Un-Cruise Adventures adventure savings prgramme of up to £300

Un-Cruise Adventures have unrolled a new adventure savings prgramme of up to £300 per couple on new cruise reservations made by 30 December 2014.   The savings may be applied to select 2015 cruises on the Columbia and Snake Rivers, Coastal Washington, British Columbia, Hawaiian Islands and Mexico’s Sea of Cortés.

Columbia & Snake Rivers

Departing 4 April through 6 June 2015. The 88-guest S.S. Legacy sails weeklong Legacy of  Discovery voyages roundtrip Portland, Oregon with included shoreside tours and lively on board presentations focused on Lewis and Clark’s expedition, Oregon Trail, Native Americans, early pioneers and entrepreneurs. Rates for the inclusive cruise begin at £1,981 per person, double occupancy (before savings).

Hawaiian Islands (above)

An adventure savings of £300 per couple for a weeklong cruise in the Hawaiian Islands may be applied to departure dates from January to April 2015. The inclusive cruise aboard the 36-guest Safari Explorer sails from Moloka‘i to Hawai‘i (or reverse) and explores four islands: Moloka‘i, Lana’i, Maui and Hawai‘i with adventure activities and tours included.  Rates begin at £2,230per person, double occupancy (before savings).

The adventure savings offer is for new reservations booked by December 30, 2014. 

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Canadian Arctic Adventures with The Cruise People.

Canadian Arctic adventures in the northern Candadian islands on board the 118-passenger Sea Adventurer are one of  the adventure options on offer from The Cruise People.

They represent well-known expedition and adventure companies offering voyages to the Antarctic, South Georgia and the Falklands, the North Pole, Alaska, Spitsbergen, Iceland, Greenland, the Northwest Passage and Hudson Bay, the Amazon, the Galapagos, the South Pacific and many other destinations polar and tropical. 

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For Alaskan Salmon, Go Bear Watching, Ride A Rainforest Zip-Wire Or Go Sea-Kayaking

Oceania Cruises returns to cruise in Alaska from May to mid-August 2013 after a year’s absence with a choice of seven itineraries and a range of exceptional and exciting optional shore excursions. The Alaska cruises are on board the 684-guest Regatta, acclaimed for its open-seating gourmet dining (no surcharges), luxurious public rooms and accommodations and warm and attentive service. Scenic highlights include cruising Alaska’s Inside Passage, the awe-inspiring Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm Fjord. A 7 night Alaska sailing costs from £1584 per person, based on 2 sharing, including free flights, all meals, complimentary bottled water and soft drinks. Alaska excursions include:- Bear watching by float-plane, 3 hours, £250 Explore Alaska’s spectacular topography and come up close to its bear population and abundant wildlife on a guided tour with an experienced naturalist guide. This half day excursion to Neets Bay starts with an exhilarating floatplane ride to one of south east Alaska’s premier bear viewing locations. On arrival in the Bay a short walk along a wilderness road takes participants to the viewing area, where black bears can be seen congregating and fishing. The knowledgeable guide will explain the habitats of the bears, the lifecycle of their favourite food (salmon) and important work done to protect Alaska’s wild salmon population. Other wildlife sightings may include eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer, mink, marten and seals. Zip-wire through the rainforest, 4 hours, £144Speed through the upper canopies of a rich rainforest along a series of cables, suspended 135’ high between tall spruce, hamlock and cedar trees, on the edge of the magnificent Tongass National Forest. The zip-wire `flight’ takes place over seven zip-lines and 4,500’ of high tension cable, from a short 175’ span to the adrenalin-jumping 850’ Ben’s Revenge. Participants can stop to admire the view and watch the wildlife from tree platforms and sky bridges, from where hidden waterfalls and spectacular scenery can be seen. The final zip-wire takes guest over lush grassy wetland to a final viewing platform where each participant is given a custom-cast Alaska Canopy Adventures medal in recognition of their achievement. Wilderness sea-kayaking, 3 hours, £94 Experience the exceptional beauty and tranquility of Alaska’s pristine surroundings from the water, during a memorable sea kayaking adventure. Kit out in waterproofs before embarking a motorized inflatable Seahawk dinghy to transfer to the kayak base camp, tucked away in a picturesque cove. Join a small group of just four – six two-man kayaks for an exploration of the tranquil waterways, led by experienced guides, who will acquaint participants with the area’s spectacular marine environment. Helicopter sight seeing and guided glacier walk, 2 hours, £206 Get a birds-eye view of Alaska’s wild and rugged terrain during a helicopter sight-seeing tour, starting high above the wetland habitat, alpine ridges and lush rain forests, to approach the ice field and its many glaciers, to marvel at deep blue crevasses, carved peaks and spectacular icefalls that flow to form the Mendenhall Glacier. Landing on the slow moving river of ice, guests are taken on a glacier walk by an experienced mountaineering guide, who explains how glaciers form, flow and carve out the landscape, before the return helicopter flight back. Go gold panning and eat wild salmon beneath a rainforest canopy, 3 hours, £69 Relive Juneau’s gold rush history by panning for gold with a costumed prospector at historic Last Chance Basin. Retrace the route used by prospectors Joe Juneau and Richard Harris in their search for gold close to one of the world’s largest hard rock mining operations at Alaska-Juneau gold mine. Participants can pan for gold, see the remains of the mine and learn about how gold is mined. Lunch at Gold Creek Salmon Bake includes wild Alaskan caught salmon grilled over an open alderwood fire, beneath the canopy of the rainforest at Salmon Creek. Sea-fishing and a sea food al-fresco lunch, 5 hours, £219 Experience the beauty of Alaskan wilderness during a relaxing fishing excursion, followed by an al fresco seafood lunch. Participants board an open-air skiff for the harbour in Ketchikan to fish in secluded locations on Alaska’s south eastern coast, taking an intimate look at Alaska’s wildlife and pristine wilderness. Rock fish, red snapper, ling cod, halibut and salmon can all be caught for a lunchtime entrée, followed by a bouillabaisse style fish stew during a gourmet outdoor campsite meal that concludes with rhubarb-blueberry bread pudding. For more information on Oceania Cruises or to order a brochure, visit www.oceaniacruises.com or call on 0845 505 1920.



