SS Legacy Sets Sail For Un-Cruise

Un-Cruise Adventures officially christened its newest vessel, the 88-guest S.S. Legacy, in a dockside celebration near company headquarters in Seattle, Washington, earlier this month to make the replica coastal steamer the eighth vessel in the adventure cruise line’s fleet.

And World of Cruising will be aboard her second full Alaska voyage from August 22-Sept 2 for a special feature in our Autumn edition, publishing on September 20.

The Legacy sails the new Heritage Adventures series for Un-Cruise, taking guests back in time to the 1890s and early 1900s to explore history of the Klondike Gold Rush in Alaska and early explorers along the Columbia and Snake Rivers. The all-American crew - in 1890s attire - bring history to life through short vignettes during the course of the day and staged dramas at night. 

With a nod to the vessel’s historical style of cruising, the line’s CEO Dan Blanchard channelled his great grandfather Michael J. Willet, a turn of the century shingle mill tycoon, to tie in history of the 1890s in Seattle. Characters such as HG Wells and Jules Verne joined in the inaugural celebration along with blessings from Ray Gardner of the Chinook Nation and Joe Williams, a Tlingit from Saxman, Alaska. 

In September 2013, the Legacy will begin cruising week-long Legacy of Discovery cruises on the Columbia and Snake Rivers round-trip from Portland, with 12 departures scheduled through November. Rates begin at $3,195 per person, double occupancy. It returns to the Rivers in April 2013 for nine more departures through May. From June to August, the vessel will sail another 10 week-long Alaska’s Golden History cruises between Ketchikan and Juneau in Alaska (and reverse) and rates begin at $5,195 per person, double occupancy.  On Heritage Adventures, guests enjoy port calls and included shoreside excursions to points of historical interest. A gold rush highlight is the included trip aboard Skagway’s White Pass & Yukon narrow-gauge railway.

Heritage Adventures also include all meals; fine wines, microbrews and spirits; shore excursions; a massage; yoga on deck; all meals; transfers; taxes, port charges and fees. Charters and group bookings are available. 

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's luxury adventure-cruise specialists. 

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Un-Cruise Adventures’ Big Year

Specialist luxury adventure-cruise operator Un-Cruise Adventures has announced its biggest-ever deployment for 2014, with 19 itineraries in Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico and the Pacific North-west, with eight vessels offering their range of Active, Luxury and Heritage Adventure cruises.

Their five main offerings are as follows:

Mexico’s Sea of Cortés

Joining the fleet in December, the renovated 64-guest Safari Voyager will sail Luxury Adventures year-round in Mexico’s Sea of Cortés on four different itineraries, all new. A week-long Cousteau’s Aquarium of the World cruise sails round-trip from San José del Cabo and visits two ports, Loreto and La Paz, with an emphasis on encountering whale sharks. A week-long Baja’s Whale Bounty cruise round-trip from San José del Cabo includes a trip to Bahia Magdalena for a panga ride to see gray whales up close.  Humpback whale-watching takes place at Gordo Banks and encounters with blue, pilot, fin and other whale species add to the bounty.  

Coastal Washington & British Columbia

New in 2014, an all-Washington itinerary, exploring the Olympic Wilderness and San Juan Islands. Sailing round-trip from Seattle, it includes extended time in Princess Louisa Inlet, in spring and autumn. The week-long Active Adventure aboard the 60-guest Wilderness Adventurer visits South Hood Canal, Port Townsend, Deception Pass, Lopez Island, Orcas Island, Friday Harbor and Sucia Island. The 22-guest Safari Quest sails British Columbia’s Yachters’ Paradise round-trip Seattle in spring and autumn.

Hawaiian Islands

The 36-guest Safari Explorer yacht returns for its third season sailing Luxury Adventures among the islands between Moloka’i and Hawaii, the Big Island (and reverse) from November-April. The week-long Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary explore four islands, the Big Island, Maui, Lana’i and Moloka’i. Guests enjoy a full complement of water sports activities, night snorkelling with Giant Pacific Manta rays, exclusive tours on Moloka’i and encounters with dolphins, whales and turtles.

Alaska

Seven vessels cruise Alaska on 12 different itineraries ranging from one to three weeks from home-ports of Seattle, Ketchikan, Juneau and Sitka from April-September. Three upscale vessels, the 22-guest Safari Quest, 36-guest Safari Explorer and 86-guest Safari Endeavour, sail Luxury Adventures round-trip from Juneau; expedition vessels Wilderness  Adventurer, Wilderness Discoverer and Wilderness Explorer sail Active Adventures out of Ketchikan, Juneau and Sitka; and the 88-guest S.S. Legacy sails Heritage Adventures between Juneau and Ketchikan.

