AdventureSmith Explorations, the undisputed leader in small-ship adventure cruises, is enticing travelers with a treasure trove of new itineraries. If you crave unique experiences, breathtaking scenery, and the chance to truly connect with nature and local cultures, then look no further. This year, AdventureSmith Explorations is whisking you away on unforgettable journeys in Alaska, the captivating Mediterranean, the untamed beauty of Indonesia, and wild Antarctica.
Alaska: Unveiling the Last Frontier’s Enchanting Wilderness
Alaska, a land of towering glaciers, abundant wildlife, and awe-inspiring landscapes, beckons the adventurous spirit. AdventureSmith Explorations elevates the Alaskan experience with three exciting new itineraries designed to take you off the beaten path and into the heart of this extraordinary wilderness:
Circumnavigate the Pristine Beauty of Prince William Sound: Embark on a groundbreaking voyage aboard the Safari Explorer, the first small ship to navigate the breathtaking Prince William Sound fully. Witness a dazzling array of marine life, from resident orca pods to breaching humpback whales. Explore charming Alaskan villages and immerse yourself in the unparalleled serenity of remote wilderness. Sailings begin May 31, 2024.
“AdventureSmith Explorations has been a pioneer in small-cruise ship exploration in Alaska for more than 20 years, so it’s exciting to continue offering travelers new ways to explore areas that only small ships can access,” said AdventureSmith Explorations founder and president Todd Smith. “The new itineraries we’re offering provide unique access to wildlife, scenery, and Alaskan villages not often visited.”
AdventureSmith Explorations Founder and President Todd Smith
Dive into the Heart of Glacier Country: A New Ice-Focused Inside Passage Adventure: Calling all glacier enthusiasts! This unique itinerary aboard the Baranof Dream takes you on an unforgettable journey through the Inside Passage. Get up close and personal with Alaska’s most majestic glaciers, including the Margerie, Grand Pacific, and LeConte. A high-speed jet boat adventure to LeConte Glacier and a visit to the off-the-beaten-path village of Kasaan round out this immersive experience.
Craft Your Alaskan Dream: Customizable Charters for the Ultimate Adventure: Consider chartering an intimate yacht for 8-12 guests for the ultimate personalized exploration. Design your ideal itinerary, explore hidden coves, and create lasting memories amidst Alaska’s breathtaking scenery.
The Mediterranean: Unforgettable Cruises and Vibrant Beaches
The Mediterranean Sea, a region steeped in history and captivating beauty, offers a chance to explore ancient ruins, soak up the sun on pristine beaches, and delve into vibrant cultures. AdventureSmith Explorations breaks away from the well-trodden tourist path, offering unique itineraries aboard small ships that ensure a more intimate and enriching experience. Here’s what you must know about small ship Mediterranean cruises.
“We often hear from travelers that trips to the Mediterranean are on their bucket list, but they don’t necessarily want to have the same experience the throngs of tourists have in these locations,” said AdventureSmith Explorations founder and president Todd Smith.
“Our guests are discerning travelers who want to make the most of their trip by visiting less frequented spots and incorporating immersive activities that are not only educational but more intimately connect them to the people who call these remarkable destinations home.”
AdventureSmith Explorations founder and president Todd Smith
New this year, the Unexplored Greece: Ionian Islands Cruise itinerary travels west of Athens through the Corinth Canal and as far north as Corfu to explore some of Greece’s less frequented gems outside the busier Aegean Sea.
On this route, travelers will find themselves immersed in emerald landscapes, with opportunities to dip into sparkling turquoise waters and explore vibrant port towns. No other Greek Island small ship cruises explore this region in such an in-depth way, offering the ability to connect with the uniqueness of Greek island life.
Aboard the recently renovated 44-guest Harmony G, this 8-day cruise offers guests the opportunity to experience Greek culture at their leisure. Optional excursions include everything from wine tasting to exploring museums rich with culture and history.
Small-ship Mediterranean cruises will offer more capacity and route options thanks to the arrival of the 102-guest National Geographic Orion. This small expedition ship, with a nearly 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio that ensures attentive service, has spent most of its time over the past few years in the Pacific Islands but will fully relocate to host new itineraries.
Unexplored Greece: Unveil the Ionian Paradise: Set sail westward from Athens and delve into the emerald landscapes of the Ionian Islands. Cruise aboard the recently renovated Harmony G and explore hidden coves, vibrant port towns, and turquoise waters, far from the crowds of the Aegean Sea.
Croatia: Unveiling the Dalmatian Coast’s Secrets: Experience the magic of Croatia with a redesigned itinerary for an even more immersive adventure. The Croatian Coastal Cruising route now features a stop on the picturesque island of Brac, shorter seafaring stretches, and nights spent in port, allowing you to savor the local flavors at your leisure.
Greek Isles Odyssey: Embark on a harmonious blend of popular and lesser-known islands, offering exploration of charming villages, archaeological wonders, and culinary delights.
Ancient Mediterranean Odyssey: Immerse yourself in the rich maritime history spanning Greece, Croatia, and Albania. Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, participate in cooking classes, and delve into local traditions.
Crossroads of the Ancient World: This extended journey takes you on a historical odyssey, where you can explore trade routes, mythical birthplaces, and witness captivating performances by Sufi dancers in Turkey.
