AdventureSmith Explorations Highlights of 2011 Cruise Itineraries

AdventureSmith Explorations Heralds Golden Age Of Small Ship Cruising with Itineraries from Alaska to Patagonia

AdventureSmith Explorations, the active travel company that secures matches between adventure-seeking clients and a treasure trove of small, expedition ships, announces its 2011 adventure portfolio.  Careful expansion includes water-filled worlds from Patagonia to Alaska and points between on adventure-laden itineraries for small ship cruise aficionados.

Todd Smith, AdventureSmith Exploration's owner and founder, said that demand is high for new ships and new destinations.

"Almost everywhere the land meets the sea there is a small ship or yacht available for up-close exploration," said Smith. "I feel we are entering a golden age of small ship cruising. As soon as the economy rebounds the small ship market will explode. Travelers and agents are becoming aware of the benefits of this style of travel and discerning voyagers are demanding the more authentic experiences available aboard small ships."

Following are highlights of AdventureSmith Explorations' new 2011 small ship cruise programs:

Hawaiian Seascapes

http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/200

The 39-guest Safari Explorer follows paradise across five islands over eight days with time out for excursions by mule, optional golf, scuba diving and snorkeling.  Rates begin at $4,995 per person, double. 2011/2012 Departures run October to May with specified family trips available.

Camp Leakey – Faces in the Forest

http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/289

This 11-day trip from Bali to Singapore explores the wildlife, birds and culture of Borneo aboard the luxurious new 100-passenger capacity Orion II. A visit to Camp Leakey in Tanjung Puting National Park is a highlight, viewing the rehabilitation of ex-captive orangutans. Rates from $6,930 per person, double. Dates: Sep 30-Oct 10, Dec 29-Jan 8, 2011 and Jan 8-18, 2012.

Glacier Bay Adventure Cruise

http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/160

This wheelchair accessible, six-day cruise for 12 passengers aboard Sea Wolf II is the only cruise to focus on Glacier Bay National Park, spending an entire week in this pristine wilderness.  Rates from $3,500 per person, double. Season runs from May 15 to September 2.

Other Alaska small ship programs include Alaska Eastern Coves Adventure Cruise: http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/38 and the return route Alaska Western Coves Adventure Cruise:

http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/54 Cruising is aboard the newly refurbished M/V Wilderness Adventurer and M/V Wilderness Discoverer and rates for the active eight day adventure begin at just $1,795 per person, double. Season is May to September and specified family departures are available.

Inland Sea of Japan – Discovery of an Ancient Culture

http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/298

Many of the logistical complexities of traveling this region disappear when traveling for 11 days by small ship on this culture-driven cruise that considers Japan's lifeblood, the sea, and its primeval forests and mountain peaks. Rates for ocean view suite aboard Orion II are from $6,930 per person, double. 2011 cruise dates are Jul 8-18 and Jul 28-Aug 7.

Patagonia Expedition Cruise

http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/290

A complement to a South American adventure is a three or four-night cruise exploring the wilderness and glaciers of the Chilean Fjords in the heart of Patagonia. Rates are from $840 per person, double. The season runs from September to April.

For more information on these and all of AdventureSmith Explorations' 2011 season offerings please visit www.adventuresmithexplorations.com, call toll-free 800-728-2875 or email travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com.

About Adventure Smith Explorations

AdventureSmith Explorations is the global leader in small ship, adventure cruise vacations. Company founder Todd Smith helped pioneer the concept of wilderness cruising that combines the comforts of a small cruise ship with the adventure of sea kayaking, hiking and exploring remote wilderness areas ashore. The company matches guests with the top names in small ship cruising as well with intimate, boutique ships that may not make the radar of most travelers.

In moving through exotic natural environments and exploring vibrant native cultures seldom associated with more mainstream cruise itineraries, AdventureSmith Explorations dedicates its efforts to small footprint, sustainable travel and has launched a carbon free cruising initiative. Its off-the-beaten-path destinations include Alaska, Baja, Costa Rica, Belize, Ecuador and the Galapagos, Hawaii, Peru, the Arctic, Antarctica, and Australia.

The company's mission is to give back to the individuals, communities and environments touched by AdventureSmith Explorations trips by connecting travelers with a network of grassroots and global nonprofit partners worldwide including the Alaska Natural History Association, Neotropica Foundation and Galapagos Conservancy. The company was named by National Geographic Adventure as one of "The Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth" and is the recipient of Conde Nast Traveler's prestigious "World Savers Award."

Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Tahoe City, California along the western shore of Lake Tahoe.  Phone: 800-728-2875 toll-free or 530-583-1775. Email: travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com or visit: www.AdventureSmithExplorations.com.