Columbia & Snake Rivers 
The 88-guest S.S. Legacy, a replica coastal steamer, sails Heritage Adventures along the Columbia and Snake Rivers in spring and fall. Week-long Legacy of Discovery cruises sail round-trip from Portland, Oregon, with a focus on Living History, including Lewis and Clark’s Expedition, the Oregon Trail, Native Americans and early pioneers. 

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's adventure-cruise specialists.

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Un-Cruise Unveils Heritage Adventures

Launching this August, Un-Cruise Adventures’ 88-guest S.S. Legacy sails back through history bringing alive the stories and characters from Alaska’s Gold Rush of ’98 and the Lewis and Clark Expedition westward through Oregon and Washington. 

Even better, guests will receive a travel credit savings up to $1,088 per couple on fares for the inaugural season in Alaska and on the Columbia and Snake Rivers in the autumn, if booked by June 15.

The S.S. Legacy, a replica Victorian-style steamer, joins the fleet after extensive renovations restoring the ambiance of an elegant coastal steamer and adding modern conveniences. Period décor includes carved wooden cabinetry and rich colours and patterns. Six different stateroom categories include twin, double, queen and king beds, all with view windows and private bath. Public spaces include an elegant Klondike Dining Room, Grand Salon with dance floor, wine bar and rollicking Pesky Barnacle Saloon. Wellness amenities include two hot tubs, sauna, massage room, fitness equipment and yoga on deck.

Cruise options for this year and 2014 include:

Gold Rush Legacy

Two 11-night sailings between Seattle and Juneau (and reverse) kick off the S.S. Legacy’s inaugural year. The August 11 and 22 cruises visit San Juan Islands and Friday Harbor, WA; Canada’s Inside Passage; Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, Frederick Sound, Sitka, Icy Strait, Glacier Bay National Park, Haines and Skagway, in Alaska. Highlights include guided tours in port, whale watching, viewing glaciers in Glacier Bay, discovering native Tlingit culture and exploring scenic waterways. Legacy Leaders weave the colourful stories from Alaska’s history and the Gold Rush of ‘98 into activities throughout the voyage. Rates start at $7,895 per person, double occupancy, with up to $1,088 per couple travel credit savings available for the celebratory inaugural season.

Legacy of Discovery

From September through November and March through May, week-long cruises depart round-trip from Portland, Oregon, to explore the history and scenery of the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Areas visited include the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Clarkston, Hells Canyon, Walla Walla, Washington Wine Country, The Dalles and Astoria. Highlights include scenic cruising through the Columbia River Gorge; a visit to Multnomah Falls; transiting eight sets of locks and tour of the Bonneville Dam Visitor Center; jet boat into Hells Canyon; Fort Clatsop; Fort Walla Walla; downtown Walla Walla or Whitman Mission; Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria; Maryhill Museum and Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and a private wine-tasting at a Washington winery. Rates start at $3,195 per person, double occupancy, with up to $530 per couple travel credit savings for early bookers.

A Heritage Adventure aboard S.S. Legacy includes all shoreside tours, fresh and innovative meals, a massage, premium wine/beer/spirits, transfers and port fees and taxes. On board amenities include flatscreen TVs/DVD players and iPod docking stations in all staterooms. An elevator connects three public decks. 

NB: We will be taking our first cruise aboard the SS Legacy in Alaska this August and will have the full experience and story in our Autumn edition.

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Just Call Them Un-Cruise Adventures

Marking another milestone in its 16-year evolution, adventure cruise line InnerSea Discoveries/American Safari Cruises has officially changed its name to Un-Cruise Adventures. The line operates seven boats carrying 22-88 guests in Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, Columbia and Snake Rivers and Coastal Washington and British Columbia. 

“We’ve experienced phenomenal growth and success over the last four years,” said Dan Blanchard, principal and CEO. “What began as yacht cruising under the American Safari Cruises name has now expanded to include more styles of Un-Cruise Adventures, and this name change reflects that growth.”

The company has three expedition vessels, 60-guest Wilderness Adventurer, 76-guest Wilderness Discoverer and 76-guest Wilderness Explorer, offering Active Adventures for those desiring more outdoor explorations at a lower price point. Three yachts offer Luxury Adventures, 22-guest Safari Quest, 36-guest Safari Explorer and 86-guest Safari Endeavour, an inclusive, upscale experience along with adventure activities. The 88-guest Safari Legacy, a replica Victorian steamer, debuts in August 2013 and will offer inclusive Heritage Adventures focusing on Living History aboard and ashore through presentations and tours. Charter Adventures are also offered on all boats.

“Un-Cruise Adventures reflects the distinct nature of our small group travel by boat,” said Tim Jacox, executive vice president of sales and marketing. “Luxury of Experience really speaks to what Un-Cruise Adventures is all about. With a cap of 88 guests, we are able to experience more of the destinations through a wide range of activities – kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling and hiking under our Luxury and Active Adventures or reenacting history with Heritage Adventures.”

