Ship: Safari Explorer
Itinerary: Rivers of the West - Eastbound
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy | Testimonials
| Day 1 : | Arrive in Portland, Boarding |
|---|---|
| Day 2 : | Columbia Gorge & Bonneville Dam |
| Day 3 : | Cruising the Columbia River |
| Day 4 : | Washington Wine Country |
| Day 5 : | Birding, Rivers & Historical Confluence |
| Day 6 : | Palouse Canyon |
| Day 7 : | Hells Canyon by Jet Boat |
| Day 8 : | Fond Farewell |
| Click for full itinerary |
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | |||||
| Single | Master | Commander | Captain | Admiral | Commandore | ||
| 8 | Mar 20, 2010 | $4,795 | $3,995 | $4,795 | $5,095 | $5,795 | $6,895 |
| 8 | Apr 17, 2010 Oct 16, 2010 Oct 23, 2010 Oct 30, 2010 |
$4,995 | $4,295 | $5,095 | $5,395 | $6,095 | $7,195 |
| 8 | Oct 2, 2010 | $5,595 | $4,895 | $5,295 | $5,595 | $6,295 | $7,395 |
| Destinations : North America, Pacific Northwest Activities : Cultural Activities, Expedition Cruising, Modern History, Nature Viewing, Paddling, Photography, River Cruising |
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- All rates are quoted in USD and represent cost per person, based on double occupancy.
- Quoted rates include all excursions, meals, educational programming, transfers, taxes, port charges and fees.
Sail in the wake of the Lewis and Clark Expedition into the American West on a luxury yacht cruise that encompasses human and natural history, and even time itself. Experience the rivers completely by jet boat, kayak, inflatable skiff and by transiting through eight mammoth dams from the comforts of a luxury yacht. Meet wine makers and taste wine from the barrel in Washington's wine country. Converse with local historians as they relate tales of the epic Lewis and Clark Expedition. No other River Expedition or River & Wine Theme Cruise will take you this far into the breadth and depth of the wilderness, history and culture of the American West. Journey Highlights: * Kayaking in quiet, hidden channels on the Lower Columbia * Multnomah Falls & Columbia Gorge * Touring Bonneville Dam * Jet boat ride into Hells Canyon * Private wine tours & tastings
Day 1 : Arrive in Portland, Boarding
Welcome to Portland! Meet your shuttle driver in baggage claim for a transfer to the yacht. Board the Safari Explorer where your Captain and crew greet you with smiles and appetizers. After dinner you will be provided a brief orientation to your journey.
Day 2 : Columbia Gorge & Bonneville Dam
Join your Expedition Leader on deck this morning as the ship enters the striking Columbia River Gorge. This spectacular canyon cuts the only sea-level route through the Cascade Mountain Range and is a designated National Scenic Area. Spend the day exploring the Bonneville Dam, Hood River and the full 80-mile stretch of the Gorge. After dinner a guest speaker will board for an informative presentation on the local history, and stay dockside in Hood River for the night.
Day 3 : Cruising the Columbia River
Pass through two locks and dams as you cruise east today. The story of the dams along the Columbia and Snake rivers is of great significance to the entire west coast as power for millions of people is generated from them. Have a first-hand look at how these dams have impacted both the natural world and cultural history of the west in the last 75 years.
Day 4 : Washington Wine Country
Enjoy a delicious breakfast before you set off by land for Walla Walla, Washington. Travel to North Star and L'Ecole No. 41 for exclusive tours and tastings. Later, cruise to Richland, Washington and welcome a guest speaker who will present the cultural history of the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. Tonight stay dockside in Richland, so enjoy an evening stroll along the riverfront before turning in.
Day 5 : 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. Pass by Sacajawea State Park and learn about the Lewis and Clark Expedition's travails and triumphs through this river confluence area. Later enter the Snake River where the vast western landscape rolls away toward the horizon.
Day 6 : Palouse Canyon
Enjoy breakfast onboard the Safari Explorer, as you cruise the cliff-lined Snake River. Pass through three of the four Snake River dams: Lower Monumental, Little Goose, and Lower Granite. Be on deck with your Expedition Leader while the ship “locks through,” watching the mechanics of these massive structures. Anchor in the Palouse River and set off by kayak and skiff for a look at a magnificent canyon formed by Ice Age floods.
Day 7 : Hells Canyon by Jet Boat
Join your Jet Boat Captain this morning for an invigorating excursion into Hells Canyon. Protected as a National Recreation Area since 1975, Hell’s Canyon preserves a world of fascinating natural and cultural elements. Lunch will be included in your excursion, and this afternoon reboard the Safari Explorer where a festive Farewell Dinner awaits.
Day 8 : Fond Farewell
Your crew serves another excellent breakfast this morning before bidding you "adieu." At 9:00 am you'll be transferred to the Lewiston, Idaho, airport for connections home.
Ship Description: Safari Explorer
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.
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
Single B6. Twin bed, view window, windowed door, private bath with shower. |
MasterB3, B7-14. Queen or twin beds, view window, windowed door, private bath with shower. |
CommanderB15, B16. King or twin beds, view window, windowed door, private bath with shower. |
CaptainB2. King or twin beds, view window, windowed door, private bath with Jacuzzi & shower. |
AdmiralB1, C1, C2. King or twin beds, windows, private bath with Jacuzzi & shower. |
CommandoreA1, A2. Separate sitting area, king or twin beds, private bath with Jacuzzi & shower, window and sliding door with balcony. |




Single
Master
Commander
Captain
Admiral
Commandore