Early birds! Receive 10% off and 2024 pricing when you book your select 2025 departure from the below-linked Alaska cruises.
Offer valid on new bookings only, subject to availability and cannot be combined with any other offers except UnCruise’s Loyalty, Referral and Kid savings. Applicable on select departures and cabins. See all Alaska small ship cruise deals for a comprehensive list of current savings on these and other adventures.
Gather a group of 6 or more to save 5% off the booking on select 2025 departures of the below-linked small ship cruises worldwide.
Offer valid on new bookings only, subject to availability and may be combined with select offers. See all cruise deals for a comprehensive list of current savings on these and other adventures.
The 76-guest M/V Wilderness Discoverer is capable of nimble exploration through nature’s most dramatic hideaways. Retrofitted specifically for wilderness exploration, this small expedition ship features a shallow draft and hull design allowing for easy access to Southeast Alaska’s wildlife-rich shores and glacially fed inlets. Her specially designed stern makes her an ideal launching pad for an exciting array of daily adventure excursions.
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Wilderness Discoverer review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Our experts have been aboard the Wilderness Discoverer firsthand. Please read our Wilderness Discoverer review below then contact our experts to compare the Wilderness Discoverer with other small cruise ships and yachts offering small ship Alaska cruises.
Built in 1992 by Blount Boats in Rhode Island and refurbished with pride in 2011, the Wilderness Discoverer is a classic adventure cruise ship. She is one of two sister ships, alongside 86-guest Wilderness Legacy, to feature triple-occupancy options in her cabins. She has comfortable cabins, stylish common areas, excellent service and delicious meals. But what sets her apart from other Alaska small ships is her program of off-vessel activities designed to explore up close and in style. An experienced crew of guides and naturalists specialize in getting guests away from the ship safely and efficiently. The EZ Dock kayak launching platform eliminates the most challenging part of a paddle: getting in and out of the kayak. And with 25 two-person kayaks on board there are plenty of chances to explore. Choose the Wilderness Discoverer if you are seeking an affordable and active adventure cruise with a friendly crew and great cabin configuration options for families.
Among several comfortable and spacious social areas aboard the Wilderness Discoverer, the highlight may be the lounge, which is designed to evoke the feeling of a National Park lodge or neighborhood pub. Interior spaces aboard the Discoverer offer contemporary colors and brushed metals that complement the wilderness outside. She carries a bit of Alaska wherever she sails, exemplified in the beautiful bar top and tap tower made from a yellow cedar log found in Peril Strait. The full promenade deck allows ample space for watching wildlife or meeting with friends. The dining room has an open format that blends into the lounge, with a full-service, complimentary bar in between.
The Wilderness Discoverer offers guests a casual-style dining experience with open seating that accommodates all guests at once. Exceptional meals created by the skillful chefs use locally sourced fresh ingredients to reflect the flavors of your destination. Each day includes an early-riser breakfast of fresh fruit, baked-onboard pastries and breads, and a full breakfast complete with specialty items. Lunches range from pasta salads and sandwiches to homemade soups and ethnic dishes. Breakfasts and lunches are served buffet-style, while dinners are elegantly plated. Buffet meals give guests the flexibility to enjoy healthy and delicious options on a flexible schedule between activities and wildlife sightings. Dinners offer a choice of entrées, including fresh seafood and meats. Vegetarian dishes are available and special dietary needs can be met with advance notice. Hors d’oeuvres for the cocktail hour feature a variety of appetizers, and desserts are varied and plentiful. A variety of hot and cold beverages are available around the clock, and liquors, wine and microbrews are included.
The Wilderness Discoverer features a flotilla of stable two-person sea kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, a stern-mounted kayak launch platform and swim step (perfect for a polar plunge), and inflatable skiffs for remote explorations by water. Adventure gear is available for use, including hiking poles, and snorkel gear and wetsuits at an additional cost. There are two open-air hot tubs, exercise equipment and yoga mats for morning stretching classes. The open bridge policy encourages interaction with the captain and crew as they discuss navigation, itinerary and logistics. Educational opportunities come in many forms: hearing engaging naturalist-led lectures in the lounge, watching and listening to whales via underwater hydrophone and bow camera, and engaging with local peoples. Nighttime fun like charades, trivia or a talent show add to the sense of camaraderie.
Wilderness Discoverer’s enthusiastic and knowledgeable crew creates a casual and welcoming atmosphere, and offers exceptional service. The crew takes great pride in spiffing up the efficient, warm and inviting ship. The 27 crew members are sure to become great friends. On select departures, expert onboard naturalists and guides are complemented by guest hosts in the fields of ornithology, photography, marine biology, wine and wellness, among others.
