Tag Archives: AdventureSmith Explorations

Arctic/Antarctic Travel, cruises, expeditionary cruises, small ship cruising

AdventureSmith Explorations to Sail New 100-Passenger National Geographic Quest in Alaska for 2017

The National Geographic Quest will be outfitted with a fleet of 24 sea kayaks, paddle boards, snorkeling equipment and Zodiacs, all geared to get guests out and into the wild, remote places being explored.
The National Geographic Quest will be outfitted with a fleet of 24 sea kayaks, paddle boards, snorkeling equipment and Zodiacs, all geared to get guests out and into the wild, remote places being explored.

TAHOE CITY, CA– Alaska continues to be one of the world’s hottest destinations for small ship cruising. Small ship cruise expert AdventureSmith Explorations has seen the growth firsthand and now recommends that plans need to be secured by early December 2016 to get the best choice of ships, cabins and itineraries for summer 2017.

“Last year the most popular high-season trips were sold out earlier than we had ever experienced. By January more than half of the summer departures were fully booked or had very limited availability,” said Todd Smith, founder and director of AdventureSmith Explorations (http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/).

This booking strategy should give early birds certain advantages while securing a cabin on a brand-new, 100-passenger expedition ship being introduced to Alaska next summer. This is Lindblad Expeditions’ National Geographic Quest, set to launch June 26, 2017, on a Seattle-to-Sitka itinerary exploring the coast of British Columbia and into Alaska’s Inside Passage. The nature-intensive 15-day cruise starts at $9,390 per person double.

National Geographic Quest will then spend the summer exploring the coves and fjords between Sitka, Glacier Bay National Park, Juneau and Petersburg on Lindblad’s classic Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness route, an eight-day adventure also sailed by the 62-guest National Geographic Sea Lion, with rates starting at $5,890 per person double.

National Geographic Quest will be the most modern and spacious expedition vessel cruising Alaskan waters. The ship features roomy (135 to 185-square feet), outside-facing cabins, 22 with small balconies with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors. Eight cabins can be configured into four adjoining cabins for families. Some cabins can accommodate a third guest. The ship will be outfitted with a fleet of 24 sea kayaks, paddle boards, snorkeling equipment and Zodiacs, all of which are geared to get guests out and into the wild, remote places being explored. Also aboard is state-of-the-art expedition technology, including a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), video microscope, and a hydrophone and bow-cam designed for immediate deployment to hear and film, for instance, humpback whale vocalizations and to view bow-riding dolphins.

Following the Alaska season, the ship will remain in the Pacific Northwest for a series of new voyages between Seattle and Vancouver, with stops in the San Juan Islands, Victoria, Alert Bay and more far-reaching stops in British Columbia’s channels and fjords. Beginning in December 2017, National Geographic Quest will reposition and operate voyages in Costa Rica and Panama before kicking off a series of new voyages in Belize and Guatemala starting in February 2018.

With the introduction of National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Sea Bird will fly away to two new itineraries. Wild Alaska Escape is a six-day cruise designed to pair with a land trip that includes river rafting and biking options unique to a cruise program. The action takes place in wild, pristine Alaska for those with limited time but with an unlimited sense of adventure. Included are iconic wildlife, epic landscapes and the ancient Chilkat Tlingit village of Klukwan. In Haines, “Adventure Capital of Alaska,” guests have a three-hour bicycling trip around a stunning glacial lake, half-day hikes up a few of the region’s most dramatic mountains or, for the most fit, a trek up Mt. Riley. Others may choose to float down the Chilkat River through an area rich with native tradition and sporting the largest congregation of bald eagles in the world. In more remote stretches of the voyage come guided, point-to-point kayak trips with the ship as moving basecamp. Or, in expedition landing craft, guests may zip around sculpted icebergs or land on remote beaches for hikes in dense and dramatic Tongass National Forest. Rates begin at $4,290 per person, double. See: http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/wild-alaska-escape-cruise-national-geographic-sea-bird.

