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
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TRUCKEE, CA, Dec. 11, 2018 – Condé Nast Traveler once again in 2018 includes Todd Smith, Founder and President of small ship cruise experts AdventureSmith Explorations, in its annual list of Top Travel Specialists. The magazine has singled out Smith for this highest professional recognition since 2012.
Authorities like Smith, representing diverse travel arenas, are chosen based on their combination of specialized knowledge, first-hand travel experience, local connections, customer service and the value they bring to vacation planning. Every year the Condé Nast Traveler team evaluates hundreds of applicants. Each applicant undergoes a rigorous screening process that includes a detailed application with sample itineraries, client references and phone interviews.
Smith credits his staff’s contribution as well for this tribute. “We spend a lot of time training and sending staff on trips and sharing knowledge with one another to ensure we’re true experts in the field. We work only with quality-focused operators and sell programs that we’ve experienced first-hand. Many of our cruise partners have been with us since inception in 2003.”
AdventureSmith Explorations’ travelers all benefit from this well-traveled staff that in 2018 alone conducted research in The Amazon, Australia, Alaska, Baja, Galapagos, Panama, Patagonia, the Polar Circle, Antarctica and Indonesia. Smith and his family spent a month this year on an Australia adventure that included a Great Barrier Reef Cruise. Family travel is an AdventureSmith Explorations’ hallmark, with Smith setting off with his wife and children whenever school breaks allow to gain experiences that are passed on to clients.
“The AdventureSmith team itself is like family in that we treat each other with respect, learn from each other and take care of each other. So many companies are laser-focused only at the client level; we strive to ingrain the same type of relationship and respect we treat our clients with internally as well,” Smith underscores. Like a growing family, the team has doubled in the past five years.
“As our small ship cruising niche continues to grow and become mainstream, we want to continue to grow with it,” Smith says. He predicts that this will include some relationships with larger operators (but staying within the small ship category) to maintain the company’s position in the marketplace. “But it’s still the smaller operators and trips that distinguish us as the leader in boutique small ship travel.”
For details on all of AdventureSmith Explorations’ small ship cruises, itineraries, availability and for 2019 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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TRUCKEE, CA, Nov. 28, 2018– The experts in small-ship expedition cruising have a few tips up their sleeves when it comes to experiencing the diverse cultures, landscapes and ecosystems that are the Hawaiian Islands.
Instead of flying from island to island, AdventureSmith Explorations suggests a multi-day cruise that allows visitors to:
The cruise that AdventureSmith Explorations highly recommends is the 8-day Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary aboard the 36-guest motor yacht, Safari Explorer. And to reward travelers for new reservations made by Jan. 31, 2019, on departures from now through April 2019, guests will enjoy $100 off the beginning rate of $3,995 per person double. Through April 2019 this includes complimentary premium beer and spirits (and the privilege of enjoying an on-board wine library and piano bar), plus a massage. Right on the yacht is all of the gear needed to enjoy watersports and guided activities: hiking, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, yoga and snorkeling (including a night snorkel excursion to look for giant Pacific manta rays). Guests areserved by an attentive 15-member crew.
Included in the island-hopping itinerary are Moloka’iand Lana’i, islands that most visitors to the region never see. The adventure begins over a champagne toast in Moloka’i where there are no stop lights nor high rises but just the new-found harmony of hiking to a towering waterfall in Halawa’s cathedral valley, one of the island’s most historic places, and celebrating a life far removed from the maddening crowd over a pa’ina (feast), complete with a home-style Hawaiian jam session.
Ship-goers will be on the lookout for humpback whales off Maui enroute to the next stop at the “private island” of Lana’i where 1,000-foot sea cliffs plunge into the Pacific that once surrounded an ancient princess and her sugarcane fields. Here guests snorkel among coral gardens near a sea turtle habitat. The Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary adjacent to Lana’i, Moloka’i and Mauiprovides front-row seats through marine breeding grounds while searching for dolphins, whales and other marine life.
Then it’s on to the Big Island of Hawaii where a morning on coconut palm-fringed Honomalino Bay offers snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking surrounded by colorful corals, sponges and tropical fish. Guests explore tunnels known as lava tubes, and on the water go by kayak and skiff to pay calls on marine animals and to sail into Kealakekua Bay where Captain Cook fell to the hands of the natives in 1779. Later guests stroll through the historic town of Kailua-Kona.
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 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 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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TRUCKEE, CA, Nov. 14, 2018– Cruising Antarctica just became more affordable. AdventureSmith Explorations, the small ship expedition cruise specialist, offers $750 per person air credit plus 20 percent off select itineraries booked by Dec. 31, 2018.
