AdventureSmith Explorations

 
ASE_logo_blk_ver.gifBased in Lake Tahoe, California, AdventureSmith Explorations is the global leader in small ship, expeditionary cruise vacations. Company founder Todd Smith pioneered the concept of wilderness cruising - combining the comforts of a small cruise ship with the adventure of sea kayaking and exploring ashore in remote wilderness areas. Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations carefully matches its guests with the top names in expedition cruising as well as smaller, boutique ships that don't make the radar of most travelers.
 
Dedicated to small footprint, sustainable travel AdventureSmith Explorations orchestrates connections with the world's most exotic natural environments and vibrant native cultures through small ship cruising. Voyages combine intimate cruising with rewarding and exciting activities such as sea kayaking, hiking, and rafting in places usually not found on more mainstream itineraries. The company specializes in extraordinary, off-the-beaten-path destinations in Alaska, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Belize, Ecuador and the Galapagos, Guatemala, the Arctic, Antarctica and New Zealand.
 
Commitment to Sustainable Travel
The nature of modern travel inherently emits harmful carbon emissions through the burning of fossil fuels. Planes, ships, cars and lodges are all sources of additional carbon in our atmosphere and contribute to global warming. AdventureSmith Explorations has calculated the amount of carbon emitted by their small ship cruise passengers each year. Through the company’s Carbon Free Cruising campaign they have completely neutralized those emissions and hope to educate travelers about how to fight global warming by reducing their own carbon footprint. See https://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/carbon-free-cruising for more information.
 
In addition to its ground breaking Carbon Free Cruising initiative, the company's mission is to give back to the individuals, communities and environments touched by AdventureSmith Explorations trips by connecting travelers with a network of grassroots and global nonprofit partners worldwide including the Alaska Natural History Association, Neotropica Foundation, and Galapagos Conservancy. See: https://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/conservation for more information.
 
Destinations
 
NORTH AMERICA
 
Bears and wolves, whales and sea otters reward intrepid travelers who explore off the beaten path in Alaska. Cruise it by small ship or yacht and explore the backcountry in style from luxury eco lodges. view alaska adventures
 
British Columbia small ship and yacht cruises travel through some of the most spectacular scenery in North America. Experience mist-shrouded fjords, coastal wilderness, and unique ports of call. view british columbia adventures
 
Explore the majestic Columbia and Snake rivers in the path of Lewis and Clark. Cruise aboard a small ship or yacht, visit Washington's wine country and enjoy the epicurean delights provided by the fertile lands of the Pacific Northwest. view columbia river adventures
 
Baja California and Mexico's Sea of Cortez reveal a land of contrasts. Beautifully harsh, cactus covered desert landscapes and islands give way to rich waters home to whales, dolphins and countless sea creatures. view baja adventures
 
Soaring volcanoes, crashing waterfalls, lush rain forests, vast coffee farms and golden sand beaches beckon the visitor to Hawaii. Explore the remote coves, bays and shoreline by kayak, sailboat, mountain bike and motor launch. view hawaii adventures
 
CENTRAL AMERICA
 
Verdant rain and cloud forests, an astounding diversity of tropical birds and wildlife, active volcanoes, spectacular waterfalls and beautiful beaches. Explore from upscale wilderness lodges or aboard a Costa Rica cruise by small ship. view costa rica adventures
 
Panama has it all... mountains, jungles, beaches, bird life and an astounding biodiversity of flora and fauna. Cruise up close aboard small ships exploring both coasts and the Panama Canal. view panama adventures
 
Explore ancient Maya cities cloaked in pristine rain forest home to abundant tropical birds and wildlife. Enjoy activity and relaxing on beautiful Caribbean beaches and a world-class barrier reef. view belize adventures
 
Adventures that highlight the rich cultural traditions of today's living Maya as well as ancient cities and temples with an abundance of active volcanoes, pristine rain and cloud forests, wild rivers and sacred caves. view guatemala adventures
SOUTH AMERICA
 
Quite simply a Galapagos Island cruise is the vacation of a lifetime. Our small ships and yachts are the finest available staffed with expert local naturalist guides to interpret the unique environment and wildlife of the islands. view galapagos adventures
 
The highlight of travel to Peru is South America's premier ruins, Machu Picchu or an Amazon Cruise aboard a small ship. Enjoy guided explorations of Machu Picchu, Cusco, the Sacred Valley of Urubamba, Lake Titicaca and the Amazon rain forest. view peru adventures
 
NORTHERN EUROPE
 
Northern Europe is an unrivaled place filled with dramatic landscapes, timeless towns and intriguing historical places and cultural interactions. Visitors venturing out on a Northern Europe cruise are rewarded with intimate nature-based experiences and intriguing cultural interactions that are not experienced on the well-trodden paths by the average traveler.  view northern europe adventures
 

MEDITERRANEAN 

The rich history and culture of the Mediterranean Sea is perfect for small ship cruising. Our itineraries take you from Greece's Santorini to Montenegro's Bar, Croatia's Dalmatian Coast and Turkey's Istanbul aboard exclusive yachts and sailing vessels small enough for secluded bays and intimate harbors. See the most popular tourist destination in the world as few do.  view mediterranean adventures

POLAR REGIONS
 
Explore Antarctica - one of the last true wilderness areas left on earth and a continent of superlatives. Expedition cruises utilize long days to experience the world's greatest concentration of wildlife. view antarctica adventures
 
One of the most remote and fascinating regions of the world, recently accessible only to the privileged few. Spectacular fjords, towering mountains and glaciers; walrus and polar bear; and historic sites of polar exploration. view arctic adventures
PACIFIC
 
With the unique experience of the harsh outback contrasted by the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, this place is truly unforgettable. Small ship cruise in style and luxury aboard the Orion while preparing for amazing land expeditions ahead. view australia adventures
 
The adventure capital of the world boasting diversity from alpine mountains and glaciers to sub tropical forest and beaches. Swim with dolphins, soak in hot springs, kayak archipelagos, hike glaciers and trek famous alpine routes. view new zealand adventures
 
Cruise through pristine cobalt blue waters and explore the great variety of dramatic volcanic and coral islands and atolls and meet the locals whose rich cultural heritage is evident in the fascinating archaeological ruins dotting the countryside. view pacific island adventures
 
Japan is a nation with history, culture, and beauty unlike any other. Each of the places you'll explore present new insights into a realm that has fascinated travelers for millennia. view southeast asia adventures

Contact Information

Ph: 1-877-620-2875 / 530-583-1775

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A Personal Message from Todd Smith of AdventureSmith Explorations

Dear Friends and Travelers,
 
Poet Walt Whitman penned great advice for uncertain times such as these. He wrote: “Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.”
 
