American Safari Cruises to Hawaii!

Hi Everyone,

I received these 2 press releases from American Safariand thought it
would be of interest. If you have missed any of my news' postings,
they are available on my web site.

Best regards,
Ray
LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
http://www.lighthousetravel.com


As two cruise ships leave Hawaii, American Safari Cruises launches
new inter-island itinerary

SEATTLE, WA — Although two large cruise ships are suspending
inter-island cruising in Hawaii, American Safari Cruises is doing just
the opposite, bringing its own unique brand of luxury yacht cruising
to the islands beginning December 2008. All American Safari Cruises
vessels are American-flagged.

American Safari Cruises’ inter-island Hawaii cruises with just 36
guests will be markedly different than the large-ship experience with
more than 2,000 passengers. Cruises will focus on traditional Hawaiian
culture and will offer opportunities for guests to get to know local
residents by visiting their land and their homes. The small guest
contingent will have little impact on the islands, and the
all-American crew will include Hawaii residents, especially captains
and naturalists who have personal knowledge of the area.

American Safari Cruises made the decision to launch the cruises after
extensive research into what high-end cruise clientele want in terms
of destination and experience – overwhelmingly they seek the Hawaiian
islands in an active, luxury setting. "We may be seeing a major shift
in Hawaii cruising," says Tim Jacox, American Safari Cruises vice
president of sales and marketing. "While the large-ship inventory in
Hawaii is shrinking, we're able to meet a longstanding demand for an
intimate, up-close inter-island experience."

The new 145-foot Safari Explorer, now undergoing a multi-million
dollar renovation in Seattle, will go where big ships can't —
secluded coves and bays, quaint harbors and tiny villages. The yacht
travels only during the day, and in the waters less traveled will
visit Molokai, Lanai, 19th-century Lahaina on Maui, the Big Island and
several snorkel/dive sites. Guests will also have an included
Volcanoes National Park helicopter tour and explore beautiful
backcountry waterfalls and exotic terrain on foot.

American Safari Cruises inaugural Hawaii cruise season is Dec. 19,
2008 to May 9, 2009; the Safari Explorer will return in November 2009
to begin its second season. The company operates four luxury yachts
that carry 12 to 36 guests; other destinations are Alaska, Mexico's
Sea of Cortés, Pacific Northwest and the Columbia and Snake rivers.

Information can be obtained from your travel professional.

About American Safari Cruises: Now in its 11th year, the company
offers luxury yacht cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Mexico's Sea
of Cortés, Hawaii, the Columbia and Snake rivers, and the Pacific
Northwest. The company has four yachts: 145-foot, 36-guest Safari
Explorer; 120-foot, 22-guest Safari Quest; 112-foot, 12-guest Safari
Escape; and 105-foot, 12-guest Safari Spirit. American Safari Cruises
was named one of the world's top 5 luxury small ship/specialty cruise
lines of 2007 by Virtuoso, luxury-travel agent consortium.


The Safari Explorer sets sail among the Hawaiian Islands beginning
December 19, 2008

SEATTLE, WA – Romantic Hawaii has a new offering for almost-weds
seeking a unique wedding or honeymoon venue: It’s a 145-foot luxury
yacht that carries just 36 guests and cruises among the islands
between Maui and the Big Island.

American Safari Cruises is taking its newest yacht, the Safari
Explorer, to Hawaii for inter-island cruising in the waters less
traveled on an eight-day, seven-night itinerary. With a maximum of 36
guests, the yacht is small enough to consider for a full-boat charter
for a wedding and honeymoon cruise for family and friends. Other
options are booking individual staterooms for a honeymoon or for
smaller-group travel. Full-yacht charters begin at $171,995 and
include all fuel, gourmet meals, fine wines and premium spirits and a
crew of 18. Individual stateroom fares begin at $3,995 per person
double occupancy.

Now undergoing a multi-million-dollar renovation in Seattle, the
Safari Explorer is the cruise line’s fourth luxury yacht and offers an
active spa environment with a licensed masseuse for complimentary
massages, yoga classes, a dedicated fitness area, on-deck hot tub and
sauna. American Safari Cruises is experienced in special-occasion
charter cruises and because of the small guest contingent and
flexibility of yacht cruising, can customize the itinerary to the
guests’ wishes.

Honeymooners will appreciate the privacy and special features located
on the top deck. A sauna with windows facing Hawaii's ocean shores, an
under-the-stars hot tub and an always stocked bar stand just outside
the suites. Balconies, heated tile floors and Jacuzzi tubs in the
bathrooms, refrigerator filled with the couple's personal beverage
choices, a separate living room and master bedroom, large flat screen
TV/DVD, Ipod docking station, memory foam Tempurpedic mattresses and
choice of preferred complimentary massage times complete the unique
honeymoon package. Plus wedding ceremonies can be arranged to be
performed onboard the yacht..

Like other American Safari Cruises yachts, the Safari Explorer will
carry snorkel equipment, double sea kayaks, motorized shore boats for
coastal exploration and water skiing, a laser sailboat and mountain
bikes.

The Safari Explorer will go where big ships can’t — December 19, 2008
secluded coves and bays, quaint harbors and tiny villages. The yacht
travels only during the day, and will visit Molokai, Lanai,
19th-century Lahaina on Maui, the Big Island and several snorkel/dive
sites. Guests will also have an included Volcanoes National Park
helicopter tour and explore beautiful backcountry waterfalls and
exotic terrain on foot. Cruises will focus on traditional Hawaiian
culture and will offer opportunities for guests to get to know local
residents by visiting their land and their homes.

American Safari Cruises inaugural Hawaii cruise season is Dec. 19,
2008 to May 9, 2009; the Safari Explorer will return in November 2009
to begin its second season. The company operates four luxury yachts
that carry 12 to 36 guests; other destinations are Alaska, Mexico’s
Sea of Cortés, Pacific Northwest and the Columbia and Snake rivers.

For information please contact your travel professional.

About American Safari Cruises: Now in its 11th year, the company
offers luxury yacht cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Mexico's Sea
of Cortés, Hawaii, the Columbia and Snake rivers, and the Pacific
Northwest. The company has four yachts: 145-foot, 36-guest Safari
Explorer; 120-foot, 22-guest Safari Quest; 112-foot, 12-guest Safari
Escape; and 105-foot, 12-guest Safari Spirit. American Safari Cruises
was named one of the world's top 5 luxury small ship/specialty cruise
lines of 2007 by Virtuoso, luxury-travel agent consortium.