American Safari Cruises Gears Up for Unstructured Yacht Itineraries in Hawaii

The inaugural season for American Safari Cruises in the Hawaiian Islands begins on October 26, 2011. To celebrate, this small-ship luxury line is offering excellent fares and a $300 per couple value-added travel credit ($150 for solo travelers). This credit will be given on any new booking made between June 1 and July 29, 2011 for travel between October 26, 2011 and May 3, 2012.

American Safari Cruises' 36-guest Safari Explorer is the only small-group expedition yacht offering overnight cruises in the Hawaiian Islands. Guests sail one way—on the leeward side of the eastern-most Hawaiian Islands—on an active luxury adventure between Maui and the Big Island that includes exclusive visits to Molokai, Lanai, and Molokini.

These unstructured itineraries—like those the cruise line offers in Alaska's Inside Passage and Mexico's Sea of Cortes—allow plenty of time for wildlife sightings, active adventures (like kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking), and cultural experiences.

ASC offers an inclusive experience, including transfers between the airport and yacht; taxes and port fees; entry fees to parks and preserves; onboard gourmet meals, premium wine, beer, and spirits; onboard naturalists; shore excursions; and "from the yacht" activities (like swimming, fishing, kayaking, and snorkeling).

There are two itineraries to choose from: the 7-night Hawaiian Seascapes and the 10-night Hawaii's Traditional Shores. 

American Safari Cruises Hawaiian Island Highlights

• humpback whale watching
• night snorkeling at Molokini
• interact with Big Island Pacific Mantra rays
• guided hikes along Molokai's famed Kalaupapa Trail
• exploration via kayak, sailboat, paddle board, snorkel, bicycle, and skiff
• complimentary onboard massage
• opportunities for golf on Lanai, Molokai, Maui, and the Big Island
• hands-on cultural experiences in Molokai's Halawa Valley

For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact American Safari Cruises at 1-(888) 862-8881.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photos courtesy of American Safari Cruises

Party Post: Comment to Win!

* * * Tonight is Luxury Cruise Bible's first Twitter and blog party. Our special guest is American Safari Cruises. We're chatting live right now—Tuesday, March 22 between 7–8 pm EST—on Twitter and will give away six Frommer's Hawaii 2011 guidebooks by Jeanette Foster and one Barnes & Noble Nook ereader. You can participate without joining Twitter. Read this previous blog post for full party details.  Check out these tips for attending Twitter parties. * * *

Questions of the Evening—Answer to Win a Prize

Q1: Would you pick a Hawaiian Island cruise or an itinerary that focuses on Mexico's Sea of Cortez? Why?

Q2: Which Hawaiian Island—Maui, Big Island, Molokai, Molokini, Lanai—would you most like to visit and why?

Q3. Which type of shore excursions do you prefer: beach day/snorkeling, hiking, horseback riding, or a cultural event?

Q4: Have you ever sailed on a small ship with just 40 passengers, like Safari Explorer? What do you love about small ships?

Q5: What worries you about small ship sailing?

Q6: Despite all the airport hassles, possible weather delays, and expense, why do you still love to travel?

Answer each of these questions by commenting on this post on March 22nd between 7 and 8 pm EST for your chance to win a Frommer's Hawaii 2011 guidebook or a Barnes & Noble Nook ereader. (You must include your email address when commenting. Your address won't be published but I'll need it to contact you if you win a prize.)

---

Get to Know American Safari Cruises

Safari Explorer's nimble design allows the yacht to explore the intimate shorelines of the Hawaiian Islands. Learn more about American Safari Cruises' new Hawaiian Island itineraries.

Safari Explorer bar - wine, beer, and spirits are included in the cruise fare.

Head to the Wine Library aboard Safari Explorer to purchase ultra-premium wines (free pours available elsewhere on the ship).

Meals are prepared by executive chef Craig White and are served in the main dining room (open seating).

Admiral cabins feature king or twin beds, windowed door or view window, TV/DVD, and a bathroom with both a Jacuzzi and shower.

The bathrooms aboard Safari Explorer are spacious and well designed. Some have whirlpool tubs.

For those interested in Mexico Sea of Cortes sailings, here's American Safari's 22-guest Safari Quest.

I love the 12-passenger Safari Spirit. It's so intimate! We sailed aboard the Safari Spirit in Alaska's Inside Passage.

---

Read More About American Safari Cruises

Travel writer Janet Groene reports on American Safari's Safari Quest and its Sea of Cortez itineraries for Grandparents.com.

