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LUXURY CRUISING in the HAWAIIAN ISLANDS!!
February 7-14, 2009

Discover Hawaii's Old Traditions in a Unique New Way
Join us for a unique luxury yacht adventure in America's very own tropical isles.

Hawaii's underwater seascape is as spectacular as the lofty and often active volcanoes high overhead. On this exploration you'll see five islands, plus one tiny islet, as you enjoy adventures both in the water and on land. And no worries about inter-island flights, packing and unpacking, and transfers! Each day's itinerary is flexible; whales, wildlife and whimsy all have a part to play. We are not just beelining from port to port or place to place. The relatively small size of the ship enables it to go where big ships can’t!

Yacht Cruising in the Islands
Your base for all these adventures, at sea and ashore, is American Safari Cruises' new ship: the 145-foot, 36-guest luxury Safari Explorer. She is equipped with all of the equipment - and expertise - for kayaking, snorkeling and more. Explore the remote coves, bays and shoreline by kayak, sailboat, mountain bike and motor launch. Or simply relax in your own way. You can be as active -- or not -- as you like. Along the way, guests will learn the legend and lore of the islands from resident historians and experts.

The Safari Explorer is currently undergoing a multimillion dollar complete refurbishment. Updated photographs will be available around May 2008.

American Safari Cruises is one of the world's top 5 luxury small-ship/specialty cruise lines.

The Safari Explorer offers elegant accommodations in a casual atmosphere. There is an overall spa influence with a complimentary massage session from an onboard masseuse, yoga classes, sauna, top-deck whirlpool spa, and exercise equipment. The yacht features a wine library for special tastings. The salon has a large-screen TV/DVD and video library. All staterooms have TV/DVD players. Most have windowed doors, with Commodore Suites featuring separate sitting areas and sliding glass doors opening on to your own private balcony. And of course the cuisine, service, and experienced all-American crew are fully up to the pampering standards that you would expect on a small-ship luxury yachting experience.

The Safari Explorer provides a Hawaiian cruising experience which yachters term gunkholing (popularized in the Pacific Northwest island chains), which focuses on dipping into hideaway coves and inlets, mostly staying in the lee of the eastern-most Hawaiian Islands chain (sheltered from the northerly wind and waves.) Among the included shore excursions are a helicopter tour over Volcanoes National Park, a guided hike through ancestral grounds to a fantastic waterfall on Molokai, an exploration of Maui's interior, and night cruising along the Big Island to see Kilauea’s lava flow into the sea. We have not added the popular island of Kauai to our itinerary because of the extended passage of the Kauai Channel required. But you may extend your trip with pre- or post-cruise stays on Kauai, the Big Island or Maui.

Hawaiian Seascapes
Kahului (Maui) to Kailua-Kona (Big Island), 8-day/7-night trip

Respecting Traditions
Throughout the experience, our yacht cruise will seek out an earlier Hawaii, of graceful cultural traditions and pristine natural beauty. We may invite local experts on board to tell tales of Hawaiian royalty or speak of the early navigators. We'll seek out private visits that embody the Hawaii Aloha spirit. During tours ashore our transport is always exclusive, reserved for you and fellow yachtmates.

Whether afloat or ashore, all of these experiences are included in your yacht experience:

Moloka'i - Hike to Waterfall
On Moloka'i, Hawaii's most traditional island, an included adventure by foot meanders through ancestral grounds to a gorgeous waterfall.

Lana'i - The Private Island
On Lana'i steep rock faces line many protected coves. Spend an unhurried afternoon snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, sailing or hiking along the deserted rock walls of an early Hawaiian village.

Maui - Lahaina and Trails of History
Lahaina evokes singular charm and Hawaiian flavor while bustling with activity. An included excursion along the shores and into the hillsides reveals ancient Hawaiian lore. Reboard the Safari Explorer to cruise the waters off Maui, home to wintering humpback whales and their newborn calves.

Molokini - Underwater Paradise
We'll moor off of Molokini, an almost submerged volcanic crater off the coast of Maui. At this crescent-shaped crater, experience some of the very best snorkeling and scuba diving in the Hawaiian Islands.