Antarctic Latitudes: Crossing the Antarctic Circle over 15 days from Feb. 26 to March 12, 2019, will aim to sail farther south than most voyages in this region. The ship is the 114-guest, all-suite Hebridean Sky. This elegant vessel feels like a private yacht, with roomy cabins, some with sliding glass doors and private balconies. A staff of 75 attend to passengers who enjoy complimentary cocktail parties every evening before dinner. This round-trip voyage from Ushuaia, Argentina, explores from the Beagle Channel to the Drake Passage, with guests and crew always on the lookout for icebergs, seabirds and whales along the way to the South Shetland Islands, and for penguin rookeries, seal wallows and whale feeding areas along with sites of historic and scientific interest. An onboard Citizen Science program assists research projects in five major disciplines: Oceanography, Glaciology, Ornithology, Marine Biology and Meteorology. The data collected contributes to a better understanding of climate change and how it’s affecting the world’s fifth largest continent, Antarctica. The per person double rate with 20 percent savings is from $11,836 plus a $750 air credit.
Antarctic Latitudes: Whale Science Voyage is a 14-day voyage from March 2 to March 15, 2019. The ship is the 112-guest Island Sky, also a luxury vessel with spacious, well-appointed suites. Joining this cruise roundtrip from Ushuaia will be Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution scientists Daniel Zitterbart, Kylie Owen, Alessandro Bocconcelli and Joseph Warren who are researching the feeding habits of Baleen whales. (For nearly a century this institution has focused on the science and exploration of the world’s oceans.) Also on board will be a British Broadcasting Channel (BBC) film crew who will be gathering footage for their Big Blue Live series. Last year Big Blue Live won the coveted BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) award for best live event. Guests may also participate in an onboard Citizen Science program. The per person double rate with 20 percent savings is from $9996 plus a $750 air credit.
Both itineraries will focus on whales that will be frequenting known feeding grounds. The whales are stocking up in this season on plankton blooms in preparation for the migration north. Guests may also sight the Aurora Australis as they revel in the blanket of stars that forms the southern constellations.
For more seasonal tips on planning your trip to Antarctica, consult AdventureSmith Explorations’ Antarctica by Month: The Best Time to Go.
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
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TRUCKEE, CA, Oct. 31, 2018 – AdventureSmith Explorations will help banish snow and ice with three new close-to-home itineraries, two by land and one by sea. All deliver guests this winter into the sunshine of Baja where the wonders of a North American version of the Galapagos await.
One itinerary places people nose-to-nose with land and marine life teeming inone of the world’s most nutrient-rich marine environments-- the Sea of Cortez, home to 39 percent of the world’s total marine mammal species, a third of the world’s marine cetacean species and 891 fish species. This abundance of marine life also draws many species of birds. Another itinerary posits guests up close and personal with the color, culture, landscape and people on the Pacific Ocean side of Baja California Sur (south) where sunny days and white sand beaches traditionally draw culture mavens and their followers to an abundance of art, music and regional fare.
“On or off the water, our Baja itineraries are immersive and active. The new programs we’re presenting this winter address requests for quick getaways as well as week-long vacations, all in a region with the same kind of appeal as the Galapagos,” says Todd Smith, AdventureSmith Explorations Founder and President. “We can usually accommodate last-minute requests for land-based and cruise itineraries in this affordable, easy-to-navigate region.”
Three days at Camp Cecil on the desert island of Isla Espiritu Santo comes with naturalist guides ready to indulge whims for birdwatching, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, hiking, snorkeling and swimming just off the coast of Baja California. A three-day rate is from $750 per person double, with departures any day, November through April. Included are roundtrip transfers from La Paz and Todos Santos to this electricity-free island; snorkel gear and wet suit; all adventures and related equipment; all meals and happy hours; walk-in luxury tent accommodations; panga (dinghy) support; bilingual naturalist guide/certified Wilderness First-Aid Responder; and National Park Conservation fee. The luxury camp (real linens on the beds and daily housekeeping service) is located within a National Marine Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site offering protected wildlife and landscapes rife for exploration. The waters harbor whale sharks, dolphins, sea lions, and over a dozen species of whales (including Blue whales). Guests search for blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigate bird colonies. The island is one of the 900 islands in the Espiritu Santo Archipelago.
Baja Intimate Insider is a seven-day itinerary that can be customized. The rate is from $3,500 per person double, with departures any day, year-round. Hand-curated local guides introduce guests to their favorite artists, rancheros and chefs. The rate includes boutique accommodations selected for character and size (intimate); meals; daily activities and excursions; local guides/experts and airport transfers to and from San Jose del Cabo airport. Adventures can include hikes, horseback rides, birdwatching, ranch tours and cooking classes. Opportunities for guests may include:
The brand-new 100-guest National Geographic Venture launches this winter with spacious accommodations and equipment to suit the most active of travelers over five days on Base Camp Baja, awellness-focused cruise in the Sea of Cortez. This cruise is active and relaxing with award-winning wellness programs. Guests pursue yoga, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, stretching in the onboard fitness center, meditating and massages as well as body and natural facial, hand and foot treatments. This new ship is kicking off its first-ever sailing season in Baja before heading north to Alaska. The per person double rate is from $2,650. Departure dates in 2018 are Dec. 22-26, Dec. 26-30 and Dec. 30-Jan. 3, 2019; 2019 departures are Jan. 3-7, Jan. 7-11, Dec. 23-27, Dec. 29-Jan. 2, 2020; 2020 departure dates are Jan. 2-6 and Jan. 6-10.