World traveler Lisa Sonne discusses her time sailing Alaska’s Inside Passage aboard American Safari's Safari Spirit for Yachting Magazine.

Here’s what travel writers Bill Hirsch and Yvette Cardoza had to say about their trip with American Safari in Mexico’s Sea of Cortez.

It’s a fluke—and that’s a good thing. Ludmilla Alexander’s take on American Safari from the Sunday Oregonian.

Frommers gives its highest ranking (3 stars) to American Safari Cruises.

Get CruiseCritic.com’s take on American Safari here—all the member reviews are 5 stars or higher!

About.com’s Linda Garrison reviews American Safari's Safari Quest in the Sea of Cortez.

In case you missed it: here’s a terrific Islands Magazine article by Yvonne Horne about Mexico’s Galapagos (Sea of Cortez).

---

American Safari Videos

Captain Dan Blanchard introduces you to American Safari Cruises with this video.

Want to swim with sea lions? You can with American Safari! Check out this video.

---

The first Luxury Cruise Bible Twitter party is going on now (March 22, 2011 from 7–8 pm EST). Please join us if you're online now!

We're giving away six Frommer's Hawaii 2011 guidebooks by Jeanette Foster and a Barnes & Noble Wi-Fi-enabled Nook ereader! (Prizes can only be shipped to addresses in the United States or Canada.)

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photos courtesy of American Safari Cruises

---

We're bringing clean water to a village in 2011.
Learn more about our clean water project.

Reminder: American Safari Cruises Twitter Party Today at 7pm EST

Don't forget about today's Twitter/blog party with special guest American Safari Cruises!

REGISTER NOW to win one of six Frommer's Hawaii 2011 guidebooks by Jeanette Foster or a Barnes & Noble Wi-Fi-enabled Nook ereader! (Prizes can only be shipped to addresses in the United States or Canada.)

Tuesday, March 22, 2011
7 pm Eastern Time
(6 Central | 5 Mountain | 4 Pacific)

We're looking forward to chatting with all of you and giving away some very cool prizes. You'll learn about American Safari Cruises and its yacht vacations in Hawaii, Mexico, and Alaska.

Read more about this event and register to win prizes! 

Click here for Twitter party instructions and tips.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo © Leonard Hospidor

Twitter Party Tips: How to Attend the Luxury Cruise Bible Chat on 3/22 @ 7pm EST. Win Prizes!

Are you planning on attending the Luxury Cruise Bible Twitter party with special guest American Safari Cruises on Tuesday, March 22nd at 7pm EST (4pm Pacific)? I hope so!

Twitter parties are a lot of fun but they can move FAST. Here are the three ways in which I suggest you virtually "attend" the party.

Attend Via TweetGrid.com—

Recommended Method

1. Make sure you have your Twitter.com login credentials handy. If you don't already have a Twitter account, sign up for one now.

 

2. Go to TweetGrid.com and click on the "Party" button (circled in red above).

3. Fill out the requested information as follows:

Party Hashtag: #LCB #AMSAFARI

Party Host(s): @luxcruisebible, @americansafari

(be sure to include the comma separating the two Twitter handles above)

Your username: [ fill in your Twitter handle here ]

4. Then click "Join the Party!"

5. Okay, you should now see the TweetGrid panel from which you'll attend the party. All party messages will scroll on the far left panel. Messages from the party hosts — @luxcruisebible and @americansafari — will scroll down the middle panel, and your own messages will scroll down the far right column.

IMPORTANT: Check to be sure that there is a # sign in front of the #AMSAFARI hashtags on the right and left of the screen. (See red arrows. Click on the above image for a larger view.) If the # sign is missing, insert it manually.

You'll now be able to follow the party messages easily.

6. When you wish to tweet, type your message into the white text box at the top of the page (see red arrows above). TweetGrid will automatically append the hashtags #LCB #AMSAFARI to all of your tweets so you don't have to.

Remember, in order to be eligible to win the door prizes you must append #LCB #AMSAFARI to all of your tweets.

---

Attend Via Twitter

1. Go to Twitter.com a few minutes before the party begins at 7pm EST (4pm Pacific).

2. Log in to your Twitter account, or register for an account if you don't already have one. (See the sign in panel above, circled in red.)

3. Type the party's hashtags — #LCB #AMSAFARI — into the search box at the top of the page (circled in read in the above image, click for larger image).

