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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AdventureSmith Explorations Offers Savings on Holiday Cruises Of Baja, Hawaii and Costa Rica

TRUCKEE, CA, July 11, 2019 – AdventureSmith Explorations, the international experts in small ship expedition cruising, announce availability over Christmas and New Years on expedition ships exploring the ideal holiday destinations of Baja, Hawaii and Costa Rica that are easy to access by air from North America.

Reservations made by July 31, 2019, for a December 2019 holiday cruise into lands of sunshine and warm waters can mean savings of up to $500 per person.

The crews on these cruises will assure that these holiday departures reflect the season with festivities and celebrations on board the ships, and the destinations take care of themselves when it comes to remote, scenic coastlines that can only be accessed by water.

Baja California

Safari EndeavourBaja’s Bounty

This 8-day cruise is available over the holidays on multiple departures between Dec. 21, 2019, and Jan. 25, 2020, with a $350 per person saving on bookings made by July 31, 2019. The per person double rate is from $4,395. The 88-guest Safari Endeavor offers the luxury and amenities of a yacht including suites with balconies for viewing cavorting whales and sea lions. Activity options include stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and birding throughout the UNESCO World Heritage Site and biosphere reserve of the Sea of Cortez. It is one of the most biologically diverse marine environments on Earth.

Hawaii

Safari ExplorerHawaiian Seascapes

Guests on this 8-day cruise with multiple departures between Nov. 9, 2019, and Jan. 25, 2020, can save $350 per person on bookings made by July 31, 2019. The per person double rate is from $5,195. The 36-guest Safari Explorer is a luxury motor yacht that explores the remote coastlines of Hawaii (The Big Island), Maui, Lana’i (The Private Island) and Molokaʻi. Snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking reveal a rich marine life including coral gardens, sea turtle habitats and giant manta rays. On land locals reveal through demonstrations and old-fashioned chatter the charm of a still-intact culture, and wilderness preserves display a flora and fauna washed by waterfalls and rainbows.

Costa Rica/ Panama

Safari VoyagerCosta Rica & Panama: Canal, Culture and Adventure This 11-day cruise conducts multiple departures between Nov. 20, 2019, and March 20, 2020, with savings of $500 per person on reservations made by July 31, 2019. The per person double rate is from $6,695. The 66-guest Safari Voyager offers comfort and style, including above-waterline cabins with large picture windows.When away from the ship guests may travel by motorized dugout canoe to meet the local Emberá people and learn from the indigenous culture of the Guna Indians, hike the magnificent Darién Jungle in search of wildlife, search for unique marine life in the Gulf of Panama, stroll a private butterfly- and flower-rich tropical preserve and marvel at the engineering feat that is the 48-mile-long Panama Canal. Along remote shorelines kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and snorkeling bring guests almost nose-to-nose with marine and land wildlife including blue morpho butterflies, exotic birds and howler and spider monkeys, to name a few.

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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AdventureSmith Explorations Expands Options to Discover Asia on Small Ship Cruises

TRUCKEE, CA, June 11, 2019 – Songs have been sung about a special island “where the sky meets the sea.”

AdventureSmith Explorations, the international experts in small ship expedition cruising, invites the curious traveler to take advantage of new travel options and numerous incentives currently being offered.

“Asia small ship travel is growing, and for good reason,” said Todd Smith, Founder and President of AdventureSmith Explorations. “The myriad island and river 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.”

Smith advises considering the following when planning a small ship cruise through Indonesia, New Guinea, the South Pacific (including Tahiti) or Southeast Asia (including Vietnam and Cambodia):

Determine how you imagine engaging with the new worlds you will visit. What’s most important to you? History, culture, wildlife, snorkeling? 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. And Mekong River cruises beckon those seeking unique cultures, Khmer temples and some of the world’s most interesting markets, like the floating Cai Be.

Assess the style and size of the ship that will be your home on one of these adventures.AdventureSmith Explorations’ 14 to 120 passenger vessels range from a classic, wooden schooner for 24 guests, Ombak Putih, to the brand new 120-guest Coral Adventurer, a technologically sophisticated, purpose-built, long-distance luxury expedition ship to the 40-guest luxury riverboat, Aqua Mekong. New to Indonesia is a recently refurbished, long-range luxury yacht, the 30-passenger Aqua Blu that in November 2019 begins sailing through Raja Ampat, the Spice Islands and Komodo National Park. With the Blu added to the Southeast Asia vessel lineup, AdventureSmith offers a unique ship for both ocean and river trips for every type of adventure traveler.

Factor in the time of year. Ships cruise Asia year-round; however, they often follow trade winds and weather patterns to sail certain locations during their drier, less-windy months. For example, in Indonesia, Bali is preferred from spring through fall and Raja Ampat October through February. And in Tahiti, look for cruises mostly sailing in the spring.

