Safari Voyager
- capacity
- 66 guests
- year built
- 1982
- remodeled
- 2016
- crew members
- 29-31 crew members
- length
- 174 feet
- beam
- 36 feet
- cruising speed
- 9 knots
- flag
- Saint Kitts
The 66-guest M/V Safari Voyager (formerly the Sea Voyager) is a 174-foot vessel offering a comfortable basecamp for travelers wishing to experience a Central America small ship cruise. She is a leader in expedition functionality and features the most advanced skiff launching platform among her sister ships Safari Explorer and Safari Endeavour. She is also specifically built to handle the humidity and heat that can challenge lesser-designed vessels.
Safari Voyager Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Safari Voyager review includes a detailed description of the small ship, including deck plans and a photo gallery. Our expedition cruise experts have been aboard the Safari Voyager firsthand. Please read our Safari Voyager ship review below then contact us to compare the Safari Voyager with other small cruise ships and yachts offering Baja cruises.
The Safari Voyager was built in 1982 by Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Maryland, with specifications that enable her to handle the humidity and heat of Central America, which can challenge lesser-designed vessels. A seamless extension of her cruise destinations, the ship and her mostly Costa Rican or Panamanian crew exude pura vida (pure life). Her most recent renovation, a $15 million upgrade in 2016, included structural changes to accommodate the kayak launch platform, a new galley, new electrical and air conditioning systems, new carpet, soft goods and local art throughout the ship.
Common Areas Aboard Safari Voyager
Three public decks offer breathtaking views, and during the heat of the day, a window-lined, air-conditioned lounge provides refuge and offers an uncompromised 270-degree view with seating for all 66 guests. The lounge’s full-service bar offers complimentary refreshment including liquors, wine and microbrews. Other features include an elegant dining room and a DVD/book library on the Cabin Deck featuring 8 floor-to-ceiling windows, plush furniture and handcrafted decor. The Sun Deck features an al fresco public space with fitness equipment and lounge chairs.
Dining Aboard Safari Voyager
The dining room, located on the Main Deck seats all 66 guests in a casual open seating atmosphere. The skilled chef offers unique and delicious creations for every meal, and mixed-meal plates are an option for the indecisive eater. Weather-permitting, meals will be served outside on the Sun Deck. Breakfast is served buffet-style while lunch and dinners are plated, three-course affairs. Early risers are treated to coffee and muffins. Self-serve coffee and tea is available early in the morning, through the day and into the night. Buffet breakfasts give guests the flexibility to enjoy healthy and delicious options on a flexible schedule between activities and wildlife sightings.
Activities Aboard Safari Voyager
Every day provides new opportunities to go off-vessel. An aft EZ Dock launch platform provides convenient access into and out of adventure activity vessels. The small ship is outfitted with a fleet of double kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and inflatable skiffs, in addition to snorkel gear and hiking poles. Hydrophones for listening and an underwater camera for viewing allow guests to connect with the underwater environment from the comfort of the ship. The onboard wellness program with fitness equipment and yoga mats (including daily sunrise yoga classes) allows guests to rejuvenate and relax between activities. The open bridge policy encourages interaction with the captain and crew as they discuss navigation, itinerary and logistics.
Crew & Guides Aboard Safari Voyager
Safari Voyager’s professional and service-oriented crew creates a casual-yet-attentive atmosphere. Local guides teach about the wildlife, history and culture of each visitor stop. During the daily sunset cocktail hour, guides brief guests on the next day’s activities, offering various options, including casual walks to strenuous hikes, that suit a variety of activity levels as well as nightly presentations after dinner. On select departures, onboard expert naturalists and guides are complemented by guest hosts in the fields of ornithology, photography, marine biology, wine and wellness, among others.
Cabins & Deck Plan Aboard Safari Voyager
Generously-sized stateroom categories include 8 Navigator, 14 Trailblazer, 3 Pathfinder, 2 Admiral, 4 Jr Commodore Suites and 1 Commodore Suite. In some categories, single and triples can be accommodated. All Safari Voyager cabins feature turndown service, wide panoramic view windows above the waterline, individually controlled air conditioning, generous storage and closet space, handcrafted artwork representative of the Central American communities she visits, desk and chair, iPod/MP3/4 docking station, TV/DVD player, binoculars, reusable water bottles. speaker from which to privately take-in nightly presentations if desired, private bath with shower, hair dryer, bathrobes, and conditioning shampoo and body wash.