My team and I at AdventureSmith Explorations are putting this sage advice into practice. While our whole-hearted support goes out to those most impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, we gain strength by focusing on the splendors of our Earth and how nature continues to inspire, soothe and heal us. Knowing that, when this is over, we will need nature more than ever.
 
During times like these, we are proud to be your trusted travel advisor. Albeit needing to adjust some of our office operations for remote work, AdventureSmith Explorations remains fully operational and here for our travelers. My staff and I continue to work closely with each of our current and prospective travelers to craft the best journey and be your most up-to-date connection and resource when events out of our control arise.
 
Writing to you like this is bittersweet as this month I was once again named a Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist for expedition ship cruising and had originally hoped this news would headline this letter. Instead, we are faced with added logistics and communications as travel shifts around the globe. But working with clients to solve complex travel challenges has always been at the core of our business, and why I’ve received this Condé Nast designation now seven times. Our team and our curated expedition cruises and wilderness adventures stand the many tests of time.
 
Rest assured the AdventureSmith Explorations staff has been in daily contact with our ground operators, small ships, wilderness lodges and industry organizations worldwide to ensure we can provide the most up-to-date travel reports and options, a glimpse of which can be found on our Coronavirus Information for AdventureSmith Travelers page. With the international situation changing daily, here’s what we are currently advising our clients to consider: 

  • Use us as your greatest ally.  AdventureSmith has strong, longtime relationships with our partners and thus more sway to be an advocate for your situation. We are better able to help you navigate through the options for changing your trip plans and can offer our advice from dealing with past trip alterations and crises. We also have in-depth insight from our close contacts in each destination. All of this combined can assist you in making a final decision about your present and future travel plans. 
  • Wait (if possible) to best “time” your travel decision.  Airlines, operators and even entire countries are updating their policies by the day. If your travel timeline has flexibility and you can wait to adjust your itinerary, we advise deferring your decision to ensure you have the most up-to-date information and rebooking terms if needed. 
  • The benefits of a small, sustainable ship are multiple.  We represent a select portfolio of small ships that, depending on the destination, range from an average of 20 to 100 guests and have flexible itineraries. The size of these expedition ships means that crews and passengers will benefit from the reality that they are not surrounded by hundreds and thousands of other travelers in port or on-board, and many of our ships are available to charter with your own small group. Our wilderness lodges are also rooted in their environment, often run in partnership with the local community. 
  • We can help with your peace of mind.  As trusted advisors, our team can discuss the wide variety of booking options and trip terms & conditions. Booking a trip, deciding on travel insurance and adjusting any current travel plans are all made easier and with peace of mind through our personalized customer service. We know that the excitement and anticipation of travel can be as rewarding as the journey, so we are encouraging travelers to draw upon the strength of that feeling now. 
  • Curate that bucket list & when you're ready, we'll be here.  While much travel over the next month is clearly disrupted, know that travel operators worldwide are working to flatten the curve now to avoid any prolonged period of turmoil. And rest assured that our operations team is forging ahead to ensure we have the best travel options for 2020 and 2021 available for you on our website. We are continuing our passion for world travel in these uncertain months by researching our destinations, beefing up our resources for our travelers, supporting our partners and remaining the company that you can trust. 

Together, our world will get through this. I remain optimistic that we are all on the right track to minimize the disruption and impact of COVID-19 if we all continue to take our responsibility seriously. Join me in continuing to look for the sunshine and toward that time in the not-so-distant future when we can resume our normal lives and fulfill our travel dreams.
 
Respectfully yours,
 


 

Todd Smith
Founder and President
AdventureSmith Explorations
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
866-575-2875
 
P.S.  I am available via my contact information above. Love to hear from you! Thanks.

AdventureSmith Explorations Explores North America By Land and Sea

TRUCKEE, CA, Feb. 27, 2020 –The leader in small ship cruises and wilderness expeditions makes it easy to explore the northernmost reaches of North America by land and by sea. AdventureSmith Explorations promises opportunities for epic wildlife encounters, unforgettable landscapes and fascinating cultural and historical learning experiences via trips in Canada, Alaska and their greater Arctic regions.

“North America offers 9.54 million square miles of diversity, and its northernmost territories showcase some of the most pristine landscapes,” said Todd Smith, founder of AdventureSmith Explorations. “We pride ourselves in introducing our passengers to regions along the Pacific and Arctic oceans. Our fleet of small ships and wilderness lodges access hard-to-reach and often remote regions where guests can step back millennia into a natural world.”

Following are AdventureSmith Explorations’ top picks of North America by Land and Sea scheduled for the upcoming 2020 and 2021 seasons. Each itinerary allows guests to embark and disembark in North America.

By Land

Classic Polar Bear Adventure spends six to seven days based in historic Churchill, Canada, near the world’s greatest concentration of polar bears. While the bears await the freeze of Hudson Bay and the start of seal hunting season, up to 16 guests on each departure are safely and comfortably positioned to observe these creatures from inside a Polar Rover, the world’s premier tundra vehicle (built for 35 passengers). This adventure begins with a charter flight from Winnipeg, the gateway airport, to Churchill. Departures are several times weekly throughout October and November 2020.

Arctic Watch epitomizes “getting away from it all” over 10 days in the Canadian Arctic 500 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Activities emanate from the Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge and a world-class beluga whale observation site on Somerset Island in Nunavut, Canada. Guests participate in Arctic safaris with possibilities of spotting polar bears; they may also fish, paddleboard, fat bike, ride ATVs searching for musk ox and ring seals, and they can kayak with opportunities to see beluga (white) whales. Five itineraries are planned in July/August 2020 and four in July/August 2021.

Camp Denali & North Face Lodge Adventure offers the flexibility of spending from six to 10 days exploring one of the world’s greatest wilderness regions. Denali National Park is six million acres inhabited by grizzly bears, moose, caribou and wolves. Naturalist guides lead day hikes with time left over for paddling, picking blueberries and biking. Guests have the option to stay at two different remote lodges on this exciting land tour from early June through mid-September 2020.

By Sea

Many inquiries that come into the AdventureSmith office are from potential clients who have never experienced a small ship cruise. To answer questions on why small ship cruising may be the best option for certain travelers, the staff prepared a Small Ship vs Big Ship blog.  Some of these points found in the blog are clearly highlighted when looking through the following itineraries AdventureSmith showcases that embark from some of the highest-latitude North American shores.

