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| American Safari Cruises' Safari Endeavour - Refitted and Naming in Seattle |
Sporting new hull colors, interior spaces, furnishings and amenities,
the 86-guest Safari Endeavour and 76-guest Wilderness Explorer emerge
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.
“We’ve invested in these two boats to ensure maximum comfort, adventure
and unsurpassed value for our guests,” said Tim Jacox, executive vice
president of sales and marketing. “Whether you choose the inclusive
yacht or the expedition vessel, the value and quality of our un-cruise
adventure package will be remarkable.”
In true maritime tradition, both boats will be welcomed into the fleet
with a crack of champagne across the bow at a gathering of company
executives, employees, friends and family on Friday, May 18, 2012. The
5:30 pm christening event is open to the public and will be held outside
office headquarters at Seattle’s Fishermen’s Terminal.
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 guest capacity has been reduced from
102 to 86 guests with a mix of twin (some convertible) and king beds.
During renovation, four Commodore Suites were created by merging eight
former staterooms and adding new step-out balconies and Jacuzzi tubs.
Four more stateroom categories include three Masters, 21 Commanders, 12
Captains and three Admirals, all with one or two outside view windows.
All rooms have flatscreen TVs/DVDs and iPod docks.
During an 11-month renovation, interior spaces were updated with
higher-end furnishings and fixtures and new spaces and amenities added.
In the main dining room, a wine bar and a resource library have been
created to provide two new gathering places to relax and read or enjoy a
glass of wine. Other additions include six microbrews and eight
Proletariat wines on tap in the lounge bar, new outside decks and a
keyboard and flatscreen TV for presentations in the lounge. The dining
room and lounge also received updated décor and an improved public
announcement system.
Wellness facilities added to the Safari Endeavour include two massage
rooms, two hot tubs, sauna, yoga mats for yoga classes on deck and
fitness equipment. Two wellness directors provide a complimentary
massage to each guest and lead morning yoga classes. Carrying 20
double-kayaks, a high-tech kayak launching platform was added to the
stern to quickly launch four kayaks at a time.
The 76-guest Wilderness Explorer, now painted with InnerSea Discoveries’
signature forest green hull, joins the active adventure fleet in Alaska
this summer. During a seven-month renovation, refinements were made
throughout the vessel. Staterooms were refreshed with new décor, linens,
flatscreen TVs/DVDs and iPod docks. Three cabin categories consist of
21 Trailblazer, 13 Pathfinder and 4 Explorer cabins. Bed configurations
include twin or queen with many more made convertible during renovation.
In the lounge bar, guests will find eight microbrews and two
Proletariat wines on tap. A new buffet in the dining room will
streamline meal service usually held buffet-style to ensure maximum
flexibility with adventure activities. Other shipboard amenities include
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.
Wellness facilities added include a hot tub on the bow, sauna and
fitness equipment on the sun deck, and a massage room. A new swim step
has been added to the ship’s main deck aft and serves as a launch pad
for excursions. The boat carries 28 kayaks and hosts a state-of-the-art
kayak launch platform able to quickly and safely launch four kayaks at
once.
An innovative human-powered watercraft, built especially for the
company, will be on board the Wilderness Explorer for guest use. Powered
by two peddlers and up to six paddlers, it can be taken out for
low-impact, up-close exploration of remote areas closed to motorized
vessels in Glacier Bay.
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.
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