4. Once you've entered the hashtags and have hit "return," click where it says "Save this search" (see the red arrow).

5. Go back to the Twitter home page and click where it says "Searches" (circled in red above). You'll see the #LCB #AMSAFARI search that you saved. This will make it easier for you to quickly refresh messages during the party.

6. This is how your screen should look if you're using Twitter to attend the party. All messages with the hashtags #LCB and #AMSAFARI should show up in your message window.

7. To respond to a tweet or send a tweet, type in the "What's happening?" box... just be sure to append #LCB #AMSAFARI to all your tweets so they appear in the party stream! You're only eligible to win a door prize if you append those hashtags!

---

Attend the Party Via This Blog

For Those Who Don't Tweet

For those of you who don't "tweet," you can still take part in the Luxury Cruise Bible / American Safari Cruises party. Just return to the Luxury Cruise Bible blog at 7pm EST (4pm Pacific) on Tuesday, March 22nd, and read the blog post devoted to the party.

You won't have access to the real-time Twitter messages, but you'll see information about American Safari Cruises, their new Hawaiian Islands itinerary, photos and videos, and links to articles about small ship cruising.

Answer the posted questions via the "Comment" button for your chance to win a Barnes & Noble Nook e-reader or one of six Frommer's Hawaii 2011 guidebooks by Jeanette Foster.

If you have any questions about the Twitter party, let me know.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Register for Online Cruise Party & Win!

This year Luxury Cruise Bible is hosting a series of online parties with our favorite cruise lines. The parties will be held right here on this blog and at Twitter.

American Safari Cruises is co-hosting our first party on...

Tuesday, March 22, 2011
7 pm Eastern Time
(6 Central | 5 Mountain | 4 Pacific)

We're looking forward to chatting with all of you and giving away some very cool prizes. You'll learn about American Safari Cruises and its yacht vacations in Hawaii, Mexico, and Alaska.

Prizes!

Participants may win one of six Frommers Hawaii 2011 guidebooks by Jeanette Foster or a Barnes & Noble Wi-Fi-enabled Nook ereader! (Prizes can only be shipped to addresses in the United States or Canada.)

There are two ways to "attend" the party: on Twitter and right here at this blog.

Option 1: Attend the Party on Twitter.com
March 22, 2011 at 7 pm EST

This party will primarily take place on Twitter, but we're adding a blog portion for all of you who'd prefer not to join a social networking site.

If you do belong to Twitter, I strongly encourage you to attend the party in real-time. It's going to be a lot of fun!

Here's what you need to do:

1. RSVP for the party by commenting on this blog post. You must RSVP if you want to be eligible to win a prize!
   
   
2. Go to Twitter.com on Tuesday, March 22 at 7 pm EST and log in. (If you don't already have an account, click on the "Sign Up" button and register.
   
   
3. Make sure you follow @LuxCruiseBible and @AmericanSafari.
   
   
4. Click on this link to bring you to the party's homepage. (You'll want to follow all messages with the tags #LCB and #AMSAFARI.)
   
   
5. The party will begin promptly at 7:00 pm EST on Tuesday, March 22nd. Watch for the six questions of the evening.
   
   
6. Tweet your answer to each question and include the tags #LCB and #AMSAFARI for a chance to win a cool prize. (Your tweet would look like this: "This is the first Twitter party I've ever attended. #LCB #AMSAFARI")
   
   
7. Remember to append the tags #LCB #AMSAFARI to all tweets you send during the party. Tweets without those tags are NOT eligible to win a prize! (The tags allow us to see everyone who's "attending" the party on Twitter.)
   

Option 2: Attend the Party at the Luxury Cruise Bible Blog
March 22, 2011 at 7 pm EST

Have no fear! You don't need to join Twitter to take part in our party. I'll also be posting to this blog during the party. You'll miss all the person-to-person discussion between party-goers, but you will still have access to all of the questions of the evening along with links to photos, videos, and American Safari cruise-related stories.

Here's what you need to do:

1. RSVP for the party by commenting on this blog post. You must RSVP if you want to be eligible to win a prize!
   
   
2. Watch for the six questions of the evening by returning to the Luxury Cruise Bible blog at 7 pm EST on Tuesday, March 22, 2011.
   
   
3. Comment on the party post on March 22nd between 7–8 pm EST with your answer to the six questions of the day for a chance to win a cool prize. (You need to sign in with your email address. It will not be posted online but will be available to me when I need to contact you if you win.)

Mark Your Calendar & Attend the Party!