Big Picture Alaska, an 11-day program crafted by National Geographic photographers, targets camera buffs. The trip spans the full north-south expanse of Alaska’s Inside Passage. The immersive, wide-ranging photo expedition takes Lindblad’s wildly popular week-long expedition and expands it, adding in the striking Misty Fiords at the lowest reaches of Alaska’s Inside Passage and Haines, in the northernmost corner. It’s the perfect mix of small-town life and the grand expanse of the wild landscape that surrounds it. Guests raft though the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, explore Glacier Bay National Park, search for humpback whales with time in a popular feeding area called Clarence Strait, kayak amid glacial ice, hike the Tongass National Forest and learn about the region’s rich Tlingit heritage while shooting with the expertise of an industry-leading expedition photography team of Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructors and National Geographic photographers. Rates begin at $8,990 per person, double. See: http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/big-picture-alaska-cruise-photography-national-geographic.

AdventureSmith Explorations also notes new offerings in Prince William Sound thanks to the 12-guest Dream Catcher. The seven-day Prince William Sound Dream Catcher cruise is from $5,775 per person double. Getting up close and personal with icebergs and sea otters is just the beginning of the fun. There are set departures in addition to possibilities to charter this small ship. See: https://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/prince-william-sound-dream-catcher.

For information on all of AdventureSmith’s small ship cruises worldwide, itineraries, availability and reservations, Phone: 800-728-2875 toll-free or visit http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/.
 

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cruises, small ship cruising

AdventureSmith Explorations Offers Flash Sale on Luxury Tahiti Yacht Cruise

AdvSmith-Tahitian

TAHOE CITY, CA– Small ship expert AdventureSmith Explorations  is mounting a flash sale on its new eight-day cruise aboard the 24-guest luxury yacht Island Passage through French Polynesia’s Leeward Islands. Select May and June 2016 departures across of the world’s most romantic stretches of water on the new, all-inclusive Tahitian Affair cruise are discounted $1,350 per person when booked by April 29, 2016. This promotion is available on the May 22-29, May 29-June 5, June 5-12, June 26-July 3 departures, subject to availability.

The per person rate, (before the discount) starting at $3,875 for an eight-day cruise, includes on-board accommodation, meals, all non-alcoholic and most alcoholic beverages during the cruise, shore-excursions as per the itinerary, use of kayaks, tenders, snorkel and fishing equipment carried onboard, and an airport ferry transfer.

“Traditionally cruises on these waters are aboard much larger vessels accommodating from 120 guests and up,” said Todd Smith, AdventureSmith Explorations’ founder and president (http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/). “In stark contrast, the new Tahitian Affair that begins and ends in Bora Bora offers unparalleled intimacy in a relaxing, lagoon-cruising style highly suited to this environment.” See: http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/tahitian-affair-small-ship-cruise-island-passage-bora-bora-french-polynesia

Island Passage cruises only three to four hours daily on average before laying anchor each evening. This translates to an unhurried pace and ample opportunity for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding at will from the motus or small reef islands that only a small vessel can access. Guests may also opt to swim with sting rays and sharks, or to embark on a fishing excursion. The Island Passage’s 7.2-meter aluminum fishing boat is equipped with rods, tackle and gear for line (rod/pole) or deep sea angling. The talented chef is always happy to prepare the fish that guests catch.

For additional fees, guests who are scuba-certified can arrange to dive off a dive boat that will pull up alongside Island Passage; and they can sightsee by helicopter as the vessel has a helipad for a six-seat helicopter.

When they can pull themselves out of the turquoise water, guests can tour village life on the islands of Tahaá, Raiatea and Huahine, visit a vanilla plantation, local markets and the Maeva Marae archaeological site. They may also enjoy being the audience for a local choir and learning how to crack coconuts.

While on board they mingle in the generously spaced dining and salon area and on the expansive aft deck. Oversize 175-square-foot staterooms and 195-square-foot and 235-square-foot suites all have ocean views and are appointed with fine linens, French soaps and toiletries, and fresh flowers.