A bonus for vacationing in this region is the possibility of swimming with whale sharks. Although whale sharks are found swimming all over the world, La Paz, Baja (a commonly used port for AdventureSmith’s small ship cruises), is one of the easiest and closest opportunities to swim alongside them for North Americans. These fish (the largest fish in the world) have made a winter home in the sandy shallows just outside the La Paz harbor where snorkelers can test their swimming speed (and nerve) by trying to keep up with these massive creatures. (Whale sharks swim like a shark but feed on plankton and other small sea life, offering no threat to swimmers.) Swimming with these majestic creatures is an experience not easily forgotten.
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:
TRUCKEE, CA, Oct. 10, 2018 – Cruising by small ship is trending up as travelers shy away from mega ships. To meet increasing demand, AdventureSmith Explorations, the international small ship cruise experts, lays out their most exciting new itineraries and destinations for 2019.
On small expedition cruise ships (41 to 200 guests) and on adventure yachts (8 to 40 guests), enjoying ports of call and shore excursions comes with several benefits. First, nearly all on- and off-board activities are included in the per person rate. Second, getting a few people on and off a ship is an efficient process when compared to moving upwards of 5,000 guests on and off a mega ship. Third, smaller vessels can access shallower waters and avoid over-crowded landings and hot-spot tourist throngs.
Here are a few expedition cruises and small ships brand-new in 2019 to AdventureSmith Explorations.
Across the Bering Sea-- The 102-guest National Geographic Orion makes its maiden voyage on the Bering Sea in June 2019. Three distinct voyages connect the Russian Arctic and Alaska by way of the Bering Sea, with visits to the Aleutian Islands, the remote Siberian coastline, Kamchatka Peninsula, Commander Islands and Bering Strait. Passing the Arctic Circle enroute to Wrangel Island guests will be on the lookout for polar bear and walrus. They will also meet indigenous artists known for walrus ivory carvings. These polar expeditions are staffed with trained naturalists and historians from National Geographic. The per person double rate, per day for 13 days ranges from $1,248 to $2,272.
Frontier Lands of New Guinea-- This series of departures aboard the brand-new, 120-guest Coral Adventurer travels between Cairns and Darwin, Australia, starting in May 2019. Travelers can opt for a departure of 11 days or select the most comprehensive 26-day route, which cruises along the northeast coast of Papua New Guinea and through the Indonesian islands of Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands. Guests visit small villages with intact cultural traditions and unique natural wonders such as a diversity of corals, and they enjoy complimentary snorkeling, kayaking and exploring via glass-bottom boat. Scuba diving comes with an additional charge. The per person double rate, per day for an 11-day journey ranges from $641 to $857.
The Coral Adventurer also sets sail on two new Indonesia-focused itineraries for 2019: the 15-day Islands of Indonesia and the 13-day Spice Islands & Raja Ampat. Coral Adventurer’s new routes combined with AdventureSmith Explorations’ other small ship options in Indonesia allow the award-winning travel company to offer set cruise departures in this varied country every month of the year. The cutting-edge Australian-flagged expedition ship is set to be among a new generation of advanced vessels purpose-built for small ship cruising launching in 2019.She offers private balconies for over half of the cabins (including two 600-square-feet suites) and efficient ship-to-shore operations with six Zodiacs and two Xplorer tenders, making twice-daily off-ship exploration easier than ever.
New Zealand by Sea: East Coast Expedition is an11- or 13-day voyage aboard the 72-guest Coral Discoverer exploring New Zealand's eastern coastline, accessing remote sounds, volcanic islands and marine reserves, including Stewart and White Islands. The longer itinerary out of Auckland offers a comprehensive trip to both the North and South islands, while the shorter route departing Milford Sound focuses on the South Island. Guests will encounter the Maori culture and learn about New Zealand’s history and landscape. They will also be positioned to see rare and unique wildlife, including giant sperm whales in Kaikoura, the Hector’s Dolphin (smallest and rarest in the world) in Akaroa and the yellow-eyed penguin (world’s rarest penguin) in Dunedin. The per person double rate, per day for a 13-day cruise ranges from $587 to $836.
Theory Galapagos Cruises-- The much-anticipated 20-guest Theory yacht launches in March, joining sister ship, Origin, which first set sail in 2016 and has since received designation into the prestigious Relais & Châteaux organization. Theory will sail two distinct 8-day itineraries. Her two routes simplify the process for travelers seeking a comprehensive Galapagos itinerary with each 8-day itinerary designed to experience the most diversity of species and landscapes. The per person double rate, per day for eight days ranges from $955 to $1,716.