Mark your calendar for Tuesday, March 22 at 7 pm EST (6pm Central, 5pm Mountain, 4pm Pacific). This party is going to be a lot of fun and if you've ever wondered what an American Safari yacht vacation is like, we'll answer all your questions. Join us!

You can find more Twitter party tips here.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo courtesy of American Safari Cruises
Prize guidebooks courtesy of Frommers. You may purchase a copy of Jeanette Foster's Frommers Hawaii 2011 here.
Nook prize courtesy of LuxuryCruiseBible.com

---

We're bringing clean water to a village in 2011.
Learn more about our clean water project.

Video Introduction to American Safari Cruises

On this beautiful Saturday, I want to share with you a video that introduces American Safari Cruises. This is a family-owned company with three yachts sailing itineraries in Alaska's Inside Passage, Hawaii, Mexico's Sea of Cortez, and along the Columbia and Snake rivers.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact American Safari directly at 1-(888) 862-8881. And, be sure to follow American Safari Cruises on Twitter.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

---

We're bringing clean water to a village in 2011.
Learn more about our clean water project.

Trusted Adventures Consortium Presents Extraordinary Active Vacations

If active travel is your thing, it's time to get acquainted with Trusted Adventures. This alliance, headed up by executive director Brad Moss, is made up of like-minded travel providers that focus on cruise and yacht vacations, eco trips, biking and hiking getaways, rafting adventures, and more.

Read about the group and explore each member's website. I guarantee they'll be a few trips you bookmark for future reference.

American Safari Cruises—focus is on active and luxurious yacht cruises in Alaska, Mexico's Sea of Cortez, the Columbia and Snake Rivers, and Hawaii.

Austin-Lehman Adventures—specializes in adult and family vacations around the world, including Yellowstone, Bryce/Zion, Grand Canyon, Costa Rica, the Canadian Rockies, the Galapagos, South Africa, and several western European countries.

Ciclismo Classico—offers expertly designed biking expeditions in many locations, including Croatia, Norway, Italy, Vietnam, and New Zealand.

Great Alaska—this is the place to find sport fishing and wildlife adventure trips to Alas.ka, Costa Rica, and Mexico.

InnerSea Discoveries—this is the sister company to American Safari Cruises (mentioned above); InnerSea offers active cruise adventures at a more affordable price in Alaska.

Myths & Mountains—unusual excursions to Asia (Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, and Tibet), Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam), and South America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Galapagos Islands, and Peru).

ROW Adventures—from Idaho rafting adventures to the Galapagos Islands and everything in between...ROW offers whitewater rafting, kayaking and canoeing, fly fishing, barge and yacht cruising, biking and hiking trips, and much more.

The Wayfarers—unique walking tours in the British Isles, South Africa, New Zealand, India, and Alaska.

Western River Expeditions—looking for a rafting adventure? Western River Expeditions offers trips in the Grand Canyon, Utah, and Idaho.

Wildland Adventures—Wildland has a varied list of itineraries that feature the best of wildlife viewing and active pursuits in the United States, Africa, Central and South America, the Antarctica, and the Far East.

For more information about these travel companies, visit their websites, call your travel agent, or do some research at Trusted Adventures.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Happy Valentine's Day: Romantic Cruises for 2011

Happy Valentine's Day! I hope you're spending the day with the people you love. I'm home with my husband and two wonderful Bearded Collies...nothing, not even a cruise, beats that!

However, a Valentine's Day cruise is always a welcome diversion in February! Why not think about booking a cruise to celebrate the holiday next year?


Andrea's Favorite 2011 Valentine's Day Itineraries

American Safari Cruises in Hawaii
Safari Explorer embarking Feburary 13, 2011 (7 nights)
Kona, Big Island to Maalaea, Maui

Azamara Club Cruises in Southeast Asia
Azamara Quest embarking February 5, 2011 (14 nights)
Hong Kong, China; Hue (Danang), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Bangkok (Klong Toey), Ko Samui, Thailand; Singapore

Crystal Cruises in South America and the Caribbean
Crystal Symphony embarking February 6, 2011 (16 nights)
Buenos Aires, Argentina; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Devil's Island, French Guiana; Bridgetown/Barbados, West Indies; Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos; Miami, Florida

Four Seasons in the Indian Ocean
Four Seasons Explorer embarking February 14, 2011 (7 nights)
Departing from the Four Seasons Maldives at Kuda Huraa for travel around the atolls of the Maldives