The Big Island - Volcanoes & Whales
We sail from Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii into prime whale-watching waters, cruising the dramatic coastline where Captain Cook once sailed. Enjoy a port call at historic Hilo. A highlight is an included helicopter tour. Soar above the lush tropical landscape to view several remote waterfalls, linger over the bright orange lava flows, and view the steam clouds rising from Kilauea’s caldera.

Safari Explorer
up to 36 guests
16 crew members
145' in length
36' beam
10 knots cruising speed

 
CAPTAIN
STATEROOMS

B15 & B16
Can be set up with king or two twin beds. View window, windowed door, TV/DVD, and private bath with shower.

MARINER
STATEROOMS

B3, B7, B8, B9, B10, B11, B12, B13 & B14
Feature queen or twin beds, view window, windowed door, TV/DVD, and a private bath with shower.

B3, B8, B10, B12 & B14 are fixed queen size beds.
B7, B9, B11 & B13 have twin size beds that can be configured to a queen size bed.

The yacht embodies an ambience of luxury and rejuvenation. The sleek and nimble design allows easy access to the most intricate and remote passages. We're free to wander into unnamed coves, unsung vistas, and passages less traveled. An air of elegance meets and complements one’s expectations when stepping onboard, and the relaxed comfort of feeling welcome settles in with each passing moment.

The Safari Explorer provide a unique, casual, personal and inclusive vacation experience.
Featuring a host of personal conveniences and amenities:
Professional all-American crew
(1 crew for every two guests)

An on-deck hot tub for an “under the stars” experience

A fully stocked bar with fine wines, microbrews, and premium spirits

On-board exercise equipment

A large flat-screen TV/DVD in the salon equiped with a hydrophone (underwater microphone) and underwater camera

Hair dryer, terry bathrobes and slippers, alarm clock, iPod docking station, and TV/DVD in each stateroom

Tempur-pedic memory foam mattresses

Heated tile flooring in bathrooms

An educational library highlighting information on our destinations as well as fiction and non-ficton titles

Extensive DVD library

Mountain bikes, kayaks, laser sailboats, waterskis, snorkeling gear, wet suits, rubber boots and rain gear

Binoculars

A full-beam swim step for ease in boarding our kayaks and inflatable skiffs
 

An Inclusive Experience
Maybe you remember other cruises where you had to pay extra for tours and your drinks at the ship's bar. Not on this trip. With the exception of a gratuity for the crew--which we believe is a very personal elective--everything is included on our cruise. From your arrival at the airport to a fond farewell, you're a pampered guest aboard our yacht. Everything's included from the first to the last:

  • All on-yacht gourmet meals
  • Premium wine, beer and liquor
  • Kayaking and Zodiac exploring
  • Snorkel gear
  • Scuba gear (for certified divers only)
  • Exclusive shore excursions
  • Very knowledgable onboard Expedition Leader/Naturalist and Assistant Leader/Naturalist
  • Massage and yoga sessions
  • Airport transfers
  • Port charges, taxes, fees
Gourmet Dining, Casual Style
Dining is a true delight -- a cornucopia of fresh local seafood, just-baked breads, hearty soups, exquisite entrees, sinfully delicious desserts. Everyone is served at one seating, family-style; dress is always casual. Of course, we're happy to plan for any special dietary needs, and if there's something you've got a craving for, let us know.

Expert Guides, Friendly Captains
You also become familiar with your crew and staff, whose goal is to make every aspect of your journey a pleasure and to facilitate your adventures ashore. Most times, you're welcome to visit the bridge and discuss navigation with the captain. Throughout your voyage, you're accompanied by a knowledgeable expedition leader who offers timely narratives about the local history and wildlife, introduces you to local indigenous peoples, and keeps a lookout for wildlife. Humpback whales abeam while you're in the lounge? Your guide will sound the alert!