The Northwest Passage follows the fabled sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Adventures are for nine to 17 days. Accommodation is aboard the 200-passenger, purpose-built polar ship, Ultramarine, debuting this season. In 2021 the program will include a weather-dependent, small-group, 10- to 15-minute helicopter flightseeing excursion, as well as a helicopter transfer to a landing site. (The rate includes roundtrip charter flights between Toronto and Resolute Bay in Nunavut, Canada.)

Sea Wolf Glacier Bay Adventure is for only 12 guests who appreciate that the Sea Wolf small ship is locally owned and staffed by local pros, the best resource when it comes to insider experiences. Guests transfer from Juneau to Gustavus, Alaska, for embarkation. New bookings on departures for May 16, May 30, June 13 or July 4, 2020, come with a per person savings of $300. There are frequent departures from May through August 2020.

Alaska’s Glaciers & Whales is an eight-day immersion through the Inside Passage aboard the 84-guest Safari Endeavour expedition ship, complete with a hot tub, premium spirits, wine and beer. This is a well-rounded cruise with a strong focus on glaciers and icescapes, with ample dollops of culture and wildlife. Departures are from May through August 2020.

Across the Bering Sea transports guests from Nome or Seward, Alaska, over 13 or 22 days into or near the Arctic Circle. The 102-guest National Geographic Orion offers luxurious onboard amenities that welcome passengers home after they explore on the 13-day program a remote Siberian coastline and venture past the Arctic Circle. Farther on the Wrangel Island Reserve (a federally protected nature sanctuary administered by Russia's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment) is home to the highest density of ancestral polar bear dens, the world’s largest population of Pacific walrus and a variety of plant life. A 22-day alternative cultural- and wildlife-focused itinerary sails through Alaska’s Katmai coast then along the coast of Russia through Kamchatka. Six departures are scheduled from June through August 2020 and five from June through August 2021.

For details on all of AdventureSmith Explorations’ small ship cruises, itineraries, availability and for 2020-2021 reservations, please call 866-575-2875 toll-free orvisit the company website.

About AdventureSmith Explorations - Think Outside the Boat!

Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Truckee, CA, near the northern shore of Lake Tahoe. A recognized leader in small ship cruising, in 2012 owner Todd Smith first joined the ranks of Condé Nast Traveler's prestigious world’s Top Travel Specialists list as the leading expert on small ship expeditions, a distinction that he still enjoys to this day.

# # #

PR Contact for Information, Photos, Press Visits: Widness and Wiggins PR

Sara Widness / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./ Ph: 802-234-6704

Dave Wiggins / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./ Ph: 720-301-3822

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AdventureSmith Explorations Helps Clients Celebrate Milestones On Small Ship Cruises

TRUCKEE, CA, Feb. 6, 2020 – Considering a cruise to commemorate an upcoming life event? AdventureSmith Explorations can make that dream come true.

Cozying up to all kinds of milestones is the forte of AdventureSmith Explorations, the ultimate small ship cruising matchmakers. Here are a few suggestions from their seasoned staff for intimate cruise adventures that compound the excitement of reaching life achievements and embracing all kinds of anniversaries and mileposts.

Graduation: Book by March 31, 2020, and receive complimentary roundtrip airfare from Miami on the National Geographic Endeavour II Galapagos Cruise. Enjoy snorkeling, hiking, viewing Darwin’s world in a glass-bottom boat and more on this 10-day cruise tailored for 96 active travelers. The perfect eye-opening reward for years of hard work.

Empty Nest: Book by Feb. 28, 2020, and save up to $350 per person on the Hawaiian Seascapes cruise aboard the luxurious 36-guest Safari Explorer small ship. Liberated parents can snorkel among coral gardens and a sea turtle habitat, stand-up paddleboard, kayak and sightsee on skiff tours. For a cultural and historic element, visit the Lana’i Culture and Heritage Center.

Celebrating Kids: Grandparentspaying two full adult fares can save 25 percent on rates for grandchildren by booking Exploring the Sea of Cortez: A Living Sea & Desert Isles cruise by Feb. 28, 2020. Top-notch wildlife encounters pair up with calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The ships are the 100-guest National Geographic Venture and National Geographic Quest.

School’s Out: Book by Feb. 28, 2020, and save $500 per person on family cruises in Alaska: Alaska’s Glacier Country, Alaska’s Glaciers & Whales, Alaska Fjords & Glaciers and Whales, Wildlife & Glaciers. The ships are 90-guest S.S. Legacy and 84-guest Safari Endeavour.

Popping the Question: Feb. 28, 2020, is the deadline to save $400 per person on the Belize & Guatemala Wonders—Rivers, Reefs & Cultures small ship cruise aboard the 66-guest Safari Voyager. Trek through jungles, snorkel along the second largest coral reef in the world and soak up colorful cultures in a tropical paradise during this adventure that may have a certain “ring” to it.

The Vows: Lovers can get married in front of a glacier and save $300 per person on May 16, May 20, June 13 and July 4, 2020, departures of the Sea Wolf Glacier Bay Adventure small ship cruise that focuses on the many magical aspects of Alaska’s Glacier Bay. Guests marvel at breathtaking glaciers and such wildlife as bears, wolves, moose and whales while aboard the 12-passenger Sea Wolf.

Retirement: Deadlines may be a thing of the past but don’t miss the Feb. 28, 2020, deadline to save $1,250 per person on an Inside Passage Sojourn small ship cruise aboard the sleek 76-guest Chichagof Dream. This experience focuses on Alaska’s nature, history and First Nations culture. Now with extra time, also consider an Alaska land tour extension!

Forever Birthday: Think about chartering the right-size ship for you and your family and friends to celebrate a special birthday. The galley will certainly whip up a delicious cake; but the savings can be even sweeter. In general, chartering a ship saves guests 10 percent to 30 percent off the standard per-person cabin rate. AdventureSmith’s most popular charter ships range from 8 to 22 guests. Or one can opt to just book as a small group to take advantage of savings. Feel free to request extra personalized touches on the 8-guest Westward thanks to the yacht’s remarkable Chef Tracie, who maintains a seasonal herb garden on the ship’s upper deck and is famous for her elaborate homemade desserts. Alaska’s Western Passages and Westward Voyages in the Sea of Cortez are two great birthday cruise choices.