Menus include local seafood and the best New Zealand organic lamb and Santo beef, fresh produce selected from local farmer’s markets and award-winning cheeses, all presented with a strong European flair. The onboard wine cellar brims with award-winning wines and is frequently updated with new releases plus the Island Passage’s revolving collection that is personally selected from the crew’s favorite boutique vineyards.

For information on all of AdventureSmith’s small ship cruises, itineraries, availability and 2016 reservations, Phone: 800-728-2875 toll-free or visit http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/.

 

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cruises, expeditionary cruises

Cruising where Few Have Cruised Before, AdventureSmith Explorations Announces New Small Ship Cruises for 2016

AdventureSmith Exploration's new cruise, Tahitian Affair, sails over eight days round-trip from Bora Bora, also visiting the islands of Tahaá, Raiatea and Huahine.
AdventureSmith Explorations’ new cruise, Tahitian Affair, sails eight days round-trip from Bora Bora, also visiting the islands of Tahaá, Raiatea and Huahine.

Small ship cruise expert AdventureSmith Explorations plans to go where few have cruised before. Itineraries unveiled for 2016 include regions only recently opened for cruising, along with new routes and the introduction of state-of-the-art, newly built vessels.

“Where there’s curiosity and desire to experience some place new and where we’re seeing our established destinations explored in a new way are two of the major themes in our 2016 new trip line-up,” said Todd Smith, AdventureSmith Explorations’ founder and director.

The Top New Cruises for 2016 Include:

Tahiti
The 24-guest Island Passage sails May through October in Tahiti before returning to New Zealand for the austral summer. The new cruise, Tahitian Affair, sails over eight days round-trip from Bora Bora, also visiting the islands of Tahaá, Raiatea and Huahine. This is an active cruise with kayaking, fishing, swimming, snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding spliced in with visits to a vanilla plantation, local markets and the Maeva Marae archaeological site. Time will also be spent listening to a local choir and learning how to crack coconuts.

Cuba
The US embargo against Cuba, in place since 1960, once prevented ordinary Americans from traveling to Cuba, but now with a special visa under the provision of a “people-to-people exchange,” US citizens can visit on properly licensed tours. The new Cuba People to People Cruise aboard the 49-guest Panorama sail cruiser focuses on bringing travelers into contact with Cuban people, culture and their communities. Departures start in late December and run through April 2016 for the cruise’s inaugural season. Panorama and Panorama II, with their white sails and masts, provide a romantic yet modern home base.

Peru
According to AdventureSmith, the Amazon River and its tributaries represent a hot destination with travelers right now, with high- and low-water seasons providing a varied travel experience year-round. One new itinerary and vessel recently introduced is the newly built 44-guest Amazon Discovery, an all-suite riverboat that sails round-trip from Iquitos and includes a visit to a private reserve on Monkey Island, home to seven different species. The Amazon Discovery Cruise offers seven-day departures year-round, with the inaugural voyage sailing in December 2015.

Croatia
The Dalmatian Coast Cruise utilizes, among other sister ships, a 2015-built vessel, the 38-guest Infinity, on explorations of the Adriatic Sea coastline between Split and Dubrovnik over eight days. These port towns are featured in the popular Game of Thrones HBO series. The show’s fictional city of King’s Landing is filmed in Dubrovnik, with Split also appearing in scenes. Sailings start at $1,425 per person and start in May 2016.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The 90-guest Santa Cruz II made its maiden voyage last October and is the star in AdventureSmith’s Santa Cruz Galapagos Cruise, the top pick for what’s new and exciting in the Galapagos for 2016. The completely refurbished vessel has been refitted for the Galapagos Islands’ style of cruising, and it represents a 58 percent increase in passenger space and a 31 percent reduction in fuel consumption over its predecessor. See: 6 New Ways to Cruise the Galapagos

New Zealand
Voted by Lonely Planet as its fifth top region to travel to in 2016, New Zealand’s Waiheke Island is making many travelers’ lists for 2016. The Bay of Islands Explorer cruise aboard the 24-guest Island Passage visits this 36-square-mile island just north of Auckland before sailing farther north to the Bay of Islands region. Highlights of the eight-day itinerary include wine tasting on Waiheke, dolphin watching, dining on the region’s famed green-lipped mussels, a scenic helicopter ride in the Bay of Islands and visiting the wild and enchanting Great Barrier Island, home to the beautiful Fitzroy Harbour.

