Santana AdventuresReviews of santanaadventures.com

This is my 7th trip with Santana and again couldn't have been happier. The boats crew, accommodations, and ability to bike daily with all gear and belongings remaining in one place is special. I again loved the routes reach day and the flexibility. Will be on the 2025 Florence to Barcelona trip next. Santana support has improved every year and my daughter came and had a wonderful time even as a non-cyclist.

We recently returned from our first Santa Adventures trip, a biking cruise around New Zealand. We had a fantastic time. First, the ports we went to were great—we like the charm of the smaller cities where we got to see the less traveled part of New Zealand and more of the culture of the people there. Next, the rides themselves were carefully vetted and were the best part of our trip. Bill and his crew had been on the roads and could give an accurate picture of what we would be riding and seeing on each route. His route talk each morning made it easy to select which route we would be taking each day. In addition, Bill and team had selected different experiences for us in most ports, for example the bird sanctuary, winery, and Maori cultural center. The riders had the option of attending these opportunities or doing what they wanted with their time. Getting out on the countryside and having a coffee/wine was a wonderful option and also supported local businesses. Now, the part that led me to say this is not for everyone. We absolutely loved getting a gps map on our phone and heading out each day on our own. We have been on trips where the entire group is herded together and we had to wait for others to catch up or catch up ourselves. We are comfortable changing flats and also calling for help if it is needed. If you are the type of person who needs have their hand held, expect others to change a flat and make sure you get back to the ship on time (yes, they will leave you so you do have to be an adult and get yourself back on time), this will not be the trip or company for you. If you are an entitled person who expects to be talking about the departure to the airport at the end of your trip on day two—not for you. (Incidentally, the departure on the last day was clearly explained and seamless). You are on vacation so relax and live more in the moment than the end of the trip. Lastly, the ship and crew were on point. The food was the best I have had on a cruise ship and the cabins were wonderful. Getting on and off of the ship was easy and painless even with the large number of people all wanting to go at the same time. We have a typical lazy cruise on a massive ship later this year and I am not sure I will like the large ship experience after this cruise. The only complaint I have about the ship is the Star Grill. The chef cutting meat at lunch gave the thinnest slice of meat and if you asked for more he gave you a tiny slice more—kind of acted as if you were taking food from his children’s mouth. I prefer meat to calorie filled salads so this was my and my husband’s least favorite experience on the ship but since you can eat in another location not a deal breaker. All in all, if you are self directed and can follow directions, are fit enough to ride 35 flat miles (and maybe some hills)—are not used to casual riding on an E bike (these rides are not really appropriate for the fitness level of a person who must use an E bike) this is for more serious riders IMO, and are able to live a bit more in the moment than having a schedule clocking in every moment, you will love Santana Adventure’s trips—we have already booked our next one.

We have been on two Santana adventures and have signed up for 4 more. The ships are exquisite. Much smaller than a traditional cruise ship, luxurious and with excellent food. Most importantly however the cycling locations and routes are primo. There is a nice variety of easy, medium and hard routes that anyone can find challenging or relaxing.

The whole trip was very well organized and all the support people were very patient and put up with a lot of questions. The logistics were very well done and getting from point A to B was very smooth. I would definitely do another Santana trip. The only thing that missed was that I was under the impression that I could "rent" CO2 cartridges. I thought that I would put down a deposit for them and get my money back if I returned them. I was literally told by the person who I paid, "I hope to be buying these back at the end". When I returned the cartridges, I was told there was no money returned. Not really a big deal in the greater scheme of things but definitely was not communicated correctly.

This was my 3rd cruise with Santana Adventures and I already booked the next one. I am only sorry that at 82 years of age my time for many more is running out. I love the combination of cruise and seeing the country by bike. Bill and Jan McCready are doing a great job organizing these trips and scouting the routes. The only thing they can’t control is the weather, but so far I have been mostly lucky. I highly recommend them!

We have done two Santana Adventures, one to Tahiti and the second to New Zealand. We love riding our tandem, we love seeing the world through our biking experience, and being on a ship with a couple of hundred people who share this love as well. We love vacations full of action and activity, where we are tired at the end of the day from being out and seeing the world together and with friends. The people we meet on these tours are so wonderful and share similar values and interests. Bill always has a variety of rides to meet all levels of interest and ability so that no one feels left out; and he also has great activities for non-riders. We will definitely go again.

New Zealand was an amazing cycling trip with Santana. They are very good at logistics with traveling with bikes. We had some beautiful routes and was able to choose daily the length of the route and the difficulty. I like that we are self guided so we are not riding in a large confined pack. We stop when we want for a as long as we like.

It’s our second time cruising with Santana. Impossible to believe but it rivaled or was even better than the first. A sampling of culture, history, scenery and some amazing rides. The tour staff provided solid service and support. The ship provided great accommodation and food. We’re grateful to owners/host Bill and Jan for a meaningful experience. Something my wife Fei, daughter Ellen, friend Greg and myself will talk about for years. We’re already signed up for two more cruises in 2025.