Plan your cruise far enough in advance to make sure you get on the ship of your choice that’s going where you want to go. For example, Coral Adventurer in 2020 will be utilized on only three Islands of Indonesia itineraries. Kayaking, snorkeling and Scuba diving (optional with lessons and equipment) can be arranged. Guests also seek out glimpses of the prehistoric Komodo Dragon, the largest lizard in the world. The 15-day cruises depart Feb. 27-March 12, March 12-April 1 and April 1-April 15. The per person double rate is from $8,535.

AdventureSmith also suggests taking advantage of current cost-saving incentives that come with certain departures. These include:

  • Free sailing for one child (under age 12 sharing cabin with two adults) on August 2019 departures of Sailing Indonesia: Bali, Komodo & Flores. This eight-day cruise explores the cultural and natural diversity found along the Lesser Sunday Islands chain aboard the 24-guest authentic sailing vessel, Ombak Putih, or her 14-guest sister ship, Katharina. The per person double rate is from $3,210.
  • Waiving the single supplement on October - November 2019 Frontier Lands of New Guinea (11 days, per person rate of $8,222) on the 120-passenger Coral Adventurer.
  • Booking an Aqua Mekong River cruise by December 31, 2019, to save up to $1,960 per person. The 40-guest Aqua Mekong carries passengers on a river with 2,000 years of history.

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, 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 Hot on Small Ship Cruises in Cool Summer Northern Climes

TRUCKEE, CA, May 14, 2019 – With four points on the compass to choose from, what’s the preferred direction for summer cruises?

“Go north,” says Todd Smith, founder/owner of AdventureSmith Explorations. This is the company that has put the advantages and pleasures of small ship cruising on the map.

Along with birds and whales that migrate seasonally north, so do many itineraries in the diverse AdventureSmith Explorations portfolio.

Cooler, northern destinations with longer daylight hours can be experienced via expedition cruises or land-based adventure lodges in the remote Arctic and Canada, in historic Northern Europe and on tried-and-true, nature-filled Alaska expeditions.

The natural world that explodes over short but powerful summers in these regions is, in Smith’s words, “mind boggling.”

“From on-water and shoreline perspectives, our guests can imbibe more of the natural world in one week than most people do in a lifetime. Our small ship itineraries avoid the mass tourism ports-of-call experience associated with typical cruising,” Smith said. Instead his company’s north-bound itineraries rekindle curiosity with active time off-ship exploring…

  • Dramatic scenery with mountains, oceans, wildflowers, fjords, glaciers and waterfalls;
  • Beluga and caribou migrations in Northern Canada;
  • Birds on islands such as the Faroe Islands;
  • Ancient cultures such as the Vikings and ancient Scots, the Inuit and Tlingit and the ways of the maritime world in seaside towns and fishing villages;
  • Iceland’s unique geothermal activity and formations;
  • Norway’s fjords and waterfalls;
  • Polar bears, wildflowers and history of the Arctic;
  • Living glaciers and brown bears in Alaska.

Following are six examples of northern itineraries that have availability for the 2019 season. Fleets of small expedition ships assigned to these northern destinations offer various capacities and styles of travel which all can be explained by AdventureSmith trip advisors. Rates are per person, double occupancy.

Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness is aboard a National Geographic expedition ship. Their three-ship fleet assigned to this region offers a variety of cruising styles for 62 or 100 passengers. The eight-day rate is from $5,990.

Glacier Bay & Island Adventure focuses on Alaska’s nature, history and First Nations culture. The eight-day rate is from $4,795 on four ships carrying from 40 to 76 guests.

Alaska Fjords & Glaciers explores the length of the Southeast Alaska panhandle from Ketchikan to Juneau. Guests have a choice of five ships ranging from 22 to 90 guests. The eight-day rate is from $3,795.

Intro to Spitsbergen: Fjords, Glaciers & Wildlife of Svalbard utilizes kayaks and hiking trails along the fjords of Norway’s Spitsbergen Island. Three ships accommodate from 78 to 176 guests. The rate for nine days is from $5,395.

North Pole: Top of the World carries guests as far North as North gets on a 124-guest icebreaker designated by Russia as an Arktika-class icebreaker. The 13-day rate is from $29,995.

Around Spitsbergen discovers iconic Arctic wildlife including polar bears in the Svalbard Archipelago. A fleet of four small ships (including the 20-guest Noorderlicht, a two-masted schooner) carries up to 174 guests. The 10-day rate is from $5,000.

