Rivers of the West - Westbound
« Safari Explorer
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | |||||
| Single | Master | Commander | Captain | Admiral | Commandore | ||
| 8 | Nov 20 '10 |
$5,595 | $4,895 | $5,295 | $5,595 | $6,295 | $7,395 |
| Destinations : North America, Pacific Northwest |
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Day 1 Board the Safari Explorer
Welcome! You will be met at the airport this afternoon and transferred to the Safari Explorer. The crew greets you with champagne and smiles, and we’ll enjoy a short dinner cruise along the canyons of the Snake and Clearwater rivers. This evening a local historian joins you in the salon for an informative presentation on the area.
Day 2 Hells Canyon by Jet Boat
After breakfast this morning transfer to a jet boat for an invigorating ride into Hells Canyon. Vertical cliffs carved by the river now hem in the rushing waters below your ship, and watch some of the most dramatic scenery unfold as you jet upriver. Watch for big horn sheep and hawks throughout the day. After your excursion cruise the Snake River, passing through the first lock and dam called Lower Granite. After dinner your Expedition Leader will provide a brief orientation to the journey.
Day 3 Palouse Canyon
Pass through the Little Goose lock and dam first thing this morning then anchor at the mouth of the Palouse River. The kayaks and skiff will be lowered for an up-close exploration of the pristine and lovely Palouse canyon. Watch for hundreds of cliff swallows that nest on the canyon walls, and for Northern harriers and osprey hovering above the still waters as they hunt.
Day 4 Birding, Rivers & Historical Confluence
Today transit through the McNary Dam locks. The McNary Dam encompasses an impressive wildlife region. Keep your eyes peeled and binoculars in hand to see some of the 212 species of migratory birds that rest here en route through the Pacific Fly-way: snow geese, tundra swans, canvasbacks, ring-necked ducks, redheads and many others. Later pass by Sacajawea State Park and learn about the Lewis and Clark Expedition's travails and triumphs through this river confluence area.
Day 5 Washington Wine Country
The fastest wine-growing region in the U.S. is in eastern Washington, and today you’ll see why. With North Star and L'Ecole No. 41 on your itinerary, your “taste of Washington” will be most enjoyable. Return to the yacht after the tours and tastings, and have time to relax onboard before dinner.
Day 6 Cruising the Columbia River
The vast eastern plains give way to the flanks of the Cascade Mountain Range as you cruise west today. Watch as the banks of the river go from gentle and low-lying to cliffs rising hundreds of feet high beside you. The wind and weather shifts from arid to temperate as the ship comes closer to the Pacific Ocean. Stop in Hood River (the windsurfing capital of the world) this afternoon where you’ll have time to browse the boutique shops or tour the local brew pub. Stay dockside here tonight, so take your time and enjoy the town.
Day 7 Columbia Gorge & Bonneville Dam
This morning cruise through the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. The outside decks provide the best views of this beautiful passage. At Bradford Island step ashore for a guided tour of Bonneville Lock and Dam, the final lock on your journey. Visit the power station and fish ladders, learning more about how this engineering marvel fits into the local environment and community. This evening enjoy a festive Farewell Dinner as the Safari Explorer drops anchor in a quiet channel for the night.
Day 8 A Fond Farewell
Your crew serves another excellent breakfast this morning before bidding you “adieu.” At 9:00 am you’ll be transferred to the Portland airport for connections home.
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is $1500, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: http://www.alvoyages.com/four-ways/
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure, and most travelers will pay the final balance with a check, money order, or bank transfer. You can also pay the final balance by credit card, but please note there is a 3% convenience fee assessed to all credit card-not-present final payments.
Booking last minute? No problem! Please contact one of our trip planners, and we can get you on your way if booking less than 70 days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| 91 days or more | 50% of initial deposit |
| 90-61 days | Forfeiture of full deposit |
| 60-46 days | 55% trip cost |
| 45-31 days | 80% trip cost |
| 30-0 days | 100% trip cost |
Safari Explorer
- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 40
- Luxury Expedition Ship
The Safari Explorer is exquisitely appointed with new design features such as an intimate Wine Library and spa area including a large hot tub, sauna, fitness equipment, yoga classes and complimentary massage. The Safari Explorer offers an exceptional way to cruise Alaska and other beautiful regions in luxury.
Accommodations
All staterooms feature heated tile floors in the bathroom; Tempur-Pedic® memory foam mattresses; Flat-screen TV/DVD; iPod docking station. All staterooms have view windows (no portholes).
COMMODORE SUITES (2)
Separate sitting area, king or twin beds, private bath with Jacuzzi tub & shower, view window and sliding glass door with balcony.
ADMIRAL STATEROOMS (3)
King or twin beds, windowed door or windows, private bath with Jacuzzi tub & shower.
CAPTAIN STATEROOM (1)
King or twin beds, view window, windowed door and private bath with Jacuzzi tub & shower.
COMMANDER STATEROOMS (2)
King or twin beds, view window, windowed door and private bath with tub & shower.
MASTER STATEROOMS (9)
Queen or twin beds, view window, windowed door and private bath with tub & shower.
SINGLE STATEROOM (1)
Twin bed, view window, windowed door, private bath with shower. Pullman berth available.
Amenities & Activities
• Sauna, yoga classes and complimentary massages, plus on-deck hot tub
• On-board exercise equipment such as elliptical trainer and exercise bike
• Large screen TVs/DVD's in both salon dining room and an exclusive wine library
• A full-beam swim-step for ease in boarding the double or solo sea kayaks the high-speed skiffs
• Hair dryers, bathrobes, alarm clock, i-Pod docking station/clock, binoculars and TV/DVD in each stateroom
• Heated tile floors in bathrooms
• Tempur-pedic® memory foam mattresses
• A DVD and book library highlighting hundreds of titles and information on cruising destinations as well as fiction and
other genres
• Fishing in Alaska and snorkel in Hawaii
• Included bar stocked with premium spirits, fine wines and micro-brews
Ship Specifics:
Length: 145
Beam: 36
Draft: 8.5
Cruise Speed: 10
Year Built: 1998
Year Renovated: 2008
Staterooms: 18
Guest Max: 40
Crew: 15
Routes: Alaska, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Hawaii
- Quoted rates include all excursions, meals, educational programming, transfers, taxes, port charges and fees.
| Cabins | |
|---|---|
 | Single B6. Twin bed, view window, windowed door, private bath with shower. |
 | Master B3, B7-14. Queen or twin beds, view window, windowed door, private bath with shower. |
 | Commander B15, B16. King or twin beds, view window, windowed door, private bath with shower. |
 | Captain B2. King or twin beds, view window, windowed door, private bath with Jacuzzi & shower. |
 | Admiral B1, C1, C2. King or twin beds, windows, private bath with Jacuzzi & shower. |
 | Commandore A1, A2. Separate sitting area, king or twin beds, private bath with Jacuzzi & shower, window and sliding door with balcony. |