Paul Gauguin Cruises in the Cook Islands and Society Islands
m/s Paul Gauguin embarking February 8, 2011 (11 nights)
Papeete, Tahiti; Huahine; Aitutaki, Rarotonga, Cook Islands; Bora Bora; Taha'a (Motu Mahana); Moorea; Papeete, Tahiti

Regent Seven Seas Cruises in Australia and New Zealand
Seven Seas Voyager embarking February 8, 2011 (15 nights)
Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch (Lyttleton), Dunedin, New Zealand; Hobart, Melbourne, Sydney, Australia

SeaDream Yacht Club in the Caribbean
SeaDream I embarking February 13, 2011 (7 nights)
Marigot, St. Martin; Gustavia, St. Barthelemy; Deshaies, Iles des Saintes, Guadeloupe; Portsmouth, Dominica; Coconut Grove, Nevis; Marigot, St. Martin

Silversea in Southern Africa
Silver Wind embarking February 10, 2011 (10 nights)
Port Louis, Mauritius; Tulear, Madagascar; Richards Bay, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, South Africa

Windstar Cruises in Costa Rica
Wind Star embarking February 12, 2011 (7 nights)
Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica; San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua; Playas Del Coco, Quepos, Dahia Drake, Curu (Reserve), Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica

Yachts of Seabourn in Javi, Bali, and the Barrier Reef
Seabourn Spirit embarking February 3, 1011 (15 nights)
Singapore; Karimunjawa, Semarang/Java, Padang Bay/Bali, Komodo Island; Indonesia; Darwin, Cooktown, Cairns, Australia


For more information on any of these itineraries, contact your travel agent or the cruise line directly.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Maldives at Kuda Huraa

American Safari Cruises to Launch Hawaiian Voyages in 2011

Starting in November 2011, there will be a new way to discover the Hawaiian Islands aboard the 36-passenger Safari Explorer from American Safari Cruises.

This is the first time unstructured inter-island yacht itineraries are being offered here. The ship's captain and naturalist will have the ability to customize each seven-night voyage to the desires of the passengers, meaning that the ports of call can be remote coves, inlets, and bays that you'll explore via kayak, skiff, or on foot.

Safari Explorer will mostly stick to the leeward side of the eastern-most islands to avoid rocky seas. Marine life and Hawaiian culture will be explored, led by an all-American crew (several of which are residents of Hawaii).

You can book American Safari adventures by the cabin or charter the entire yacht. The inaugural Hawaiian season begins on November 12, 2011 and lasts through May 12, 2012.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or American Safari Cruises at 1-(888) 862-8881.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo © Leonard Hospidor

Lunch at Mama's Fish House on Maui's North Shore

When you next visit Maui's North Shore, you absolutely must dine at Mama's Fish House. It's been a family-owned island institution since 1973 when the Christenson family set up shop. It's truly one of the finest restaurants we've encountered in our travels around the world. We love this place because the food is spectacular (the freshest of ingredients are served), the setting is gobstoppingly gorgeous (right on a white sand beach), and the service is attentive and friendly. (The family also operates an inn on the same premises.)

Executive chef Perry Bateman fuses ethnic Hawaiian recipes with German, Tahitian, and Asian influences to create something unique. While the menu at Mama's changes daily, here are a few favorite dishes that may be available when you visit:

• Ono & Ahi in a Coconut—Tahitian Style
  Ono and ahi marinated in coconut milk, lime, tomato, Maui onion, cumber, and cilantro served in a coconut with breadfruit crisps
  
  
• Seared Beef Polynesian
  With tomato, Maui onion, garlic, and cilantro and served in a grilled ripe papaya with olive oil and Kula lime juice
  
  
• Mahimahi
  Caught by DeWitt Lickle along the North Shore of Maui, the mahimahi is stuffed with lobster, crab, and Maui onion and is based in a macadamia nut crust
  
  
• Crispy Kalua Duck
  With Mango-mui glaze and baby bok choy
  
  
• Polynesian Black Pearl
  Chocolate mousse and Liliko'i cream in a pastry seashell

Mama's is not inexpensive, but it certainly is worth it. We highly recommend Mama's on Maui!

Here are some photos of the veritable feast we enjoyed last week at this excellent restaurant:

Ginger Bisque

Seared Ahi Tuna

Shrimp Wontons

Kula Tomato and Maui Onion Salad

Macadamian Nut-Crusted Pork and Grilled Shrimp

Opa

Mango Sorbet and Vanilla Ice Cream

Polynesian Black Pearl Chocolate Dessert

Polynesian Black Pearl Chocolate Dessert

Where: Mama's Fish House is located at 799 Poho Place in Paia, right off the Hana Highway near Kalholo Place.