Because of the high demand for Alaska cruises, AdventureSmith Explorations is already taking reservations for 2020 programs. However there are still options for this upcoming summer.To help clients select small ships and/or itineraries that best fit their interests, Smith’s team has prepared 6 Insider Tips to Travel Alaska in the Best Way.

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

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AdventureSmith Explorations Celebrates The Charles Darwin Foundation’s 60th Anniversary With Continued Dedication to Galapagos Conservation

TRUCKEE, CA, April 23, 2019 – It is an exciting time to visit Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands aboard a small ship. The non-profit Charles Darwin Foundation is celebrating its 60th year with symposiums and events, and overall attention to sustainable travel and wildlife conservation has never been stronger.

“With 2019 being the Darwin Foundation’s 60th anniversary the islands are abuzz as a previously thought-to-be-extinct Fernandina tortoise just found on the island in February made global news,” notes Todd Smith, founder and president of AdventureSmith Explorations. “Plus, with multiple sustainability measures being implemented in the Galapagos it is a great time to travel to this unique destination to see conservation in action and become an ambassador for the region, inspired by your experiences.”

For example, Smith points out that in support of wildlife and habitat conservation, the Ecuadorian Government banned single use plastics in 2018. In addition, many small ship cruise operators have stepped up their conservation methods by building sustainable ships and/or implementing sustainable features on existing ships. Work is being done to end illegal fishing and membership in IGTOA (International Galapagos Tour Operators Association) is at an all-time high.

IGTOA is a non-profit association of travel companies, conservation organizations and groups that are dedicated to the protection of the Galapagos. Standing by AdventureSmith’s mission of sustainable travel in the Galapagos, Todd Smith is an IGTOA board member and is a voice in guiding its vision. He travels there regularly to speak and exchange knowledge and expertise with other industry leaders.

The Galapagos Islands boast some of the highest levels of endemism (species uniquely defined by geographic location) compared with anywhere else on the planet. About 80% of the land birds you will see, 97% of the reptiles and land mammals, and more than 30% of the plants are endemic. More than 20% of the marine species in Galapagos are found nowhere else on earth.

Small ship cruise passengers’ favorites include the giant Galapagos tortoise, marine and land iguana, flightless cormorant, the colorful Sally Lightfoot crab and the Galapagos penguin — the only penguin species to be found in the Northern Hemisphere.

19 species of seabirds (5 endemic) are Galapagos residents. Biologists estimate that up to 750,000 seabirds spend time in Galapagos, including 30 percent of the planet’s blue-footed boobies and the world’s largest colony of red-footed boobies.

Under the surface, nearly 450 different species of fish have been identified in Galapagos waters, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth—from massive sharks to delicate seahorses. About 50 ocean-based species are considered endemic.

AdventureSmith offers a helpful blog that speaks to future visitors with a list of must-see, fanciful wildlife species. See: 10 Galapagos Animals & How to Best Spot Them.

The company also reports that an impressive number of the ships they work with are taking conservation-minded actions towards a healthy Galapagos:

  • Origin, Theory and Letty have sustainability at the forefront of their operations and built their two newest ships (Origin and Theory) to a high standard of sustainability. All three ships now meet the strict SmartVoyager conservation and social standards designed by scientists, experts and tour operators.
  • The M/Y WildAid’s Passion partners with WildAid to stop illegal fishing in the Galapagos which impacts the local communities’ livelihood, sustainability of fish stocks and health of marine ecosystems. Learn about trips aboard this vessel.
  • The Galapagos Safari Camp sets the standard for responsible practices both at a human and environmental level. The reforestation program together with the cacao plantation and working farm pioneer sustainable conservation efforts.

To further support and protect the fragile environment, AdventureSmith Explorations offers the added bonus of Carbon-Free Cruising, the small ship cruise industry’s first carbon offset program that comes at no added cost to travelers. Plus, AdventureSmith takes Galapagos conservation a step further by giving its travelers an easy choice to support the Galapagos Traveler Conservation Fund through an optional donation when booking and paying for their trip.

For a full list of small ship cruises and land-based packages in the Galapagos Islands please see: https://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/galapagos-islands.

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

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Todd Smith Garners 6th Accolade from Condé Nast Traveler for Expertise on Small Ship Adventure Cruises

TRUCKEE, CA, April 4, 2019 – The man who helped pioneer what has evolved to become the fastest-growing segment of the cruise industry – using small ships for active, expedition cruising – was named a Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist for 2019.

This year marks the sixth time that Todd Smith has been singled out for this recognition. This annual list spotlights the world’s leading experts and travel companies. Specialists are chosen based on their combination of specialized knowledge, firsthand travel experience, local connections, customer service and value.