Ancient Isles: England, Ireland & Scotland-- National Geographic Explorer’s newly redesigned exploration of England, Ireland and Scotland begins anew May 7, 2019, and continues into 2020. From London and on to the Irish Sea, guests visit numerous islands enroute to Bergen, Norway, with opportunities to meander through English gardens, imbibe Irish maritime history and perhaps a stout or two, and visit sacred islands, ancient abbeys and UNESCO World Heritage sites in Scotland. On board the 148-guest ship will be National Geographic guides, historians and photographers. The per person double rate, per day for 15 days ranges from $992 to $1,812.
In the same region is Scotland’s Highlands & Islands on the 48-guest Lord of the Glens, the only vessel offering elegant style that can navigate both the locks of the central Caledonia Canal (connecting the North Sea to the Atlantic through the Scottish highlands) and the islands of the Inner Hebrides. Several 2019 departures June through August allow passengers an unforgettable experience with accommodations in 26 outside cabins. The per person double rate, per day for 9 days ranges from $888 to $1,517.
Click here to see a complete rundown of all that’s new for 2019 from AdventureSmith Explorations.
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:
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Company Assists Travelers by Defining the Key Differences Between Small vs Big Ship Cruising
TRUCKEE, CA, Sept. 10, 2018– AdventureSmith Explorations’ Todd Smith, founder and president, recalls when privately chartered yachts and fishing boats were the only way – aside from the traditional cruise ship – to take a vacation at sea.
In 2003, this company leapt into uncharted waters and began securing a legacy for today’s small ship cruise industry. Categorized by guest capacity, the experts at AdventureSmith Explorations have defined three vessel options to choose from: “adventure yachts” accommodating 8 to 40 guests, “expedition ships” for 41 to 200 passengers and “traditional cruise ships” for vessels with larger capacities above 200 passengers and reaching up to 5,000+. Each has its advantages and limitations.
“The number of passengers a ship carries relates directly to the experiences a client seeks,” Smith says. “Vacationers who prefer resorts over boutique hotels prefer large cruise ships. Those underwhelmed at the thought of embarking from mega-hub ports to dine and lodge on floating resorts with Las Vegas-style entertainment may prefer an adventure yacht or expedition ship.”
AdventureSmith Explorations capitalizes on another key difference between large and small vessels. The hull of a large ship precludes it from entering smaller ports of call and anchorages, thus curtailing off-the-beaten path cultural forays and up-close explorations of flora and fauna along remote shore lines that are the specialty of yachts and expedition ships. See: https://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/small-ship-vs-big-ship---what-is-the-difference
When fine-tuning a reservation, AdventureSmith Explorations’ staff focus on traveler preferences to recommend which small ship to choose. Some travelers may be most comfortable in the intimate, family environment of small adventure yachts, while those seeking more cabin space, private balconies or more varied activity options for their group may want to opt for an expedition ship. On all small ships, notes Smith, the focus of activities connected with smaller vessels exceeds expectations. Keen on adventure, passengers spend most daylight hours off the boat, kayaking, snorkeling and on guided Zodiac and land excursions.
When he started his company, Smith says he didn’t envision the dramatic growth in adventure tourism (predicted to grow nearly 50 percent from 2016 to 2020) that would factor into the company’s success.
“Our small ships bring people to adventures in wild regions all over the globe. Imagine kayaking in front of massive glaciers and watching whales breach from a small Zodiac. Many of the places that our small ships visit can be logistically challenging, perhaps involving a long hike in or chartering a plane or simply cannot be reached in any other way (e.g. Antarctica). Small ships make access to these incredible locations not only possible but also provide a comfortable bed, hot shower and a nice glass of wine,” Smith promises.
Following are 9 Standouts in Small Ship Cruising that exemplify the fusion of small ships and adventure in not-to-be-missed destinations.
Adventure Yachts (8-40 passengers):
Expedition Ships (41-200 passengers):
For details on all of AdventureSmith’s small ship cruises worldwide, day-to-day itineraries, availability and reservations, Phone: 866-575-2875 toll-free or visit http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/.
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:
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/adventuresmith
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TRUCKEE, CA, Aug. 7, 2018 – If your perfect dream for a Holiday escape is sand between your toes – or monkeys swinging from the trees – the international specialist of small ship cruises can deliver.
AdventureSmith Explorations (https://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/) also has tips up its sleeve for how to reach a white, white world at Christmas and how to indulge over Thanksgiving at an especially carefree pace.