About American Safari Cruises
American Safari Cruises specializes in intimate, active, deluxe cruises on five yachts. Itineraries focus on close-up viewing of wildlife, fine dining, and activities such as kayaking, beachcombing, hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, and exploration by motorized Zodiac inflatables. Each of the yacht cruises is offered at one inclusive price, so all premium wines, micro brews and liquors, exclusive shore excursions, on-yacht meals and activities are included. American Safari Cruises offers an alternative to traditional large- and small-ship cruises by taking guests into areas that are not accessible to most larger ships, and on excursions and to activities that are exclusive, private, and unavailable to most other travelers.

American Safari Cruises (ASC) was founded in 1997 to provide upscale, luxurious yacht cruising in Alaska's Inside Passage. The company’s initial cruise launched in May of 1997 with a single 12-guest yacht. In 1998 the company added the 22-guest Safari Quest and expanded their Alaska itinerary offerings. In 1999 the company added the Safari Spirit and began cruising seasonally in Mexico's Sea of Cortés. In 2002 the company added the Safari Escape and began operations in Panama and Costa Rica. In 2008 the company added the 36-guest Safari Explorer and began operations in the Hawaiian Islands.

ASC yachts travel only during the day so guests miss nothing along the way. We anchor every night in pristine coves or dockside in small villages so guests can explore by water and on foot. Daytime cruising to secluded islands and seldom-visited areas yield unique opportunities to experience, by kayak, launch or on foot, a rich variety of wildlife and local cultures. The crew includes a professional naturalist/expedition leader who organizes activities and provides presentations on the day's sights and activities, and a gourmet chef who serves up fine food and fresh-baked goods. With so few guests, the itinerary is flexible and can be altered at a moment's notice to maximize wildlife and scenic viewing opportunities.

American Safari Cruises offers unstructured inter-island yacht cruising in Hawaii, where the next “port” may not be a port at all. Instead, it may be a passage rich with wildlife, a secluded sandy beach or a quiet cove where guests explore their surroundings on the shore or in the water.


The American Safari Cruises' Crew

At American Safari Cruises, some things are easy to express. The staff can tell you about magnificent sunsets illuminating the sky over the islands of Hawaii. They can give you a list of wildlife and landscapes you'll see that anyone would envy.

What is more difficult to express is what you will gain from interacting with the yacht crew. Your Captain, chef, stewards, expedition leader, assistant expedition leader, and engineer are all individually selected not only for their outstanding qualifications, customer service and safety skills, but for their genuinely welcoming and enthusiastic personalities. American Safari Cruises' staff make it their utmost priority to provide you an enjoyable cruise vacation with cherished lifetime memories.

All of the American Safari team share a love for yacht sailing. The crew has a unique background and range of experiences. Guests from around the world consistently give top ratings to ASC crew. Each season one recurring sentiment is heard from guests -- and that is their surprise at how "marvelous" their crew was.

PRICING
$4,895 - Mariner Staterooms
$5,895 - Captain Staterooms

Prices are per person, double occupancy.
For a single-occupied stateroom there is a 75% single supplement.

Pricing includes:
* All on-yacht gourmet meals
* Premium wine, beer and liquor
* Kayaking and Zodiac exploring
* Exclusive shore excursions
* Massage and yoga sessions
* Snorkel gear
* Scuba gear (for certified divers only)
* Very knowledgable onboard Expedition Leader/Naturalist and Assistant Leader/Naturalist
* Airport transfers
* Port Charges, taxes, fees

A $1500 deposit per person is required at the time of booking.

DEPOSIT, PAYMENT & CANCELLATION POLICY
Deposits/Payments
Date Amount

At time of enrollment

October 7, 2008

December 7, 2008

$1,500 per person initial deposit

50% of remaining balance

remaining balance

 
Cancellations
Date Per Person Cancellation Fee

Up to October 7, 2008

Up to December 7, 2008

Up to December 21, 2008

Up to January 7, 2009

After January 7, 2009

50% of initial deposit

entire initial deposit

50% of cruise price

75% of cruise price

100% of cruise price

* We always encourage trip participants to take out travel insurance.
* In order for the travel insurance to cover pre-existing medical conditions, you must purchase the insurance within 21 days of signing up for the trip.
* We will send the travel insurance brochure and application form at the time of trip enrollment.

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