September 20, 2006

Tahoe City, CA > Less is more when sailing the Caribbean and Virgin Islands aboard a small ship with AdventureSmith Explorations. When we say "less," we mean less crowds, less hustle and bustle and less money by saving up to 25% on select cruises.

Cruising the Caribbean with AdventureSmith Explorations is worlds away from the typical big ship cruise experience.  Guests cruise aboard specially outfitted expedition ships, in small numbers, to secluded areas away from the crowds. Zodiacs and small craft allow for up-close exploration and access to remote beaches. The ships' naturalists lead daily excursions, sharing an in-depth knowledge of the region's flora and fauna. Guests visit small island communities away from major ports to truly experience the Caribbean's laidback culture.

The Caribbean is an explorer's paradise and AdventureSmith Explorations offers two distinct ways to cruise the islands: aboard the tall-ship Sea Cloud II, with its sleek design and billowing sails, or in yacht-like fashion aboard the beautiful and spacious Spirit of Nantucket.

Yachtsman's Caribbean: Cruising the Virgin Islands Aboard the Spirit of Nantucket
Unspoiled islands, luminous waters, lush rainforests and white sand beaches - these are just a few of the reasons why the Caribbean is also called paradise. Here, "less-is-more" is a way of life. Aboard the beautiful Spirit of Nantucket, guests may experience true island life, away from the crowds, for a sense of seclusion that only a small-ship can offer. The 102-passenger yacht sails the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, stopping at St. Thomas, Jost Van Dyke, Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Salt Island, Norman Island, and St. John, so guests can explore and enjoy all that the islands have to offer: secluded beaches, stunning vistas, amazing coral reefs rich in marine life, and friendly communities, with quaint shops, boutiques and restaurants. These 8-day cruises depart between December 23, 2006 and February 24, 2007, with rates starting at $2,699 per person, double occupancy. Guests can save an additional 20 to 25% on cruises departing December 23, 2006, January 6, 2007 and February 24, 2007.

The Windward and Leeward Isles Aboard the Sea Cloud II
Round trip from Antigua, the 86-passenger, motor sailing yacht Sea Cloud II cruises the Caribbean Windward Islands, featuring the twin volcanic peaks and bubbling sulfur springs of St. Lucia, the lush rain forests of Dominica, the seabird colony off Tobago, as well as colonial towns and botanical gardens. Guests may snorkel among colorful coral reefs and tropical fish, as well as discover the surprising cultural mosaic of the region, with its French, Dutch, English and Spanish influences. Guests will explore isolated coves and secluded beaches that only a small ship can navigate, while the ship's naturalists and historians share their knowledge of the region. Highlights of the cruise include St. Johns, Antigua, Bequia, the Grenadines, Tobago, Soufriere, St. Lucia and Dominica. Also aboard the luxurious Sea Cloud II, guests may cruise the Caribbean Leeward Isles, exploring the islands of St. Johns, Antigua, Isles des Saintes, St Kitts, Virgin Gorda and Anguilla.

The Sea Cloud II is a blend of nostalgia and modernity, with expansive deck space, a library, sauna, gym and elegant staterooms that rival any at sea. She is also a true sailing ship, with three masts that reach as high as a 20-story building with close to 30,000 square feet in canvas sails. When it's all-hands-on-deck, guests can watch as nimble crew climb hundreds of feet into the rigging to set and adjust the sails, reminiscent of pirates and explorers of the past.

Both 8-day cruises featuring the Sea Cloud II start at $5,210 per person, double occupancy, with 16 combined departures between December 3, 2006 and January 21, 2007.

For reservations or more information, visit www.AdventureSmithExplorations.com, call 1-800-728-2875 or email travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com.

AdventureSmith Explorations specializes in small ship cruise expeditions and wilderness tours. Company founder Todd Smith pioneered the concept of wilderness cruising - combining the comforts of a small cruise ship with the adventure of sea kayaking and exploring ashore in remote wilderness areas. Founded in 2002, AdventureSmith Explorations strives to create connections with the world's exotic natural environments and native cultures through travel, combining fun and exciting activities such as sea kayaking, hiking, small ship cruising and rafting in places not found on more conventional itineraries; extraordinary, off-the-beaten-path places in such destinations as Alaska, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Belize, Ecuador and the Galapagos, Guatemala, the Arctic, Antarctica and New Zealand.

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