When: Mama's is open for lunch daily, 11:00 am to 3:45 pm. Dinner is served from 4:15 pm to closing.

Reservations: Call (808) 579-8488 between 8:00 am and 10:00 pm HST, or reserve your table online.

—Andrea M. Rotondo

Photos courtesy of Leonard Hospidor

Feast at Lele: Fantastic Luau on Maui

Last night we enjoyed dinner at one of the best luaus on Maui: Feast at Lele. Leonard and I attended this luau the last time we were on Maui and really enjoyed it. The setting on Lahaina Beach is stunning at sunset, the multi-course meal highlighting the food of Polynesia was scrumptious, and the dancing was beautiful.

Unlike some of the other popular luaus on Maui that have "mat" seating (yes, you sitting on a mat on the ground), Feast at Lele features all table seating. The experience is akin to a supper club. A bit more expensive than other options, but perfect for honeymoons and those celebrating birthdays or anniversaries. This luau is geared more toward adults. Young families may be better off at the Old Lahaina Luau.

Menu

• Traditional Polynesia Staples
  Banana, taro, and sweet potato chips served with a tropical ginger and ogo seaweed salsa
  
  
• First Course from Hawaii
  Imu roasted kalua pig, pohole ferns and heart of palm salad, fresh island fish with mango sauce, and poi
  
  
• Second Course from New Zealand
  Sea bean duck salad with poha berry dressing, kuku patties (Maori fishcake with mussels, salmon, and scallops), and haror kumara (roasted mushrooms, sweet potato, and garlic)
  
  
• Third Course from Tahiti
  Fafa (steamed chicken and taro leaf in coconut milk), E-iaota-Poisson Cru, and baked scallops on the shell
  
  
• Fourth Crouse from Samoa
  Supasui (grilled steak), Palusami (breadfruit with taro leaf and coconut cream), and shrimp and avocado with lilikoi
  
  
• Fifth Course: Desserts
  Carmel Mac nut tart topped with fruited cocout pudding (Haupia), Hawaiian chocolate turffles, and exotic fruits

Feast at Lele Bar Menu

• Mai Tai—light and dark rum with orange and pineapple juise
• Pina Colada—light rum, coconut cream and pineapple juise
• Banana Madness—rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream, banana, and Irish liqueur
• Lava Flow—a pina colada with banana and strawberry swirl
• Island Iced Tea—mango iced tea with juices and orange liqueur
• Blue Hawaii—light rum, orange juice, sweet and sour, and soda with dark rum float
• Beers—Heineken, Steinlager, Hinano (Tahitian beer), Budweiser, Bud Light, Coors Light, O'Doul's (non-alcoholic)
• Wines—chardonnay, white zinfandel, sauvignon blanc, cabernet, merlot, pinot noir, sparking wine
• Liquors—Smirnoff vodka, Gordons gin, Jose Vuervo tequila, Grants scotch, and Jim Beam whiskey.

Where: On the beach at 505 Front Street, Lahaina.

When: Nightly. Start time changes depending on the time of year but you usually sit down to dinner around sunset.

Reservations: Call 1-866-244-5353.

Photo courtesy of Leonard Hospidor

Kahana Village on Maui's West Side

Maui continues to astound us as we travel from one side of the island to the other while updating Thomas Cook's Travellers Hawaii and HotSpots Hawaii guidebooks. The work is not as glamorous as you might think. A lot of time is spent visiting attractions, restaurants, and shops—checking hours of operation, prices, specialties, and more. There is a LOT to see and do here on Maui so I apologize for not blogging more often.

After departing the Sheraton Maui, we checked into Unit 22 of Kahana Village. This two-bedroom oceanfront condo has exceeded our expectations. It's one of the few condos (anywhere) that we've booked that looks even better in person than in the photographs.

This is a terrific location with direct beach access, a nice (shallow) pool, and cabana area with gas grills. I'll tell you more about this excellent property in future posts, but for now I'll leave you with these photos of the unit itself:






Photos courtesy of Leonard Hospidor

Hula & Cliff Diving at Sheraton Maui Resort

This morning we checked out of the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. While we only spent a few days at this property, we really enjoyed it. The West Maui location—at Black Rock—is hard to beat. The beach here is excellent for snorkeling and you'll be constantly entertained by the cliff divers who are drawn to Black Rock itself.

