American Safari Cruises’ Safari Endeavour Sails New Baja’s Bounty Itinerary in Sea of Cortés in 2012/2013

The newest addition to the American Safari Cruises fleet, the 86-guest Safari Endeavour, embarks on a new Baja’s Bounty adventure cruise from November 2012 through April 2013. Weeklong expedition cruises sail roundtrip from La Paz, Mexico to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site & Biosphere Reserve.

In true expedition style, the itinerary is flexible to ensure maximum opportunities to view the array of wildlife found on land and sea. The cruise explores Isla Espíritu Santo, Isla Partida, Isla San Francisco, Loreto, Isla Coyote and Isla San José. Snorkeling with playful, young sea lions at Los Islotes is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

The region’s culture comes alive on included excursions. A port call in the centuries-old mission town of Loreto includes a guided walking tour exploring the town’s plazas, historical buildings and mission. In Bahia Agua Verde, guided hikes explore the mainland’s canyons and scenic vistas before joining a local ranchero and his family for a shoreside BBQ dinner enlivened with local music and stories. An excursion to the remote island of Isla Coyote visits the twenty members of the Cuevas family who inhabit the island and make their living as fishermen.

The remote beauty of Baja, Mexico’s desert landscape amidst a sea teaming with marine life sets the stage for the inclusive cruise full of water sports activities and opportunities to view marine life such as pods of dolphins; sea lions; blue, fin, sei, orca and sperm whales; flying manta rays; blue-footed boobies; brown pelicans and cormorants. A swim step and kayak launch platform on the stern of the ship serves as the hub for guests embarking on water-borne adventures—kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, sailing, snorkeling and small boat adventures.

Exhilarating skiff rides to shore transport guests to spectacular desert islands for guided hikes and beachcombing walks led by expert on board expedition leaders. Hikes may traverse a forest of Cardón cactuses or on top of a desert ridge for sweeping views of the Sea of Cortés. 

The line’s other yachts include the 12-guest Safari Spirit, 22-guest Safari Quest and 36-guest Safari Explorer. Specializing in active, adventure cruises with flexible itineraries, destinations include Southeast Alaska, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, Columbia and Snake Rivers, the Hawaiian Islands and Washington and British Columbia. The Safari Endeavour also sails in Southeast Alaska.

For travelers who want to explore the Sea of Cortés this winter, the Safari Quest will sail weeklong Aquarium of the World cruises from November 26, 2011 through April 14, 2012. Rates start at $3,995 per person double occupancy.

www.americansafaricruises.com or Adventue Cruise specialist The Cruise Line.

$200 Travel Savings Available on Safari Endeavour’s Inaugural Season in Alaska with American Safari Cruises

American Safari Cruises’ active, adventure cruises allow freedom to engage in many activities. 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. An enhanced program of educational presentations will be presented in the salon. 

American Safari Cruises’ meals are a highly anticipated part of each day. Exquisite cuisine is innovative and fresh with seafood and produce purchased locally whenever possible. All meals will be served in the elegant dining room, and the complimentary bar offers premium spirits, fine wines and microbrews. 

The inclusive cruises include all from-the-yacht activities and equipment; transfers; hand-crafted meals; fine wine, premium spirits and microbrews; a massage and all port charges, taxes and fees. To book a yachting adventure or to request additional information visit www.americansafaraicruises.com  or adventure cruise specialists The Cruise Line.

Christmas and New Year with Star Clippers

Escape the cold this winter and spend Christmas exploring the tropics on a romantic square rigger. Tall ship sailing specialist Star Clippers is offering spectacular Christmas and New Year itineraries on each of its tall ships, two of which will be in the Caribbean and one in Costa Rica. All the ships will be festively decorated and a traditional-style Christmas will be celebrated on board. As a Christmas gift from Star Clippers, there are onboard spending credits on the two Costa Rica departures, as well as zero single supplements no charge for a third person sharing a cabin. All past Star Clippers guests, meanwhile, qualify for a 5% discount.

Christmas departures

The stunning, five-masted flagship Royal Clipper, which carries 227 guests, will be sailing a ten-night round trip from Barbados, departing December 17 and calling at St Barths, St Kitts, Iles des Saintes and St Lucia, as well as various tiny bays and islets in the British Virgin Islands. Christmas Day is spent anchored off Iles des Saintes. The 10 night Christmas cruis costs from £1,940pp, excluding flights.

The 170-passenger, four-masted Star Clipper sails on December 23 from St Maarten on a seven-night Treasure Islands itinerary, spending Christmas Day in Virgin Gorda, famous for The Baths, a stunning beach of dramatic rock formations and crystal clear water. Thuis seven night Christmas cruise costs from £1,245pp, excluding flights.

The third ship in the fleet, Star Flyer, will be sailing the coast of Costa Rica on a ten-night voyage from Puerto Caldera, departing December 18. Christmas Day will be spent in the lush bay of Golfito, known for its animal sanctuary, orchid garden and zip-lining expeditions. This ten night cruise costs from £1,770pp, excluding flights. Each passenger, sharing a double cabin and paying the full fare on this departure will receive a €300 onboard spending credit. There are no single supplements on this cruise and what’s more, anybody occupying a third berth pays only port taxes. Two children sharing their own cabin each receive a 50% discount off their fare.

New Year Departures

Royal Clipper will spend New Year on an 11-night British Virgin Islands cruise, round-trip from Bridgetown, sailing December 27. On New Year’s Eve, there will be a beach barbecue at Jost van Dyke, followed by an overnight anchored off Virgin Gorda, to see in the New Year. From £2,095pp, excluding flights; children receive 50% discount.

Star Clipper departs Philipsburg, St Maarten, on December 30 for an eight-night New Year cruise to Dominica, Iles des Saintes, Antigua, Guadeloupe and St Barths. New Year’s Eve is spent at sea, with New Year’s Day in Dominica. From £1,520pp, excluding flight; children receive 50% discount.

Star Flyer, meanwhile, sails out of Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica, on December 28, for an 11-night cruise along the Pacific coast, spending New Year’s Eve on the exquisite Playa del Coco and January 1 in the National Park of Santa Rosa. From £2,051pp, excluding flights. Each passenger paying the full fare on this departure will receive a €300 onboard spending credit. There are no single supplements on this cruise and what’s more, anybody occupying a third berth pays only port taxes. Children travel at 50% discount.

For more information  visit www.starclippers.co.uk or luxury cruise specialist The Cruise Line