The Pacific Northwest is one of the world’s top wine regions. Here an active 8-day Rivers of Wine cruise on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers offers guests from mid October through mid December 2018 all the stuffing they can eat, washed down with regional wines, with samplings aplenty at local vineyards, and a chance to inhale a bit of the history of early pioneers on the Oregon Trail. The onboard sommelier and guest wine experts enlighten along the way. The 90-guest S.S. Legacy travels roundtrip from Portland, OR, and into Washington to visit viticultural areas. The per person double rate is from $3,745. See: https://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/rivers-wine-history-cruise-columbia-snake-river
Hawaii brings the opportunity to switch out turkey for a traditional Pa’ina (feast) on an 8-dayHawaiian Seascapes cruise aboard the 36-passenger, luxury motor yacht Safari Explorerthat dips on and off Moloka’i, Lana’i, Maui and the Big Island of Hawai’i. Folklore and culture are mixed in with snorkeling, paddleboarding and kayaking. The per person rate is from $3,995 for departures from early November 2018 to early April 2019. See: https://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/hawaiian-seascapes-hawaii-cruise-uncruise-molokai-lanai-honomalino-safari-explorer
Travelers can fly away from home-based holiday jungles to experience Costa Rica & Panama’s Rainforest on the 66-passenger Safari Voyager for a 9-day Unveiled Wonders: Costa Rica & Panama Canal cruise that stops for hiking, paddleboarding, snorkeling and kayaking near lush jungles, national parks, wildlife refuges, beautiful beaches and pristine islands. The per person rate is from $4,595 for departures throughout the year (except in May and October) that begin early November 2018. See: https://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/unveiled-wonders-costa-rica-panama-canal-small-ship-cruise-uncruise
Baja, Mexico offers the vibrant blue hues of the Sea of Cortez for snorkeling with whale sharks and hiking through giant Cardon cacti while on an 8-day Baja’s Bounty cruise aboard the 88-guest Safari Endeavour. Seasonal departures begin Dec. 22, 2018, and continue through the end of March 2019. The per person rate is from $3,795. See: https://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/bajas-bounty
The historic, 8-guest Westward comes with a 12-day itinerary, Westward Voyages in the Sea of Cortez, that ventures into remote coves and anchors near sea lions. The per person rate is from $3,500 for seasonal departures that begin Dec. 14, 2018, and conclude April 2, 2019. See: https://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/westward-voyages-in-the-sea-of-cortez
Baja Intimate Insider, a 7-day land trip based out of the Pacific’s gem of a beach town, Todos Santos, combines accommodation in colorful boutique hotels with active adventures in the day. Night brings dining under the stars at some of the best restaurants south of the border. The per person rate is from $3,500. See: https://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/baja-intimate-insider
The high-water season (best for wildlife viewing) in the Brazilian or Peruvian Amazon coincides with the Holidays and the 5- or 7-day Voyage to the Heart of the Amazonaboard the 18-guest Tucano, which offers access to isolated corners of the jungle for extensive explorations far beyond civilization. Deep in the belly of the primitive forest participants hike, canoe and kayak through an expansive UNESCO World Heritage reserve. A 5-day program is from $1,750 per person, with departures throughout the year. See: https://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/voyage-heart-amazon-brazil
Other cruise options in this region include a traditional riverboat, the 30-guest Amatista,or a luxury vessel in the stylish Delfin fleet:Delfin I Amazon River Cruise with 8 guests, Delfin II Amazon River Cruise with 28 guests and Delfin III Amazon River Cruise with 43 guests.
A traditional Indonesian sailing vessel, the 24-guest Ombak Putih or 14-guest Katharina, sail through Indonesia’s Remote Archipelago Raja Ampat rife withendemic ocean species, unique limestone islands heaped with primitive forest, dramatic waterfalls and intriguing caves. The 10-day Sailing Indonesia: Jewels of Raja Ampatcruise is from $5,350 per person, double, with departures from late November 2018 through the end of January 2019. See: https://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/indonesia-raja-ampat-cruise
Still want a white Christmas? You are in luck as there are still spots available for expeditions to Antarctica. For details on cruises around the White Continent and on all of AdventureSmith’s small ship cruises worldwide, day-to-day itineraries, availability and reservations, phone: 866-575-2875 toll-free or visit http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/.
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
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TRUCKEE, CA, July 11, 2018– Avid travelers with many worlds to see probably visit a far-flung region only once in a lifetime.
A case in point is The Galapagos. After a cruise around this mecca of wild creatures, people may dream of returning to imbibe more of Ecuador. Most won’t.
“We encourage clients to add a few days before or after their Galapagos cruise to experience the tropical cloud forests of the Andes, the wildlife of the Amazon Basin and even Machu Picchu in nearby Peru. These are all in striking distance of The Galapagos Islands,” said Todd Smith. He is the founder of AdventureSmith Explorations, specializing in small ship cruises in this region since 2003.