Saturday nights at the Sheraton are laid back with Hawaiian music and dance followed by the sunset cliff diving ceremony. The official cliff diver scaled the rocks, lit torch in hand, and then threw his torch and lei into the sea as an "offering." Then, he executed a perfect dive into the water below.

Immediately after he jumped, a group of locals did a "domino" jump...one after another jumped off the cliff in quick succession. Loads of applause from all us beachcombers followed! For so many, cliff diving is an invigorating pastime here in Hawaii. It would be my worst nightmare! I don't think I would want to climb Black Rock itself... much less jump off it!

For those who don't want to spend all day on the beach, the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa also has a wonderful pool and whirlpool.

We enjoyed our stay and would definitely return. —Andrea M. Rotondo

Photos courtesy of Leonard Hospidor

Don't Miss Our New Contest!

Win Charlie's Truffled Popcorn. Simply comment on any post in this blog (include your e-mail address), subscribe to have blog posts delivered directly to your e-mail in-box, or follow me on Twitter. Learn more about the contest here.

Do you love cruising? Share your luxury cruise review at LuxuryCruiseBible.com. Submit your cruise review here.

Video: Checking In to Sheraton Maui Today

Well, we've got our bags packed. Our puppy sitters have arrived and our car service to JFK should be here in a moment. This morning we're heading for Maui, Hawaii. I'm on assignment updating Thomas Cook's Travellers Hawaii and HotSpots Hawaii guidebooks for the European market. I'll also be writing a few articles for some of my regular magazine and website clients. I'll post more about that after our trip.

We've booked award seats on American Airlines and the flights are packed. Let's hope for clear, safe skies and an uneventful trip to Hawaii!

Upon landing this evening we'll grab a rental car and make our way to Lahaina and the Sheraton Maui Resort on Kaanapali Beach.

Click below to watch a video about the Sheraton Maui.

We won't arrive to the hotel until late this evening, but I hope to post then. Also, be sure to follow me on Twitter this week as I'll be tweeting throughout our Hawaiian trip.

—Andrea M. Rotondo

Don't Miss Our New Contest!

Win Charlie's Truffled Popcorn. Simply comment on any post in this blog (include your e-mail address), subscribe to have blog posts delivered directly to your e-mail in-box, or follow me on Twitter. Learn more about the contest here.

Do you love cruising? Share your luxury cruise review at LuxuryCruiseBible.com. Submit your cruise review here.

Tell Me About Your Favorite Spots on Maui!

Starting May 8, I'll be blogging and tweeting from Maui, Hawaii. I'm on assignment updating Thomas Cook's Travellers Hawaii and HotSpots Hawaii guidebooks. I'll also be writing a Maui port profile for CruiseCritic.com.

Maui will be our "home base", but we'll also visit Molokai and Lanai.

I've got a long list of "must sees", but I'd love to hear from you about your favorite:

• beaches
• snorkel spots
• state parks
  
• restaurants
• hiking trails
• luaus
• shops
• tour excursion companies
• etc.

Please share your Hawaii expertise by commenting to this post. Let me know your "never miss" spots on Maui!

And, don't forget to "follow" me on Twitter, where I'll post updates from Hawaii as often as possible. Thanks!

—Andrea M. Rotondo

Photo courtesy of Leonard Hospidor

Introducing American Safari's Newest Yacht

Cruising Hawaii has always been a bit problematic, especially for travelers seeking a unique experience aboard a luxury ship. Previously, if you wanted to cruise the Hawaiian Islands you were locked into an inter-island itinerary from Norwegian Cruise Lines or a longer journey on another cruise line embarking from a west coast city such as San Diego or Los Angeles. Starting this December, you’ll have a new option: the 145-foot, 36-guest Safari Explorer.

This yacht is American Safari Cruises’ first entry into the South Pacific market and it also marks the first mainstream luxury option for cruising the “Aloha State.” The Safari Explorer and its all-American crew will visit Molokai, Lanai, Lahaina on Maui, the Big Island, and several snorkel/dive sites.

The ship will be christened in Seattle on May 23. She’ll then sail Alaskan waters this summer before relocating for the seven-day inter-island Hawaiian cruises and charters that will be offered from mid-December through early May.

If you’ve sailed with SeaDream or Windstar and prefer intimate vessels and attentive service, you’ll appreciate American Safari. If you prefer your cruise ship to have a formal dress code, Broadway-style shows, and a casino, this option is not for you.