Costa Rica
A new ship and itinerary to Costa Rica, Uncharted Isthmus: Sloths, Monkeys & Mangroves aboard the 64-guest Safari Voyager, is an eight-day cruise offering guests twice-daily options by skiff, hike, stand-up paddleboard, snorkel and kayak. Itinerary highlights include transiting the 48-mile-long Panama Canal connecting the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean, visiting Costa Rica’s largest park, Corcovado National Park, and snorkeling the crystalline waters at Panama’s Granito de Oro.

Alaska
New to the company’s wilderness cruise program is the Alaska’s Islands, Whales & Glaciers itinerary, featuring eight days between Sitka and Juneau aboard the intimate 10-guest yacht Misty Fjord. Native culture and off-the-beaten path explorations along with sea kayaking, hiking and zodiac adventures engage guests in the pleasures of exploring Southeast Alaska. A hover flight at Taku Glacier offers a ride on an amphibious vehicle designed to travel over ice, water, sandbars and grasslands.

For information on all of AdventureSmith’s small ship cruises, itineraries, availability and 2016 reservations, call 800-728-2875 toll-free or visit www.adventuresmithexplorations.com.

 

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Adventure Travel, expeditionary cruises, experiential travel, National Parks

In National Parks Centennial Year, AdventureSmith Explorations New Way to Visit: Cruise a Park

The small vessels that AdventureSmith Explorations uses access many of the coves and landings around hundreds of miles of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.
The small vessels that AdventureSmith Explorations uses access many of the coves and landings around hundreds of miles of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.

In the spirit of 2016’s National Park Centennial Celebration, small ship cruise expert AdventureSmith Explorations is offering a different way to experience our National Parks: cruise a park.

While Alaska has the whale’s share of cruises in National Parks, and therefore many choices of ship size and amenities, the San Juan Islands and Oregon’s Columbia River are key players as well.

ALASKA
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve covers over three million acres with open ocean and fjord coastlines spanning most of its perimeter. This means that the small vessels that AdventureSmith Explorations employs access many of the coves and landings around hundreds of miles. Examples of itineraries here are three eight-day programs: Exploring Muir’s Wilderness on the 84-guest Safari Endeavor; Northern Passages & Glacier Bay on the 60-guest Wilderness Adventurer, 74-guest Wilderness Explorer or 76-guest Wilderness Discoverer; and Discoverers Glacier Country on the 22-guest Safari Quest, the 36-guest Safari Explorer, the 60-guest Wilderness Adventurer or the 84-guest Safari Endeavour. Itineraries have themed departures the week of Aug. 25, 2016 celebrating the Centennial, with commemoration gifts, guest speakers, evening onboard presentations focused on the history of the National Parks, surprise birthday celebrations and special presentations by Park Rangers on board while in Glacier Bay.

For those that want to see as much of Glacier Bay National Park as possible on a cruise, the six-day Glacier Bay Adventure Cruise is the only Inside Passage small ship cruise that spends most of its itinerary inside the park. The itinerary travels from waterfall-laden Geike Inlet to the barren mountain faces of the East and West arms of Glacier Bay National Park, then routes outside the park to Point Adolphus for whale watching. Hundreds of miles of glacial fjords are here for kayaking, hiking and small ship cruising. The base of exploration is the historic 12-passenger small ship M/V Sea Wolf, owned and operated by Alaskans.