The Wilderness Discoverer holds 76 passengers and features 38 comfortable staterooms across three decks. Her four cabin categories include: 8 Navigator, 16 Trailblazer, 10 Pathfinder and 4 Admiral cabins. All were refurbished in 2011 and feature lower berths: some with a twin berth, others with a sofa to accommodate a third guest. Each cabin includes a private bathroom with shower, hair dryer, conditioning shampoo and body wash, air conditioning, ample storage space and electrical outlets, flat-screen TV with DVD player, iPod docking station, binoculars, reusable water bottles and a view window (no portholes).
The luxury motor yacht Safari Explorer embodies an ambiance of refinement and relaxation, with just 36 guests. Her crew of 14-15 takes care of passengers’ every need. The performance-built Safari Explorer primarily cruises the Hawaiian Islands and Alaska’s Inside Passage and is notably one of the few vessels in her well-loved fleet that operates trans-Pacific voyages twice each year, spending the North American summer/fall in Alaska, and the winter/spring in Hawaii.
Choose the Safari Explorer if you are seeking a small ship that feels like a yacht. She has upscale appointments and a yacht-like atmosphere but still feels spacious, comfortable and welcoming. Expect as much activity as you wish, with the luxury you would expect from a much larger ship, including windows in every cabin (no portholes). AdventureSmith’s founder, Todd Smith, has always called this ship the quintessential expedition ship: “I always say that once you cruise aboard the Safari Explorer, you will be hooked on small ships forever.”
She is applauded by our team as being the Goldilocks of small ships; not too big, not too small, but just the right size. She continually receives rave reviews from AdventureSmith Explorations’ staff and clients, and is a favorite for Hawaii yacht charters and luxury Alaska cruises. While the cabins and common areas are decidedly exclusive, it is her service, active itineraries and cuisine that stand out the most.
AdventureSmith Explorations has been aboard the Safari Explorer firsthand, and can help you compare this with other ships offering Alaska small ship cruises, Hawaiian Island cruises, Canada cruises and Pacific Northwest cruises. Read our dedicated Safari Explorer Ship Review written by one of our specialists, or consult this page further for a detailed description of the vessel, including ship specs, deck plan, cabin images, photo gallery and current links to all Safari Explorer cruise itineraries, dates and rates.
Aboard the yacht, three public decks provide plenty of room for mingling, relaxing and enjoying the fresh air. The salon and lounge provide an inviting space with warm wood accents to be educated by lectures on the environment, wildlife, history and culture of the region. A TV screen drops down from the ceiling to provide visual accompaniment. Local experts are often invited along as special guests to “talk story” and provide insights unavailable to most other visitors. On select departures, onboard expert naturalists and guides are complemented by guest hosts in the fields of ornithology, photography, marine biology, wine and wellness, among others.
Musical instruments, guidebooks and games like mancala further encourage interaction. Large couches and a piano adorn the lounge, adjacent to a full-service bar staffed by a few rotating bartenders. A modest gear and merchandise store is available, as well as a public wash closet on the the aft of the Main Deck interior.
The Bridge Deck features five lounge chairs, four sets of tables and chairs, and abundant space to spread out to embrace the Hawaiian sun or brisk air in Alaska. A separate shaded seating area with table and patio furniture has additional seating for six. This is also where guests can take advantage of the ship’s open bridge policy, offering opportunities to chat with the officers and crew and spot marine life from their perch.
The Dining Room, located on the Main Deck, provides a casual atmosphere with open seating that accommodates all guests in one sitting. Meals aboard the Safari Explorer are served over several courses, with particular attention to the personal preferences of diners. Vegetarian dishes are available, as are reduced portions. Other special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.
Executive chefs create exquisite meals, using locally sourced fresh ingredients to reflect the flavors of each destination. Each day includes an early-riser breakfast starting at 6:30am of fresh fruit and squeezed juices, onboard-baked pastries and breads, followed by a full made-to-order breakfast complete with specialty items. Lunches range from pasta salads and sandwiches to homemade soups and ethnic dishes. Elegant plated dinners offer a choice of entrées, including fresh seafood and meats; a split plate is even available for indecisive eaters. Desserts are plentiful, imaginative combinations of tarts, pies, cakes and mousses.
Fine spirits, wines and microbrews are included, as are highly imaginative cocktails of the day, mocktails, rotating drafts and espressos. Hors d’oeuvres for a daily cocktail hour feature a variety of appetizers. Plus filtered water, coffee and hot tea are available for self-serve any time.
