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.

Boutique Hotel Stay in Cabo Offered With American Safari Cruises’ Yacht Cruise in Mexico’s Sea of Cortés

Travellers needing an escape to sunny Baja have one more reason to book a Sea of Cortés yacht adventure with American Safari Cruises. All new reservations for cruises departing now through April 14, 2012 receive one complimentary hotel stay at Casa Natalia, a boutique hotel in San José del Cabo, Mexico. 

The 22-guest, upscale yacht Safari Quest sails weeklong Aquarium of the World adventure cruises from La Paz, Mexico through April. The offer is good only for guests flying into Cabo. The Safari Quest package includes transfers between airport, hotel and the yacht in La Paz, plus one complimentary night either pre- or post-cruise at the award-winning European-style Casa Natalia. Breakfast is included at the hotel. Transfer between Cabo and La Paz is via private shuttle. The package is valued at up to $900 per couple.

Sailing roundtrip from the picturesque town of La Paz, the yacht explores amidst the hundreds of islands and islets in the Sea of Cortés—a place author John Steinbeck found “ferocious with life” and described by Jacques Cousteau as “the aquarium of the world.” The itinerary includes exploration of Isla Partida, Isla San Jose, Isla San Francisco and Isla Espíritu Santo. A flexible and unhurried cruising philosophy promises time to seek out wildlife including many different species of whales, dolphins and sea lions—all prevalent in the wildlife rich waters of the Sea of Cortés.

Cruise fares start at $3,995 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; and all port charges, taxes and fees. The 22-guest Safari Quest features a hot tub, Tempur-pedic mattresses, heated tile floors in all bathrooms and upper category balconies. An all-American crew has a guest-crew ratio of 2 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 your travel agent or American Safari Cruises at 888-862-8881 or email sales@innerseadiscoveries.com.

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.

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.

A New ALOHA! American Safari Cruises Celebrates Inaugural Season in Hawaii with Travel Credit Incentive

36-guest luxury yacht Safari Explorer cruises Hawaiian Islands Nov.-April

Hawaii bound vacationers have an extra incentive to book an inter-island yacht cruise aboard American Safari Cruises’ 36-guest Safari Explorer. To celebrate its inaugural season in Hawaii, the line is offering guests a $150 per person travel credit for reservations made from June through July 29, 2011.

Sailing weeklong or 10-night active, adventure itineraries between Maui and the Big Island from November 2011 through April 2012, the all-inclusive, upscale 36-guest Safari Explorer visits Moloka’i, Lana’i and Molokini.

Guests who book between June and July 29, 2011 will receive a travel credit of $150 per person or $300 per couple. The credit is intended to help guests defray air costs to the Hawaiian Islands where they will embark on their adventure cruise.

“We are confident guests will be thrilled with the experience of seeing and experiencing Hawaii up close on an upscale yacht,” said Tim Jacox, executive vice president of sales and marketing. “This is a brand new vacation option in the Hawaiian Islands, and we hope the travel credit aids in the decision-making process to try an adventure un-cruise in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.”

Jacox says the un-cruise defines the active, up close and personal style of adventure travel that makes American Safari Cruises different from other cruise vacations. The Safari Explorer is the only small-group expedition yacht offering overnight cruises in the Hawaiian Islands.

Flexible yacht itineraries focus on the leeward side of the eastern-most Hawaiian Islands. The unstructured itinerary allows time for seeking wildlife such as Manta rays, dolphins and humpback whales. Outfitted for active adventures, the yacht’s well stocked water sports equipment includes kayaks, paddle boards, snorkeling gear, wet suits, sailboats and inflatable skiffs for up-close excursions. Guided snorkeling tours are a highlight throughout the trip. Two knowledgeable expedition leaders guide hiking and kayaking tours. Bicycles are also available for guest use on Moloka’i and Lana’i.

Exclusive cultural tours have been arranged for guests in Moloka’i including guided hikes, visiting and restoring a family’s ancient taro terraces, “talking story” with native Hawaiians and a private, authentic Hawaiian pa’ina (feast).

The Safari Explorer has an on-deck hot tub, sauna, exercise equipment, a wine library and two large-screen TVs in the main salon. Exceptional cuisine is prepared with fresh, local ingredients and the complimentary bar offers premium spirits, fine wines and microbrews. The active spa environment includes a complimentary massage and yoga classes. All staterooms offer Tempur-pedic mattresses, flat screen TV/DVD players and iPod docks. Upper category staterooms feature Jacuzzi tubs and suites have private step-out balconies.

Fares start at $4,995 for the seven-night cruise and $6,495 for the 10-night cruise, both per person, double occupancy. Itineraries feature exclusive excursions and include all from-the-yacht activities and equipment; transfers; exquisite meals; fine wine, premium spirits and microbrews; and all port charges, taxes and fees. An all-American crew has a guest-crew ratio of 2 to 1 and includes Hawaii residents who have personal knowledge of the islands. To book a Hawaiian yachting adventure or to request additional information visit http://www.americansafaraicruises.com/ or The Cruise Line.

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