Family-Owned Small-Ship Leader Outlines Plans for New Ships, Itineraries
Seattle, WA – Cruise West, the largest American-owned cruise line, is projecting 2006 to be the most profitable in the company’s history, with recent developments and future steps ensuring their continued growth. The second-generation, family-owned, small-ship leader is introducing new itineraries and crystallizing plans for its newest additions to its fleet.
~New Ships and Itineraries for 2006-2007~
On January 17, 2006, Cruise West announced the acquisition of the 102-guest Nantucket Clipper and the 138-guest Yorktown Clipper. Both ships have significantly expanded the company’s operational reach; the Yorktown Clipper enhances the company’s presence on the western coast of the Americas, while the Nantucket Clipper introduces Cruise West guests for the first time to itineraries along the East Coast. The new ships have continued sailing their previously-published 2006 itineraries, which include visits to the Great Lakes, Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico and Central America, but under Cruise West ownership and management. Upon the announcement of the acquisition, all crewmembers aboard both the Nantucket Clipper and the Yorktown Clipper became Cruise West employees. The company is continuing to adjust the offerings and guest experiences aboard these ships to match the Cruise West fleet already in place, with minor itinerary revisions for 2007 and mechanical upgrades on the horizon.
A second development for Cruise West in 2006 was the introduction of new itineraries to Japan, the South Pacific and the Kuril Islands. The sailings of Japan Unveiled mark the first time that Cruise West has explored this region, providing guests with an adventure through time from ancient traditions to contemporary cultures. Cruise West has sailed to the South Pacific in previous years and now reintroduced the exotic lands to their guests. These itineraries were fully booked shortly after their announcement, leading Cruise West to plan the same sailings next year, as well as introduce explorations to two new countries – Vietnam and China.
These breakthrough itineraries for 2007, Grand Asia and Vietnam, expand the educational journeys that keep Cruise West guests returning for new experiences. The eight-night Vietnam itinerary will explore the nation’s ancient capitals, experience the French colonial influences on architecture and cuisine, and enjoy the country’s blossoming cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Pre- and post-trip land tours can be added with an intimate exploration of Cambodia. On Grand Asia, Cruise West will explore three nations on a sailing through Northern Japan, China and Vietnam. This 13-night epic voyage brings guests an enriching encounter with the ancient traditions, arts and architecture of these nations. A pre-trip package explores Tokyo and the post-trip package visits Cambodia.
These journeys, as well as the itineraries to Japan, the South Pacific, and Alaska Grand Voyages sail aboard Cruise West’s first ocean-going vessel, the Spirit of Oceanus. This ship hosts 120 guests in comfortable outside suites, each with a picture window or porthole. The vessel recently redefined luxury in small-ship cruising by introducing the posh and sophisticated Owner’s Suite. The new 550-square-foot suite features: a foyer with Italian limestone tile; a spacious bathroom with jetted whirlpool tub; a state-of-the-art living room with a flat screen television, Bose surround-sound stereo system, and dining, gaming, meeting and library areas; a teak-floored sun deck; and the master bedroom with a king-size bed with trimmings from Ireland and Italy.
Continuing to Build on Alaska Leadership
Position Cruise West continues to be best known for their intimate encounters in Alaska. This year, the company was awarded nearly 80 percent more entries into Glacier Bay National Park, more than double the entries of any other operator for June, July and August. Cruise West’s ten itineraries to Alaska include the new Glacier Bay Highlights, a shorter voyage through the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay, and Best of Both Worlds, an experience that combines onboard small-ship cruising and day yacht tours with nights spent on shore.
In addition to these itineraries, Cruise West continues to sail to California Wine Country, Costa Rica & Panama, Baja Mexico, British Columbia, and the Columbia & Snake Rivers. The line’s ten vessels each provide a distinctive guest experience, including the 102-guest Spirit of Endeavour, one of Cruise West’s fastest overnight vessels, and the 70-guest yacht Sheltered Seas, designed for daylight cruising in the Inside Passage.
~ Up-Close, Casual and Personal Cruising ~
Cruise West offers the opportunity to explore remote, worldwide locales by providing distinctive, one-of-a-kind, personalized itineraries not offered by the traditional larger cruise lines. Cruise West’s smaller ships – ten in all – hold between 70-138 people each, and the casual style onboard encourages relaxation and congenial interaction between guests and crew alike. The experience is personally enriching through expert Exploration Leaders providing onboard narrative and lectures, special local guests from a wide variety of backgrounds, and the library provided on each vessel. All have forward lounges and ample outdoor deck space for viewing and photographing wildlife and scenery.
To make reservations or request a brochure, visit www.cruisewest.com or call (800) 888-9378.
Media can also visit www.louhammond.com for additional information and images.
Harriet Zois/Terence Gallagher
Lou Hammond & Associates
Tel: (212) 308-8880; Fax: (212) 891-0200
E-mail: [email protected] / [email protected]
Gail Manahan
Cruise West
Tel: (206) 892-2445
E-mail: [email protected]