Active adventure cruises aboard the Safari Explorer allow freedom to engage in many activities. Two rigid-frame inflatable skiffs operate excursions from this vessel, with each able to hold half the guests aboard along with a few members of the crew. In Alaska, skiffs are primarily used for remote shore landings, and for scenic wildlife cruising. In Hawaii, skiffs are used for accessing marinas throughout the itinerary, and for snorkeling.
A full-beam swim step makes for easy access to the water or kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) from the stern of the vessel. The vessel carries a quiver of kayaks and SUPS, which can be used for guided outings (kayaks only) or open paddle/swim events. Important to note that different kayaks are used depending on where you cruise. In Alaska, sit-inside double kayaks are used, and in Hawaii sit-on-top kayaks are used. Also in Hawaii, the vessel will provide a dedicated snorkel set (mask, snorkel, fins) for use throughout your voyage. You can conveniently store this equipment in the cabin-assigned lockers on the back deck.
There is no guided wellness program offered onboard, but guests can find fitness equipment on the Bridge Deck in the form of weights, benches, elliptical, spin bike, yoga mats and blocks for self-use. A hot tub on the Bridge Deck is filled for cooler-weather Alaska itineraries, and the ship features a mechanized swimsuit dryer for frequent use in Hawaii and hot tub and polar plunge enthusiasts in Alaska. Other features are hiking poles for use and hydrophones for listening to below-surface sounds.
Aboard Safari Explorer each crew member wears many hats and has the opportunity to hone a variety of skills. This level of variety keeps the crew connected and happy, and provides a cohesive environment. Aboard you’ll find a dedicated Expedition Leader as well as multiple guides, bosuns, chefs, a hotel manager and servers who all work together. There is 1 crew member for every 2.5 guests aboard, so there is always someone available to help make your voyage more informative, comfortable and unforgettable. “Well prepared” and “proactive” are common compliments we receive of the staff aboard this ship.
The luxury small ship features 18 well-appointed cabins. All but 4 cabins are located on the Cabin Deck, featuring an exterior wraparound deck with a sturdy railing to let you soak up the views from any direction. There are 6 stateroom categories aboard the Safari Explorer: 1 Single (available as a double), 9 Navigator, 2 Trailblazer, 1 Jr. Commodore, 3 Admiral and 2 Commodore Suites. All staterooms feature view windows; king, queen or twin beds (each has a Tempur-Pedic® memory foam mattress); a spacious private ensuite bath with heated tile floor and separated shower and toilet; at least one sitting chair; ample storage space; binoculars for use; flat-screen TV/DVD; iPod docking station; reusable water bottles; hair dryer, bathrobes, conditioning shampoo and body wash; and unique art pieces. View the Safari Explorer deck plan below or contact our crew to find the best cabin for you.
The M/V Safari Endeavour, formerly the Spirit of Endeavour, offers the luxury and amenities of an Alaska yacht cruise with the price and efficiency of a small ship cruise. Her capacity makes for roomy accommodations and common areas. Four staterooms feature private balconies, while a casual, expedition-style tone sets the stage for her active itineraries in Alaska’s Inside Passage.
Choose the Safari Endeavour if you are seeking an expedition ship with plenty of space and activity options. She is among our traveler favorites for luxury Alaska cruises thanks to her range of activities and high crew-to-guest ratio. Built in 1983 by Jeff Boat Shipyard in Indiana, the Safari Endeavour’s original name was Spirit of Endeavour and her namesake Captain Cook’s iconic vessel. The extensive renovation also expanded various staterooms and outfitted the ship with two hot tubs, exercise equipment, an intimate wine bar, a covered Bridge Deck bar with included top-shelf spirits, beer and wine, and a full complement of expedition gear. Her activity options rival those of the most active small ships sailing today: yoga, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking are all complemented by knowledgeable guides that can tailor adventure to all levels.
Consult this page for a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Our expedition cruise experts have been aboard the Safari Endeavour firsthand. Read our Safari Endeavour Alaska reviews, or let us help you compare this ship with others offering small ship Alaska cruises. Find small cruise ships worldwide with our expertise.
The Safari Endeavour’s three decks provide great viewing opportunities of Alaska’s glaciers and wildlife, as well as relaxing public spaces for gathering with new friends. The dining room, wine bar, and DVD and book library each project an atmosphere of casual elegance. Wood fixtures and accents shine, and artwork highlights the warm and cool waters where she sails. On the Main Deck, the salon and bow-viewing area provide more places to gather and take it all in. The Upper Deck features two hot tubs. The Bridge Deck is home to the Sun Lounge, bar, bridge, exercise equipment and Adirondack-style chairs for relaxing.
