New Cruise Ship to Navigate Hawaii Waters Starting in December

We look forward to welcoming American Safari Cruises, which is bringing luxury yacht cruising to Hawaii starting later this year. The 145-foot, 36-guest, American-flagged Safari Explorer will sail an 8-day/7-night itinerary with a maximum of 36 guests.

The small ship will permit destinations not accessible by larger, traditional cruise ships. They will employ Hawaii-based captains and expedition leaders/naturalists.

Itinerary:

The Big Island (departing from Kailua-Kona) for coastline cruising and whalewatching. A stop at historic Hilo and a helicopter tour are included.

Molokini. The ship will moor at Molokini, off the coast of Maui, and the site of a submerged crater which features the best snorkeling and diving in Hawaii.

Maui. Stopping at Lahaina and then cruising Maui, for whalewatching.

Lanai. For swimming snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing and hiking.

Molokai . Including the renowned mule ride down to Kalaupapa to visit Father Damian’s leper colony.

At present, Kauai is not included in their itineraries, due to the infamously rough crossing of the Kaua’i channel.

Ship:

The ship is presently undergoing an extensive renovation in Seattle prior to its inaugural Hawaii cruise season, from December 19, 2008, to May 9, 2009. It will sail again starting November 2009.

Rates: from $3,995/pp.