Cruises sail on Columbia and Snake rivers and in southeast Alaska

  American Safari Cruises Introduces Heritage Adventure Cruises Aboard 88-Guest Safari Legacy in 2013

Seattle, WA, August 20, 2012 –  Joining the yacht fleet in summer 2013, the 88-guest Safari Legacy adds a new style of adventure to InnerSea Discoveries/American Safari Cruises un-cruise lineup.

Heritage Adventures in Alaska and along the Columbia and Snake Rivers bring history to life with an innovative Living History program on board and ashore.

After significant renovations and upgrades, the replica Victorian steamer will sail two 11-night cruises between Seattle and Juneau, AK departing August 11 and August 22, 2013.

In fall and spring, the Safari Legacy will sail week-long cruises on the Columbia and Snake Rivers roundtrip Portland, OR. In summer 2014, it returns to Alaska for a full season of weeklong cruises between Juneau and Ketchikan, AK.

“In both destinations, historical characters and stories come to life in unexpected ways,”   said Tim Jacox, executive vice president of sales and marketing. “You may meet naturalist John Muir on the bow of the boat in Alaska or Meriwether Lewis along the river.”

The Heritage Adventure program aboard each sailing combines on board presentations with tours ashore—all coordinated by on board Legacy Leaders who retrace history along the gold rush trail in Alaska or Lewis and Clark’s expedition along the rivers.  Stories and characters from the past are brought to life through educational presentations, expert guest speakers and character reenactments. 

In contrast to the line’s luxury and active adventures which tend to forgo port calls for maximum time in the wilderness, the Safari Legacy calls on historic ports along the route and includes a tour in each town. Guided visits to museums and historical sites provide another view into the past and a chance to visit with local people and historians.

Gold Rush Legacy

Two 11-night Gold Rush Legacy sailings between Seattle and Juneau (and reverse) kick off the Safari Legacy’s inaugural year.  The August 11 and August 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, AK.

Highlights include guided tours in port, whale watching, viewing glaciers in Glacier Bay, discovering native Tlingit culture and exploring scenic waterways by Victorian-style steamer. Legacy Leaders weave the colorful stories from Alaska’s history and the gold rush into activities throughout the voyage. Rates start at US$7,895 per person, double occupancy.

Legacy of Discovery

From September through November and March through May, weeklong Legacy of Discovery cruises depart roundtrip Portland, OR to explore the history and scenery of the Columbia and Snake Rivers.  Areas visited include the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Richland, Hells Canyon, Walla Walla, Washington Wine Country, The Dalles and Astoria. 

Highlights include scenic cruising through the 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 Maritime Museum in Astoria; Maryhill Museum and Columbia Gorge Discovery Center;  and a private wine tasting at a Washington winery. Rates start at US$3,195 per person, double occupancy.

The renovated boat emulates an early Victorian style steamer with carved wooden cabinetry, period décor and old world charm—perfect for a voyage down the Rivers or retracing the voyage of gold rush pioneers. All staterooms feature outside view windows, flatscreen TV/DVDs and an iPod docking station.

Safari Legacy cruises include entry fees to museums, national parks and preserves, all onboard meals, fine wine, premium spirits and microbrews, and a complimentary massage. The vessel features a hot tub, sauna, fitness equipment and yoga classes. A guest to crew ratio of 2.5-1 ensures personalized service.  Public areas include a Salon with dance floor, dining room with adjoining wine bar, a DVD and book library, open bridge and covered sun deck. An elevator provides access to three public decks.

Cruise rates include transfers and all activities except optional excursions.  To book an un-cruise or to request additional information, contact your travel agent or InnerSea Discoveries/American Safari Cruises at 888-862-8881 or sales@innerseadiscoveries.com.  

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About InnerSea Discoveries and American Safari Cruises

InnerSea Discoveries began sailing moderately priced adventure cruises in Alaska in 2011 and expands to Hawaii in 2013.  American Safari Cruises, a division of InnerSea Discoveries, pioneered yacht cruising in Alaska in 1997 and has since expanded into Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Hawaiian Islands, and Coastal Washington & British Columbia. InnerSea Discoveries is a member of Trusted Adventures, dedicated to the highest standards of small-group travel and to giving back to the places visited. Connect with InnerSea Discoveries on Facebook and Twitter.