Kenai Fjords National Park, on the edge of the Kenai Peninsula south of Anchorage, covers an area of nearly 670,000 acres, 51 percent of which is ice. A number of lodge-based itineraries allow guests to spend ample time on the water boating through Kenai Fjords. To access most of these remote lodges, guests embark by boat from Seward on a five-hour wildlife and tidewater glacier journey. Kenai Fjords Backcountry Explorer over seven days reveals by raft and boat and on shore the many of the activities and animals on the Native-owned, 1,700-acre Pedersen Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary. The eight-day Ultimate Alaska Adventure pairs backcountry adventure and wild Alaska by sea kayaking in Kenai Fjords National Park, a helicopter landing onto a glacial snowpack, a floatplane journey to a remote mountain lake and more.

LOWER 48
Olympic National Park, at nearly 1 million acres along Washington’s coast, is famed for its diversity of ecosystems and rich cultural history. Olympic Wilderness & San Juan Islands is an eight-day-expedition along this coastline from the comfort of the 60-guest Wilderness Adventurer or the 76-guest Wilderness Discoverer. Kayaks and paddleboards sail aboard, allowing guests to actively explore the park’s coves and canals.

Lewis & Clark National Historical Park at Fort Clatsop in Astoria, Oregon, is a hub focusing on the lore of early explorers. Two small ship itineraries visiting here herald the legacy of two great western rivers: the Columbia and the Snake. Columbia & Snake Rivers Journey over seven days embraces culture and history with food and wine bounties of the Pacific Northwest. This trip recently acquired Food Alliance affiliation ensuring that local and sustainable are prominent in in every culinary presentation. Guests will be on board either 62-passenger National Geographic Sea Bird or 62-passenger National Geographic Sea Lion. Over eight days on Legacy of Discovery guests aboard the 88-guest S.S. Legacy that emulates a turn-of-century steamer traverse the nearly 1,000 miles of history on the Columbia River Gorge.

ARRIVE BY TRAIN OR PLANE
Some of AdventureSmith Explorations’ itineraries define remote to its core, with guests going beyond the boat, being transported to a National Park by small plane or train. There are fly-to itineraries accessing Katmai National Park including Brown Bears of Katmai, a five-day program recommended as a cruise extension. On Denali Backcountry Explorer guests explore the wilderness from a lodge deep in Denali National Park and Preserve with access that may include a bus or train from Anchorage.

Alaska Coast to Denali is a cruise-a-park highlight, visiting two national parks over seven days via boat and train. The itinerary starts with a small boat cruise into a Kenai Fjords National Park lodge, travels overland to Denali National Park and Preserve and then concludes with a scenic train ride on the Alaska Railroad to Anchorage.

See this blog post for a comprehensive list of 18 ways to “Cruise a Park”:
http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/cruise-a-park-national-centennial-small-ship. Learn more unique ways to travel our National Parks by following AdventureSmith’s #cruiseapark hashtag.

For current cruise specials and early-booking offers worldwide see: http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/special-offers. For information on all of AdventureSmith’s small ship cruises, itineraries, availability and 2015-2016 reservations, Phone: 800-728-2875 toll-free or visit www.adventuresmithexplorations.com.

Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Tahoe City, CA, along the northern shore of Lake Tahoe. A recognized leader in small ship cruising, in 2012 owner Todd Smith joined the ranks of Conde Nast Traveler‘s prestigious Annual Travel Specialists List as the world’s expert on small ship expeditions.
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AdventureSmith Explorations Engages Fleet of Luxury Yachts to Island Hop along Dalmatian Coast

Small ship cruise expert AdventureSmith Explorations http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com has engaged a fleet of sleek, 150-foot modern yachts to transport in style 38 to 40 guests per sailing on 17 island-hopping departures along the Dalmatian Coast this season.
Small ship cruise expert AdventureSmith Explorations  has engaged a fleet of luxury, 150-foot modern yachts to transport  38 to 40 guests per sailing on 17 island-hopping departures along the Dalmatian Coast this season.

