151 Gross Tons
Length: 112 Feet
Width: 23 Feet
Crew: 5-6
Built by Lloyd's Yachts
Quality Rating:
Value Rating:
Best for People Who Want:
A luxurious and truly all-inclusive mega-yacht cruising experience with unparalleled itineraries, breathtaking scenery and wildlife, personalized attention and outstanding cuisine.
Should Be Avoided By People Who Prefer:
Glitzy decor, wild nightlife including production shows and casinos, alternative dining options, large suites with balconies and large crowds.
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Onboard Experience:
The pampering begins even before you board the yacht when you are greeted at the airport by one of American Safari Cruise's representatives for your transfer either to the ship or to a designated meeting area if you arrive early in the day. All guests are picked up later in the day for the first of many included excursions. On the Juneau to Prince Rupert itinerary, you are treated to an excursion to Mendenhall Glacier and a tour of Juneau prior to being taken to the yacht to begin your adventure.
Upon your arrival, the entire crew stands ready to introduce themselves while offering champagne and hors d'oeuvres for your enjoyment while getting to know your fellow passengers. Safari Escape's crew consists of the captain, engineer, executive chef, expedition leader, hotel manager and steward.
Each of the three yachts in American's Safari's fleet feature an on-deck hot tub, exercise equipment, large screen TV/DVD in the salon, a library, mountain bikes, video library, fully stocked bar with premium wine, beer and spirits, two-person sea kayaks and inflatable skiffs with a full-beam swim step for ease in boarding each.
click on pictures below for larger images:
The Safari Escape prepares for another day of exploring
A selection of kayaks are carried onboard every voyage
American Safari Cruises (ASC) focuses on wildlife on their three Alaska itineraries by exploring uninhabited areas that are not accessible to large cruise ships or even some of the smaller vessels. ASC prides themselves on the ability to be flexible with their itineraries and the ability to alter the course and plans at a moment's notice for the enjoyment of the guests.
The yachts travel during the day only, allowing for maximum opportunities for viewing wildlife and the beautiful scenery. In the late afternoon, the yachts drop anchor in secluded coves or dock in fishing villages and native communities allowing time to explore the area by foot, kayak or skiff. There is an abundance of wildlife, some of which is brown and black bear, moose, harbor seals, humpback whales, Orcas, Dall's Porpoise, Stellar Sea Lions, Sitka Black Tailed Deer, goats, eagles and a variety of birds and sea life. Each vessel has a naturalist onboard to assist in spotting the wildlife and to educate the guests in a fun and exciting way. Each day there are informal sessions with the naturalist while onboard the yacht, as well as during the hikes and shore excursions. In these sessions you will learn about the local culture, wildlife, plant life and sea life.
You will thread the skiff through the ice floes, nudging your way past icebergs while making your way up to the face of a glacier. There will be several opportunities to explore each area with the two-person kayaks carried on each yacht. These truly are unique ways to see and experience Alaska. You will feel as though you are one with nature while sailing with American Safari Cruises.
ASC's philosophy is for their guests to not just visit the Inside Passage, but to play in it.
American Safari Cruises specializes in private excursions that are "up close and personal" with tour groups limited to the guests on your particular cruise. The company has forged relationships with local experts in many of the ports of call on a variety of subjects, such as the history and culture of the Tlingit people or the history of a shrimp cannery, and because of the small group sizes every passenger gets a chance to interact and learn from these locals in one-on-one encounters. Unlike the mass excursions offered by the large cruise lines, you will truly feel like you have experienced the real Alaska after one of these tours.
ASC wants each guest to enjoy the yacht as though they were traveling onboard their best friend's yacht. Along those lines, guests are free to spend as much time as they like on the bridge with the captain, allowing the guest a different perspective of the sailing adventure than that available on most cruise ships. In addition, the guests may find themselves hanging out in the galley chatting with the chef while he is preparing for the day. The freedom experienced onboard truly adds to the relaxed, casual atmosphere American Safari Cruises specializes in.
Cabins:
Safari Escape and Safari Spirit each have six cabins accommodating up to 12 passengers, while the largest of the fleet, Safari Quest, has 11 cabins accommodating up to 22 guests. All staterooms are deluxe with king, queen or twin beds and private bath, some with Jacuzzi tubs. Cabins are situated on several levels, some with French balconies with sliding glass doors while others have windows, portholes or port lights. All have hair dryers, bathrobes, alarm clocks and TV/DVD players.
