Cruise West ~ Casual Cruising ~ Up-Close & Personal ~

What sets Cruise West apart from the other cruise lines of the world?  The destinations that Cruise West visits is just one of the many reasons that more and more people are enjoying and experiencing the Cruise West way of cruising.  Now, with the distinct and exotic Cruise West destinations comes the up close and personal type of cruise experiences that only Cruise West can offer.  From visiting and taking a Cruise West Galapagos Cruise to their famous Cruise West Alaska Cruise adventure.  Cruise West has the small ship charm to allow for up-close discovery and exploration wherever their ships take you.  Join us and SEA!

The Destinations of Cruise West:

	Voyages of the Great Explorers:  The world is your oyster. Welcome to Voyages of the Great Explorers – unique and separate journeys that will take you to the parts of the world you’ve always dreamed of visiting… and help you create memories that will last a lifetime. From Asia to the Mediterranean, from Northern Europe to the Americas and across the South Pacific, all Voyages of the Great Explorers adventures take place on our spectacular flagship, Spirit of Oceanus. And you can choose to join us for one voyage, consecutive voyages, even multiple voyages to different parts of the world at different times of the year. It’s all up to your imagination, desire, and schedule. Focused on Exploration No matter what voyage you choose, you’ll be in for the adventure of a lifetime. In addition to showing you the famous cities and landmarks you’d expect, we’ll take you to smaller ports and narrower waterways where mega-ships don’t dare go, introducing you to sights, people, customs, and wildlife that most travelers never see. Onboard experts and lecturers will bring every region alive with knowledge. Each port will feature a special outing. And every cruise will boast at least one Ultimate Explorers Experience – an excursion so extraordinary, so beyond the expected, that it will become a lifetime highlight. If you’re ready to discover not just the world, but something about yourself as well, you’re ready for Voyages of the Great Explorers. Let’s set sail together.	Back to the Top
	British Columbia:  In 1791, Captain George Vancouver was one of the first European mariners to record his visit to what is now British Columbia and Washington state. Retrace Captain Vancouver’s footsteps through the scenic waterways of the San Juan and Gulf Islands on this voyage of contrasts — rich in wildlife, culture and scenery. Meander the picturesque streets of Victoria, wander Butchart Gardens, and learn the stories behind the totem poles in Stanley Park. Explore the quaint seaports of Friday Harbor and Port Townsend.	Back to the Top
	Galapagos:  Cruise the remarkable island ecosystem of the volcanic Galapagos, sitting 650 miles west of Ecuador. See the unique and abundant wildlife, some of which are found nowhere else on earth. In the company of naturalist guides, aboard the Galapagos Explorer II, the most luxurious vessel cruising the Galapagos, you'll scout for breaching whales, pink flamingos, giant tortoises, marine iguanas, tiny penguins and flightless cormorants, to name just a few of the many species that call the Galapagos home. Come face-to-face with extraordinary wildlife who have never developed a fear of man. See volcanic shores and pristine beaches on a remarkable journey into the Land of Darwin. Select a Galapagos cruise Galapagos Quito to Guayaquil 9 to 14 nights March, August, and October	Back to the Top
	Alaska:  Over 1.5 million people will visit Alaska this year, the vast majority arriving by 3,000+ passenger cruise ships that crowd into a handful of Alaska’s largest ports. While these huge vessels have their onboard attractions, small-ship guests know there’s a better, more intimate way to experience the “real” Alaska: the up-close, casual and personal way. Cruise West small ships carry 78 to 138 guests and show you an Alaska the big ships can’t — up narrow channels and into secluded waterways, positioning in the ideal spots and pausing to catch every spectacular display of scenery and wildlife. Sail in the company of naturalist guides and a small number of people who share a passion for exploration and discovery. Experience Alaska at its best with Cruise West. With over 60 years of experience exploring Alaska’s rugged coastlines, ice-carved fjords, towering glaciers and wild interior, not only do we have an intimate knowledge of its land and waters, but we are also allowed more permits than any other cruise line in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Our Alaska itineraries range from 4- night getaways in Glacier Bay or Prince William Sound to classic Inside Passage trips with true wilderness exploration. All of our cruises can be combined seamlessly with Cruise West land tours in Denali National Park and Preserve, Fairbanks and Anchorage. So no matter what you’re after, you’re bound to find an Alaska vacation that fits your interests, your timeframe and your budget.	Back to the Top
	Europe:  The great beauty, history and culture of Europe rivers and coast has inspired poets like Goethe, musicians like Beethoven, Strauss and Mozart, and movies like The Sound of Music. And no wonder. This ancient stomping ground of the Romans and Habsburg Empire is teeming with all things inspirational. Turreted castles, ornate palaces and unadorned abbeys. Rolling hills covered in thick forest, half-timbered houses or terraced vineyards. Hungarian steppes and Alsatian plains. The wildlife-rich of Europe's Danube River Delta and Weltenburger Enge nature reserve. Tales of Attila the Hun, knights in shining armor, Napoleon, beer-brewing monks and more are waiting for you here, along with exclusive Cruise West activities and the pleasures of a luxurious new all-suite ship.	Back to the Top