Instead, the American Safari experience is all about the destination and active exploration of secluded coves and bays, quaint harbors, and tiny villages. Each itinerary, on the waters less traveled, focuses on hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking. Due to the yacht’s size, it can sail where other boats can’t—offering unique experiences not to be duplicated on any cruise ship currently sailing the Hawaiian Islands. Two certified naturalists sail on each voyage and immerse guests in an engaging tour of the indigenous flora and fauna.

Yet, you won’t have to give up comfort for close encounters with nature. The Safari Explorer features elegant balcony suites; master bedrooms and Jacuzzi tubs; a wine library for tastings; and a spa offering complimentary massages from a licensed masseuse, sauna, yoga classes, exercise equipment, and an on-deck hot tub. Attentive service is the order of the day, with a guest-to-crew ratio of 2 to 1.

American Safari Cruises has three other yachts that carry between 12 and 22 guests in Alaska, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, the Pacific Northwest, and the Columbia and Snake rivers.

For more information, call your travel agent or contact American Safari Cruises at (888) 862-8881.

Photo courtesy of American Safari Cruises

Perfect Hawaiian Honeymoons Aboard Safari Explorer

If you’re planning a honeymoon—or any romantic cruise getaway—check out American Safari Cruises’ new Hawaii Honeymoon Package. It’s offered on the line’s soon-to-debut 145-foot, 36-guest yacht Safari Explorer. This is the first luxury ship to offer inter-island Hawaiian cruises. The ship and her all-American crew will visit Molokai, Lanai, Lahaina on Maui, the Big Island, and several snorkel/dive sites. (Click here to read another blog entry about the new itineraries.)

The romance package includes one of two top-deck balcony suites that feature a living room with a large, flat-screen TV, master bedroom with king-size bed and Tempur-pedic mattress, refrigerator stocked with the couple’s favorite beverages, and bathroom with heated tile floors and Jacuzzi tub. The couple will also receive a private helicopter tour of Volcanoes National Park (other guests will fly with up to five others), and be feted at a honeymoon celebration one night at dinner.

The couple will be welcomed with Dom Perignon champagne on ice; a platter of chocolate-covered strawberries, fine cheeses, and grapes; a rose-petal strewn bed; and two personalized keepsake pillows. They will have first choice of complimentary massage appointments, and their preferred wines will be stocked in the yacht’s wine library.

The Honeymoon Package begins at $7,395 per person and includes from-yacht activities, shore excursions, private transfers, and complimentary premium spirits and fine wines.

For more information, call your travel agent or contact American Safari Cruises at (888) 862-8881.

Photo courtesy of American Safari Cruises

A New Luxury Option for Hawaii: American Safari Cruises

If you follow cruise news, you’ve probably heard that Norwegian Cruise Line—the only line currently offering inter-island Hawaiian Island itineraries—is repositioning two of its three ships that had been serving this area. NCL America had been plagued from the beginning with negative reviews due to poor service and despite making a big push in this area, they just couldn’t hit upon the right formula to make the itinerary profitable for three large ships.

NCL’s exit, however, makes room for a ship that’s much better suited for visits to the magical islands of Hawaii: American Safari Cruises’ 36-guest Safari Explorer. The yacht will begin sailing in December 2008.

The American-flagged American Safari Cruises will highlight up-close and personal encounters with nature as well as a focus on Hawaiian culture. "We may be seeing a major shift in Hawaii cruising," says Tim Jacox, American Safari Cruises vice president of sales and marketing. "While the large-ship inventory in Hawaii is shrinking, we're able to meet a long-standing demand for an intimate, up-close inter-island experience."

The new 145-foot Safari Explorer, now undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation in Seattle, will go where big ships can't—secluded coves and bays, quaint harbors, and tiny villages. The yacht travels only during the day, and in the waters less traveled will visit Molokai, Lanai, Lahaina on Maui, the Big Island, and several snorkel/dive sites. Guests will also have an included Volcanoes National Park helicopter tour and explore beautiful backcountry waterfalls and exotic terrain on foot.

American Safari Cruises inaugural Hawaii cruise season is December 19, 2008 to May 9, 2009; the Safari Explorer will return in November 2009 to begin its second season. The company operates four luxury yachts that carry 12 to 36 guests; other destinations are Alaska, Mexico's Sea of Cortés, the Pacific Northwest, and the Columbia and Snake rivers.

For more information, call your travel agent or contact American Safari Cruises at (888) 862-8881.

Photo courtesy of American Safari Cruises