Treasures of the Adriatic: Discover the captivating beauty of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast and Montenegro. Kayak through turquoise waters, delve into the history of medieval towns, and explore the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Unveiling Indonesia’s Untamed Beauty: Unusual Adventures Await
AdventureSmith Explorations isn’t just about Alaska and the Mediterranean. A new sailing route in Indonesia beckons for those seeking an adventure unlike any other.
This 9-day voyage aboard traditional Indonesian phinisi ships, the Ombak Putih or Katharina, takes you on an immersive journey through the heart of Indonesia. Departing from and returning to Flores Island between April and August, this itinerary perfectly introduces Indonesia’s rich culture and diverse wildlife.
Imagine this: Snorkeling alongside majestic whale sharks, encountering the prehistoric wonder of Komodo dragons, and swimming amidst vibrant coral reefs teeming with life. This itinerary allows for more time off the boat than similar cruises, letting you truly connect with the islands’ natural beauty. Explore volcanic landscapes, discover hidden coves, and immerse yourself in the charm of quiet coastal villages and bustling markets.
“This new route eliminates the hassle of navigating traffic or hotels in Bali,” says Todd Smith, AdventureSmith Explorations founder and president. “Travelers can jump right into the adventure, exploring Indonesia’s rich islands in an active and immersive way.”
Todd Smith, AdventureSmith Explorations Founder and President
Unique Experiences Await:
- Witness the awe-inspiring sight of gas bubbles erupting from underwater fissures while snorkeling near Sangeang Volcano.
- Meet local conservation heroes protecting vulnerable whale shark and coral populations.
- Support local businesses and experience the authentic Indonesian way of life aboard a traditional sailing vessel.
Family Adventures: Twice a year, naturalist-led trips cater to families with children ages 4 and up. These immersive experiences provide a fun and educational way for kids and adults alike to explore the wonders of Indonesia together.
Unusual Adventure: Consider the 10-day Ring of Fire itinerary for the seasoned adventurer. This Ombak Putih voyage ventures off-the-beaten path, granting access to remote villages where traditional textile-making and fishing methods are still practiced. Daily volcanic explorations, historic Portuguese forts, and a luxurious hotel stay with a free bar tab round out this unforgettable adventure.
What makes this adventure different from other sailing adventures? Featuring fewer full days at sea than other similar routes require, the new route allows for more time off the boat. That means more time in Komodo National Park, swimming along pristine coral reefs, exploring the site of a coral restoration teeming with fish and black-tip reef sharks, and experiencing volcanos, quiet coastal villages, bustling colorful markets, and more.
The added flexibility of the itinerary and local knowledge of the ships’ experienced guides gets snorkelers in the water as much as possible to see the region’s iconic species like whale sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles.
No matter your preference, AdventureSmith Explorations has a unique itinerary crafted to exceed your expectations. So, ditch the crowds, set sail on an unforgettable adventure, and discover the hidden gems that await in Alaska, the Mediterranean, and now, Indonesia!
Untamed Wilderness of Antarctica
Starting in 2025 aboard the brand new, 154-guest expedition ship Douglas Mawson, three epic Antarctica cruises will take travelers across the Antarctic Circle and into diverse regions, including East Antarctica, the Ross Sea, and Subantarctic Islands that only 600 visitors – 1.5% of the tourists who visit Antarctica – access annually. The ship will embark on its maiden voyage in December 2025.
“Very few ships venture across Antarctica’s remote Southern Ocean but the rewards are great,” said AdventureSmith Explorations founder and president Todd Smith. “For those who want a truly comprehensive and unique experience in Antarctica, these epic itineraries aboard the brand-new Douglas Mawson are without a doubt, bucket-list trips. Travelers can embark from Australia and New Zealand and access varied landscapes, endemic wildlife and rarely visited historic explorer huts.”
Todd Smith
34-day Epic Antarctic Odyssey: Crossing the 7th Continent
With just a single departure set to cruise from Dunedin, New Zealand to Ushuaia, Argentina in February 2026, 154 expeditioners will explore the Subantarctic Islands and all of western Antarctica (Ross Sea, Bellingshausen Sea and the Antarctic Peninsula) on this semi-circumnavigation that very few people have done before.
As the ship navigates through gleaming pack ice and remote areas, the trip’s many highlights will surely include the rich marine ecosystem and wildlife, and reflecting on the remarkable achievements of the Heroic Age explorers whose historic huts have been beautifully preserved.
24- to 25-day Ross Sea Odyssey
Featuring two itineraries and only two departure dates (December 2025 and January 2026), these routes both include extensive exploration of the uninhabited Subantarctic islands. Travelers will visit Macquarie Island, home to four penguin species: Gentoo, Kings, Rockhopper and the endemic Royal, plus the Auckland and Campbell Islands, the only location to view yellow-eyed penguins.
History buffs will appreciate the 24-day Mawson’s Antarctica itinerary that follows its namesake’s pioneering 1911 voyage to East Antarctica. Including a visit to Mawson’s hut at Commonwealth Bay in George V Land, Antarctica, the ship will travel along the East Antarctic coast and attempt to position itself over the South Magnetic Pole, which has migrated out to sea.
The 25-day Ross Sea Odyssey sails along the Victoria Land Coast and into the globally significant wildlife sanctuary of the Ross Sea. With the spirit of adventure, this itinerary navigates prevailing weather and ice conditions in search of the Ross Ice Shelf, the world’s largest body of floating ice, as well as Antarctica’s largest Adélie penguin colony, the largest known emperor penguin colony, and a newly discovered emperor penguin colony found just one year ago.