On a small ship cruising adventure through the Hawaiian Islands the next port of call might be a deserted beach or secluded rain forest trailhead. Active expedition cruise company AdventureSmith Explorations thinks this may be the optimum way to experience the essence of Hawaii.
New for 2011, AdventureSmith Explorations is introducing two flexible itineraries cruising the Hawaiian Islands aboard the 36 passenger Safari Explorer. The eight day Hawaiian Seascapes cruise offers five islands exploring pristine areas of Hawaii that can only be accessed by sea. The eleven day Hawaii’s Traditional Shores itinerary delves deeper into island culture and the unique marine wildlife found in island waters.
“I have never been more excited for the launch of a new small ship cruise program. Many small ship cruise companies have entertained the idea of a Hawaiian cruise in the past but none have had the precise combination of the perfect ship and the right vision to be successful,” shares AdventureSmith owner and founder Todd Smith.
What distinguishes this cruise opportunity from others, explains Smith, has to do with the focus on the undeveloped, naturally pristine pockets of paradise still found in the islands. The 145-foot Safari Explorer is nimble enough to set anchor each night in a different secluded harbor or inlet, making it possible to explore remote coves and shoreline by foot, kayak, paddle board, sailboat, mountain bike and motor launch.
The luxury small ship carries up to 36 passengers in 18 well appointed cabins. Featured amenities include an on deck hot tub, a view sauna, complementary massages, exercise equipment, a well stocked book and video library, a full beam swim step for ease in boarding kayaks and inflatable shore boat, mountain bikes and a fully stocked bar with premium wine, beer and spirits. All staterooms feature heated tile floors in the bathroom, Tempur-Pedic® memory foam mattresses, Flat-screen TV/DVD, and an iPod docking station. All staterooms have view windows (no portholes).opinion, this is the optimum way to see Hawaii,” states Smith. “Our passengers will actively experience the islands from a much more intimate perspective than they would find at a high-end resort.”
And Smith points out that being ship-based doesn’t mean that you’ll have to pass up your golf game. While visiting Lanai on either cruise itinerary guests have the optional opportunity to play either The Challenge at Manele Bay or The Experience at Koele, two legendary championship courses.
