The moment you step aboard the yachts of American Safari Cruises you'll know you have found something special. Your Captain personally welcomes you and the crew greets you with hors d'oeuvres and champagne as your yacht adventure begins. You have become a pampered guest, one of the very few, who will leave the crowds behind to cruise at fingertip closeness through some of the most magnificent destinations in western North America and the Hawaiian Islands.
Their "yachtscapes" are designed for active adventurers who have a driving desire to escape to unknown harbours without sacrificing comfort. Many of these gems remain "below the radar" because larger vessels can't get into them. The world is certainly vast, but its best experienced in small doses, up-close and yacht personal. The 36-guest Safari Explorer, 22-guest Safari Quest and 12-guest Safari Spirit cruise during daylight hours only, maximising your opportunities to truly experience nature.
Discover the inner reaches of Alaska's Inside Passage, the Hawaiian Islands, Mexico's Sea of Cortés, Columbia/Snake Rivers and Pacific Northwest/British Columbia.
Wildlife & Wilderness
While all of the American Safari yacht cruises focus on cruising "off the beaten path," two of their destinations are specifically tailored to take advantage of all that Mother Nature has to offer.
In Southeast Alaska, they travel through the largest national forest in the United States - home to grizzly bears, black bears, mountain goats, bald eagles and wolves. On their way to view Alaska's massive glaciers, they enter some of the world's deepest fjords. In the still of the evening, they watch bears ambling along wild shorelines. And everywhere in the swirling currents below, the world's largest mammals, the great whales, forage in bountiful waters along the sheltered coastline. Their extended time exploring nature's hideaways reveals humpback whales time and time again exploding as a group out of the depths in a feeding phenomenon called "bubblenetting." You are there - meeting Alaska and its wildlife at eye level.
Just south of California lies an inland sea that is rightfully labeled one of the richest marine environments on the globe. Known as the Gulf of California, Sea of Cortez, or Sea of Cortés and bordered by the arid Baja California Peninsula and Mexican mainland, life in the Sea of Cortés flourishes. Over 3,000 plant species have been identified in the desert, some of which grow nowhere else on earth, and in the sea, over 6,000 animal species have been identified. From the 100-foot-long blue whale to the quiet beauty of bountiful reefs, the Sea of Cortés is amazing.
Culinary & Wine
Become modern-day explorers, discovering America's extraordinary and "secret" wine regions in the spectacular setting of the Columbia River Gorge. American Safari Cruises introduces exclusive wine and culinary yacht cruise adventures. Sample award-winning wine and cruise through history, witnessing the natural beauty and taste of the Pacific Northwest. Celebrate a milestone wedding anniversary, birthday or just enjoy your passion for highly-rated fine wines amidst one of the USA's most scenic backgrounds. Relax in the comfort of a luxury yacht without the worries of driving.
Located on approximately the same latitude as some of the great French wine regions, the area of the Pacific Northwest's Columbia River valley has become well known and popular with wine enthusiasts from around the world. In the south central part of Washington State, the Columbia River Gorge region benefits from the area's moist marine breezes and cool, temperate nights. Gewurztraminer, Riesling and Pinot Gris are classic wines for this area. To the east, the Walla Walla region benefits from a long growing season. This area's wineries are known for their Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Further inland, the exceptional and compact Red Mountain region and adjacent Yakima Valley region receive dry, hot summers and crisp winters, producing a range of varietals that include Chardonnay, Riesling and Merlot.
The American Safari Cruise Difference:
The sleek profile and maneuverability of their yachts gives you unparalleled access to your destination's many wonders. You come so close to pristine waterfalls that you feel the invigorating spray. Your itinerary is flexible enough that your Captain can change course when word of whale sightings comes over the radio, or slow the engines and linger in a tidal inlet if bears are out foraging on the beach. Maybe all the guests agree they want to spend extra time kayaking, hiking, or beachcombing. It's your trip.
Lasting Friendships
Because your cruising party is small, you get to know your fellow travellers, people you'll have more to talk about and laugh with as the days go by. They're people like you, curious about new places and able to appreciate roads less travelled. Hiking or kayaking side by side, you and your shipmates will form lasting friendships. Yachts accommodate just 12, 22 or 36 guests, which also makes them perfect for a group of friends or family to charter.
Expert Guides, Friendly Captains
You also become familiar with your crew and staff, whose goal is to make every aspect of your journey a pleasure and to facilitate your adventures ashore. You're always welcome to visit the bridge and discuss navigation with the Captain. Throughout your voyage, you're accompanied by a knowledgeable Expedition Leader who offers timely narratives about the local history and wildlife, introduces you to local indigenous peoples, and keeps a lookout for wildlife. Humpback whales abeam while you're in the lounge? Your guide will sound the alert!
An Inclusive Experience
Maybe you remember other cruises where you had to pay extra for tours and your drinks at the ship's bar. Not with American Safari Cruises. With the exception of a gratuity for the crew everything is included on the cruise. From your arrival at the airport to a fond farewell, you're a pampered guest aboard their yachts.
Everything's included from the first to the last:
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Gourmet meals
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Premium wine, beer and spirits
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Kayaking and shore boat exploring
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Snorkel gear (Mexico and Hawaii)
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Fishing (Alaska)
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Exclusive shore excursions
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Onboard Expedition Leader/Naturalist or wine expert
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Airport transfers
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Port Charges, taxes, fees
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Massages (Safari Explorer)
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Visits with local residents - “talk story”
Dining is a true delight, a cornucopia of fresh local seafood, just-baked breads, hearty soups, exquisite entrees, sinfully delicious desserts. Everyone is served at one seating, family-style; dress is always casual. Of course they are happy to plan for any special dietary needs, and if there's something you've got a craving for, let them know. Milestone events are celebrated in great style onboard.
Amenities and Activities
American Safari Cruises offers you a complete spectrum of amenities and activities - all designed to make your voyage as carefree and varied as you'd like. Your crew sees to the smallest details, and each one is eager to take you on a great adventure. All you really have to do is pack your favorite clothes to relax in.
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En suite showers, some Jacuzzi tubs, full bathrooms with heated tile floors
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Tempur-Pedic® memory-foam mattresses
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TVs with DVD players in each stateroom
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Wine library (Safari Explorer )
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Terry bathrobes, slippers
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Alarm clocks, hair dryers
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iPod docking stations
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Book and DVD library
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Board games
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Binoculars
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Satellite phone service available
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On-deck hot tub
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Steam sauna*
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Exercise equipment
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Kayaks, laser sailboats and water-skis
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Inflatable skiffs
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Full-beam swim step for easy loading into kayaks and skiffs
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Rubber boots and rain gear
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Insulated "Mustang suits" for skiff excursions to view glaciers up-close
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Snorkeling gear and wet suits
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Hydrophones to listen to whales and other below-surface sounds
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Underwater cameras that connect to big-screen TV in main salon
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Open and easily accessible bow and deck space for fingertip closeness to wildlife
*Safari Explorer, Safari Spirit
American Safari Cruises
Adventure World offers the complete range of American Safari Cruises and we can tailor-make your next dream holiday. Contact Adventure World for more details.