When I first sailed with American Safari Cruises, I returned from Alaska's Inside Passage and just raved about the experience. It was everything we love about cruising rolled up into one tremendously fun week: an intimate yacht (we sailed aboard the 105-foot Safari Spirit with just three other couples), wildlife viewing, excellent service, and fine cuisine.We spent tons of time in the skiff and got incredibly close to humpback whales, orca whales, sea lions, and more. We even hugged the shore and viewed a moma bear with her three cubs. We could hear them chewing grass! It was awesome!
I consider American Safari Cruises to be a luxury experience because of the intimate yachts; crew-to-guest ratio; the caliber of the service; topnotch food, wine, and spirits; and access to wildlife that cruisers on the big ships just won't ever get close to. All-inclusive cruise fares start at $4,895 per person.
Those fares are too steep for some cruisers though, so the parent company of American Safari decided to purchase two larger ships where they could offer the same excellent naturalists and personal service, but offer a lower price point. The new initiative is called InnerSea Discoveries and is also meant for travelers who wish to actively engage their surroundings—both physically and emotionally.
The two ships—the 157-foot, 66-guest Wilderness Adventurer and the 170-foot, 80-guest Wilderness Discovery The vessels were purchased earlier this year and are being completely renovated now. The per person price point will start between $2,500 and $3,000 for one-week itineraries between Ketchikan and Juneau (two-week voyages will also be available). Fares include all meals, equipment for adventure activities, expert guides, port charges, taxes, and transfers.
These voyages will be ultra-experiential and activities include stand-up paddle boarding, wilderness hiking, snorkeling, inflatable boat and kayak excursions among icebergs and along shorelines, beachcombing, and whale watching. Optional add-ons include spelunking, river rafting, and jet boat excursions; fishing with expert guides on a fully outfitted boat; and overnight backpacking and kayaking. Professional naturalists will provide lectures on the surrounding environment, and yoga and massages will be offered; both boats have on-deck hot tubs and saunas with a view.
“We think of it as an ‘un-cruise’ because there are none of the hassles of traditional cruising,” says CEO and principal Capt. Dan Blanchard. “No crowds, long lines, herd mentalities, bus trips, and tourist-clogged port calls. Instead we’re offering exhilarating activities in the wildlife-rich waters of Southeast Alaska, plus creature comforts aboard the boat.”
Wilderness Adventurer and Wilderness Discoverer will begin sailing Alaska's Inside Passage in May 2011.
The parent company will continue to operate American Safari Cruises three-vessel yacht itineraries in Alaska, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, the Columbia and Snake rivers, and the Pacific Northwest. Inter-island Hawaii yacht cruising debuts in 2011.
For information, talk with your travel agent or call InnerSea Discoveries at 1-(877) 901-1009 or sales@innerseadiscoveries.com.
—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com
Photo courtesy of InnerSea Discoveries
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