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American Safari Cruises New Safari Explorer

We returned from Alaska two weeks ago and we still can't believe we were lucky enough to spy such varied wildlife. The journey especially sparked our interest in whales and we've been doing a bit of research on whale songs. If you're visiting Alaska with American Safari Cruises, ask your expedition leader/naturalist to explain how whales communicate. It really is fascinating!

As I mentioned last week, while in Alaska we also got to visit the Safari Explorer: American Safari's newest 36-passenger yacht (manned by a crew of 16). She'll sail Alaska's Onside Passage each May to September. This 145-foot yacht was christened in May and began her season on May 30 in Juneau.

It's a lovely ship and quite different from the Safari Spirit. The biggest difference is the size. While the Safari Spirit can accommodate 12 passengers, the Explorer welcomes 36 guests per voyage. Since the ship is larger, the Safari Explorer also offers additional amenities such as suite accommodations complete with Jacuzzi tubs and balconies, complimentary massages from the onboard masseuse, and yoga classes.

Here are the stateroom categories aboard the Safari Explorer:

• Commodore Suites (2)—king or twin beds, separate sitting area, sliding glass door overlooking a small balcony, bath with Jacuzzi tub and shower

• Admiral Staterooms (4)—king or twin beds, windowed door or view window, bath with Jacuzzi tub and shower

• Captain Staterooms (2)—king or twin beds, view window, windowed door, bath with shower

• Mariner Staterooms (9)—queen or twin beds, view window, windowed door, bath with shower

• Single Stateroom (1)—single bed, view window, windowed door, bath with shower (pullman berth available)

* Note: Both Commodore Suites and two Admiral Staterooms are available as triple accommodations.

Outfitted with two skiffs (larger than the one used by the Safari Spirit), the Safari Explorer offers a larger dining room (with eight tables) and salon, as well as a bar and wine library. And, two naturalists sail with this ship to easily accommodate all guests.

All the guests we met aboard the Safari Explorer were having a ball and it was evident in the camaraderie they displayed amongst each other. So, while there are more guests on that ship compared with the Safari Spirit, the atmosphere still seems quite intimate.

The Safari Explorer's seven-night Alaska itinerary, Voyagers' Glacier Country, takes passengers roundtrip to and from Juneau, visiting Funter Bay, Glacier Bay National Park, Sitkoh Bay, Icy Strait, Frederick Sound, Admiralty Island, Saginaw Bay, Brothers Islands, Petersburg, Tongass National Forest, Gambier Bay, Ford's Terror, and Endicott Arm to view Dawes Glacier.