Just Gotta Go: When the savings are so substantial, the Antarctic Peninsula becomes more than a dream. March 2, 2020, is the deadline to save up to $1700 per person on select cabin categories on the Antarctic Latitudes cruise aboard the 112-guest Island Sky and 114-guest Hebridean Sky expedition ships. Think penguin rookeries, seal wallows and whale feeding areas, as well as sites of historic and scientific interest on the White Continent.

For details on all of AdventureSmith Explorations’ small ship cruises, itineraries, availability and for 2020-2021 reservations, please call 866-575-2875 toll-free orvisit the company website.

About AdventureSmith Explorations - Think Outside the Boat!

Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Truckee, CA, near the northern shore of Lake Tahoe. A recognized leader in small ship cruising, in 2012 owner Todd Smith first joined the ranks of Condé Nast Traveler's prestigious world’s Top Travel Specialists list as the leading expert on small ship expeditions, a distinction that he still enjoys to this day.

# # #

PR Contact for Information, Photos, Press Visits: Widness and Wiggins PR

Sara Widness / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./ Ph: 802-234-6704

Dave Wiggins / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./ Ph: 720-301-3822

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AdventureSmith Explorations Folds 30-Guest Luxury Dive Ship Into Indonesia Cruise Itineraries

TRUCKEE, CA, Jan. 9, 2020 – To help ring in the new year, AdventureSmith Explorations announces the addition of a luxurious and dive-focused expedition cruise ship to enhance and expand the many ways guests can now cruise Indonesia.

The international experts in small ship expedition cruising advises travelers considering a vacation in this region to review How to Choose Your Indonesia Cruise for ideas on dates, itineraries and ships (ranging from a 14-guest sailing vessel to 120-guest expedition vessels).

However, for scuba diving enthusiasts, these new Aqua Blu itineraries can’t be beat.

Aqua Blu served previously as a private yacht for an aristocratic European family. Refurbished in 2019, she features 15 sea-facing suites accommodating up to 30 guests, and premium furnishings with a distinctive design that combines modern luxury with ultimate comfort.

Today she offers AdventureSmith Explorations the opportunity to present three new itineraries with daily scuba dive programs that are comprehensive, all-inclusive and unique to Aqua Blu. Beginner, advanced and expert divers are all accommodated; this Information Sheet showcases the ship’s commitment to underwater explorations of the Indonesian archipelago.

Sister sailing ships Ombak Putih (24 guests) and Katharina (14 guests) remain AdventureSmith traveler favorites as these masted classics are authentically built in the style of the region. Both ships received new teak decks in 2019 and their highly knowledgeable local guides provide unmatched cultural experiences. Two favorite routes for these ships come with savings for spring 2020 travel:

  • Sailing Indonesia: The Undiscovered Frontier, 14 days from $8,560 introduces guests to the waters around the island of Sulawesi that is still untouched by tourism. In 2020 bookings for March 19 and April 5 departures include complimentary domestic airfare to the ports of embarkation from Jakarta or Bali, Indonesia. Flights are to and from client ports of embarkation and disembarkation in Manado and Ternate or Labuan Bajo, Indonesia.
  • Sailing Indonesia: Bali, Komodo and Flores, five- and eight-day cruises from $2,100 (5 day) / $3,280 8 day). This is a best-selling introduction to Indonesia and newly includes the opportunity to swim with whale sharks. 2020 bookings made before March 31, 2020, for departures of this itinerary include complimentary domestic airfare for embarkation or disembarkation in Flores, Indonesia. One-way flights are to/from Bali or Jakarta, Indonesia, and are based on the direction of travel.

“Travel by small expedition cruise ships in this region is growing, and for good reason,” said Todd Smith, Founder and President of AdventureSmith Explorations. “The myriad itineraries showcasing endemic wildlife, underwater wonderlands, traditional local cultures and intriguing history present an expanse of options sure to delight travelers looking to sail into remote areas.”

How do you choose where to cruise among the many regions of Indonesia?

“Determine how you imagine engaging with the new worlds you will visit. What’s most important to you? History, culture, wildlife, activities? Then hone in on those itineraries that come closest to your ideas. For example, Flores, Komodo & Bali cruisesembrace volcanoes, rainforests, waterfalls white-sand beaches and explorations of traditional lifestyles in quiet coastal villages. Raja Ampat cruises in the Coral Triangle delight snorkelers in an underwater paradise and birding enthusiasts on jungle-clad karst islands,” he added.

For details on all of AdventureSmith Explorations’ small ship cruises, itineraries, availability and for 2020-2021 reservations, please call 866-575-2875 toll-free orvisit the company website.

About AdventureSmith Explorations- Think Outside the Boat!

Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Truckee, CA, near the northern shore of Lake Tahoe. A recognized leader in small ship cruising, in 2012 owner Todd Smith first joined the ranks of Condé Nast Traveler's prestigious world’s Top Travel Specialists list as the leading expert on small ship expeditions, a distinction that he still enjoys to this day.

# # #

PR Contact for Information, Photos, Press Visits: Widness and Wiggins PR

Sara Widness / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./ Ph: 802-234-6704

Dave Wiggins / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./ Ph: 720-301-3822

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AdventureSmith Launches Incentives for Families, Announces New 2020 Alaska Cruises

TRUCKEE, CA, Dec. 5, 2019 – AdventureSmith Explorations serves up Alaska’s most diverse range of small ship cruise itineraries. On board for 2020 will be cruise specials specifically for families as well as new and enhanced opportunities for off-ship wildlife immersions for all ages.

Booking Incentives for Families

When it comes to family vacations, Alaska is a spectacular and easy to reach destination. Small ship cruises provide families intimate access to Alaska’s wildlife, history and culture – with all the convenience that comes with shipboard life and without disconcerting crowds.

Clients who book Alaska’s Glacier Country and Alaska Fjords & Glaciers cruises aboard the 90-guest S.S. Legacy by Dec. 13, 2019, will receive an early booking discount of $600 per person, plus an extra $500 off per child ages 8-13. Alaska’s Glacier Country is an eight-day adventure roundtrip from Juneau that flows around Admiralty Island. Alaska Fjords & Glaciers is also an eight-day cruise, this time exploring between Juneau and Ketchikan. Every day offers opportunities for adventure: hiking, kayaking, skiff rides, standup paddle boarding and snorkeling, all ways to explore Alaska’s backcountry nature and wildlife up close.

Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness aboard National Geographic Venture and National Geographic Quest, each accommodating only 100 passengers, can be likened to stepping into the pages of National Geographic for eight days. Naturalists and expedition leaders from National Geographic Society offer an unparalleled educational and intellectual Alaska program. Guests kayak, ride skiffs and walk along the shore to witness Alaska in the wild. Special programming for kids includes photo workshops, journaling, scavenger hunts, Zodiac-diving lessons, nature and science programming and child-friendly menu options. Families can anticipate savings of up to 50 percent for kids under the age of 22 when traveling with two full-fare passengers on select departures.

Northern Passages and Glacier Bay cruises aboard 76-passenger Wilderness Discoverer and 74-passenger Wilderness Explorer come with early booking discounts of $500 per person, plus an extra $500 per child ages 8-13 if booked by Dec 13, 2019. This eight-day itinerary travels between Juneau and Sitka, with ample opportunities to explore remote shorelines.

New-for-2020 Alaska Itineraries

AdventureSmith, the international leader in small expedition ship cruising, cut its teeth in 2003 in Alaska. The company founder was a naturalist guide and cruise program manager in the state over a decade before that. Today the company is the turn-to specialist on all things Alaska. Clients who book a 2020 Alaska small ship cruise before the calendar turns can be rewarded with savings up to $1,000, group special offers, waived solo premiums, child discounts, complimentary airfare and more, while supplies last.

Two six-day itineraries, originally designed for those who can spend only limited time on a cruise in Alaska, can now be combined back to back to satisfy those who want to double the adventure. If booked separately, each trip is an efficient way to experience Alaska’s Inside Passage. Experienced together, the two itineraries create a thorough experience from north to south, with top naturalists and guides aboard. The itineraries are Wild Alaska Escape, Sitka to Juneau aboard either 62-guest National Geographic Sea Lion or National Geographic Sea Bird, and Wild Alaska Escape: Juneau to Ketchikan aboard 62-guest National Geographic Sea Lion.

Two itineraries have a particular focus in 2020 on whales.Glacier Bay National Park Adventure Cruise runs eight days aboard the 60-guest Wilderness Adventurer and takes travelers to prime whale watching areas, spending two days in Glacier Bay National Park and a day focused on Chatham Strait, an area famous for humpback whales which bubble-net feed on the large herring population. Frederick Sound is Southeast Alaska’s other popular humpback whale-watching site, and in 2020 Inside Passage Sojourn expands to a 10-day trip aboard 76-guest Chichagof Dream, with its extra day spent seeking out the large whales in Frederick Sound.

The new Great Bear Rainforest Cruise: The Land of The Spirit Bear is an eight-day cruise through Canada and Alaska that AdventureSmith Explorations ranks at the top of its 2020 portfolio. The Spirit Bear, also known as a Kermode bear, is a variant of the North American black bear and can only be found in the pristine wilderness of the Great Bear Rainforest. This round-trip Ketchikan itinerary aboard the 100-guest National GeographicVenture offers enriching cultural interpretations with opportunities to spot the region’s abundant wildlife, including mountain goats, cougars, grizzly bears, coastal grey wolves, killer whales, sea lions, sea otters and more.

The company’s ever-popular Glacier Bay & Island Adventure, a top-selling Alaska small ship cruise in 2019, gets an itinerary refresh in 2020, uniquely adding stops in Wrangell and Pelican, plus a transit of the Lisianski Inlet. In Wrangell guests visit the intriguing State Historic Park, Petroglyph Beach, which contains the highest concentration of petroglyphs in Southeast Alaska. This is also the only itinerary to visit the fishing town of Pelican, home to dense populations of coastal brown bears. Guests are at home for eight days on either 40-guest Alaskan Dream or 49-guest Baranof Dream.

Visitors to Alaska can cross the Arctic Circle or experience the Aleutian Islands with two 13-day options or a full 22-day cruise on Across the Bering Sea. The cruises all operate roundtrip from Alaska with at least one stop in Russia. Experience Siberia from the comforts of 102-guest National Geographic Orion.

For details on these and all of AdventureSmith Explorations’ small ship cruises, itineraries, availability and for 2020 reservations, please call 866-575-2875 toll-free orvisit the company website.

About AdventureSmith Explorations - Think Outside the Boat!

Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Truckee, CA, near the northern shore of Lake Tahoe. A recognized leader in small ship cruising, in 2012 owner Todd Smith first joined the ranks of Condé Nast Traveler's prestigious world’s Top Travel Specialists list as the leading expert on small ship expeditions, a distinction that is still enjoyed to this day.

# # #

PR Contact for Information, Photos, Press Visits: Widness and Wiggins PR

Sara Widness / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / Ph: 802-234-6704

Dave Wiggins / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / Ph: 720-301-3822

Follow AdventureSmith Explorations:

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AdventureSmith Explorations Offers 2021 Solar Eclipse Viewing On Seven Antarctic Cruises

TRUCKEE, CA, Nov. 7, 2019 – On Dec. 4, 2021, there will be a total eclipse of the sun in Antarctica, a region most can only dream about.

However, theinternational expert in small ship expedition cruising, AdventureSmith Explorations, announces limited availability for voyages to the Antarctic Peninsula to witness this phenomenon that will only be seen in the south polar region.

Vessels accommodating from 102 to 170 passengers are uniquely appointed to maneuver the ice-bound waters of Antarctica for positioning in the center of the moon shadow during the eclipse.

Itineraries of 20 to 24 days will utilize in-depth technology to find the best possible viewing area, hoping to ensure an unobscured sun.

Departures are round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, with explorations of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula, the ultimate polar wilderness. These eclipse cruises aim to be in the Weddell Sea to witness the phenomena among giant tabular icebergs and sea ice.

For some passengers the eclipse will be the expedition’s highlight. However, the ongoing adventure into spring in Antarctica will leave everyone in awe over some of the world’s most impressive scenery, including icebergs of every size and description, and Antarctica’s best wildlife viewing opportunities. Waters rich with krill are home to a variety of whale and seal species. Penguins form large nesting colonies on land.

Antarctica cruises, already once-in-a-lifetime experiences, become even more so on the following small ships in December 2021. Following are the scheduled departures for eclipse viewing:

20-Day Voyages

The Plancius, Janssonius and Hondius are purpose-built expedition vessels designed exclusively for polar cruises. These ships offer top-tier activity gear and exploratory educational travel programs, with guests spending as much time ashore as possible.

23-Day Voyage

  • Nov. 20-Dec. 12, 2021 –Antarctic Wildlife Adventure, aboard 114-guest Sea Spirit; per person double rates from $18,395.Complementing the strong credentials of the ship’s teamof marine biology, history, geology and ornithology specialists will be Paul M. Sutter, astrophysicist, author, speaker, producer and on-air host. His first book, Your Place in the Universe; Understanding Our Big, Messy Existence,was published by Prometheus Books in 2018. He is the author of over 50 articles on astrophysics and serves as Chief Scientist of the Center of Science and Industry in Columbus, Ohio.