TAHOE CITY, CA,– Small ship cruise expert AdventureSmith Explorations has engaged a fleet of sleek, 150-foot modern yachts to transport in style 38 to 40 guests per sailing on 17 island-hopping departures along the Dalmatian Coast this season.

Croatia Island Hopper Cruise aboard the Futura, Prestige, President or M/V Admiral (all very similar in size and amenities) is the only deluxe, small ship cruise on a fully crewed yacht (including expert guides) that focuses exclusively on the 1,100-mile Dalmatian Coast. (Other cruises simply stop in the region as part of a larger Adriatic or Mediterranean itinerary or are only available as a full boat charter with no crew and little guidance.)

“The nature of our Island Hopper itinerary is. yes, to explore the history and culture of Croatia but also to enjoy swimming, hiking in the countryside, kayaking and bicycling,” said Todd Smith, AdventureSmith Explorations Founder and President.

This eight-day/seven-night cruise starts at $1,440 per person, double. The rates (nearly all-inclusive) and dining schedule offer leeway to enjoy regional cuisines and wines over lunches and dinners while strolling through towns, Smith said.

“This is affordable luxury in Croatia. Our combination of deluxe accommodations, superior service and expert guides is rare, especially for prices starting at under $1,500 per person,” Smith said.  The rate includes accommodations, daily buffet breakfast and lunch or dinner; a beverage with lunch; drinking water; services of a professional tour manager; guided walking tours; fees for bus transfers and cable cars; visitor taxes, port and national park fees; luggage handling; daily cabin service and free Wi-Fi on board.

The cruise begins and ends in Split with on Day 1 a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. A welcome reception and briefing greet guests on their return from visiting Roman ruins.  Day 2 is an excursion to Marco Polo’s birthplace, Korcula Island, where appetizers and local vintages are sampled on the tail end of an excursion.

Dubrovnik, the jewel of the Adriatic, is Day 3’s destination after stretching legs in Mljet National Park and on St Mary Isle.  Unlike other ships that spend a hurried half day inside Old Town’s walls, Island Hopper guests enjoy a dinner cruise along the shore followed by a guided tour and full day in this historic port. (Smith also recommends a pre or post cruise trip extension to fully appreciate Dubrovnik’s charm.)

Day 5 brings guests to the Peljesac Peninsula, a region known for wines. Here guests enjoy Croatian specialties over a dinner in a rural village.  Jet-set Hvar, known for lavish lavender fields and such beauties as a Renaissance cathedral, comes on Day 6 followed on Day 7 by the final stop on the Island of Brac and at the town of Bol. Fishermen and tourists blend together here before the Captain’s farewell dinner on board and the journey back to Split.

AdventureSmith Explorations offers additional cruises on European waters thanks to an expanding inventory of small ships. Two examples are a tour called Classical Greece aboard the 49-guest Harmony V that embodies the best of spring in the islands and on the Mediterranean. The per person double rate for this eight-day cruise is from $2,790. Another is a nine-day luxury cruise of the Cyclades aboard Sea Cloud with an exclusive charter of this historic windjammer. The per person double rate is from $8,790.

For more details on 2015 cruises in the Mediterranean and on the Adriatic, see:
http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/top-small-ship-cruises-for-spring-2015

For information, availability and 2015 reservations, 800-728-2875, www.adventuresmithexplorations.com.

 

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AdventureSmith Explorations’ Small Ships Cruise Into Intimate Ports this Spring

Small ship cruise expert AdventureSmith Explorations http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com announces Spring 2015 cruises that probe the fecundity of the Galapagos and the profundity of classical Greece.
Small ship cruise expert AdventureSmith Explorations http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com announces Spring 2015 cruises that probe the fecundity of the Galapagos and the profundity of classical Greece.

TAHOE CITY, CA – Small ship cruise expert AdventureSmith Explorations announces Spring 2015 cruises that probe the fecundity of the Galapagos and the profundity of classical Greece, among others.