InnerSea Discoveries’ and American Safari Cruises’ New Ships

Sporting new hull colors, interior spaces, furnishings and amenities, the 86-guest Safari Endeavour and 76-guest Wilderness Explorer emerged from major renovation projects on May 18, 2012 for a dual-boat christening event in Seattle and a summer season of un-cruise adventures in Alaska. InnerSea Discoveries/American Safari Cruises operates three expedition vessels and three yachts in scenic destinations including Alaska, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, Pacific Northwest and the Hawaiian Islands.

The 86-guest Safari Endeavour joins American Safari Cruises’ upscale fleet of yachts—all with navy blue hulls and exceptional comfort and refined atmosphere on board. 

The 76-guest Wilderness Explorer, now painted with InnerSea Discoveries’ signature forest green hull, joins the active adventure fleet in Alaska this summer. The Safari Endeavour will sail weeklong, inclusive luxury adventure cruises in Alaska roundtrip Juneau from June to August. Guests enjoy the luxury of two days exploring inside Glacier Bay National Park with opportunities to hike and kayak with park rangers. Seven theme cruises feature guest presenters or performers and a $518 per couple travel credit commemorating the christening of the vessel May 18. From November through April, the Safari Endeavour sails weeklong Baja’s Bounty adventures in Mexico’s Sea of Cortés.

The Wilderness Explorer sails weeklong active adventure cruises in Alaska between Juneau and Sitka (and reverse) from June through August. The itinerary includes three full days exploring inside Glacier Bay National Park including the lesser visited but equally spectacular East Arm with McBride Glacier and Muir Glacier.

Un-cruise fares in Alaska start at US$4,795 aboard the Safari Endeavour and US$3,095 aboard the Wilderness Explorer, per person based on double occupancy. Adventure activities are included on both boats: hiking, kayaking, skiff excursions, whale watching, paddle boarding. Yachts and expedition vessels can be booked as a private charter or by individual stateroom. To book an un-cruise adventure or to request additional information, contact your travel agent or American Safari Cruises at 888-862-8881 or email sales@innerseadiscoveries.com.