The following Galapagos cruises paired with Ecuadorian options by land and sea come with offers that can save up to $1,000 per person on a new reservation for 2018 trip. These AdventureSmith-curated combinations are within a short flight or several-hours’ drive from Quito, Ecuador’s capital, and are aboard small ships (from 16 to 90 guests) with land-based explorations from wilderness eco-lodges.
Galapagos Sea + Andean Cloud Forest Land: People who book a trip by Sept. 15, 2018, for travel by Dec. 31, 2018, can save 15 percent (up to $1,000 per person) on a Santa Cruz II Eastern Galapagos Islands Cruise combined with a Mashpi Rainforest Tour. A former Galapagos National Park guide designed this Galapagos itinerary to maximize wildlife sightings. The cruise is paired with an award-laden eco-lodge (one of National Geographic’s “Unique Lodges of the World”) in a cloud forest that guests can float over in an open-air gondola and sky bike.
Galapagos Sea + Ecuadorian Amazon Land: Select sailings with a choice of sustainable cruise vessels (Ocean Spray Galapagos Cruises, Petrel Galapagos Cruises or Camila Galapagos Cruises) come with $500 to $1,000 per person savings plus one complimentary overnight at the Red Mangrove Lodge in Puerto Ayora, Galapagos, when paired with the eco-friendly La Selva Amazon Lodge. This pre/post-cruise active jungle experience in the Ecuadorian rainforest posits guests in thatched suites overlooking a lagoonin the heart of the Amazon Basin, accessed by the Napo River. This package must be booked by Sept. 15, 2018, for travel by Dec. 31, 2018.
Galapagos Sea + Ecuadorian Amazon Land: Seaman Journey Galapagos Cruises and Sea Star Journey Galapagos Cruises offer up to $1,000 savings per person and free roundtrip flights from Quito or Guayaquil on select sailings in July, August and September 2018, when combined with the 4- or 5-day Ecuador Amazon Adventure at Napo Wildlife Center. This offer is valid for new bookings made by Sept. 15, 2018, for travel by Sept. 30, 2018. While the Ecuador Amazon Adventure is offered at a selection of eco-lodges in the region, AdventureSmith Explorations’ pairing for these boutique 16-guest luxury yachts is the 16-cabana Napo Wildlife Center, part of an ecotourism project that includes the conservation of over 82 square miles of the most pristine Amazon rainforest within Yasunì National Park. Guests enjoy visits with the Kichwa community of Añangu. A 118-foot canopy tower on the Napo River reveals flocks of colorful tanagers passing right through the trees and spider monkeys searching for nearby fruit. Programs include accommodations, flights to Coca (to access the Napo River into the Basin), water transportation and such guided activities as hiking on a 5,000-acre private ecological reserve and canoeing down the Napo River to Lake Pilchcocha.
Galapagos Land + Ecuadorian Amazon Cruise: This combo positionsguests at Galapagos Safari Camp (a tented camp with a main lodge on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos Archipelago) from which daily guided tours (including some boating and snorkeling) are conducted. Before or after the camp experience, guests join Manatee Amazon Explorer Cruise, which introduces secrets of life on the Ecuadorian Amazon River. If this combo is booked by Sept. 15, 2018, for travel by Dec. 31, 2018, guests receive complimentary airfare (for the Amazon portion) from Quito to Coca plus complimentary Galapagos National Park Entry Fee and Tourist Transit Control Card.
The Amazon Basin is known for its high biodiversity (species being highly varied within a geographic area). Activities in jungle locations vary but may include night walks to understand the nocturnal nature of the rainforest, fishing for piranha, visiting a parrot clay lick to see hundreds of birds gathering for their daily dose of minerals, climbing the observational tower for an overhead view of the jungle, or kayaking up Napo River’s tributaries to silently view wildlife.
For details on all of AdventureSmith’s small ship cruises worldwide, day-to-day itineraries, availability and reservations, Phone: 866-575-2875 toll-free or visit http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/.
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.
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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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TRUCKEE, CA, June 19, 2018– A baby boom of new polar cruise vessels anticipates a growing interest in exploring Antarctica for many years to come. For the upcoming 2018-2019, 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 seasons, AdventureSmith Explorations, the world’s leading purveyor of small and expedition ship cruises, has added to its portfolio five new purpose-built vessels that will cruise Antarctica.
“With your travel options in Antarctica increasing, it’s even more important to make this once-in-a-lifetime trip exactly the style and experience you want,” says Todd Smith, founder and president of AdventureSmith Explorations (https://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/). “Your trip to Antarctica should be a true journey, and turn you into an ambassador for the region, not just a passer-through.” How to achieve this? Smith suggests staying small and sustainable, on a ship carrying less than 200 guests.
Antarctica, unlike warm-weather destinations, remains a rarely visited, pristine world. In the 2017-18 cruise season (October-March), just 42,576 visitors set foot on the continent, less than half the number of spectators at the Super Bowl. But there are still many options to consider.
