It was a heady experience to be in the company of Silversea, Windstar, SeaDream and Seabourn, who carry 100+ to just under 400 passengers as opposed to our maximum of 39. Being counted among them really verifies that what we’re doing, we’re doing right.”
American Safari Cruises has four yachts in Alaska and also offers cruises in Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, Columbia and Snake Rivers, and Pacific Northwest. Information: 888/862-8881; www.amsafari.com; sales@amsafari.com.