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Five yachts and three expedition vessels cruise Alaska’s Inside Passage

With more vessels and itinerary choices in Alaska than any previous year, un-cruise adventure operator InnerSea Discoveries and American Safari Cruises has unveiled 2013 rates and dates for its fleet of expedition vessels and yachts. New in 2013, a refurbished Safari Legacy joins the fleet of yachts and InnerSea Discoveries schedules three Alaska Unleashed cruises for the utmost in active adventures.

The 88-guest Safari Legacy, an elegant vessel reminiscent of a gold rush coastal steamer with Victorian décor, debuts with American Safari Cruises in summer 2013. Sailing weeklong cruises between Ketchikan and Juneau, Alaska, the vessel visits Skagway, Haines, Sitka, Petersburg, Wrangell, Glacier Bay and the remote fishing village of Pelican. On board, a Living History program focuses on the storied past of Alaska including the Klondike gold rush and historical characters such as naturalist and author John Muir, outlaw Soapy Smith and prospector Skookum Jim. Legacy Leaders and local guest storytellers bring the history and spirit of the past alive with period reenactments and lively presentations.

“The Safari Legacy will be unique within our fleet and adds an option for those interested in exploring the port towns and history of Alaska,” said Tim Jacox, executive vice president of sales and marketing. “We’ll also offer more days inside Glacier Bay National Park with six boats making regular visits, most for multiple days of exploration.”

Adventurers interested in more technical hikes, longer kayaking trips and more opportunities to be active out in the wilderness can choose to sail on one of three weeklong Alaska Unleashed cruises aboard the Wilderness Adventurer. On these exclusive adventures, guest capacity is reduced from 60 to 36 guests to enable a more rigorous slate of outdoor activities. Dates are June 8, July 13 and August 10. For this advanced adventure program, rates start at $5,595 per person based on double occupancy.

Specializing in active adventures in the wilderness, InnerSea Discoveries’ three expedition vessels include the 60-guest Wilderness Adventurer and 76-guest Wilderness Discoverer and Wilderness Explorer. The upscale fleet of American Safari Cruises includes the 12-guest Safari Spirit, 22-guest Safari Quest, 36-guest Safari Explorer, 86-guest Safari Endeavour and 88-guest Safari Legacy.

Expedition ships in AlaskaFrom May to September, InnerSea Discoveries’ three expedition vessels offer weeklong active adventures in Alaska sailing between Ketchikan and Juneau (and reverse) or Juneau and Sitka (and reverse). With three different itineraries, un-cruises may now be combined for 15-day or 22-day adventures. Guests enjoy exploring nature on kayaking and hiking excursions, paddle boarding and skiff tours. Rates begin at $1,895 per person based on double occupancy. In May and September, 15-day expeditions between Seattle and Juneau (and reverse) are available with rates starting at $3,495 per person based on double occupancy.

Upscale yachts in Alaska

Four yachts sail weeklong, inclusive un-cruises roundtrip Juneau from May 17 through September 8, 2013. The yachts forego port calls and instead explore remote wilderness areas to maximize time for up close encounters with nature and wildlife. Two days are spent exploring inside Glacier Bay National Park with a park ranger on hiking, kayaking and skiff excursions. Rates begin at $4,195 per person based on double occupancy. Longer 15-day voyages between Seattle and Juneau (and reverse) sail in May, August and September depending on vessel. Rates begin at $6,095 per person.

From May through August, 2013, the 88-guest Safari Legacy sails weeklong “Alaska’s Golden History” cruises between Ketchikan and Juneau, Alaska. The vessel will then spend fall and spring sailing on the Columbia and Snake rivers roundtrip Portland, Oregon. Rates and dates will be available spring 2012.

To book an un-cruise or to request additional information, contact your travel agent or InnerSea Discoveries at 877-901-1009 or sales@innerseadiscoveries.com.

Six Theme Cruises With Safari Endeavour’s Inaugural Season With American Safari Cruises In 2012

Guests booking one of six theme cruises aboard American Safari Cruises’ Safari Endeavour this summer in Alaska will receive a $518 travel credit per couple. The travel credit celebrates the vessel’s inauguration into the upscale fleet during a May 18, 2012 christening ceremony in Seattle.

