Not long ago, we introduced InnerSea Discoveries, an up-close personal adventure experience that just happens to travel on water. The tiny, 2-ship cruise line does what they call an “un-cruise” in Alaska for up to 76 passengers that are about as far away from the big cruise ship experience as you can get and still be floating. Now its time to get to know sister-line American Safari Cruises, also offering a unique adventure experience on water. This time heading to Hawaii. In style.
The darn-near-all-inclusive cruises include all from-the-yacht activities and equipment; transfers; meals; fine wine, premium spirits and microbrews in addition to only the “port charges, taxes and fees” that are included in a big-ship cruise. All American Safari yachts feature a hot tub, Tempur-pedic mattresses, heated tile floors in all bathrooms and upper category balconies. Some also feature saunas, a complimentary massage and Jacuzzi tubs. An all-American crew has a guest-crew ratio of 2 to 1.
“This type of inclusive yacht cruise is a totally new way to vacation in Hawaii” said Tim Jacox, executive vice president of sales and marketing. “We are an exclusive floating resort that cruises between the islands to show you the best of Hawaii. Going ashore with only 36 total guests means cultural experiences are more personal and authentic. And since we provide adventure gear and include activities, it’s 100% fun and relaxation.”
The 36-guest Safari Explorer sails inter-island Hawaiian adventure cruises between Maui and the Big Island (and reverse). From November through April, weeklong Hawaiian Seascapes and 10-night Hawaii’s Traditional Shores itineraries explore Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Molokini and the Big Island.
The 22-guest Safari Quest sails weeklong Aquarium of the World itineraries in Mexico’s Sea of Cortés from November through April. Sailing roundtrip from La Paz, Mexico, the flexible itinerary takes time to seek out the myriad marine life in this World Heritage biosphere reserve and explores Isla Partida, Isla San José, Bahia Agua Verde, Los Islotes, Isla Coyote, Isla San Francisco and Isla Espiritu.
In both warm water destinations, the two yachts feature exciting and novel holiday travel Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Valentine’s Day (with a special Hawaii Romance Package), Easter and special Kids in Nature family departures during popular spring break weeks in March.
A relaxed itinerary of cruising from cove-to-cove among islands in Hawaii and the Sea of Cortés maximizes the yachts ability to act as a platform for water based adventures such as kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, swimming from the yacht’s swim step, snorkeling, braving the rope swing, sailing, skiff explorations and tubing. Guided excursions are led by expert on board naturalists.
In both destinations, exclusive cultural explorations ashore are included and led by the yacht’s expedition leaders. Guests in the Sea of Cortés visit Isla Coyote, a small island inhabited by the Cuevas fishing family, where guests will tour the village and visit with the family. On Hawaii’s Molokai, guests meet a local family for guided walks through the valley focusing on history and archaeology, a chance to help restore ancient taro terraces and a traditional Hawaiian paina celebration and feast.
Considering one of these? Better move fast; if American Safari to Hawaii and Mexico fills up as well as InnerSea Discoveries did to Alaska, the season will sell out fast.