Meals are a highly anticipated part of each Safari Endeavour cruise. The Dining Room, located on the Main Deck, provides a casual atmosphere with open seating that accommodates all guests in one sitting. Exquisite cuisine is innovative and fresh, with seafood and produce purchased locally whenever possible. Special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice, and mixed-meal plates are an option for the indecisive eater. All meals are served in the elegant dining room, and the complimentary bar offers premium spirits, fine wines and microbrews.
Active adventure cruises aboard the Safari Endeavour allow freedom to engage in many activities. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available for excursions. A full-beam swim step makes launching a kayak and boarding skiffs easy. Skiff rides explore shoreline, wildlife and landscapes up close. On select departures, expert naturalists and guides aboard are complemented by guest hosts in the fields of ornithology, photography, marine biology, wine and wellness, among others.
An enhanced program of educational presentations is held in the salon. The open bridge policy encourages interaction with the captain and crew as they discuss navigation, itinerary and logistics. Stretching classes are available on board, and adventure gear is available for use, including hiking poles and yoga mats. Hydrophones for listening, and an underwater camera for viewing, allow guests to connect live with the underwater environment from the comfort of the ship.
Safari Endeavour’s lively and knowledgeable crew creates a casual and welcoming atmosphere, and offers exceptional service to her smaller complement of travelers. The captain takes great pride in the ship and the teamwork that keeps her running smoothly. An all-American crew of 35-37 ensures attentive service with a guest-crew ratio of 2.5-1. On select departures, expert onboard naturalists and guides are complemented by guest hosts in the field of ornithology, photography, marine biology, wine and wellness, among others.
The yacht-style ship carries 84 guests with a mix of twin (some convertible) and king-size beds. Five stateroom categories include 5 Navigator, 18 Trailblazer, 12 Pathfinder, 3 Admiral and 4 Commodore Suites. Commodore Suites feature Tempur-Pedic® memory-foam bedding. In some categories, singles and triples can be accommodated. The suites merge two former staterooms and have step-out balconies.
All staterooms have turndown service, fine linens, private en-suite bathrooms with heated tile floors, hairdryers, bathrobes, conditioning shampoo and bodywash, air conditioning, desk and chair, generous storage and closet space, binoculars, reusable water bottles, flat screen TVs with DVD players and iPod docking stations. Note: 200-100 level rooms have interior entries, while 300 level rooms have entries on the exterior deck, placing the door in between the cabin windows.
This version of La Pinta’s cabin categories and amenities is for her charter by UnCruise Adventures. La Pinta also sails with a slightly different deck plan for other itineraries; see La Pinta.
La Pinta offers a sophisticated, upscale Galapagos cruise experience for 48 guests in 24 cabins that combines modern design, spacious rooms and gourmet cuisine, with top adventure. The ship offers a wide variety of aquatic activities including snorkeling, kayaking and rides in a glass-bottom boat.
Choose to sail La Pinta with UnCruise for the onboard camaraderie and excellent operations and guides this cruise operator is famous for. Because she has some of the largest cabins offered in the Galapagos, this is also an ideal yacht for Galapagos family cruises, with interconnecting cabins available, fantastic activities and engaging natural history guides.
AdventureSmith Explorations’ La Pinta review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Our Galapagos experts have been aboard La Pinta firsthand. Please read our La Pinta review then contact our experts to compare UnCruise’s La Pinta sailings with the ship’s other departures, as well as with other Galapagos cruise ships.
The La Pinta has been awarded a SmartVoyager accreditation due to her sound environmental, social and safety practices. This certification is awarded by the Rainforest Alliance, along with its Ecuador-based partner group Conservación y Desarrollo (C&D), to tour operators in the Galapagos Islands who meet a set of strict conservation standards. The goal of SmartVoyager members is to continually search for the best environmental practices available; permanently train staff on how sustainability works; and to continue to emphasize the importance of environment and wildlife conservation, natural resources management, and the well-being of workers and local communities.
La Pinta is equipped with 8 complimentary double kayaks, snorkel gear, a glass-bottom boat and wetsuits for guests’ enjoyment. She boasts an indoor gym, doctor’s office, boutique, laundry area, hot tub, outside sky bar and complimentary internet and WiFi (though connections are intermittent and low-bandwidth). Panoramic windows and outside decks ensure the greatest intake of the Galapagos Islands while relaxing in cabins, the sundeck, lounge or library.