The 86-guest Safari Endeavour sails weeklong adventure cruises roundtrip Juneau, Alaska from June to August and spends two days exploring inside Glacier Bay National Park with opportunities to hike and kayak with park rangers. Six theme cruises feature guest presenters and performers.

June 24, 2012, Among Giants with Flip Nicklin: Explore whales and photography with this world-renowned whale photographer who also contributes to National Geographic. Guests will receive a signed copy of his book, “Among Giants, A Life with Whales.”

July 8, 2012, Found: John Muir’s Alaska: Professor Paul Hunter brings John Muir’s and Jack London’s Alaska alive. Includes a dog sledding tour in Juneau.

July 22, 2012, Seeing Beyond the Obvious: Learn new photography techniques from award-winning photojournalist PF Bentley whose documentary career spans 30 years.

July 29, 2012, Smooth Sailing—Smooth Jazz: Jazz lovers unite for live entertainment in the lounge on select evenings. Paul Richardson plays keyboard and Josephine Howell sings—both top artists currently playing in the Pacific Northwest.

August 5, 2012, Travel Photography: Peter West Carey brings his passion for travel and photography together to share tips, tales and techniques.

August 19, 2012, Napa Valley Reds—Wine and Culinary: Cyril and Blakesley Chappellet present their legendary Cabernet Sauvignon and other highly acclaimed wines. Enjoy wine and food pairings on select evenings along with a special dinner.

Travelers making a new reservation aboard one of the Safari Endeavour’s theme cruises receive a $518 travel credit per couple. The credit is good for bookings made between March 1 and May 18, 2012.

The Safari Endeavour will be fresh from a major renovation project adding American Safari Cruises’ yacht-like amenities on board including a wine bar, library, four suites with step-out balconies, massage rooms and hot tubs. 

The inclusive cruise explores Icy Strait, Chichagof Island, Baranof Island, Frederick Sound, Thomas Bay, Ford’s Terror and Endicott Arm and spends two days exploring Glacier Bay. Kayaks and stand-up paddle boards are available for excursions. Skiff rides will explore shoreline, wildlife and glaciers up close. Expert naturalists and guides lead excursions on land and sea.

Cruise fares aboard the Safari Endeavour start at US$4,795 per person based on double occupancy. The inclusive cruise includes all from-the-yacht activities and equipment; transfers; exquisite meals; fine wine, premium spirits and microbrews; one massage, and all port charges, taxes and fees. An all-American crew has a guest-crew ratio of 2.5 to 1. Yachts can be booked as a private charter or by individual stateroom.

To book a yachting adventure or to request additional information, contact The Cruise Line in the UK or American Safari Cruises at 888-862-8881 or email sales@innerseadiscoveries.com.

Into the heart of the Alaskan Inside Passage

Alskan Adventure Cruise (15 days from £2,249pp – tour only

This icy adventure takes travellers to the heart of the Alaskan Inside Passage in a way that only small group adventures can. Passengers aboard the wilderness vessel can travel on two differing routes between Juneau and Ketchikan or go back-to-back for a full fortnight’s experience. Highlights include kayaking amongst icebergs, hiking through wilderness and standing atop the mile-wide Baird Glacier.

Price: From £2,249pp (tour only) including full board accommodation, selected sightseeing and excursions, kayaking and an experienced local leader. From £3,469pp incl. flights.

Departures: 2 June

Book: Grand American Adventures (0844 576 1406 / www.grandamericanadventures.com)

Alaskan Cruise with Grand American Adventures

Alaskan Adventure Cruise (15 days from £2,249pp land only / £3,469pp incl. flights) This icy adventure takes travellers to the heart of the Alaskan Inside Passage in a way that only small group adventures can. Passengers aboard the wilderness vessel can travel on two differing routes between Juneau and Ketchikan or go back-to-back for a full fortnight's experience. Highlights include kayaking amongst icebergs, hiking through wilderness and standing atop the mile-wide Baird Glacier.

For further details log on to www.grandamericanadventures.com

One Week To The New Edition!

The Winter edition of World of Cruising magazine goes to the printers this week and should be back on Monday (Dec 19) for distribution to all our subscribers - just in time for a good Christmas read!