New in 2013
 

In 2013, Safari Legacy begins operating in Alaska and then sails on the Columbia and Snake Rivers in fall and spring. It debuts Heritage Adventures, a new style of Un-Cruise Adventure, with a focus on Living History aboard and ashore. In November, Wilderness Explorer will begin sailing Active Adventures in the Hawaiian Islands between Oahu and Hawaii, the Big Island.  And three Alaska Unleashed departures are scheduled for the Wilderness Adventurer in Alaska for adventurers desiring an amped up week of high adventure.

Moving forward, all company materials will change to reflect the new name of Un-Cruise Adventures. The company’s website URL will change to www.un-cruise.com.  

For bookings, follow this link to the Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's adventure-cruise specialists.

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New All-In-One Brochure for 'Un-Cruise Adventures'

Travellers seeking Un-Cruise Adventures may now reach for one brochure detailing InnerSea Discoveries’ Active Adventures and American Safari Cruises’ Luxury and Heritage Adventures.  

The new 72-pager details Un-Cruise Adventures in south-east Alaska, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, the Hawaiian Islands, Columbia and Snake Rivers, coastal Washington and British Columbia. Three styles of adventure cruises are available on four yachts and three expedition vessels carrying from 22 to 88 guests. The brochure covers adventures from November 2012 through to April 2014.

Active Adventures

Active Adventure cruises focus on adventure activities outside such as trekking, kayaking, paddle-boarding and skiff excursions. Activity levels vary from shore walks to all-day hikes or kayaking excursions. Offered at a moderate price point, meals and activities are included. Massage, alcohol and port fees/taxes are extra.

Three expedition vessels, the 60-guest Wilderness Adventurer and 76-guest Wilderness Explorer and Wilderness Discoverer, sail active adventure cruises in from May to September. Explorer will sail its first season in Hawaii beginning November 2013.

Luxury Adventures

Luxury Adventure cruises are more inclusive and combine soft adventure activities with extra amenities and comforts on board. Voyages in five un-cruise destinations include all meals; premium spirits, wines and microbrews; activities and port fees/taxes; a massage Safari Explorer and Endeavour.

Three yachts, the 22-guest Safari Quest, 36-guest Safari Explorer and 86-guest Safari Endeavour, offer luxury adventure cruises. All three sail in Alaska from May to September, while Endeavour sails in Mexico’s Sea of Cortés from November-April, Explorer sails in the Hawaiian Islands, and Quest sails a coastal Washington and British Columbia itinerary in spring and autumn.

Heritage Adventures

History is brought to life on board and ashore on a Heritage Adventure cruise. Guest presenters, character reenactments and shore tours highlight history along the way and onboard Legacy Leaders guide the journey. 

The Safari Legacy joins the fleet in mid-August 2013 for two 11-night Gold Rush Legacy cruises in south-east Alaska. In autumn and spring, the ship sails week-long Legacy of Discovery cruises along the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Cruise fare includes all meals; premium brand spirits, fine wines and microbrews; activities; one massage and port fees/taxes.

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's adventure-cruise specialists.

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Cruise On The Snake And Columbia Rivers

Intermingling history of the west, the autumn crush and spectacular foliage in Washington wine country, and exhilarating river explorations, American Safari Cruises offers six departures along the Columbia and Snake Rivers this October and November.

The week-long 'Rivers of the West' itinerary sails one-way between Portland, Oregon, and Lewiston, Idaho (and reverse) aboard the exclusive 12-guest Safari Spirit. Available for individual travel or charter, departure dates include October 8; November 12, 19 and 26, with special Culinary and Wine Discovery theme cruises on October 29 and November 5.

The itinerary transits eight locks and three states, as well as cutting through the dramatic Columbia River Gorge. In Oregon, guests will explore the Multnomah Falls, Bonneville Dam and dock for the evening in the picturesque town of Hood River (the wind-surfing capital of the world). A guest speaker joins after dinner in Hood River to discuss the area’s history. Cruising the Columbia, the largest river in the Pacific North-west region, offers a close-up look at the workings of the rivers’ locks and dams.

On the Washington side, highlights include private tours to two local wineries, cruising through a wildlife region rich with migratory birds, entering the Snake River and kayaking or skiff explorations up the Palouse River. An exhilarating jet-boat ride into Hells Canyon in Idaho takes guests into North America’s deepest canyon for incredible scenery and opportunities to view 7,000-year-old petroglyphs and bighorn sheep.

For more info, visit www.americansafaricruises.com or the UK's leading specialist for adventure and luxury cruising, The Cruise Line Ltd..

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