InnerSea Discoveries accepting 2011 bookings for its new wilderness adventure voyages in Southeast Alaska. InnerSea Discoveries, parent company of luxury yacht cruise line American Safari Cruises, worked with consumer and agent focus groups in creating the new brand. American Safari boasts a 99 percentile guest satisfaction rating. The inaugural season will run May 21 to Sept. 3, 2011.
Two expedition vessels, the 170-foot, 49-guest Wilderness Discoverer and the 157-foot, 49-guest Wilderness Adventurer, will operate the moderately priced cruises. Guests can choose their activity level, from challenging hiking and paddle boarding to beachcombing, shore boat excursions and kayaking. The vessels will have an all-American crew; hot tub and saunas; optional massage; meals of fresh, local ingredients; and staterooms that feature Tempur-pedic mattresses, iPod docking stations and private facilities with showers. Both boats will undergo extensive renovations during the next several months.
"We're especially excited to provide something totally new, an intense, active exploration of Southeast Alaska from a well-appointed vessel that offers exceptional creature comforts instead of the spartan surroundings of most expedition vessels," said Tim Jacox, executive vice president of sales and marketing. "A growing number of travelers are looking for this. They want to be able to challenge their own abilities while exploring new territory, but they also want a choice -- to push hard one day, relax the next. And they want to do it all in comfort."
The InnerSea Discoveries' seven-night "Inner Reaches" cruises from Ketchikan to Juneau explore the western region and the reverse itinerary explores the eastern region. Because there is no duplication on the two itineraries, guests can choose a 14-night roundtrip and experience new land and seascapes every day.
Typical included activities are hikes of varying length and difficulty, snorkeling, whale-watching, birding, polar bear club swims, glacier viewing, yoga sessions and naturalist-led discussions. Optional add-ons at additional cost include river kayaking, jet-boat excursions, fishing with expert guides, glacier floatplane tours and cave exploration, and overnight wilderness hiking, kayaking and camping ashore.
Fares begin at $1,795 per person, double occupancy; the two-week Juneau roundtrip begins at $3,325 per person. Triple accommodations are available in each stateroom category with a Pullman berth or sofa bed priced at a 25 percent savings; children age 12 and under also receive a 25 percent savings. Fares include all meals, equipment for adventure activities, expert guides and transfers. Private full-boat charters for up to 49 guests begin at $136,995 for seven nights. The price includes crew, fuel, activities and equipment, transfers and all food.
Two 14-night one-way departures aboard the Wilderness Discoverer between Seattle and Juneau are scheduled in 2011 for May 7, 2011, from Seattle, and Sept. 10, 2011, from Juneau. Cost begins at $2,995 per person. Private charter for up to 49 guests is $257,995. In addition, three cruises aboard the Wilderness Adventurer departing June 25, July 23 and Aug. 13 are part of the Family Discoveries program, which is geared to children. Those under age 12 receive a 30 percent savings. For more information, call 877-901-1009 or visit www.InnerSeaDiscoveries.com.
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