24-Day Voyages

On these National Geographic cruises, photography experts will share information about special equipment you’ll need if you want to create an image of the eclipse, like solar filters. And the onboard National Geographic photographer and certified photo instructor will prepare guests for the special challenges of shooting an eclipse from a ship, where tripods and long exposures don’t work on what amounts to a moving platform. A naturalist team and guest speakers will provide insight and background on eclipses and other astronomical features one might encounter in the Southern Ocean and Southern Hemisphere.

For intrepid explorers who can’t wait until 2021 to experience Antarctica, AdventureSmith Explorations announces availability with some rate savings on the following Antarctic expeditions in the 2019-2020 season.

For details on all of AdventureSmith Explorations’ small ship cruises, itineraries, availability and for 2019-2020 reservations, please call 866-575-2875 toll-free orvisit the company website.

About AdventureSmith Explorations -Think Outside the Boat!

Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Truckee, CA, near the northern shore of Lake Tahoe. A recognized leader in small ship cruising, in 2012 owner Todd Smith first joined the ranks of Condé Nast Traveler's prestigious world’s Top Travel Specialists list as the leading expert on small ship expeditions.

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PR Contact for Information, Photos, Press Visits: Widness and Wiggins PR

Sara Widness / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / Ph: 802-234-6704

Dave Wiggins / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / Ph: 720-301-3822

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AdventureSmith Explorations Showcases Belize, Mediterranean and Arctic Among 12 New 2020 Itineraries

TRUCKEE, CA, Oct. 10, 2019 – Responding to remarkable growth in expedition cruising, AdventureSmith Explorations announces for 2020 a heady combo of 12 new itineraries and five new ships to its growing portfolio of roughly 300 small expedition ships and wilderness lodges.

This international leader in small expedition ship cruising helped pioneer wilderness and cultural travel by small ship in 2003. Its booked passenger count has grown some 150 percent annually since then. New itineraries entice both repeat and new clients.

Here are 2020 season details on new programs and ships in a multitude of adventurous cruising hot spots.

Belize and Latin America

AdventureSmith Explorations is especially excited about a new itinerary, Belize & Guatemala Wonders – Rivers, Reefs & Cultures, that its own team helped develop. This eight-day cruise explores in-depth the less visited sections of the Belizean Barrier Reef, a 200-mile long UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Guests snorkel amongst the stunning coral communities surrounding the Smithsonian Marine Field Station at Carrie Bow Caye, a virtual living laboratory for one of Earth’s most fascinating ecosystems.  Closer to land, guests are also introduced to more of Central America’s less know gems, such as the mangrove and savannah habitats of Payne’s Creek National Park, home to the West Indian manatee and the endangered yellow-headed parrot.

Bookings made by Nov. 20, 2019, come with a savings of $400 off the per person double rate from $4,545. The 66-passenger Safari Voyager is equipped with an EZ Dock kayak launch system, an underwater bow camera, and a constellation of the finest equipment for personal marine exploration.

Another well-rounded cruise is the Colombia & Panama–Coral, Jungles, Canal,also new, which offers a $400 early bird booking discount on a per person double rate from $4,895 for eight days aboard 66-guest Safari Voyager.

Mediterranean

Three different seas are the focus for 12 days aboard the 58-passenger Sea Cloud while exploring Mediterranean Gems: Sailing from Dubrovnik to Naples. This beauty of a vessel replete with masts and billowing sails departs on the Adriatic from the Game of Thrones city, Dubrovnik, through the Strait of Otranto that divides Italy’s boot from Albania. Ports rife with history await as the sailing ship plies the Mediterranean bound for the Strait of Messina that separates Sicily from Italy, with stops at Hellenic ruins in Siracusa (Ortygia) and Taormina. Later, on the Tyrhennian Sea, guests explore Stromboli, home of one of Italy’s most active volcanoes. Eruptions of a cultural sort follow as history foments in Agropoli, Paestum and Pompeii, with time enough to enjoy the beauties of Amalfi. The per person double rate is from $13,330. Departures in 2020 are May 22 and Sept. 17.

Alaska

People short on time can partake of a new six-day Wild Alaska Escape: Juneau to Ketchikan cruise through the Inside Passage in Southeast Alaska aboard 62-guest National Geographic Sea Lion. The per person double rate is from $4,420. Multiple departures in 2020 are in May, June, July and August.

Antarctica

Guests may choose to go big in AntarcticawithNational Geographic Epic Antarcticathat sails over 35 days between Argentina and New Zealand aboard 126-passenger National Geographic Endurance. The per person double rate is from $48,800.

Arctic

New epic Arctic cruiseitineraries embrace Greenland, Russia and Canada. For details please see:

Baja

Baja cruise options expand with a new six-day focus on the Pacific gray whales of Baja onThe Whales of Magdalena Bayaboard 62-guest National Geographic Sea Lion. Per person double rates are from $3,740.

Northern Europe

Guests explore nine countries along the Baltic Sea onCircumnavigating the Baltic Sea, a new 16-day Northern Europe cruise aboard the 148-guest National Geographic Explorer. Per person double rates are from $17,330.

New Ships

AdventureSmith Explorations’ founder/owner Todd Smith says 20 years ago he could only dream about the capabilities and technology of the new ships being folded into his company’s 2020 portfolio. “These new ships will push the boundaries of adventure, comfort and sustainable technology while exploring the world’s wild places.”

  • Indonesia: 30-guest Aqua Blu has been newly refurbished for delivering seven- and 12-night itineraries through Indonesia’s Coral Triangle.
  • Galapagos: 18-guest Conservation lives up to its name with offset carbon emissions, biodegradable amenities and no single-use plastics while plying the waters of one of the world’s most fragile ecosystems.
  • Amazon: 40-guest riverboat, Aqua Nera, sets new standards of luxury in Amazon River cruising on the Peruvian Amazon. Think outdoor cinema, a screening room, pool table, plunge pools and spa treatment rooms.
  • Polar (Antarctica & Arctic): 126-guest National Geographic Endurance is an educational polar vessel designed to be faster, safer and more efficient than ever before.
  • Polar (Antarctica & Arctic): 200-guest Ultramarine offers specialized exploration tools (helicopters and helipads for flightseeing and heli-skiing), cutting-edge safety measures and the ability to cruise for 70 days sets this one apart.