As the “go-to resource” for the also-expanding population of small ship cruise enthusiasts, Smith underscores how important it is that travelers understand the nuances of cruising polar regions. These nuances will determine which ship and itinerary a client selects.
For example, does a traveler have enough vacation time to cruise through the Drake Passage? Or will time constraints mandate a fly-over option? If your route of choice includes more remote locales like Weddell Sea or South Georgia, “suites will be more comfortable than cabins when there are several days at sea with no leg-stretching land excursions,” notes Smith. Other considerations include ship size, activity options (some with added costs), seasonality for specific wildlife interests and focus, like wellness-themed ships and itineraries with guest host photographers. He advises booking now for the 2019-2020 season so his staff can make the best match between traveler and ship.
The new expedition ships designed for active polar explorations consider, among other factors,
Following are the new builds in AdventureSmith Explorations’ polar-directed itineraries:
World Explorer for 176 guests first sails Dec.16, 2018, on the Explorers & Kings itinerary; in January 2019 it moves to the Antarctic Explorer 11-day itinerary that crosses Drake Passage. This 1B ice-class vessel boasts private balconies for each cabin, a glass-domed lounge for unimpeded ocean viewing, a gym, outdoor heated pool and running track. Days are packed with multiple landings, Zodiac cruises and such optional activities as kayaking, camping and stand-up paddle boarding (additional charge). On days at sea, the expedition team presents lectures and workshops. Rates on this ship are from $12,695 per person double for 11 days.
Hondius for 174 guests sails first in the Arctic (see North Spitsbergen) in June 2019 before repositioning for its first Antarctica sailing Nov 3, 2019, on the Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica itinerary. South Georgia, famous for its explorer history (Shackleton), is a haven for endemic wildlife. Smith encourages guests who can add a few extra days to a voyage to include this island (See: Why Include South Georgia with Antarctica and AdventureSmith’s recommended expeditions that include South Georgia below).
The ship—the world’s first registered polar class 6 expedition cruise vessel—boasts an exploratory educational travel program: interactive workshops on astronomy, navigation and botany with as much time off ship as possible. Guests can leave their shipboard base camp to hike, kayak, scuba dive and camp overnight (added cost). Choose from four different Antarctica itineraries aboard the Hondius; rates on this ship are from $7950 per person double for 10 days.
Magellan Explorer for 69 guests sails the Antarctica Air Cruise itinerary, with an air flight over the Drake Passage. The first sailing is Nov. 28, 2019, with itinerary options ranging from 6 to 16 days. The ship's capacity is for 100; however, guests are treated to the ultimate small ship polar air cruise experience with the vessel featuring only as many passengers as a single flight can accommodate. “The Magellan Explorer’s dedication to keeping it small fits perfectly with AdventureSmith Explorations’ philosophy of small, sustainable cruises,” Smith says. She offers a variety of comfortable accommodations (many with private balconies) and includes the elusive dedicated single cabin. Zodiac cruises lead to a variety of polar activities, including kayaking, hiking and snowshoeing (at additional cost). The per person double rate is from $5,995 for 11 days on the ship’s inaugural voyage, with most regularly scheduled Antarctic Peninsula sailings starting at $13,995 per person double for 8 days.
National Geographic Endurance for 126 guests launches in the first quarter of 2020, with Antarctica sailings slated for the 2020-2021 season. This educational polar vessel has a specifically designed hull to break through the tough pack ice, increasing the ability to explore hard-to-reach destinations and making new expeditions possible. Her ability to venture deeper into pack ice and unexplored reaches, paired with state-of-the-art educational equipment, helicopter landing platform and highly qualified guides, create an in-depth intellectual and exploratory experience. Also notable: out of the ship’s 69 cabins, 75% have private balconies and 12 are designed for solo travelers. Further details will be forthcoming.
Set for 2020 Launch – Quark Polar Vessel (Name to be Announced) Another recently announced 200-passenger polar ship is currently being built for safety and far-off exploration. The new vessel boasts twin helicopters and helipads for heli-skiing, flightseeing and exploration of otherwise inaccessible places as well as an innovative, internal hanger with four embarkation points for a fleet of 20 Zodiacs. These exploration tools; the ship’s specialized, cutting-edge safety features; and special provisioning and waste handling systems (enabling a 40-day operational range) all ensure the ability to go farther into the polar regions safer and more easily than before; look for future routes into the Ross Sea and the remote western Antarctic “Phantom Coast.” This ship is set to be launched in 2020, sailing the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
Other itineraries that include Smith’s recommended South Georgia stopover are:
Explorers & Kings aboard World Explorer’s inaugural voyage Dec. 16, 2018, which includes stops at South Georgia, the Falkland Islands and Antarctica. The per person double rate for this 20-day expedition is from $23,595.
