Imagine off-the-beaten-track, up-close-and-personal eco-tourism combined with the pampering of a luxury cruise. Imagine an encounter with a bear, humpback whale or spinner dolphin in the morning, followed by a perfectly chilled martini and fresh oysters at cocktail hour. And, while travelers on the big ships are listening to yet another medley from "Cats," you're taking advantage of Alaska's 20 hours of daylight by kayaking after dinner in bald eagle territory or snorkeling with manta rays by moonlight off Hawaii's Big Island.
These combinations of experiences are the basis of the concept hatched in 1996 by American Safari Cruises, a partnership between former Cruise West executives, created to combine the upscale amenities of small, deluxe motor yachts with expedition-style cruising. ASC aims to do a better job of revealing in-depth Alaska, Mexico and Hawaii to sophisticated travelers than the big guys do -- and they do it in style.
The Fleet
ASC began cruising in Alaska in 1997 with a single, leased yacht. In 1998, the company purchased Safari Quest, leased a second vessel and added a second Alaska itinerary. Safari Spirit was purchased in 1999. ASC's current fleet includes 145-foot Safari Explorer (36 passengers); 120-foot Safari Quest (22 passengers); 105-foot Safari Spirit (12 passengers); and 217-foot Safari Endeavour (86 passengers), which formerly sailed for the now-defunct Cruise West as the Spirit of Endeavor.
Onboard
American Safari Cruises (ASC) offers yachting, as opposed to cruising in the usual sense. The size of ASC vessels grants them access to inlets, coves, narrows and straits the larger ships can't even approach. Though you may travel the major waterways of the Inside Passage, you're more likely to share an out-of-the-way anchorage with a handful of commercial salmon-fishing boats than a harbor full of cruise liners. While you're anchored, the chef might stock up on the day's fresh catch and prepare it for your dinner.
Yachting emphasizes familiarization with the flora, fauna, geology and local culture by means of guided shore excursions and soft-adventure activities. Your day in Alaska may start with a tour of a native village and end with kayaking under the light of the midnight sun; in Hawaii, you might visit a macadamia nut farm by day and snorkel with manta rays by moonlight. Night sailing schedules depend on the venue: In Alaska, the yachts pull into secluded coves in the evening for cocktails, dinner and peaceful sleep, while in Hawaii, ships anchor by day (for maximum water play) and sail by night.
Dinners are typically casual affairs long on camaraderie and conversation and short on menu choices, usually limited to a couple of tasty main course options, often based around local, freshly caught seafood. Wine choices -- all beverages for that matter -- are served gratis. The bar is open 24/7 and stocked with top-shelf brands.
Another perk: free yoga classes and massages on select yachts (one massage per passenger; not available on Safari Spirit or Safari Quest).
Fellow Passengers
American Safari Cruises passengers are typically upscale, well-traveled and sophisticated. The Alaska, Sea of Cortez and Hawaii itineraries attract an active, adventuresome 30- to 70-something group of eco-conscious outdoor enthusiasts. Children -- even infants -- are permitted, but due to the exclusive, intimate nature of the yachts, ASC staffers book young passengers selectively and encourage family cruise itineraries or individually chartered voyages when possible. Select dates are designated as "Kids in Nature" sailings, and families with children 12 or younger are encouraged to book those dates.
Itineraries
American Safari Cruises has expanded its horizons to include additional Alaskan itineraries; cruises in Mexico's Sea of Cortez; Hawaii cruises from Maui to the Big Island, and the reverse; and two Pacific Northwest itineraries: "Rivers of the West," on the Columbia and Snake Rivers, and "The Pacific Northwest," which includes Washington State's San Juan Islands and the British Columbia Gulf Islands.
--updated by K.C. Summers, Cruise Critic contributor
