Safari Voyager
Fodor’s Expert Review
Ship Overview
Baj...ia, Mexico
The sustainability-minded UnCruise first set sail in Alaska in 1996, and the Safari Voyager is the line’s eighth ship. The adventure-focused expedition ship tours warm water destinations such as Mexico, Panama, Belize, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. Built for nature lovers, this ship is equipped with Zodiac boats, kayaks, and paddleboards — the ship can reach beaches and coves inaccessible by larger cruise ships. It’s bow-mounted underwater camera and 270-degree deck views allow guests to immerse in the abundance of the Sea of Cortez . Read More
Built in 1982, the Safari Voyager is part of UnCruise’s luxury adventure fleet. Although the vibe is laid-back, the crew and passengers are serious about wildlife, exploration, and education. There are four passenger decks with ample space for wildlife spotting and lounging. Refurbished in 2016, additions include a public library nook, a new HVAC system, TV/DVD players, and a revamped sun deck with an open-air dining area, additional lounging areas, and workout bikes.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
What to expect on board
Staterooms & Cabins
There are 34 cabins on board, all equipped with ocean view windows above the waterline and individually controlled air conditioning. Reusable water bottles, private showers, deck and chair, eco-friendly shampoo and amenities, and binoculars for each guest are also a part of the stay.
Cabins are available in singles, two twins, or one queen. The most popular cabin is the Trailblazer, the middle-of-the-road option with queen or twin beds and located on the Cabin Deck. The Navigator cabins are a bit more affordable but located on a lower deck, two of which are single-occupancy cabins. The third option is the Pathfinder; these cabins are furnished with fixed twin beds and are located on the highest cabin level—the Bridge Deck, next to the suites. There are five suites including the Admiral and Junior Commodore Suites and one 250-square-foot Commodore Suite—with a whirlpool tub, fridge, wet bar, and seating area. All suites can be made into a triple with the addition of a sofa bed.
The Safari Voyager can accommodate guests with limited mobility traveling with a collapsible wheelchair. Using stairs to access various decks is unavoidable. Additionally, skiffs are the primary mode of transportation to shore—with wet landings that require maneuverability. Travelers needing additional assistance are required to travel with a caretaker.
Food & Drink
Fare includes all food and drink — with locally sourced and organic ingredients focused on regional ingredients and specialties. Meals are served in the dining room except for special occasions events alfresco on the Sun Deck. Breakfast and lunch are buffet-style, and dinner is a three-course seated meal in the main dining room with open seating. Vegetarian options are available. Dinner entrees offer three options, including meat, seafood, and vegetable, with the choice to sample all three. The pastry chef prepares delectable made-from-scratch desserts and fresh baked cookies, which are served every afternoon. There is a daily happy hour with hors d’oeuvres, a daily craft cocktail, beer, and wine.
All beverages, including alcohol, are included except for premium drinks and vintages. There is one bar in the lounge located on the Bridge Deck, and make sure to order the house-made UnCruise Bloody Mary.
Entertainment
Onboard entertainment consists of daily enrichment talks from the highly knowledgeable naturalists in the Lounge. A highlight is the daily recap of adventures with a roundup of animal sightings, briefs on upcoming excursions, and a slideshow of photos from the onboard photographer. There’s also a library of DVDs, board games, and guidebooks about the local region and wildlife. Observation decks are optimal for up-close animal viewing—one night, cruisers gathered for hours watching a surprise fever of over a hundred Mobula rays floating next to the boat.
Spa & Fitness
Self-guided exercise takes place on the Sun Deck with yoga mats, several elliptical and bike machines, and free weights. There’s also a daily guided morning stretch. There is no spa on board.
Key cruising tips
Health & Safety
Pre-arrival COVID testing is no longer required to board. All guests and crew require full vaccination and the first booster shots.
Masks are required in public areas of the ship, and to ensure adherence, Uncruise asks all guests at check-in to sign a document stating they have no COVID-19 symptoms and agree to wearing a mask in public areas inside the vessel or when physical distancing is not possible.
Antigen testing is available on board and will be available should symptoms arise. A positive test result may result in passenger isolation.
Dress Code
There is no dress code on board, and if there were a dress code, it would be casual. Be sure to pack clothing for wet landings on beaches, hiking, and swimsuits.
Junior Cruisers
Kids must be eight years and older to cruise. When children are aboard the ship, staff will collaborate with parents to create age-appropriate activities. Kid-friendly meals are available, but the ship offers no babysitting services.
Service
There are friendly, experienced, and highly educated staff aboard the Safari Voyager with a 2:1 guest-to-crew ratio. With an intimate number of guests to the crew, everyone feels like family by the end of the trip.
Tipping
The recommended tipping amount is $35 per day per guest, paid at the end of the trip.