The cabins are not particularly spacious, but are certainly comfortable with ample storage for all of your belongings. The bathrooms are larger than those on your average large cruise ship. The cabins have all of the normal amenities of an upscale hotel room.
Décor:
Safari Escape's décor is warm and inviting. The dining area and salon have rich, beautiful wood throughout. Both areas have many large windows on each side affording awesome panoramic views during the entire voyage. The salon features a wrap-around couch and two comfortable chairs for lounging or napping. The upper deck has an observation area with teak chairs.
Cuisine:
Each meal aboard Safari Escape is a culinary dream. The day begins with an early riser breakfast at 6:30 a.m. consisting of bagels, toast, homemade muffins, fresh fruits, juices, coffee and tea. A full, made-to-order breakfast follows at 8:00 a.m. There is a chef's special each morning; however, guests are invited to order anything they like. Lunch is served at approximately 12:00-12:30 p.m. depending on the day's activities. There is a daily lunch special, but just as with breakfast, the guest is welcome to request an alternative selection. There are snacks offered throughout the day and if you still have room, appetizers and cocktails are served at 6 p.m. Dinner is served at 7 p.m. with your choice of several selections. Many of the meals are prepared from local, freshly caught seafood purchased while in port; selections such as King Crab Legs, dungenous crab, fresh salmon, prawns and rock fish. In addition to the fresh seafood, selections also include top quality beef, pork and poultry entrees. There are many wonderful, homemade breads and soups served throughout the cruise. Guests are offered fine wines especially selected for each evening's meal or they may select one of their choosing. Delicious desserts, many topped off with homemade whipped cream, are served with lunch and dinner daily. It is obvious there are no shortcuts taken when it comes to the food aboard an American Safari cruise. American Safari Cruises is able to accommodate all dietary needs; guests just need to make them aware of their needs prior to sailing.
Aboard Safari Escape, all twelve guests are seated at one table. The table settings are impeccable with lovely linens, fine china, crystal and flatware. The table settings are a work of art in themselves.
Service:
Expect to be pampered aboard an American Safari Cruises voyage. The staff is extremely attentive without being intrusive. While it is certainly acceptable for guests to help themselves to the open bar, it is rarely necessary as the staff has a unique ability to anticipate your every desire.
Guests are treated to some special extra touches such as being served hot chocolate with homemade whipped cream while exploring the icy straits aboard the skiff. While kayaking, do not be surprised if the skiff pulls up alongside to serve chocolate-covered strawberries to tie you over until the next delicious meal.
Tipping:
Recommended amount is 5% to 10% of the cruise fare and is shared equally among the crew. The general guideline for local guides and drivers is $2 - $5 per guest.
Entertainment:
It is all about wildlife, not night life, aboard these mega-yacht cruises. You will not find the traditional production shows, casinos, art auctions, etc. that you do aboard the large cruise lines.
There is an extensive video library aboard each yacht that can be enjoyed in the salon or in each guest cabin. If you prefer to read, you will find many book choices in the onboard library. Of course, whale watching and spotting other wildlife is great entertainment aboard these yachts.
Fitness:
There are no onboard spas, but each yacht has some form of exercise equipment. Safari Escape has an Elliptical for guests' use. There are many opportunities for hiking along with the naturalist on many of the stops. Kayaking is another source of exercise and is offered on a number of occasions. In addition, the crew is very knowledgeable of running trails in the various ports for those guests so inclined to run. Some itineraries incorporate mountain biking as well.
Children's Programs:
While there is not a formal children's program on the regular sailings, American Safari Cruises offers several Kids In Nature (KIN) sailing dates.
Attire:
Casual says it all. Guests are not expected to dress differently for dinner either. It can be jeans the entire week if you'd like.
Destinations:
Alaska's Inside Passage, Mexico's Sea of Cortes, The Pacific Northwest and The Columbia and Snake Rivers.
What the future holds:
American Safari Cruises is in the process of acquiring a 150-foot yacht that will sail the Hawaiian Islands. The new ship will be named Safari Explorer with its inaugural 8-day, 7-night Christmas cruise planned for December 20-27, 2008. An 8-day, 7-night New Year's cruise will follow. Explorer will then offer 4 or 7-night inter-island sailings through May 2009. Explorer will sail Alaska's Inside Passage for summer cruises and return to Hawaii in November 2009 through May 2010. Safari Explorer is slated to have an onboard masseuse/yoga instructor to complement its unique cruising style.