Todd Smith, Founder and President of AdventureSmith Explorations (www.adventuresmithexplorations.com) has promoted the concept of using small ships for active vacations for more than 20 years. His vision allows travelers to explore remote wilderness shorelines harboring abundant wildlife that are often inaccessible to ships with deep drafts. He and his team are constantly researching potential new cruise destinations as well as expanding and enhancing an inventory of small ships designed for between six and 200 passengers.

After extensive worldwide travel and vetting expedition vessels over the past year, AdventureSmith has added new ships and trips in the Galapagos Islands, Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, the Arctic, Antarctica, Northern Europe, Mediterranean, Baja California, Indonesia, the Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia.

“The only way to ensure you’re pairing a traveler with the perfect experience that fits their travel style, interests, activity level and budget is to truly know that experience yourself, inside and out,” Smith says. He and his staff have personally sailed on or inspected nearly every ship the company has as part of its offerings. “Each company we've chosen to work with offers an alternative to traditional cruising by taking guests up-close to wildlife and wilderness, to secluded coves and small ports that larger ships cannot access.”

Smith has a hand in every aspect of AdventureSmith’s operations. Along with his role in positioning AdventureSmith as the leading resource for finding and booking small ship cruises and wilderness adventures, he is involved in sales, marketing, product development and customer service. He also spends up to 12 weeks annually traveling to diverse destinations, going on new trips and inspecting new ships as well as wilderness lodges and hotels (for cruise trip extensions) to ensure they align with AdventureSmith’s activity-based itineraries and values: conservation, sustainability and small-footprint travel.

AdventureSmith Explorations also participates in the concerns of a number of non-profit organizations that include the International Galapagos Tour Operators Association, Alaska Geographic and Rainforest Alliance. The company also introduced the industry’s first Carbon-Free Cruising program to offset carbon created as a result of each cruise passenger.

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:

AdventureSmith Explorations Goes Deep into Australia with Remote Coastal Access by Small Ship

TRUCKEE, CA, March 26, 2019 – The leader in small ship, adventure cruises prefers going deep into a region as vast as Australia by exploring it in depth -- instead of trying to cover too much ground in a limited number of days.

This touring strategy is evident in a new portfolio of cruise offerings in Australia. AdventureSmith Explorations focuses on the most sought-after destinations along Australia’s largely uninhabited, 16,000-mile coastline where small ships with shallow drafts have exclusive access. These regions include, for example, remote areas of the Kimberley outback, the Great Barrier Reef and the beaches of Tasmania.

“Don’t shortchange this great destination by trying to do too much,” advises Todd Smith, visionary founder and president of AdventureSmith Explorations (www.adventuresmithexplorations.com). “We pair our cruises with knowledgeable guides, local insight and comfortable small ships that utilize the vast coastline for unique access where we can go deeper into the backcountry.”

Following are cruise itineraries that heed Smith’s philosophy…

The Kimberley- Cruising to the Australian Outback over 11 days opens up a world that is to Australians as Alaska is to Americans. Australians consider Kimberley in Australia’s northern territory their last frontier. This is the least densely populated part of Australia, which in turn is one of the least densely populated places in the world.

Here guests witness a coastal topography showered by tides that rise and fall sometimes 33 feet, view aboriginal cave art of indigenous populations and enjoy world-class birding on an island that harbors 18,000 breeding pairs of brown boobies as well as Roseate terns and is a significant breeding area for green sea turtles.

Activities may include hiking, scenic helicopter flights (added cost), kayaking, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, land treks, wildlife observation, cultural and village visits and participating in conservation efforts. Cruises depart either Darwin or Broome from March through October on any of three small adventure ships for 46 to 120 passengers. The per person double rate is from $6,240.

Pristine Tasmania is an eight-day cruise on the 72-guest Coral Discoverer  that has set a benchmark for luxury small ship cruising around Australia and in the South Pacific. This is an authentic expedition voyage with a flexible itinerary that enables the captain to respond to weather forecasts to ensure access to the best parts of Tasmania in the best possible conditions. For example, if conditions allow, guests spend two days exploring the untouched Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area at Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour. Normally only accessible by a seven-day hike or by light aircraft, this region is among the most pristine and beautiful landscapes on Earth. In the spirit of adventure, guests are advised the day prior where their next adventure lies -- perhaps an oyster farm, an undiscovered track or even a seal colony basking in the warmth of the sun.

In Tasmania, national parks are the star, some featuring gorges with nearly 1,000-foot-high-cliffs. Seals, dolphins and albatross make exciting guest appearances throughout the cruise. Guests hike with an expert expedition team and a guest Parks and Wildlife Ranger, kayak and cruise in an inflatable skiff, on a glass-bottom boat and on the ship's special Xplorer tender. Departures roundtrip from Hobart (accessed from gateway cities in Australia) in January, February and March. The per person double rate is from $3,930.