For details on these and all of AdventureSmith Explorations’ small ship cruises, itineraries, availability and for 2019-2020 reservations, please call 866-575-2875 toll-free orvisit thecompany website.

About AdventureSmith Explorations- Think Outside the Boat!

Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Truckee, CA, near the northern shore of Lake Tahoe. A recognized leader in small ship cruising, in 2012 owner Todd Smith first joined the ranks of Condé Nast Traveler's prestigious world’s Top Travel Specialists list as the leading expert on small ship expeditions, a distinction that is still enjoyed to this day.

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PR Contact for Information, Photos, Press Visits: Widness and Wiggins PR

Sara Widness / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./ Ph: 802-234-6704

Dave Wiggins / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./ Ph: 720-301-3822

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A Personal Message from Todd Smith, President of AdventureSmith Explorations

Dear Friends,

What an incredible time to be at the forefront of expedition cruising!

For sixteen years we’ve been privileged to witness the joy of our travelers as they explore new worlds on small ships. We’re proud to be the catalyst and the link that allows our guests to reflect on the wildlife, landscape and culture of pristine and remote environments.

AdventureSmith Explorations manages a growing portfolio of roughly 300 small expedition ships and wilderness lodges. Our inventory is in high demand. This year guests enjoyed several new ships launched in 2019.

With our trusted partners who operate and own small ships and lodges (our staff personally vets each one), together we keep up with demand by growing our offerings and itineraries. The trend continues. In 2020 we will be featuring nearly 30 brand-new adventures in over 10 destinations (please see list that follows).

We also …

  • Expanded destination offerings that now include new itineraries for 2020 in Indonesia, Canada, Northern Europe and Patagonia.
  • Extended seasons. Alaska cruises have begun to be offered as early as April. Travelers can now cruise through Hawaii (Hawaiian Seascapes) year-round.
  • Offer more itineraries in emerging small ship destinations such as Australia and the Arctic, to date our largest expansion with now over 30 itineraries.

In other news, AdventureSmith Explorations is excited to announce the launch of our newly designed and enhanced website, now with a larger-format image experience (see the homepage), easier navigation, a Wishlist for saving favorite trips and deals and a refreshed mobile interface.

Through years of dedication and careful expansion we’ve become the go-to resource for small ship cruising. This means knowing our product top to bottom. In 2019 our company completed tours to Alaska, Galapagos, Arctic, Indonesia, Peru, Europeand Belize (some destinations visited by multiple staff members) to gather intel to match adventure travelers with the perfect trip. And many more staff trips are planned before year’s end to Antarctica, Galapagos, Australia, the Arctic and Amazon.

The media world has also rewarded us for our knowledge within the industry. Many friends and clients have shared with me the excitement of our receiving (for the sixth year) Conde Nast Traveler’s “Top Small Ship Travel Specialist” designation. We are proud of this distinction and will work hard to maintain it.

Thanks to our press friends for being on board with us with your stories, photos and blogs. Please don’t hesitate to contact me anytime if you’d like my insights on growing trends, exciting new destinations and breaking news in the world of small ship cruising!

Kindest regards,

Todd Smith, Founder and President

My Personal Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

NEW for 2020 are these 29 brand new trips:

 

New Booking Incentives on Small Ship Expedition Cruises to Amazon, Galapagos, Antarctica

TRUCKEE, CA, Aug. 13, 2019 – For expedition cruisers looking for an amazing deal, below is a heady mix of high-end itineraries available through 2019 in three distinct destinations. All offer booking incentives, with some limited offers up to 40 percent off. All are being promoted through the small ship cruise expert Adventure Smith Explorations.

40% Savings on Cruise Departures Exploring the Ecuadorian Amazon

The Ecuadorian Amazon comes to life on four, five and eight-day Anakonda Amazon Cruises from $2,440 per person double (for four days). Specific departures through Dec. 20 come with savings ranging from 10% to 40%. One of the most biodiverse regions of the world, the Ecuadorian Amazon Basin, reveals its bounties from the perspective of the Napo River aboard the 40-guest cruise vessel M/V Anakonda, specifically designed to navigate these waters. Guests visit Amazonian communities where they are invited to see handicraft demonstrations and to sample traditional meals. Here the varied ecosystems showcase such wildlife as pink river dolphins, giant otters and turtles. Hundreds of native birds and primates signal their presence while navigating along the region’s freshwater rivers. In Yasuni National Park guests may swim, kayak and canoe, birdwatch and trek through the rainforest.

The Manatee Amazon Explorer Cruise offers savings up to 40% on cruises departing from Sept 4 through Dec 20, 2019. These are from $1,966 per person double for four days exploring the Ecuadorian Amazon Basin. Five and eight-day adventures are also available. Accommodation is aboard the 30-guest M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer.

Free Local Air on Nov-Dec Galapagos Cruises

Sea Star Journey Galapagos Cruises are five and six-day active explorations of the Galapagos aboard the 16-passenger luxury yacht, Sea Star Journey. Select departures in November and December come with complimentary local airfare and savings of up to 10 percent. The per person double rate is from $4,649 for five days. (Five and six-day programs can be combined with other itineraries to create longer cruises of up to 15 days.) Complimentary roundtrip air from Quito or Guayaquil to Galapagos is available on Nov. 3, Nov. 17 and Dec. 15, 2019 departures. Sea kayaking, snorkeling, trekking and exploring the underwater world in a glass-bottom boat bring to life the wonders of this region.

On select departures of Seaman Journey Galapagos Cruises from October through December 2019, guests can enjoy savings of up to 20% plus a $300 discount on local airfare. Accommodation is aboard M/C Seaman Journey, a recently remodeled 16-passenger catamaran with one of the best sundecks in the Galapagos. Four, five and eight-day cruises are available starting from $2,599 per person double.

Free Round-Trip Airfare Offered on Two Antarctic Itineraries

National Geographic the White Continent is a 14-day cruise from $14,680 aboard the 148-guest National Geographic Explorer, the 102-guest National Geographic Orion or the 126-guest National Geographic Endurance. Bookings made by December 31, 2019 on this classic itinerary to the Antarctic Peninsula offer complimentary round-trip airfare (when booking on the National Geographic Explorer or Orion), as well as a complimentary bar tab and all ships’ crew gratuities. These ships are virtual floating basecamps during the voyage, offering enough kayaks and Zodiacs to send all guests out exploring at the same time. Huge tabular icebergs, Gentoo penguins, whales and more stamp memories in place forever.

