American Safari Cruises Acquires Former Cruise West Ship

American Safari Cruises Acquires Former Cruise West Ship

American Safari Cruises has acquired the 86-passenger Spirit of Endeavour, which was formerly operated by now-defunct Cruise West, and will renovate and rename it Safari Endeavour. The ship will re-enter service in summer 2012 in Southeast Alaska.

“This is an ideal time to expand our fleet,” said Dan Blanchard, American Safari CEO. “In our 14-year history, our occupancy rates have never been higher, and we are seeing an increase in demand for the type of small-group adventure travel we offer.”

The ship will operate weeklong cruises roundtrip from Juneau from May to September. The itinerary will include two days in Glacier Bay National Park and expedition cruising in Icy Strait, Frederick Sound, Thomas Bay, Chichagof Island, Ford’s Terror and Endicott Arm. Inclusive fares start at $4,795 per person. Two-week cruises between Seattle and Juneau will be offered in spring and fall.

During the extensive renovation, the guest capacity will be reduced 16 percent, from 102 to 86 guests with a mix of twin (some convertible) and king beds. There will be five stateroom categories and suites will be created by merging two former staterooms and adding step-out balconies. All staterooms have one or two windows. Other amenities being added include two massage rooms, two hot tubs, a sauna, exercise equipment, a wine bar and a library. An all-American crew of 34 will create a guest-crew ratio of 2.5 to 1.

The line’s other yachts include the 12-guest Safari Spirit, 22-guest Safari Quest and 36-guest Safari Explorer. The company also operates in Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, the Columbia and Snake rivers, the Hawaiian Islands and Washington and British Columbia. The inclusive cruises include all from-the-yacht activities and equipment, transfers, hand-crafted meals, wine, premium spirits, microbrews, a massage and all port charges, taxes and fees.