Just added to AdventureSmith’s trip offerings is a 15-day circumnavigation of the entire island of Tasmania (alternative itinerary within Pristine Tasmania), with added stops along northern and western shores and on nearby islands.

Great Barrier Reef Cruises are four-, five- and eight-day year-round cruises on two small adventure ships for 42 or 46 guests. These cruises reveal an underwater world hidden just beneath the water’s surface that transmits magic to the eyes as a symphony does to the ears. The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef, parallels much of Australia’s eastern coast.

Guests on AdventureSmith Explorations’ cruises see past the world of day-boat visitors. These cruises travel farther, allowing for more time to explore healthy, thriving and complex reef structures without competing for space with all the other snorkel and dive boats. The longer eight-day tour beginning in Cairns visits Cooktown where the famous explorer, Captain James Cook in 1770 claimed Australia as a British colony. Guests are introduced to indigenous culture at a cultural park and in botanic gardens and may glimpse the antics of native Australian wildlife including kangaroos and wallabies.

Slowly moving down Australia’s eastern coast, the reefs become the centers of attention. The Great Barrier Reef is actually a series of thousands of individual coral cays. Guests board glass-bottomed boats at the first stop. A marine biologist introduces sea turtles, giant clams, rays, over 200 species of native birds and at some cays over 1,500 species of fish that inhabit this World Heritage-listed site. Marine life in one region thrives in a mangrove eco-system: crocodiles, dolphins, turtles and dugongs all feeding on plentiful sea grasses. On Dunk Island a rainforest walk reveals the blue-winged Ulysses butterfly, yellow-bellied sunbird, emerald dove and orange-footed scrub fowl; on the same day view as many as 400 different species of coral at Nathan Reef.

Activities include guided scuba diving (extra cost), sunning on the beach, swimming, snorkeling and hiking. The gateway city is Cairns. The per person double rate for eight days is from $2,655.

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 Announces $1,200 Savings on a Selection of 2019 Alaska Small Ship Cruises

TRUCKEE, CA, March 5, 2019 – The small ship cruise expert, AdventureSmith Explorations, announces last-minute savings of up to $1,200 (per couple or $600 per person) on select departures of 2019 cruise vacations in Alaska.

“An expanded inventory of small ships, more itineraries and a longer season all benefit our clients who are interested in Alaska this year,” says Todd Smith, founder/president. “‘It’s very rare to see special offers this great so late in the Alaska booking season.”

To take advantage of specials that apply to specific departures and cabin categories, reservations must be made by April 19, 2019.

Savings up to $1,200 per couple come with select 2019 departures of the following itineraries:

Alaska’s Glacier Country is an eight-day cruise navigating some of Alaska’s most impressive glaciers and wildlife viewing. Savings come with departures aboard the 90-guest S.S. Legacy April 26; May 10, 17, 24 and 31; June 7, 14, 21 and 28; July 5, 12, 19 and 26; Aug. 2 and 9; and aboard the 88-guest Safari Endeavor Sept. 1 and 8; and a special fitness and yoga-themed departure aboard the S.S. Legacy May 3.

Alaska’s Glaciers & Whales is an eight-day cruise from aboard the 88-guest Safari Endeavour. Savings are applied to May 26, June 9 and 23, July 7 and 21, and Aug. 4 and 18 departures. Suites on this ship include balconies; activities options include stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking.

 Whales, Wildlife & Glaciers is a diverse eight-day cruise exploring the many inlets and wildlife of Alaska aboard the 88-guest Safari Endeavor with savings on June 2, 16 and 30, July 14 and 28, and August 11 and 25 departures.

Alaska’s Inside Passage & San Juans Cruise spends 15 days along the iconic passage between Seattle and Juneau, visiting two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Glacier Bay National Park and Olympic National Park aboard the 88-guest Safari Endeavor, with applicable savings on May 12 and Sept. 15; and aboard the 90-guest S.S. Legacy on Aug. 16.

The following eight-day itineraries are aboard one of three Wilderness small ships that carry from 60 to 76 guests depending on the vessel. A $600 per-couple savings comes with specific 2019 departures of:

Northern Passages & Glacier Bay that explores backcountry wilderness between Sitka and Juneau on the Wilderness Discoverer with savings applicable on May 4 and 18 and on Wilderness Explorer Apr. 27 and July 20.

Alaska Fjords & Glaciers that discovers glaciers, fjord cliffs, deep valleys and whales, the Tlingit culture and Tongass National Forest, with savings on the Wilderness Adventurer April 6, on Wilderness Discoverer June 29 and July 6, and Explorer July 6 and 13.

