Atlantis Offers Whale Watching on Hawaii’s Smoothest Cruise Vessel
HONOLULU – Using Hawaii’s only cruise vessel with a double-hulled design to glide over the ocean’s surface, Atlantis Navatek Cruises has launched its Whale Watch Lunch Cruise to see the magnificent humpback whales enjoying the warmth of Hawaii’s waters in winter.
Departing daily at 12 p.m. through April 11, 2010, Atlantis Navatek Cruises carries guests on a two-and-a-half hour cruise along East Oahu’s coastline that allows them to relax, admire the spectacular views, and feast on a delicious buffet, all of which is backed by Atlantis’s guarantee, “See a whale or sail again for free!”
Making the cruise experience particularly enjoyable is the revolutionary Navatek I and its unique SWATH (Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull) technology that lifts the passenger-carrying compartment above the ocean surface and limits wave action against the sides. The result is Hawaii’s smoothest ocean cruise experience.
“The Navatek I lets us provide our guests with the kind of whale watch cruise experience they envision, relaxing, scenic, smooth, and topped with a fantastic luncheon,” said Ken Kessler, General Manager of Atlantis Navatek Cruises.
The all-you-can-eat lunch buffet features a scrumptious menu of teriyaki chicken, fresh catch of the day, garlic mashed potatoes, white rice, steamed vegetables, sweet bread rolls, fresh fruit, and coconut cake. Sodas, coffee and tea are complimentary, with juices and alcoholic beverages offered for an additional fee.
The 140-foot Navatek I is the only passenger cruise vessel of its type in Hawaii and has been hailed by FORBES as “reinventing the boat.” It comfortably seats 300 guests and offers spacious upper and lower outdoor observation decks and two dining rooms that are carpeted, air-conditioned, and lined with picture windows from end-to-end to enjoy the views.
Navatek I carries guests along the scenic coastline beyond Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head crater toward Koko Head. And unlike other cruise vessels, Navatek I’s innovative design allows Atlantis to carry guests closer to the prime viewing locations found off East Oahu in the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.
An onboard naturalist helps guests search for humpbacks while providing insightful comments about their behavior and characteristics. If the naturalist does not see a humpback during the cruise, all guests are offered a complimentary return whale watch cruise (with lunch available for an added fee).
“Our objective is to entertain and educate guests about these special giants of the Pacific,” said Kessler. “It’s always a thrill to see a humpback, but we want people to leave our cruise with a greater appreciation about protecting these creatures and their environment.”
Atlantis’s Whale Watch Lunch Cruise departs from Pier 6 at Aloha Tower Marketplace in Honolulu Harbor. The cost is $69 for adults and $35 for children (ages 2-12) and includes the lunch buffet and complimentary roundtrip ground transportation from Waikiki. Bookings made online receive a 10 percent discount. Prices do not include the harbor fee and general excise tax. For information and reservations, visit www.atlantissubmarines.com.
Each winter an estimated 8,000-10,000 humpback whales migrate from the chilly North Pacific to the warm waters of Hawaii to breed and nurse their young. The fifth-largest whale, humpbacks reach 50 feet in length and weigh 40 tons, and can be seen breaching, spouting, and slapping their tails. Following are tips to enjoy whale watching aboard Navatek I:
1) Viewing humpbacks is best done from the observation decks. Dress comfortably for breezy “on the water” conditions, secure hats and belongings, and wear sunscreen.
2) Scan the horizon. Watch for humpbacks to blow (breaths of air), breach (large jumps), and other signs of active surface behavior.
3) Be prepared for anything! Each day is different and brings unique sightings. Guests may see humpback mothers with calves or groups of males competing for a female.
4) Cameras should always be ready to catch the humpbacks’ unpredictable movements. You could capture a moment to remember forever!
5) For photos of a humpback’s tail out of the water (fluke), look for the whale to arch its back (round out) more dramatically than usual. This indicates a deeper dive is about to happen and a fluke photo opportunity may occur.
6) Study the humpbacks’ behavior to understand what may be coming. For example, if a mother and calf swim in a constant speed and direction, they may be rounding out and taking a deeper dive on every third breath of air. This may offer a fluke shot as the whales prepare to dive deeper.
7) Watch for other marine life. Hawaiian spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, flying fish, Hawaiian green sea turtles, and many species of sea birds are often seen.
Safety First! Navatek I offers a stable platform for optimum views of the humpbacks. However, when Navatek I is turning, there may be times when the vessel is in the wave trough (parallel to the waves). This may cause the vessel to roll a bit, making it less-than-ideal for photos.
About Atlantis Submarines
Atlantis Submarines has nine locations worldwide including Hawaii, the Caribbean, Mexico and Guam. In Hawaii, Atlantis operates five submarines in Kona, Lahaina, and Waikiki. The company also owns Honolulu-based Atlantis Navatek Cruises, offering sunset dinner cruises aboard the high-tech revolutionary Navatek I, along with seasonal luncheon whale watch cruises from December to April.
For more information, visit www.atlantissubmarines.co
December 29, 2009
Posted in: Hawaii