“Cruises into pristine, nature-focused destinations such as Darwin’s magical archipelago, the ancient Greek Isles of Plato and Homer and into Baja’s Sea of Cortez, a favorite playground and laboratory of Jacques Cousteau are voyages every modern adventurer should take. Plus it’s ever so much more exciting in the spring when the oceans are full of life and rebirth,” said Todd Smith, Founder and President of AdventureSmith Explorations.

Here are Smith’s favorite spring trips for the upcoming 2015 season:

Small Yacht Galapagos Cruises
While equatorial Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands technically have no “spring season” weather-wise, April and May offer the best air and water temperatures and calmest seas, making these months best for snorkeling with sea lions, penguins and tropical fish. Stunning waved albatross return to Espanola Island; many other birds and reptiles are nesting in the spring. Favorite springtime ships include the 20-passenger sister ships Eric, Letty and Flamingo. According to Smith, “Their family cruises are second to none” and are offered during spring and Easter break in March and April. These ships boast the best guide-to-passenger ratio and are some of the more eco-friendly yachts to ply Galapagos waters.

Hawaiian Seascapes
Springtime in Hawaii means perfect weather and an explosion of flowers, blossoms and fruit. Rainfall diminishes as trade winds fade; the surf also calms and water temperature rise, all adding up to excellent snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboard conditions. Whales are active in the Auau Channel. The 36-guest adventure yacht Safari Explorer navigates a unique Hawaiian Seascapes cruise itinerary to Molokai, Lanai, Maui and the big island introducing authentic Hawaii in intimate ports of call.

Delfin II Amazon River Cruise
The weather cools down in March, April and May marking the end of the Amazon’s high water season, Smith’s favorite time to cruise. But the water is still high enough so that skiffs can make forays into the rainforest to sight wildlife. Four or five day cruises aboard the luxurious 28-guest Delfin II are more affordable than other ships in the region. Activities include skiff rides, kayaking, hiking and fishing. From the river guests often extend their adventure with a trip to Machu Picchu or a Mountain Lodge Trek.

Classical Greece
Savvy travelers know that spring is the best time to travel in Greece. Temperatures are moderate, winds are calmer, crowds are light and wildflowers are abundant. Classical Greece aboard the 49-guest Harmony V embodies the best of spring in the islands and Mediterranean small ship cruising. The ship accesses smaller ports of call that aren’t accessible to large ships: Delos, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete and Nafplion. Along the way the ship stops in hidden coves and glimpse ancient history away from tourist crowds.

Great Barrier Reef Cruises
It’s autumn in the southern hemisphere in April and May, a small window between high and low seasons offering comfortable air and water temperatures and less rain making snorkeling and diving ideal in the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. The Coral Princess I and Coral Princess II are specially outfitted to explore the reef in style. Unlike live-aboard dive cruises, these small ship voyages of four, five and eight days focus on average travelers who would like to explore on foot, by skiff and by snorkeling, with an option to dive.

Cousteau’s Aquarium of the World
The elegant and functional 84-guest Safari Endeavour is returning to Baja for the first time since she was Cruise West’s Spirit of Endeavour. Recently refitted with ample air conditioning, spacious common areas, comfortable cabins and numerous off-vessel activities, this expedition ship cruise includes hiking, kayaking, snorkeling and sunbathing as primary activities. After whale season ends, the weather warms up and winds die down making Baja a great beach and adventure getaway. Think snorkeling among gentle whale sharks and sea lion pups. In a setting of steep bluffs and sandy beaches, guests explore Cabo Pulmo, where French Oceanographer Jacques Cousteau led numerous expeditions. Baja is easily reached in less than four hours from most major US airports.

For more details on all spring 2015 cruises from AdventureSmith see:
http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/top-small-ship-cruises-for-spring-2015

Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Tahoe City, CA. For information, availability and 2015 reservations, call 800-728-2875 or visit www.adventuresmithexplorations.com.