Glacier Bay National Park Adventure Cruise that brings guests to tidewater glaciers, whales, puffins and old-growth forest is aboard the Wilderness Adventurer with savings on April 27 and June 8 departures.

Because of the high demand for Alaska cruises, the company is already taking reservations for 2020 programs.To help clients select small ships and/or itineraries that best fits their interests, Smith’s team have prepared 6 Insider Tips to Travel Alaska in the Best Way.

For details on all of AdventureSmith Explorations’ small ship cruises, itineraries, availability and for 2019-2020 reservations, please call 866-575-2875 toll-free or visit 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 Invites Guests to Cruise by Footsteps of 21st Century Antarctica Explorer

TRUCKEE, CA, Feb. 26, 2019 – Colin O’Brady, a 21st century American explorer and endurance athlete, elevated himself and the White Continent to celebrity status in December 2018 by completing the first solo unassisted trek across Antarctica.

As a result of O’Brady’s expedition, demand is up to visit this most southerly point on the planet. Thesmall ship cruise expert, AdventureSmith Explorations, has assembled for the 2019-2020 season cruise-driven itineraries from eight to 35 days that expand opportunities for guests to cross-country ski, camp on frozen terrain and to become mountaineers themselves – in the spirit of O’Brady.

Todd Smith, AdventureSmith’s founder and president, reassures guests that they won’t be pushed to their limits as O’Brady was. On O'Brady's first solo unassisted trek across Antarctica he skied across 932 snow and ice-covered miles in 54 days (sleeping in a tent). He paid a price, eating basically only freeze-dried meals and specialized nutrition bars and still losing a large percent of his body weight while pulling a 375-pound sled.

“Our guests already have a sense of adventure if they’ve decided to cruise to Antarctica. However, they don’t have to be endurance athletes to participate in one of our epic adventures,” Smith said. These include, among others,

  • The 12-day Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp Cruise aboard either the 116-guest Plancius or the 116-guest Ortelius. Rates are from $9,650 per person double. The itinerary is packed with daily activities conducted by expert guides. Activities included in the rate for this active adventure are mountain climbing, hiking, camping at shore base camps, kayaking and shoreline explorations by skiff.
  • Antarctic Peninsulais a 10-day program aboard one of three research vessels: the 116-guest Plancius, the 116-guest Ortelius or the brand new174-guest Hondius. Guests can save up to $1,400 on rates that start at $7,050 per person double, and they can arrange for complimentary camping and kayaking by booking the Nov. 20, 2019 departure.
  • Antarctic Exploreris an 11-day itinerary with rates from $9,995 per person for a double cabin aboard a choice of four ships: the 132-guest Ocean Adventurer, the 189-passenger Ocean Diamond, the 199-passenger Ocean Endeavour and the new 176-passenger World Explorer. Guests can save 25 percent on rates by booking a cruise by April 30, 2019. Eachdeparture includes up-close explorations on guided hikes, shore walks and small-craft excursions. Optional activities include kayaking, a one-time paddling excursion, camping, cross-country skiing, mountaineering and stand-up paddle boarding.
  • A 35-day National Geographic Epic Antarctica voyage carries guests from South America along Antarctica to New Zealand or reverse. This trip follows earlier explorers: Scott, Ross, Amundsen and Shackleton. The per person double rate is from $48,800 aboard the 126-guest National Geographic Endurance. Unique to this polar experience is the opportunity to explore the strictly regulated and highly protected sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand, considered by ornithologists as “bird central.” Skiff and kayak shoreline explorations reveal colonies of Adelie and emperor penguins, seals and whales. Macquarie Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to thousands of seals and millions of penguins. Guests witness the Ross Ice Shelf, the world’s largest. The captain and expedition leader are on the lookout for places where guests can enjoy ice walks, cross country skiing and snowshoe hikes.
  • National Geographic Antarctica/South Georgia/Falklandsis a 24-day adventure with rates from $25,220 per person double. Complimentary roundtrip air from Miami is included if bookings are made by July 31, 2019. Three ships conduct this itinerary: the 148-guest National Geographic Explorer that offers 81 outside cabins; National Geographic Orion for 102 guests; and the new 126-guest National Geographic Endurance. The wildlife-rich Falkland Islands and South Georgia segue into onboard comforts and conversations with cruise companions while crossing the Drake Passage and on to the boundless wildlife on the Antarctic Peninsula where guests can walk wild beaches inhabited by thousands of gentoo, rockhopper and king penguins.
  • On an Air Cruise the itinerary skips the Drake Passage, thus saving up to four days at sea. Two itineraries, Antarctica Air Cruise (eight days from $12,995 per person double) andPolar Circle Air Cruise (10 days from $17,995per person double) offer flexible air and sea programs aboard the 72-guest Ocean Nova, 71-guest Hebridean Sky XXI and 69-guest Magellan Explorer.