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica is a classic option ranging from 19 to 23 days aboard one of three different expedition ships for the 2019-20 season. A notable new 23-day option on Feb 24, 2020, aboard the Hondius includes Elephant Island of Endurance (Shackleton) fame and the Polar Circle. The per person double rate on this 23-day route is from $18,500.
Antarctic Wildlife Adventure on the all-suite Sea Spirit comes with thousands of dollars in savings for those who book early on select 2019-20 season departures by October 31, 2018. The per person double rate varies by trip length but starts at $13,295 for 20 days.
Antarctica Air Cruise in 2020 is rolling out a new 16-day special itinerary on March 1, 2020. Guests fly to Antarctica then sail back by way of Elephant Island and South Georgia aboard the new Magellan Explorer. The per person double rate on this 16-day departure is from $15,395.
A number of ships are offering special deals and promotions for the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Some extend specials into the 2019-2020 season, with notable early-booking discounts. Click HERE for more information.
For details on all of AdventureSmith’s small ship cruises worldwide, day-to-day itineraries, availability and reservations, Phone: 866-575-2875 toll-free or visit http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/.
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:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AdventureSmithExplorations
Twitter: https://twitter.com/adventuresmith
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Dear Friends,
All the adages about time ring true for AdventureSmith Explorations. Time has indeed flown while we’ve been having fun, growing and building awareness of small ship expeditions. But where in the world did 15 years – and our company – go?
2003 was particularly auspicious as it was the year I founded AdventureSmith Explorations. As a naturalist guide in Alaska, I saw the power of wilderness-focused adventure to transform travelers into advocates for the environment. I envisioned small ships as floating base camps accessing the wild in a leave-no-trace manner while providing all the comforts of the finest off-the-grid hotel.
Fast forward. Fifteen years later, the word is out that the experiences small ship cruises provide differ greatly from those on larger vessels. People are hungry for the more intimate shipboard hospitality, off-ship activities and closer-to-nature opportunities yachts and expedition ships offer. These are not passive “sightseeing” trips but active, transformational travel experiences: think kayaking in Antarctica, visiting remote sea-accessed villages in Alaska and providing opportunities for students in the Galapagos to become conservation leaders. An expanding audience of conscientious travelers has responded by showing more interest than ever before in our unique style of exploration.
This demand has nudged us into purchasing a much larger office in Truckee, California. We departed our location in Tahoe City and doubled our square footage in gorgeous Martis Valley, which sits between Truckee and North Lake Tahoe at a 5,900-foot elevation.Fittingly, Truckee’s town motto is “Base camp for a big life.” Here our growing, 15-member team of expedition cruise and wilderness adventure specialists use an ever-expanding portfolio of domestic and international small-ship and land-based itineraries to craft the perfect trip. We match the travel styles, interests, activity levels and budgets of our clients with unique itineraries worldwide.
To help celebrate our success, show off our new digs and give thanks to those instrumental in our growth, we invite all past clients, neighbors, future travelers, local travel agents and the travel media to join us for an Open House. Please RSVP on our Facebook invite or through email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The details…
When: Friday, June 1, 2018 from 4:00-7:00 pm
Where: 40169 Truckee Airport Road, Suite #201, Truckee, CA 96161
Please come view our new office, meet our crew and learn more about our unique style of adventure travel. Refreshments and beverages will be served. Please see our Blog Post for more details.
While AdventureSmith Explorations has flown the world over in search of the most alluring small ship experiences, it has also helped fly me into some equally exciting realms, including onto the board of IGTOA (The International Galapagos Tour Operators Association) and onto Condé Nast Traveler's Annual Top Travel Specialists list. I’m also thrilled that our efforts have reached Sunset magazine in an April 2018 article (now on the stands) on travel industry change-makers in the fight against climate change.
Sustainability is in our company DNA. In 2005, I introduced the industry’s first Carbon-Free Cruising program to offset carbon emissions created as a result of being an AdventureSmith cruise passenger. Through the past and into the future we continue our ongoing environmental commitment by providing our travelers opportunities to have a meaningful connection with each place visited and its people and cultures. We also link them to a network of grassroots and non-profit partners. Nearly 90 percent of our passengers opt to make meaningful contributions, conveniently while booking through AdventureSmith Explorations. Through our careful choice of partners and operators, we favor small ships, yachts and lodges that…
As the staff and I settle into AdventureSmith Explorations’ new home, we’re all mindful that setting the environmental awareness bar ever higher has become even more important to our vision. Time will continue to fly. We will, through our shared commitment, continue to provide rewarding and meaningful travel experiences that celebrate and preserve the natural beauty of our planet.
Hope to see you in Truckee!
Sincerely,
Todd
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Todd Smith & the AdventureSmith Explorations Team
40169 Truckee Airport Road, Suite 201
Truckee, CA 96161
Toll-Free: 1-866-575-2875
Local/International: 530-583-1775
https://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/
PR Contact for Interviews, Photos, Press Trips: 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