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expeditionary cruises

AdventureSmith Explorations Adds Historic Yacht Westward To Inventory of Small Ships Exploring Baja Peninsula

Small ship cruise expert AdventureSmith Explorations announces a new 10-day Baja, Mexico cruise aboard the 86-foot, historic eight-guest adventure yacht, Westward.
Small ship cruise expert AdventureSmith Explorations announces a new 10-day Baja, Mexico cruise aboard the 86-foot, historic eight-guest adventure yacht, Westward.

TAHOE CITY, CA–Small ship cruise expert AdventureSmith Explorations announces a new 10-day Baja, Mexico cruise aboard the 86-foot, historic eight-guest adventure yacht, Westward.

Launched in 1924 as the flagship of the Alaska Coast Hunting and Cruising Co., she is arguably Seattle’s most famous motor yacht having pioneered hunting, fishing, and adventure travel in the remote regions of Washington, British Columbia and Alaska.

“Westward Voyages in the Sea of Cortez, launching January 2015 is our perfect complement to an already outstanding portfolio of Baja small Ship Cruises,” said Todd Smith, AdventureSmith Explorations’ Founder/Owner. Ten-day itineraries featuring both the Sea of Cortez and whale watching in the Pacific’s San Ignacio Lagoon are offered in January and February 2015.

Smith likened cruising the eco systems of the Baja Peninsula to cruising the islands of the Galapagos. Both regions offer explorations of geography, flora and fauna, bird and wildlife. Both regions are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Westward Voyages in the Sea of Cortez spends seven days cruising in the Sea of Cortez with three days watching gray whales based from Kuyimita Tent Camp adjacent to San Ignacio Lagoon Whale Sanctuary. The resulting 9-night/10-day cruise/tour is the most in-depth and intimate Baja exploration available. The per person double rate is $5,750. See: www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/westward-voyages-in-the-sea-of-cortez .
Westward will ply the pristine waters of Baja in the coolest months in order to enhance the cruise experience that includes the cacophony of leaping rays, spouting whales, acrobatic dolphins and chirping bird song from the dawning shore.

Guests and crew gather on the 17 by 14-foot shaded back deck for meals and conversation.  Each stateroom has three portholes that open. In addition each bathroom has one opening port. Staterooms are outfitted with a portable, battery-powered fan to provide a breeze on still nights. The air may be warm and dry in the Gulf of California winters, but the water is cool and helps offset the warmth of the day, especially in staterooms that extend below the waterline.

Other cruise programs on ships for up to 84 guests are available. (See: www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/baja-california).

Additional options include two eight-day whale watching cruises January-March on a variety of small ships. Rates are from $2,995 per person, double, aboard the 84-guest Safari Endeavor. Rates are from $5,990 per person, double, aboard the 62-guest National Geographic Sea Lion and Sea Bird. Additional cruise programs for up to 15 days are also offered in this region.

Westward is listed with the US National Register of Historic Places and remains dependably powered by her original Atlas Imperial Diesel Engine. Westward’s historical and adventurous spirit enriches the voyages of those lucky enough to cruise the waters with her. Modeled after a salmon cannery tender, she launched in 1924 as the flagship of the Alaska Coast Hunting and Cruising Co. Westward served a noteworthy clientele of hunters and fishermen for nearly 20 years. Distinguished guests included Bing Crosby, Walt Disney, E.F. Hutton, John Wayne, Dean Witter and numerous other VIP’s of the era. During WW II Westward served as a patrol boat off the California coast before returning to the Pacific Northwest. See: http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/westward

Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Exploration has become a global leader in small ship, expeditionary cruise vacations. Company president and founder Todd Smith pioneered the concept of wilderness cruising – combining the comforts of a small cruise ship with the adventure of sea kayaking and exploring ashore in remote wilderness areas. In 2012, Smith joined the ranks of Conde Nast Traveler’s prestigious 14th Annual Travel Specialists List as the world’s expert on small ship expeditions, and again in 2013 and 2014. For information, availability and 2015 reservations, 800-728-2875 or visit www.adventuresmithexplorations.com.

 

For more travel features, visit:

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

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New: Moral Compass: Great Places to Go Where the Going Does Good

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