Company Overview:
Founded in 1996, American Safari Cruises focus was to provide up-scale luxury cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage. They began sailing in 1997 with just one yacht and added a second in 1998, along with a second Alaskan itinerary. In 1999/2000, the company invested approximately $2 million dollars in a major refit and redesign of both yachts. Additional staterooms were added on both yachts at that time. A third yacht was added in 2001.
American Safari Cruises offers all-inclusive pricing. In addition to the onboard fine dining, the pricing includes all premium wines, micro brews, liquors, activities such as hiking, beachcombing, kayaking, snorkeling, sailing, exploring on a motorized Zodiac inflatable, use of the mountain bikes carried on each yacht and transfers and baggage handling to and from the yachts. American Safari Cruises offers exclusive private shore excursions and activities not offered by the larger cruise lines. Yacht cruising offers guests the opportunity for close-up viewing of wildlife and accessibility to areas not available to mainstream cruisers. An onboard Expedition Leader/Naturalist is on every sailing offering their expertise and educational presentations.
Located in Seattle, Washington at the historic Fisherman's Terminal is American Safari Cruises main office.. American Safari Cruises offers various length (8-day, 9-day, 10-day, 15-day) yacht cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Mexico's Sea of Cortés, Pacific Northwest's Columbia & Snake Rivers, and the islands and fjords off the coast of Washington and British Columbia.
Some of the benefits of cruising with American Safari are accessibility to hard-to-reach locations and narrow passages. Flexible schedules to allow for spontaneity. Evenings are spent at anchor so the passenger does not miss anything. The captain urges passengers to visit the bridge. Casual onboard atmosphere. Personal and tailored customer service.
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Fleet Overview:
Safari Quest built by Shear Yachts is 120' long with a beam of 28' and has four decks. Quest can accommodate 22 guests, a crew of 8 to 9 and has a cruising speed of 11 knots.
Accommodations:
Admiral Staterooms (3) feature twin or king bed configuration, (1 features a queen bed), a large sliding glass door overlooking a small balcony and a private bath with shower.
Captain Stateroom (1) features a queen size bed, view window and private bath with shower.
Mariner Staterooms (5) features a king, queen or twin beds, elevated windows (not for viewing) and private bath with shower.
Single Stateroom (1) features a single twin bed, view window and private bath with shower. A Pullman berth is available.
Safari Spirit built by Poole-Chaffee Yachts is 105' long with a beam of 24'-5" and has four decks. Spirit can accommodate 12 guests, a crew of 5 to 6 and has a cruising speed of 11 knots.
Accommodations:
Admiral Staterooms (2) feature twin or king size bed configuration, large sliding glass door overlooking a small balcony, and a private bath with Jacuzzi tub and shower.
Captain Stateroom (1) features king bed, opening port lights for viewing, and private bath with Jacuzzi tub and shower.
Mariner Staterooms (2) feature twin or king size bed configuration, (1 features a queen bed), opening port lights for viewing, and private bath with Jacuzzi tub and shower.
Safari Escape built by Lloyds Yachts is 112' long with a beam of 23' and has three decks. Escape can accommodate 12 passengers, a crew of 5 to 6 and has a cruising speed of 10 knots.
Accommodations:
Admiral Stateroom (1) Category B1 features a king size bed, settee, windows for viewing and a private bath with shower.
Admiral Stateroom (1) Category C5 features a queen size bed, desk and chair, opening port lights and a private bath with shower. This category also features an en suite sauna.
The Mariner Staterooms (4) feature a queen size bed or twin beds, opening port lights, and private bath with shower.
All yachts include:
On-deck hot tub
Exercise equipment
Large screen TV/DVD in the salon
Full-beam swim step for ease in boarding kayaks and inflatable shore yacht
Each stateroom includes hair dryer, bathrobes, alarm clocks and TV/DVD
A library
Mountain bikes
Video library
Fully stocked bar with premium wine, beer and spirits.
Sea kayaks.
Quest and Spirit include:
Heated tile floors in the bathrooms
TempurPedic mattresses
Fellow Passengers:
There are several types of travel aboard American Safari Cruises: Individual Travel, Private Family Cruises, Private Group Travel and Theme Cruises. Dozens of friendships are born each year with the Individual Travel Cruises. Shared experiences reveal shared interests. Guests who travel on the Individual Travel Cruises must be a minimum of 12 years old. At various times of the year, there are KIN (Kids In Nature) cruises that allow younger children. Kids under 12 travel travel for reduced rates on these departures.
Private Family Cruises feature custom itineraries, a kid-friendly crew and private shore excursions. American Safari Cruises will make any celebration an event to remember.
Private Group Travel for travelers who share a common interest such as corporate or incentive groups, educators, yacht clubs and historians to name a few. These cruises are designed specifically for the group.
Some of the Theme Cruises include a spa cruise, native culture, diving, astronomy and photography cruises.
Children's Facilities:
There are no children's facilities but there are select sailings known as Kids In Nature (KIN) cruises. These cruises are designed for kids and teens, but engage the entire family in nature's most diverse playgrounds. Activities include hiking remote trails, kayaking, learning about dolphins, whales and bears with the onboard Expedition Leader/Naturalist.
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.