A gastronomy director ensures meals are a delightful arrangement of the best international cuisine and traditional Ecuadorian dishes. Breakfast and dinner are offered in the dining room on the Main Deck at intimate tables with open seating. Lunch is served at the Outside Sky Bar and drinks are readily available at the Outside Sky Bar and Observation Lounge & Bar. Unlimited beverages, alcoholic and non, are included in the price of the cruise. Vegetarian options are always available. Dietary restrictions are happily accommodated with advance notice. On La Pinta: UnCruise’s special sailings, alcohol is included.
Daily activity options include snorkeling, sea kayaking, riding in pangas, hiking, swimming and observing the ocean via a glass-bottom boat. Wetsuit rentals are included with La Pinta cruises. The convenient aft platform makes accessing the islands seamless, as does the ability to board La Pinta at sea level. Glass-bottom boats are thoughtfully designed to enhance guest experiences with shaded hand rails and a shaded canopy. A hot tub, wellness area and onboard medical officer ensure true ease of mind. A medical officer is permanently on board and available 24/7.
La Pinta is considered the ideal yacht for families traveling together, with many connecting cabins. A special feature La Pinta offers for its young travelers is a program called Young Pirates, where kids can enjoy specially designed menus, earlier dinner hours, recreational material and a Galapagos booklet full of fun and trivia.
For its charter sailings with UnCruise Adventures, La Pinta’s cabins follow the UnCruise naming model of Captain and Admiral. There are 20 Captain cabins and 4 Admiral cabins located aft on the Cabin Deck. All have nearly floor-to-ceiling windows, relaxing chairs and private bathrooms. Every bed can be configured as two twins or joined as matrimonial beds according to guests’ needs (with the exception of cabin 312 which is only available with a matrimonial bed). A total of 4 cabins can be interconnected for friends or families traveling together. Bedding is fine cotton, down duvets and soft pillows. Bathrooms have all the amenities, hair dryer and plenty of plush towels. And every cabin has air conditioning, a universal docking station and in-room safe deposit box.
The 66-guest M/V Safari Voyager (formerly the Sea Voyager) is a 174-foot vessel offering a comfortable basecamp for travelers wishing to experience a Central America small ship cruise. She is a leader in expedition functionality and features the most advanced skiff launching platform among her sister ships Safari Explorer and Safari Endeavour. She is also specifically built to handle the humidity and heat that can challenge lesser-designed vessels.
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Safari Voyager review includes a detailed description of the small ship, including deck plans and a photo gallery. Our expedition cruise experts have been aboard the Safari Voyager firsthand. Please read our Safari Voyager ship review below then contact us to compare the Safari Voyager with other small cruise ships and yachts offering Baja cruises.
The Safari Voyager was built in 1982 by Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Maryland, with specifications that enable her to handle the humidity and heat of Central America, which can challenge lesser-designed vessels. A seamless extension of her cruise destinations, the ship and her mostly Costa Rican or Panamanian crew exude pura vida (pure life). Her most recent renovation, a $15 million upgrade in 2016, included structural changes to accommodate the kayak launch platform, a new galley, new electrical and air conditioning systems, new carpet, soft goods and local art throughout the ship.
Three public decks offer breathtaking views, and during the heat of the day, a window-lined, air-conditioned lounge provides refuge and offers an uncompromised 270-degree view with seating for all 66 guests. The lounge’s full-service bar offers complimentary refreshment including liquors, wine and microbrews. Other features include an elegant dining room and a DVD/book library on the Cabin Deck featuring 8 floor-to-ceiling windows, plush furniture and handcrafted decor. The Observation Deck’s Sun Deck area offers an al fresco public space with fitness equipment and lounge chairs.
The dining room, located on the Main Deck seats all 66 guests in a casual open seating atmosphere. The skilled chef offers unique and delicious creations for every meal, and mixed-meal plates are an option for the indecisive eater. Weather-permitting, meals will be served outside on the Sun Deck. Breakfast is served buffet-style while lunch and dinners are plated, three-course affairs. Early risers are treated to coffee and muffins. Self-serve coffee and tea is available early in the morning, through the day and into the night. Buffet breakfasts give guests the flexibility to enjoy healthy and delicious options on a flexible schedule between activities and wildlife sightings.
Every day provides new opportunities to go off-vessel. An aft EZ Dock launch platform provides convenient access into and out of adventure activity vessels. The small ship is outfitted with a fleet of double kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and inflatable skiffs, in addition to snorkel gear and hiking poles. Hydrophones for listening and an underwater camera for viewing allow guests to connect with the underwater environment from the comfort of the ship. The onboard wellness program with fitness equipment and yoga mats (including daily sunrise yoga classes) allows guests to rejuvenate and relax between activities. The open bridge policy encourages interaction with the captain and crew as they discuss navigation, itinerary and logistics.
Safari Voyager’s professional and service-oriented crew creates a casual-yet-attentive atmosphere. Local guides teach about the wildlife, history and culture of each visitor stop. During the daily sunset cocktail hour, guides brief guests on the next day’s activities, offering various options, including casual walks to strenuous hikes, that suit a variety of activity levels as well as nightly presentations after dinner. On select departures, onboard expert naturalists and guides are complemented by guest hosts in the fields of ornithology, photography, marine biology, wine and wellness, among others.
Generously-sized stateroom categories include 8 Navigator, 14 Trailblazer, 3 Pathfinder, 2 Admiral, 4 Jr Commodore Suites and 1 Commodore Suite. In some categories, single and triples can be accommodated. All Safari Voyager cabins feature turndown service, wide panoramic view windows above the waterline, individually controlled air conditioning, generous storage and closet space, handcrafted artwork representative of the Central American communities she visits, desk and chair, iPod/MP3/4 docking station, TV/DVD player, binoculars, reusable water bottles. speaker from which to privately take-in nightly presentations if desired, private bath with shower, hair dryer, bathrobes, and conditioning shampoo and body wash.
Working at AdventureSmith Explorations for almost a decade, I’ve sent many travelers aboard Safari Explorer. Over that time, I have heard their feedback, combed over their photos and assessed many Safari Explorer reviews. Needless to say, I was eager to get aboard to see for myself what this vessel had in store for me. On my Hawaiian Seascapes cruise I tried to look at the ship’s amenities and operations as it could apply to any destination she sails. Spoiler alert: If I could pick a perfect size ship for comradery and adventure, this would be it. But read on to find out why and to learn my favorite cabins and tips for getting the most out of your experience aboard.
IN THIS POST – Safari Explorer Review:
My Favorite Spaces
Tips to Choose Your Cabin
Food & Drinks
Packing Tips
Why Crew Love This Boat
Safari Explorer Takeaway
More Comments
More Safari Explorer Reviews & Ratings
Three public decks aboard Safari Explorer offered just enough space to stretch my legs and provide unique areas to visit. With two sets of stairs (one fore and one aft), I could easily access each of them. There was even a point on my trip when a fellow traveler kept walking in opposite circles as her husband and effectively ‘lost’ him for longer than expected. But the vessel was still small enough to quickly put eyes on a humpback whale sighting in just moments, no matter where I was on the ship.
If I had to classify one area of the Safari Explorer as the “fun zone” the Main Deck back area would be it. At its most basic function it was the launch platform for all skiff travel, which meant we were going to or from one of the exciting excursions planned for the day. The swim step here was where we got in and out of kayaks for kayaking excursions, or jumped into the water. My fellow guests and I loved effortlessly floating, supported by pool noodles and a suspended rope off the stern to cool off from the Hawaiian sun. Important to note for the ship’s Alaska itineraries that this vessel does not have the EZ Dock kayak launch that you might find on other ships in the UnCruise Adventures fleet. But we had many levels of kayakers, and everyone got along with the process just fine.
Anytime I found myself with free time in between activities and being in the water, you’d find me on the Bridge Deck. I enjoyed toggling between shade and non-shade here as I navigated my own personal preference of sun exposure. But also, being able to embrace the fresh air and apparent wind while having a clear line of sight in every direction made this location my favorite hangout space on the vessel.
In Alaska, there is a functional hot tub on the Bridge Deck to warm your bones after excursions or the polar plunge, watching glaciers pass by. In Hawaii, due to the occasional heave of the sea, the hot tub is kept dry and non-functional. But with the pleasant mid-70-degree ocean temperatures, and temperate 60-80 degree air temps, a hot tub wasn’t really needed.
Foremost on this deck is also where you will find the bridge—one that the captain and 2nd mate revered to me as the best one in the UnCruise fleet. With ample operational space, and panoramic windows for prime marine life spotting, it is no wonder this is a favorite among the crew. Be sure to keep your ear out to the all-boat PA system for announcements when the Bridge is open, so you can go up for a visit.
Which cabin to choose on this ship? Despite having many cabin categories, selection is somewhat easy on this boat since the bathrooms are all fairly equal (aside from Jacuzzi tubs) and every cabin has at a minimum a full picture window (no portholes). One bonus is that many beds are configurable to be either twin or queen/king. This is great for choice, but the downside is that when configured into queen/king beds, the mattresses will have a gap along the middle of the bed because the larger bed is essentially two smaller beds pushed together. Use the virtual tour below and follow along as we review the different categories.
I was in cabin B9, of the Navigator category, the most common on this ship with 10 of the 18 cabins falling under this category. With sufficient storage, extremely comfortable mattresses, three double-outlet wall plugs for gear charging and a door opening to an exterior deck, my Navigator cabin was the perfect platform as my home base to enjoy this trip.
On this ship, I feel you can opt for this lead-in cabin and have all the amenities you would ever need to be comfortable. But it’s important to note that all Navigator cabins have fixed queen beds and the person sleeping nearest the wall will have to climb over the other person to get out of bed.
If you want to upgrade functional space, look to the Trailblazer, which has fixed queen beds and access to the beds from both sides. The next level up are Admiral cabins, which is where you will find Jacuzzi bathtubs within this, and all categories above it. Each cabin has a slightly unique configuration, molding into the structure of the ship as needed. But all in all, the functional space continues to increase as you move up in price.
Keep in mind that Admiral cabins C1 and C2 open to the interior hallway on the main deck. This hallway is a common walkway for all guests coming to and from meals, the bar and the salon. Reports I received from guests in these cabins are that sound was rarely an issue just be prepared to find other guests passing by your cabin throughout the day. Interior cabins like this are a great choice if you have any mobility concerns since all the public exterior doors have hatch-style doors with a 6-inch step to clear. Not the hugest deal, but it is one less thing to navigate to get to the most regularly occurring event, meals, which happen three times a day.
I did not get a chance to peek inside Admiral cabin B1 (located on Cabin Deck), but based on my observances, this might be my favorite cabin on the ship. For a moderate increase in cost, you get significantly larger cabin space. Also, with this cabin you have an exterior opening door (which I prefer).
Choose a suite on this ship for separated sleeping and living rooms (great for triple occupancy and families). The two top-tier Commodore Suites have perks that are the most palpable. They are effectively double the size of most other cabins onboard. You will have a cabin door opening to an interior hallway, but also your own private balcony space, so you get the best of all worlds. You are one quick door away from accessing the sundeck, which gives views around almost the entire vessel. Or, if watching from the helm is what calls to you, the Bridge is just steps away.
CONNECT WITH AN EXPERT
You have questions.
We have answers.
With an accomplished head chef, skillful pastry chef, galley utility hand and two dedicated bartenders there was never a dull moment in the world of culinary delights aboard Safari Explorer.
Each morning there would be a breakfast special, which the steward would present to us once we were seated. Some of my favorites with a Hawaiian twist were candied spam with scrambled eggs and pineapple salsa, eggs benedict, or French toast with pina colada syrup.
While still seated, towards the end of breakfast, the Chef presented our options for lunch and dinner. We would then put in our order for the day, not because we were affixed to that choice, but more so they could prepare the correct rations. There was always a meat, fish and vegetarian option provided. Can’t decide? No problem, as we could put in half orders for multiple courses if a variety of options appealed to us.
Each day was punctuated with a specially inspired drink from the bartender, aptly called the “drink of the day.” From glittered Champagne to whiskey sours, mocktails and an Aperol spritz, there was no concoction the bartenders couldn’t make. Often the drink of the day was served with a happy hour snack, just a little something to tide us over until dinner. Common happy hour items in Hawaii were choices like ceviche and chips, caprese salad, or charcuterie.
Lunches and dinners were both main events and were often inspired by global cuisine from the chef’s travels. Some of my favorite lunches were the Arepa with pulled pork and black bean puree, or the BLT. Some of my favorite dinners were the locally sourced poke bowl, tamarind short ribs, mahi with coconut sauce, or mushroom stroganoff. Desserts were the grand finale of the evening (and often at lunch as well). My favorite of the week was a toffee and caramel cake with pecan syrup drizzle.
MORE SAFARI EXPLORER DETAILS
See the deck plan, more images and the full list of itineraries aboard this ship
Moving back to a time zone three hours from my norm, I found myself up early every morning. The morning on a ship can be a very peaceful time to soak in the scenery and silence before the action of the day begins. It is also a great time for spotting wildlife. As a coffee drinker, I usually enjoyed this daybreak hour with a hot cup of joe in my hand, which was available starting at 4:30am down in the Main Deck interior. In hindsight I wish I had brough a small, closeable coffee mug with me. This way I could fill my cup and spend longer in other areas around the ship without “needing” to go down and refill my cup. No need to bring a water bottle for use on the ship though, as they do loan out metal water bottles to use for the duration of the week.
I also wish I had brought my own mask for snorkeling Hawaii. Just the mask though! They do have all the gear onboard you would need to enjoy any snorkeling excursion. But I had to try a couple of different masks before I found one that fit right. And even once I did, I had issues with it fogging fairly often. If I did it again, I would bring my own mask, but use the snorkel and fins that the ship provides. This way you save on packing all of the snorkel items, but you can guarantee a fog free and well-fitting snorkel from day 1.
The ocean waters of Hawaii are an extremely comfortable temperature in my opinion (coming from the brisk cool waters of North Lake Tahoe). But I did decide at the last minute to throw a slightly insulated, zip-up, long sleeve top. And boy I’m glad I did. Having an added layer of warmth for snorkeling helped keep me in the water for longer so I had more opportunity to spot marine life. The ship does sell branded rash guards aboard, but those do more for sun protection than warmth. If you run cold, or like staying in the water for long periods of time, bring some insulation. The only wetsuits provided are in Hawaii for the manta ray night snorkel activity.
Also note, specifically for Hawaii, there is no alternate activity offered when snorkel excursions are happening. This is because both skiffs are used to bring snorkelers to their destination, and the boats will anchor up nearby while the activity is being done. If snorkeling is not a preferred activity of yours, keep this in mind, as it may mean some extra downtime aboard the vessel. Learn more about the Hawaii experience on this ship in my Hawaii cruise review blog.
In Alaska, the ship’s two skiffs are used for remote shore landings and scenic wildlife cruising (not snorkeling), so there are more varied activity options for guests.
The Safari Explorer is one of two vessels in her fleet of sister ships that can get all 36 guests out on the skiffs at once. This can be beneficial in case a whale or orca sighting has happened and if the Expedition Leader wants to offer the option to go view from the skiffs, or just generally to maximize efficiency for conducting excursions. On other vessels (aside from Safari Quest), you would have to do skiff rotations to get everyone out on the water, or out for an excursion.
The crew also love this vessel because there is a camaraderie that develops between the entire team on board. On some vessels, especially larger ones, there can be a natural division between hotel crew and expedition team.
Aboard Safari Explorer, each crew member wears many hats and has the opportunity to hone a variety of skills. There was an impressive level of experience, training and education for each person in their chosen position. But having a specialty didn’t keep crew pigeonholed into one role aboard the ship. We had bosuns that went out as expedition guides, we had the Captain working as a deck hand to help us on and off the skiffs, we had the Hotel Manager guiding some of our snorkels, and we even had the Head Chef join on an excursion as a snorkel guide and deckhand.
This level of variety keeps the crew connected and happy, and provides a cohesive environment in which to flourish. This seemed to trickle into the engagement of the guests-and-crew interactions as well. The positive attitudes of the crew were delightfully contagious, and undoubtedly affected guest cheerfulness and cohesion.
After having spent a week aboard the Safari Explorer, I have a newfound fondness for just how perfect she is. I have been looking at photos of this ship for over 7 years. But now, after having been aboard, when I see a photo of her it triggers emotions of affection and endearment. Like seeing the same car you used to drive in college pass you on the road, I now have a flash of sentimental memories flood my mind when I see a photo of the Safari Explorer.
While this ship may cost slightly more than some of the other vessels in the destinations she sails, the upgrade is worth it! She is excursion ready, with so many toys and tricks up her sleeve to keep even the most adventurous heart entertained.
Her cohesive crew and incredible chefs will keep you on the edge of your seat for what’s to come next. And the bonding you will experience, with just the right number of other guests to intermingle yet establish strong connections, will be the cherry on top.
ASK US ABOUT THE SAFARI EXPLOER
Contact us to compare ships.
Find the right one for you.
For more photos from this cruise aboard Safari Explorer view my Facebook album on AdventureSmith Explorations’ Facebook page.
Read more small ship cruise reviews, comment with your own Safari Explorer cruise reviews or view testimonials from our traveling clients who’ve been aboard below.
Save 15% on select 2025 departures of the below-linked cruises sailing the warm waters of Baja, California or Hawaii.
Offer valid on new bookings only, subject to availability and may not be combined with other offers. Valid on any cabin category. A deposit of $500 is required upon booking. See all cruise deals for a comprehensive list of current savings on these and other adventures.
Save 10% on any cabin category when you book your select 2024 Hawaiian Seascapes cruise aboard Safari Explorer.
Offer valid on new bookings only, subject to availability and can be combined with UnCruise loyalty savings, referral savings, military, and REI member benefits. See all small ship cruise deals for a comprehensive list of current savings on this and other adventures. Valid for departures on November 1, 23, 30; December 7, 14, 21, 28, 2024.