The latest issue is absolutely packed with the exotic and the desirable; long-distance cruising and closer-to-home varieties; winter ideas and festive touches. It journeys from Japan to Alaska and the Caribbean to the Med. And all in the inimitable style and high-quality design you have come to expect from Europe's leading cruise publication.

Our cover story is a unique close-up look at Alaska, through the twin perspectives of Princess Cruises and the new Alaskan Dream Cruises, with some fabulous photography and brilliant story-telling. Then we take a Viking voyage in the company of Fred. Olsen Cruises and head to the FarEast to look at the growing cruise destination of South Korea.

Need some winter sunshine? Go straight to out feature on Caribbean voyaging with SeaDream Yacht Club, a real tropical tonic. Or how about another look at the Asian Far East, this time with Orion Expedition Cruises and their first ever visit to Japan?


Back on home ground, we have a feature-length look at Swan Hellenic's Minerva from her new home base of Portsmouth (and just prior to her big winter re-fit), and then head north again for a look at the Norwegian Arctic of Hurtigruten in the region of Spitsbergen, truly one of cruising's great adventure frontiers.

For river cruising, we head to Russia and a unique journey from Moscow to St Petersburg with Uniworld, while we add a touch of pure luxury aboard Azamara Club Cruises and their unique President's Cruise. We also fofer two Passenger Perspective pieces, looking at Azamara and Cunard's Queen Victoria.

All the regular features are, of course, firmly front and centre, from the inimitable blogging style of Captain Greybeard and the inimitable Admiral, to the Aft View section, the expert Fashion pages, the essential World of Spas section, Readers Letters and the essential Cruise Planner, the annual review of ALL the ships with ALL the lines, so you can sit and plan your next voyage in perfect style.

It is all here, capped off by the best writers on the subject, from Gary Buchanan and Yvonne Horn to cruise historian Peter Newall and adventure cruiser Steve Newman.

As ever, World of Cruising is subscription-only, so, to be sure of your copy, make sure you visit the subscription page - Here!              

Connect with Alaska

Shaped by massive glaciers over millions of years, the temperate rainforest of Southeast Alaska (also known as the Alaska Panhandle) reveals wildlife-rich fjords and spectacular scenery. The Tongass National Forest—the largest in the US—is 16.8 million acres and consumes the majority of area. Other features include Glacier Bay National Park; Admiralty, Baranof and Chichagof Islands; and Misty Fjords National Monument.

Recognized as a biosphere reserve since 1986, in 1992 the 3.3-million-acre Glacier Bay National Park also became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, 15,000-foot mountains rise straight out of the ocean and massive glaciers flow across the landscape, covering thousands of square miles. Explore this unforgettable “natural laboratory” where receding glaciers reveal a landscape that has been covered with ice for tens of thousands of years.

The vessels of InnerSea Discoveries and American Safari Cruises carry 12 to 86 guests and show you an Alaska the big ships can’t—up narrow passages and into secluded fjords; discovering cultures and learning Tlingit history; embracing the wilderness and playing outside along Alaska’s rugged coastlines. Enjoy kayaking, hiking, stand-up paddle boarding, and exploring by skiff on their 7 to 21-night Alaska adventures.

For more information visit this link for adventure cruise specialists The Cruise Line. 

Expedition ships and upscale yachts explore Alaska, Hawaii,Sea of Cortés, Pacific Northwest

Travelers searching for an un-cruise adventure with InnerSea Discoveries and American Safari Cruises may now browse one combined website detailing the line’s active adventures aboard expedition ships and upscale yachts. The company’s new website, www.innerseadiscoveries.com, merges un-cruise adventures for both brands into one comprehensive website.

Highlights of the new website include a search function to “Find Your Perfect Un-Cruise.” Visitors can search by destination, brand, interest, departure date or ship. Four upscale yachts and three expedition ships sail in Southeast Alaska on seven- to 21-night voyages. The yachts of American Safari Cruises also sail in Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, the Hawaiian Islands, Washington and British Columbia and the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Special interest sailings include kids’ adventures, photography and culinary/wine theme cruises.