Complimentary round-trip airfare and waived bar tab and crew gratuities are also offered on the National Geographic Antarctica, South Georgia and Falkland Islands cruise throughout a 24-day adventure at a per person double rate from $25,220. Guests enjoy distinguished hospitality aboard the 148-guest National Geographic Explorer, the 102-guest National Geographic Orion or the 126-guest National Geographic Endurance. Opportunities for wildlife viewing are countless. Think a vast colony of king penguins, albatross, king cormorants, nesting rockhopper penguins and Magellanic penguins.

For details on these and all of AdventureSmith Explorations’ small ship cruises, itineraries, availability and for 2019-2020 reservations, please call 866-575-2875 toll-free orvisit the company website.

About AdventureSmith Explorations- Think Outside the Boat!

Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Truckee, CA, near the northern shore of Lake Tahoe. A recognized leader in small ship cruising, in 2012 owner Todd Smith first joined the ranks of Condé Nast Traveler's prestigious world’s Top Travel Specialists list as the leading expert on small ship expeditions, a distinction that is still enjoyed to this day.

# # #

PR Contact for Information, Photos, Press Visits: Widness and Wiggins PR

Sara Widness / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / Ph: 802-234-6704

Dave Wiggins / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / Ph: 720-301-3822

Follow AdventureSmith Explorations:

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AdventureSmith Explorations’ Founder, Todd Smith, Relays Trends Seen in Small Ship Expedition Cruising

TRUCKEE, CA, July 30, 2019 – Small ship vacationing is on the rise with expedition cruising leading the charge. One company on the cutting edge of this expansion is AdventureSmith Explorations. Its founder, Todd Smith, shares his insights and thoughts on the recent growth.

“Expedition cruising is a perfect match for travelers seeking to check off hard-to-reach, bucket-list destinations sustainably and actively,” explains Smith. “Flexible routes allow for spontaneous exploration and that spirit of adventure that today’s travelers value.”

On the Growth of Small Ship Expedition CruisingWe have seen remarkable growth in interest in expedition cruising since the founding of our company in 2003. Year over year from 2013 to 2018, our booked passenger count grew over 150%. All the while, the expertise of my team at AdventureSmith Explorations has also grown, making us one of the premier resources for world travelers seeking expedition cruises and wilderness adventures. To keep up with the expansion, over the past year, members of our staff have traveled to the Peruvian and Ecuadorian Amazon, Australia, Alaska, the Columbia River, Baja California, Galapagos, Panama, Patagonia, the Polar Circle, Antarctica, the Arctic and Indonesiato scout out new expedition cruises and ships.

Cruise destinations in high demand: Alaska, Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands are consistently our most in-demand destinations for expedition cruising. These are true expedition destinations, where small ships thrive in narrow inlets and small island chains in remote locations, going where larger cruise ships can’t, and having the flexibility to explore each place in-depth.

Some emerging destinationsEmerging destinations include the Arctic, Indonesia and Australia. We’ve seen more and more routes and small ships sailing in these locations in the past few years. A recent blog post from my AdventureSmith team about what is new in expedition cruising for 2019 provides more information; we’ll be publishing a similar one for 2020 in the coming months.

Expedition cruise passengersAs world tourism grows, our specialty market is also growing. The typical expedition cruise passenger is educated, 40 to 70 years of age and interested in exploring destinations in-depth and with an element of discovery, active adventure options and education. They are sustainability minded and interested in contributing to communities and natural environments in a positive way, becoming ambassadors and advocates for these destinations upon their return.

One recent surprise is a growing number of younger female travelers who book solo trips to destinations such as Antarctica. It’s part of a trend with younger clientele to check off bucket-list destinations while they still have the ability to enjoy them fully. Examples are those reaching 7 continents before 30. Overall worldwide, there is a growing segment of travelers, most notably millennials, who are seeking unique and customized trips. Expedition cruising is a perfect match for them, offering an array of activities from relaxing (sitting on the sun deck of a luxe yacht in the Mediterranean) to exhilarating (cross-country skiing and snow camping in Antarctica). Also, aside from the “core” trips many small ships offer, there is a wide selection of themed departures, such as photo-centric, culinary-focused, family-focused and citizen science-focused, to name a few.

Changing nature of polar expedition cruisesWe are seeing a definite building boom of small expedition ships being purpose-built for polar expedition cruising. Amenity upgrades include helicopter pads, custom-designed inflatable skiffs, private balconies in cabins, advanced efficiencies for off-loading guests, cleaner/greener/more efficient vessels (the biggest leap forward for the new generation of ships, in my opinion), high-tech stabilizers for a smoother ride and more. See these recent posts on: 7 New Ships Launching in 2019 and Meet Antarctica’s Newest Expedition Ships.

Growth of sustainable practicesA trend we couldn’t be happier about in the expedition cruising industry is the recognition and growing adoption of sustainable practices. By nature, small ship cruising treads lightly on a destination by carrying a small passenger count, being rooted in the region’s environment, hiring local people, purchasing local goods and contributing to local economies while also maintaining strict leave-no-trace and sustainable operating practices. But now an increasing number of cruises offer opportunities for citizen science, beach clean-ups and visits to local non-profits working on conservation. And we’re seeing many extra on-ship technologies and measures like plastic bans, heat recovery systems, desalination plants, biodegradable engine lubrication oils and lower fuel consumption.

AdventureSmith is proud to be a global leader in conservation from our inception 16 years ago. In 2005, we introduced the industry’s first Carbon-Free Cruising program to offset carbon created as a result of AdventureSmith cruise passengers. In 2007 AdventureSmith was recognized by Condé Nast Traveler with the World Savers Award in the category of Preservation. In 2010, we partnered with Trees for the Future to plant trees for every land-based AdventureSmith Explorations trip.

For details on all of AdventureSmith Explorations’ small ship cruises, itineraries, availability and for 2019-2020 reservations, please call 866-575-2875 toll-free orvisit the company website.

About AdventureSmith Explorations- Think Outside the Boat!

Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Truckee, CA, near the northern shore of Lake Tahoe. A recognized leader in small ship cruising, in 2012 owner Todd Smith first joined the ranks of Condé Nast Traveler's prestigious world’s Top Travel Specialists list as the leading expert on small ship expeditions.

# # #

PR Contact for Information, Photos, Press Visits: Widness and Wiggins PR

Sara Widness / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./ Ph: 802-234-6704

Dave Wiggins / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./ Ph: 720-301-3822

Follow AdventureSmith Explorations:

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