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&rsquo;ll have a new option: the 145-foot, 36-guest <span>Safari Explorer</span>.<br /><br />This yacht is American Safari Cruises&rsquo; first entry into the South Pacific market and it also marks the first mainstream luxury option for cruising the &ldquo;Aloha State.&rdquo; The <span>Safari Explorer</span> and its all-American crew will visit Molokai, Lanai, Lahaina on Maui, the Big Island, and several snorkel/dive sites.<br /><br />The ship will be christened in Seattle on May 23. She&rsquo;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.<br /><br />If you&rsquo;ve sailed with SeaDream or Windstar and prefer intimate vessels and attentive service, you&rsquo;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.<br /><br />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&rsquo;s size, it can sail where other boats can&rsquo;t&mdash;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.<br /><br />Yet, you won&rsquo;t have to give up comfort for close encounters with nature. The <span>Safari Explorer</span> 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.<br /><br />American Safari Cruises has three other yachts that carry between 12 and 22 guests in Alaska, Mexico&rsquo;s Sea of Cort&eacute;s, the Pacific Northwest, and the Columbia and Snake rivers.<br /><br /><br /><span>Photo courtesy of American Safari Cruises</span>