Across the top navigation bar, “An Un-Cruise Experience” offers more information on the style of travel and types of adventures included in an un-cruise. An “Our Differences” page details why an un-cruise is unlike any other cruise and explains the differences between the two brands. Red “ASC” and blue “ISD” logos are used throughout the site to quickly differentiate itineraries aboard the upscale yachts of American Safari Cruises and the expedition ships of InnerSea Discoveries. Further details on adventure activities, styles of travel, life on board and the fleet of ships and yachts are also found here.

For more information follow this link to adventure specialists The Cruise Line.

Bales Worldwide launches its new 2012/13 programme

Book before 30 September and save £100pp

Bales Worldwide has launched its new 2012 Escorted Small Groups and Tailor Made Holidays programme for 2012/13. The new brochure covers 40 countries (with an additional 10 included online) throughout Asia, Africa, the Far East, Latin America, Egypt and Arabia, India, Canada, Alaska and Australasia. There are a few countries making a welcome return as well as an increased offering in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Peru, Morocco and throughout Africa. In addition to countless Tailor Made travel ideas and suggested itineraries there are seven new escorted small group tours with prices starting at just £1,095 for the 10 day ‘Wonders of Ancient Egypt’ tour and 11 new select frequent departure tours.,

To celebrate the launch of the new brochure Bales worldwide is offering an exclusive early booking offer. For bookings made before 30 September 2011, Bales is offering £100pp off all new bookings from the 2012/13 programme.*

Exciting features of the new programme for 2012 include:

Back to Myanmar (Burma, ) Egypt and new beginnings,  India Inside Out, Four new Antarctica itineraries and a New ‘Brazilian Wildlife Odyssey’ Journey 

For more information visit www.balesworldwide.com or The Cruise Line

InnerSea Discoveries Acquires 76-Guest Wilderness Explorer

On the heels of a sold out inaugural season in Alaska, InnerSea Discoveries announces the acquisition of the 76-guest Wilderness Explorer, formerly the 86-guest Spirit of Discovery. After significant renovations, the ship will sail active, adventure un-cruises between Juneau and Sitka, Alaska beginning summer 2012.

Beginning June 2, 2012, the Wilderness Explorer will sail weeklong un-cruise adventures between Juneau and Sitka, Alaska with three days spent exploring inside Glacier Bay National Park. A National Park Ranger will stay aboard the ship for the full three days to provide interpretation on the area’s history, culture, geography, flora and fauna. The park ranger, along with shipboard expedition guides, will also lead guests on hiking and kayaking expeditions within Glacier Bay. Other areas to be explored include Icy Strait, Chichagof Island and Peril Strait. In May and August, two-week cruises between Seattle and Juneau (and reverse) will be offered.

The new Northern Passages & Glacier Bay itinerary will sail from Juneau on Saturdays linking it to the line’s two other vessels—60-guest Wilderness Adventurer and 76-guest Wilderness Discoverer—which sail between Juneau and Ketchikan, AK (and reverse) on weeklong adventures beginning and ending on Saturdays. An all-encompassing three-week voyage combines a two-week roundtrip Juneau cruise with a weeklong cruise on the Wilderness Explorer.

For further information visit http://innerseadiscoveries.com/destinations/alaska/alaska-wilderness-passages-discovery Inner Sea were featured yesterday on Time Spent at Sea World of Cruising magazine's blog.

InnerSeaDdiscoveries

Taking delivery of their two inaugural cruise ships, Wilderness Discoverer and Wilderness Adventurer, new adventuring cruise line InnerSea Discoveries are now ready for their inaugural season in South-East Alaska.

A Sea an underwater bow camera, high-tech kayak launchers and iPod docks are just a few of the new features installed on the two expedition ships, which begin sailing on May 7.

Kayaking adventures will be a popular activity, with each ship carrying 28 assorted styles of Necky kayaks—stable, roomy and good for pros and novices. With multiple guided trips throughout each cruise, the ease of launching and return of kayaks is a priority. Both ships have been outfitted with custom made EZ Dock kayak launching systems, able to quickly and safely launch four kayaks at a time. Kayakers can also easily guide themselves back onto the ship using the system.

