Luxury Cruise Bible

Things to Know about American Safari Cruises

Air Add-on

American Safari Cruises does not offer an air/cruise package. However, your travel agent should be able to arrange your air travel in conjunction with any American Safari Cruises itinerary.

Alcohol Policies

American Safari’s cruise fare includes premium wine, beer, and spirits. The wine list rotates depending on the region being sailed. There is no corkage fee for any bottles you brought onboard yourself.

All-Inclusive Policy

Your cruise fare includes airport transfers; shore excursions; all meals aboard the yacht; all beverages, including premium wine, beer, and liquor throughout the day; kayaking and skiffing; services of onboard naturalists; and taxes, port charges, and fees. Add 5–10% of your cruise fare for gratuities.

Beauty Salon

Beauty salon services are not offered on any of the American Safari yachts.

Bon Voyage Gifts

There is no official program for onboard gifts. However, call American Safari’s sales office at (888) 862-8881 and they’ll do their best to accommodate your request.

Butler / Concierge Service

All American Safari Cruises yachts are staffed with professional stewardesses and stewards. Due to the intimate atmosphere of these yachts, the stewardesses offer very similar services to those offered by butlers and concierge staff on larger vessels.

Cancellation Policies

Cancellation fees are levied on any guest that must cancel his or her trip.

• 50% of initial deposit is levied if cancellation occurs up to 91 days prior to departure forfeiture of full deposit if cancellation occurs between 90 and 61 days prior to departure
• 50% of fare if cancellation occurs between 60 and 46 days prior to departure
• 75% of fare if cancellation occurs 45 to 31 days prior to departure
• 100% of fare if cancellation occurs between 30 and 0 days of departure

Cash / Credit Cards / Foreign Currency

American Safari accepts cash, checks, and credit cards. Exchange any foreign currency before boarding the ship. (Note that you won’t need any cash for onboard expenses, except for the gratuity that you’ll pay on your last evening onboard.)

Children’s Program

Families with under the age of 12 are invited to sail on specific “Kids in Nature” cruises in Alaska, Hawaii, and Mexico during spring break and summer vacation. This program is also offered on any private yacht charter. Children sail at 25% of the published cruise fare. Each child under 12 will receive a Kids in Nature backpack filled with mementos of their various explorations: an achievement award signed by the President of American Safari Cruises, a marine chart signed by the Captain and Expedition Leader, a CREW tee shirt and cap, a pair of binoculars, disposable camera, and a typed list of all of the flora and fauna observed during the cruise.

Cruise Documents

Your cruise documents will arrive approximately two weeks after final payment is received. You’ll receive a smart American Safari Cruises travel pouch, pen, luggage tags, itinerary, packing recommendations, any vouchers for prepaid services, and other helpful information.

Dietary Requests

American Safari chefs will assist you with any special dietary requirements. Please alert American Safari prior to your sailing and discuss any special requests with the chef once onboard.

Dining

One seating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You’ll find one communal table aboard the Safari Escape and Safari Spirit, and tables for six to eight aboard the Safari Explorer and Safari Quest.

Disabled Guest Services

Due to the lack of an elevator on any of American Safari’s yachts, these ships are not recommended for those confined to a wheelchair. Additionally, you should be in good health in order to load in and out of the skiff and take part in active adventures such as kayaking and hiking.

Dress Code

Casual and comfortable. Remember, this is an active vacation!

Electrical Outlets

All American Safari yachts are outfitted with the exact same electrical outlets you have at home.

Embarkation

Most itineraries include a tour prior to embarkation. This gives you a chance to meet and get to know your fellow passengers while the crew readies the yacht. Your tour guide will deliver you to the yacht after the conclusion of the tour. (Note: American Safari shore excursions are not to be missed.)

Fellow Passengers

You’ll meet an interesting group of people on your cruise. Most are professionals or retirees, well traveled, active, and engaged with nature and conservation. You’re sure to enjoy your trip and make a friend or two.

Formal Nights

There are no formal nights on any American Safari Cruises itinerary. Dress is comfortable and casual.

Gentlemen Hosts / Dance Partners

Since there is no dance venue on any American Safari yacht, gentlemen hosts are not part of the cruise experience.

Gratuities

Figure on 5–10% of your cruise fare for gratuities. Gratuities may be paid on the last evening of the cruise via cash, check, or credit card (American Express, MasterCard, Visa).

In-Suite Bar Setup

There is no in-suite bar setup, but you are free to bring beverages back to your cabin. A variety of nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages are available throughout the day in the dining room and salon.

In-Suite Television

Each stateroom is outfitted with a TV/DVD (for video viewing only). Broadcast television is not available.

In-Suite Toiletries

The yachts are outfitted with Protera soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and lotions.

Laundry, Pressing, and Dry Cleaning

American Safari does not offer laundry or pressing services aboard its yachts. However if your clothes get wet, the staff will take them to the engine room, where they’ll dry very quickly. Bathing suits and hiking boots are routinely dried in the engine room as a courtesy to guests.

Library: Books, CDs, DVDs, and Games

Each American Safari yacht is outfitted with a library housing a variety of field guides, travel guides, and fiction titles. You’ll find CDs, DVDs, and games in the Salon.

Luggage Delivery Service

Most American Safari itineraries begin with a city tour. While you’re touring with a guide and your fellow passengers, your luggage will be delivered to the yacht. At the end of the cruise, you and your luggage will be driven to the airport or local hotel. American Safari does not offer home-to-pier luggage delivery options.

Medical Facilities

There is no doctor or nurse aboard American Safari yachts. However, the crew is trained in first aid and CPR and the ships are never far from medical facilities on land.

Newspapers

The crew tries to pick up newspapers at various ports of call, but there is no daily newspaper service.

Past Guest Program

There is a past guest program. Your expedition leader will explain the program on your last evening onboard.

Pets

Unfortunately, Fido and Fluffy would not enjoy a cruise as much as you will. Pets are not allowed on the yachts.

Religious Services

None offered on American Safari yachts.

Room Service

While room service is not an option on American Safari yachts, the crew will try to accommodate any specific request you have.

Ship-to-Shore Communications

American Safari itineraries often include wilderness locales. For that reason, cell phone service will be sporadic. The crew will alert guests when the yacht is within cell service. You may use the ship’s satellite phone for a fee of $5.00 per minute. There is no Internet access on any American Safari yacht. Mail service is not available onboard. However, you may be able to mail a postcard or letter from one of your ports of call.

Ship’s Photographer

The Expedition Leader on each American Safari yacht will take photos throughout your cruise. You will be presented with a CD of all images on your last night onboard.

Shore Excursions

All shore excursions (hiking, skiffing, city tours) are included in your cruise fare.

Single Supplement Policy

Some special single staterooms are available. Other cabins may be booked by a sole traveler at 175% of the double occupancy rate.

Smoking Policy

Smoking is prohibited inside the yacht. However, guests may smoke on the open decks. Ash trays are provided.

Spa Services

All American Safari yachts offer a sauna and hot tub. The Safari Explorer has an on-staff masseuse.

Special Occasions

American Safari Cruises would be honored to help you celebrate a special occasion. Call the sales office to discuss your requirements.

Special Requests

The crew excels at meeting special requests. Try to alert the American Safari Cruises office prior to your sailing. While onboard, speak with your stewardess, captain, expedition leader, or chef.

Transfers

Meet and greet services and ground transfers are included in your cruise fare.

Travel Insurance

American Safari offers travel insurance through Access America. Visit the Access America site for more details.

Weddings, Vow Renewals, & Honeymoons

Special honeymoon packages are available in Hawaii. Consider a private yacht charter for your wedding or vow renewal.