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

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AdventureSmith Explorations Increases Number of Arctic Adventures on Purpose-Built Expedition Ships

Offers Tips and Opportunities to Observe the Big Arctic Eight Animals

TRUCKEE, CA, Jan. 29, 2019– Small cruise ships purpose-built to ply the planet’s polar regions also transport guests on floating Arctic wildlife safaris.

AdventureSmith Explorations, the small ship cruising experts, invite guests on an increasing number of Arctic cruise options that observe, among other things, a variety of indigenous wildlife. Some, if not all, of the Big Arctic Eight, marine- and land-based creatures are often spotted on these expedition cruises.

“Just to know that these creatures are out there is part of the excitement of venturing north,” says Todd Smith, AdventureSmith’s Founder and President. “These are creatures straight out of children’s fairytales. What’s also amazing is to learn how they’re so physically adapted to their frozen world.” 

He notes that demand is up to explore the Arctic among clients who have already cruised Antarctica, as well as travelers new to the polar regions. “The core of what AdventureSmith strives for is delivering the most incredible explorations of the natural world to our clients who are a special group of likeminded explorers. Alongside our observation of more cruise itineraries opening up in the Arctic, we’ve seen more purpose-built expedition ships being built with a focus to educate travelers on how to be ambassadors for the Arctic’s wild places and animals. The trips we offer are designed to be small (under 200 guests) and focused on sustainable exploration.”

The company has created a blog post with tips on spotting some of Earth’s most interesting animals.

AdventureSmith Explorations names the Big Arctic Eight:

  • Polar Bear, the largest living land carnivore, can measure up to eight feet long and weigh 1,500 pounds. Some 26,000 Polar bears areestimated to be roaming the Arctic and regions of Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Russia and Norway.
  • Walrus live in the Arctic areas of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. These creatures are often viewed lounging in large herds on shorelines or icebergs. Their powerful tusks that sometimes reach three feet are tools to lift their heavy bodies onto the ice.
  • Reindeer (caribou) live on the tundra and in boreal forests and are known to migrate up to 3,000 miles a year. Males grow antlers for sexual attraction and mating standoffs. Females grow antlers to defend their food from other females. Come spring, herds number in the thousands.
  • Arctic Foxes possess incredible hearing that allows them to locate prey under the snow. Their thick, long fur that sustains them at -58 degrees Fahrenheit is an example of camouflage – in winter white or blue-gray, in summer brown-gray.
  • Narwhals are some of Earth’s most unusual creatures. The narwhal tusk is actually a spiral tooth that can grow as long as 10 feet. This is a specialized sensory organ that spots changes in the environment, aiding in locating food and mates.
  • Puffins, the cute white-and-black birds with orange beaks, can fly up to 55 mph. In spring and summer, they return to a land colony that numbers in the thousands to mate (usually with the same partner each year).
  • Beluga Whales, stark white creatures with a unique neck, can turn their heads almost completely sideways to create a right angle. This allows for special maneuverability for swimming backwards and for harvesting food. Their sonar skills echolocate their prey while working together to force fish into favorable situations. Highly vocal, they make a variety of sounds for communication in their social pods which can number up to 100 individuals.
  • Musk Ox are one of the few hooved animals, along with reindeer, that survived the Ice Age. Their long, shaggy hair can grow to two feet long and an undercoat provides insulation that is eight times warmer than sheep’s wool. In winter herds numbering up to 24 forage for roots, moss and lichen, which they harvest with their hooves.

New state-of-the-art polar exploration vessels for fewer than 200 guests now can offer itineraries as compact as seven days.Debuting in the Arctic spring of 2019 is the 174-guest Hondius and in spring 2020the 176-guest World Explorer and the 126-guest National Geographic Endurance. Theycruise in the north for the boreal summer and position south in the autumn for the Antarctic sailing season.

AdventureSmith Explorations offers several itineraries exploring the “classic” destinations of Svalbard, Iceland and Greenland. For 2019, cabin availability can still be found on:

The company also offers trips to lesser-known areas such as the Russian High Arctic: Franz Josef Land, which yield excellent opportunities to view polar bears, marine mammals and seabird rookeries.

For details on all AdventureSmith’s small ship cruises worldwide, day-to-day itineraries, availability and reservations, phone: 866-575-2875 toll-free or visit their 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 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:

Small Ship Cruise Specialist Shares Insider’s Knowledge of Alaska with Prospective Travelers and Clients

TRUCKEE, CA, Jan. 10, 2019 – The small ship cruise expert, AdventureSmith Explorations, boasts a knowledge base second to none when it comes to discovering the real Alaska, both by land and by sea.