All guest cabins are above deck with large windows and feature upscale amenities to ensure a warm, inviting home-away-from-home for active adventurers. Eco-friendly memory foam mattresses are included in all cabins as either a twin, double or queen bed. Flatscreen televisions with DVD players, iPod docking stations and eco-friendly bath amenities take these expedition ships to a new level of creature comfort.

Hot tubs situated outside on deck provide a spectacular setting for guests to relax and take in the scenery. Each ship also has a sauna, exercise equipment, complimentary on-deck yoga classes, a large resource library, well-stocked DVD library and board games. A professional masseuse is part of the crew and massages are available for a fee.

Prices for the 7-night cruises start at $1,795 per person, double occupancy, and include transfers and all activities, except optional excursions. Port charges of $167 per person per week, massages, wine, spirits, beer and gratuities are extra.

Select 2011 dates are designated as Family Discoveries with a focus on activities tailored for all ages. Kids 12 years and younger receive a 25% savings on all departures and 30% on Family Discoveries voyages. To book the ‘un-cruise’ or to request additional information, contact http://www.innerseadiscoveries.com/

InnerSea Discoveries' Expedition Vessels With High-Tech and Upscale Amenities

An underwater bow camera, high-tech kayak launchers and iPod docks are just a few of the new features being installed on InnerSea Discoveries’ two expedition ships, Wilderness Discoverer and Wilderness Adventurer, during preparation for its inaugural season in Southeast Alaska beginning May 2011.

Kayaking adventures will be a popular activity with each ship carrying 28 assorted styles of Necky kayaks—stable, roomy and good for pros and novices. With multiple guided trips throughout each cruise, the ease of launching and return of kayaks is a priority. Both ships have been outfitted with custom made EZ Dock kayak launching systems able to quickly and safely launch four kayaks at a time. Kayakers can also easily guide themselves back onto the ship using the system.

“Though our focus is on activities outside the ship such as hiking and kayaking, we have put a lot of thought into new features to make the experience on board even more enriching and comfortable,” said Tim Jacox, executive vice president of sales and marketing. “Guests will return to a relaxing and inviting atmosphere after a day spent outside exploring nature.”

An underwater camera mounted on the ships’ bow will stream video from the underwater world to flatscreen televisions in all guest rooms and the lounge. A close-up view of life underwater will amaze with a large variety of sea life and at times, views of dolphins playing in the bow’s wake. An underwater hydrophone pipes in the otherworldly sound of whales communicating with each other.

All guest cabins are above deck with large, view windows and feature upscale amenities to ensure a warm, inviting home-away-from-home for active adventurers. Eco-friendly memory foam mattresses are included in all cabins as either a twin, double or queen bed. Flatscreen televisions with DVD players, iPod docking stations and eco-friendly bath amenities take these expedition ships to a new level of creature comfort.

Hot tubs situated outside on deck provide a spectacular setting for guests to relax and take in the scenery. Each ship also has a sauna, exercise equipment, complimentary on-deck yoga classes, a large resource library, well-stocked DVD library and board games. A professional masseuse is part of the crew and massages are available for a fee.

The interior of the newly-refurbished ships feature contemporary colors that complement the wilderness outside. The main lounge, a prime gathering spot for guests to meet and share tales of adventure, has been designed to feel like a cross between a National Park lodge and a quaint neighborhood pub with a bar top made from salvaged Alaskan yellow cedar. Guests can enjoy wine, spirits and a large variety of microbrews on tap.

The company’s “un-cruise” adventures sail between Juneau and Ketchikan (and reverse) from May through September on a Western Coves and Eastern Coves itinerary. When combined, it becomes the two-week Ultimate Adventure. Setting it apart from other cruise line itineraries, InnerSea Discoveries’ ships spend less time in port and instead spend time tucking into hidden bays and coves for adventure activities in Alaska’s wilderness.

Prices for the 7-night cruises start at $1,795 per person, double occupancy, and include transfers and all activities except optional excursions. Port charges of $167 per person per week, massages, wine, spirits, beer and gratuities are extra. Select 2011 dates are designated as Family Discoveries with a focus on activities tailored for all ages. Kids 12 years and younger receive a 25% savings on all departures and 30% on Family Discoveries voyages. To book the ‘un-cruise’ or to request additional information, contact your travel agent or InnerSea Discoveries or The Cruise Line