Expedition Small Ship Cruising Brings Nature and Culture to Holidays, Allows Families to Share Sun-splashed Adventures

Online, June 29, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Tahoe City, CA, June 28, 2010 - The active travel company that secures matches between adventure-seeking clients and a treasure trove of small, expedition ships suggests giving a holiday gift of a cruise that combine wildlife observation and culture with sunshine and traditional end-of-the-year celebrations.

"The only thing you'll miss on one of our holiday cruises is shoveling snow," said Todd Smith, founder and the "Smith" in AdventureSmith Explorations (http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/) that is actively taking reservations for small ship cruises to South and Central American destinations, Mexico, New Zealand/Australia and Antarctica for the popular December/January holidays.

Smith added that on almost all cruises Holiday and New Year on-board celebrations are the norm.

"Staff on our family-flagged cruises, whether it's the holidays or not, go out of their way to assure that children and parents are experiencing new worlds as they learn and play together," said Smith, adding that he's seen a 40 percent increase in the family market from 2006 to 2010.

A Sampling of Family-Focused 2010 Holiday Departures Include:

- Voyage Through The Sea of Cortez - Dec 19-26, Dec 26-Jan 2 http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/143
Bird Watching, Hiking, Sea Kayaking, Natural History Interpretation and Photography

- Panama Canal & the Wonders of Costa Rica - Dec 18-25, Dec 25-Jan 1 & Jan 1-8
http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/48
Transit the legendary Panama Canal, Explore national parks and wildlife reserves

- Panama Family Adventure (Land Based) - Dec 24-Jan 1
http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/310
New for 2010 with special child pricing

- Antarctic Peninsula aboard the Expedition - Dec 22-Jan 1
http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/77
New trip and new ship for 2010. Bird watching, natural history interpretation, photography, and wildlife viewing

Smith explained the primary differences in experiences between small ship (150 or fewer passengers) and those ships that carry between 250 to 5,000 passengers. The small ships focus on experience away from the vessel, as in glaciers, whales, birds and land mammals; the large ships focus on dining venues, port of call shopping and ship-board entertainment.

"Small ship cruising is directed outward, with a focus on firsthand experience in the destination. We visit smaller ports that better represent a region's authentic culture. A flexible schedule allows time to cruise close to shore in search of whales and wildlife. Some cruises explore off the ship by small craft, on guided shore hikes and sea kayaking," said Smith.

"This up close and casual cruising emphasizes an appreciation of nature, history and culture in a relaxed atmosphere for those seeking a meaningful connection to the region and like-minded travelers." Service onboard, he added, is very personalized with higher staff to guest ratios than found on larger ships. Depending upon the destination and itinerary, a typical cruise staff may include marine naturalists, historians, authors, research scientists and other onboard experts. Most shore excursions are included in the small ship rate because the concept of the cruise is to interface directly with the destination.

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, 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: [email protected] or visit: www.AdventureSmithExplorations.com.

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Contact: Todd Smith
AdventureSmith Explorations
Email: [email protected]
Tel: (800) 728-2875 / (530) 583-1775
Website: www.AdventureSmithExplorations.com