Todd Smith, Adventure Smith Explorations’ visionary founder and president, in his early life was a guide in Alaska. Seeing a void in what was being offered to cruise guests, he worked with operators to add more and better off-ship activities to best capture the real essence of the Alaskan experience. In doing so, he helped to pioneer “adventure cruising” in the region. Today he works closely with his team of specialists on how best to avoid over-touristed places and routes in order, as he says, “to experience Alaska right.”

“We can confidently say we have more small ship cruise options in Alaska than anybody else,” Smith adds. “These along with our land programs translate to countless outstanding opportunities to get off the beaten path and into remote coves and wilderness regions that large ships can’t access. It truly is the best way to see wild Alaska.”

In summer of 2017, cruise guests accounted for 57 percent of the state’s nearly 2 million visitors. Fewer than 10 percent sailed on the kinds of small ships that Smith’s company offers in Alaska and around the globe, proving that small ships are a way to get off the beaten path.

Because of an extensive inventory in Alaska, the company is reporting that plenty of options are still available for 2019 cruises, including on the new 100-guest National Geographic Venture sailing its first Alaska season in May 2019. Other itineraries still open for 2019 include:

  • Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness is an eight-day cruise through Southeast Alaska on National Geographic Venture or on sister ship National Geographic Quest.For families with two adults traveling with children under age 21, the rate is 50 percent for the first child and free for the second child. Complimentary round-trip airfare is offered between Seattle and Alaska on select departures.
  • Alaska’s Glacier Country is a new eight-day itinerary for 2019 with especially good space aboard the SS Legacy. On select departures look for a $600 per couple air credit; grandparents traveling with grandchildren can save $500.
  • Northern Passages & Glacier Bay over eight days explores backcountry wilderness between Juneau and Sitka on any of three Wilderness ships (between 60 to 76 guests, depending on the vessel).
  • Last Frontier Adventure is a new itinerary for 2019 aboard the 58-guest Admiralty Dream or 49-passenger Baranof Dream. The eight-day journey begins in Sitka and ends in Juneau.

To help clients select small ships and/or itineraries that best fit their interests, Smith’s team has prepared 6 Insider Tips to Travel Alaska in the Best Way as follows:

  1. Explore by Small Ship -- Alaska is a place you must experience by sea. Some of the state’s most iconic features (glaciers, whales, and fjords) are best accessed by ship; many towns are only accessible by ship. Visitors can short change their Alaska experience by choosing a ship and/or itinerary that in the end don’t suit their interests. For instance, big ships sometimes cruise some 700 nautical miles in one day; small ships take a week on such a stretch. Not to mention the disparate travel experiences: “Most travelers do not go to Alaska for midnight buffets and crowded port towns filled with tchotchkes; they go to be immersed in the environment,” underscores Smith.
  2. Know How Small You Want to Go -- Small ships (12 to 100 passengers) vary greatly in size and feel, ranging from owner-captained yachts to larger expedition vessels with onboard hot tubs and cabins with balconies. Fitting ships to clients is AdventureSmith’s mission, with every Adventure Specialist spending time exploring Alaska via small ship to learn the differences of each vessel before passing on those insights to passengers.  
  3. Think Outside the Boat -- It’s a given on a small ship that guests spend a lot of time off the boat exploring the wonders of land and sea: daily hikes, Zodiac rides, guided kayak tours, stand-up paddle boarding and snorkeling (with a thick wetsuit provided).
  4. Take a Moment to Enjoy the Solitude -- Something many travelers crave but can’t always pinpoint is their need for remoteness and solitude. “Alaska is the perfect destination for unplugging,” says Smith who, when an expedition leader in Alaska, would always guide his guests to sit in silence for a few minutes when out hiking on a trail. “At the end of the trip many remarked this time experiencing the vast Alaskan solitude was one of the most powerful experiences of the whole trip.”
  5. Relax, You Will See Wildlife -- Travelers bring wildlife bucket lists with them to Alaska. “Let go of your expectations and be prepared to be taken aback by what you see on both land and water,” suggests Smith. Anchoring in dark coves and staying at a wilderness lodge deep in the mountains offer up-close interaction with both the landscape and wildlife.
  6. Don’t Keep the Great Land to Yourself -- Alaska is a place to make lifetime memories that become even better when shared with friends and family. Travelers can greatly benefit from reduced rates generated by a group. Some ships offer savings for a certain number of travelers booking together. “Groups can save significantly by chartering the ship to design your own experience. Learn more about Alaska for Kids and Alaska Charters to bring the whole gang!” Smith says.

For details on all of AdventureSmith Explorations’ small ship cruises, itineraries, availability and for 2019 and 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: