American Safari Cruises has developed a new itinerary on the Columbia and Snake rivers of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho for the fall and spring seasons. Dubbed "Rivers First", the line's new 145-foot, 36-guest Safari Explorer yacht will fill the void left by Majestic America that previously sailed three riverboats in the area.The nine-day, eight-night itinerary is one way between Lewiston, Idaho, and Astoria, Ore., and focuses on the unique geology, wildlife and history of the area. Guests booking the inaugural season by July 24 will receive a $500 per person discount.
“River cruising in America is very popular,” says Tim Jacox, executive vice president of sales and marketing. “And yet with Majestic America pulling its boats from the Mississippi River as well as here, and Riverbarge Excursion ceasing operations for this year, the opportunities to enjoy this experience are very limited.”
Jacox says that the company decided to do one-way cruises because of the time required to lock through the eight dams on the Columbia. “If we did round-trip itineraries, we’d have to go through 16 lockings and we’d see a lot more of the dams than the river, the spectacular scenery and historical side trips.”
As with all ASC cruises, guests explore by double sea kayaks and motorized skiffs, as well as on guided hikes. Because the route lies in the Pacific flyway, birding opportunities abound as more than 200 species of birds rest in the area during their annual migrations.
The Safari Explorer offers luxury amenities and activities including complimentary massages from the onboard masseuse, exercise equipment, a sauna, top-deck hot tub, and yoga sessions. Staterooms feature Tempur-pedic mattresses, heated tile floors in the private bathrooms, and DVD players. There is a complimentary bar with premium spirits, fine wines, and microbrews; exceptional cuisine with fresh, local ingredients; a wine library to complement winery tours; and a crew-guest ratio of 1 to 2.
Cruises include a jet-boat excursion into Hells Canyon; wine-tasting at two fine Washington state wineries; a visit to Hood River, the wind-surfing capital of the world; a tour of Bonneville Dam; and the Lewis and Clark Discovery Center in Ilwaco, Washington.
Dates for fall 2009 cruises are September 30; Oct. 8, 16, and 24; and November 1, 9, 17, and 25. Prices begin at $5,295 per person.
Spring 2010 dates for an eight-day, seven-night cruise are March 20 and 27 and April 10 and 17. Prices begin at $3,395 per person. April 3 is a special wine and culinary themed cruise featuring eight winery, distillery, and brewery visits along with vintner and guest chef-hosted wine and food pairings to be held in the onboard wine library. Prices for this custom-crafted program start at $4,295 per person.
For more information, talk with your travel agent or call American Safari Cruises at (888) 862-8881.
Photo courtesy of American Safari Cruises
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