	Columbia and Snake River:  Scenery. History. Native American culture. You’ll find it all here. While most river cruises carry you past urban centers and crowded shorelines, much of the Columbia & Snake Rivers remains pristine and wild. You can clearly see evidence of the great floods that carved this region thousands of years ago in the breathtakingly beautiful Columbia River Gorge, the golden coulees and scablands, the great black pinnacles of basalt that guided Lewis & Clark. The volcanic forces of the coast are apparent in snow-capped mountain peaks and the emerald evergreen forests coating the Cascade Range. And you’ll find that the past and present coexist here, from Oregon Trail wagon ruts to the eight locks and dams built to tame the mighty Columbia River. Adventures beckon daily. Take a jet boat up Hells Canyon past 7,000-year-old Indian petroglyphs. Wander the hidden city beneath wild and wooly Pendleton, where Chinese emigrants once carried out their daily lives. Visit fascinating museums or Lewis & Clark landmarks like Fort Clatsop, where they spent the chilling winter of 1805-1806. The history of the Columbia River region is not one preserved in amber, but one you can touch, breathe and experience first-hand when you travel with Cruise West on our unique Columbia River cruises. Select a Columbia & Snake Rivers cruise River Voyage of Discovery 2010 Round trip from Portland 7 nights April to October	Back to the Top
	Mexico ~ Sea of Cortez:  Over 140 million years ago the Baja peninsula began to move slowly away from the mainland, forming the Sea of Cortés - the planet's newest sea. On this journey, we'll explore this region, where more than 900 species of fish, one-third of the world's species of whales and dolphins, hundreds of varieties of birds and thousands of species of marine animals flourish. Let our beautiful small ship take you to breathtaking destinations and unforgettable experiences.	Back to the Top
	Panama Canal & Costa Rica:  The narrow link of land that connects North and South America is unique on earth, and our small-ship voyages offer unparalleled access to the animals, plants and indigenous people who call this region home. On the 100-guest Pacific Explorer, you'll visit ports of call and remote landings the big ships pass by. And with a limited number of fellow travelers, your experience both on board and ashore is up-close, casual, and very personal, whether you're meeting the Emberá Indians in Panama's Darién Jungle or seeking wildlife in a Costa Rican jungle. Our Zodiac inflatable excursion crafts take you right to remote bays and deserted shorelines, close enough to the water to trail your fingers in the sea as you watch for blue-footed boobies, red-billed oystercatchers, and magnificent frigate birds. Sail the beautiful pristine beach and jungle river-lined coastline between the San Blas Islands and Manuel Antonio National Park, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, taking nature walks and exploring by inflatable craft along the way. Venture into national parks and conservation areas teeming with wildlife, and visit remote communities where locals live, colorful and proud, in their ancient ways. On the edge of Panama's Darién Jungle, you step from a Zodiac launch onto a huge gnarled root in the streambank. A tattooed man, the headman of the Emberá village, welcomes you ashore with a smile and a handshake. Thanks to our expert Costa Rican naturalists and local contacts, you're given a true insider's view of this magical world. Come with us on your own voyage of discovery to this beautiful tropical wonderland. Panama Canal & Costa Rica cruises Between Two Seas Panama to Costa Rica or reverse 9 to 14 nights Jan-Mar, Oct-Dec Palm Beach, USA to Panama - 10/3/10 In Search of El Dorado 13 nights Oct 3, 2010	Back to the Top
	Patagonia:  The rugged and mysterious South American region of Patagonia is like no other place on earth. And starting in 2011, Cruise West will show it to you as it demands to be shown… up-close. Located in southern Chile and Argentina, Patagonia boasts a magical range of topography – including the Andes Mountains, expansive plains, a live volcano, breathtaking lakes, the southern hemisphere’s largest glaciers outside of Antarctica, and Tierra Del Fuego – the “Land of Fire” discovered by Ferdinand Magellan in 1520.	Back to the Top
	St. Lawrence Seaway:  Eastern American Waterways Québec City to Buffalo The Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Seaway 7 nights July & September Québec City to Chicago The Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Seaway 14 Nights June - August	Back to the Top
	Hudson River:  Eastern American Waterways New York to New York The Hudson River 7 nights October	Back to the Top
	Mississippi River:  Eastern American Waterways New Orleans to Memphis The Mississippi River 7 nights March - May Memphis to Nashville The Mississippi River 7 nights March - April	Back to the Top
	Theme Cruises:  Cruise West is offering several Alumni, Chairman's, President's, and Photography Cruises. Past guests can save 10% on select departures As a Quyana Club member (past guest), you already receive benefits not available to everyone, like 5% savings on any Cruise West sailing. Now those benefits are better than ever with savings of 10% on select departures. Whether you’re interested in the Northwest or the Far North, you can save literally hundreds of dollars on your next Cruise West voyage. What’s more? This special Quyana savings of 10% also applies to friends and family traveling with you. Chairman's Cruise Join Dick West, Chairman and Managing Director, and his family on one of his favorite cruise itineraries. Mingle with the “top gun” and enjoy a reception hosted by Dick – now that’s up-close and personal! Photographer's Cruise At no additional cost, guests have the opportunity to participate in onboard presentations and special field events with a photographer guest speaker, who will work with you one-on-one throughout the cruise. Whether novice or seasoned photographers, you will receive valuable hands-on instruction on everything from image composition and digital image management to tips on how to be in the “right place at the right time”. While many of our guests are photography enthusiasts, our Photographers’ Cruises are for everyone. Each departure includes a full menu of activities as well as the expertise of our Exploration Leaders. Due to the popularity of these cruises, you’ll want to book early – small ships book up quickly! President’s Cruise In Search of El Dorado with Cruise West President, Dietmar Wertanzl, aboard the Spirit of Oceanus on October 3, 2010. Ancient Mayan ruins, European explorers, lush tropical flora, and warm, crystalline waters are combined in this leisurely and relaxing voyage. You’ll visit ancient Mayan ruins. Hop into one of our Zodiac boats and head out for prime snorkeling and bird watching. Learn about Panama’s colonial past in Portobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And transit the Panama Canal, a modern engineering miracle.	Back to the Top
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