Cruise West Profile

Cruise West has been offering unique and personal travel experiences in Alaska for more than 50 years. Their philosophy remains true to this day: to provide up-close travel that focuses on the destination - its scenery, wildlife, natural history and culture - all in the company of limited numbers of like-minded travelers.

While magnificent sweeping views are certainly abundant in every one of Cruise West's destinations, it's the glory of the details, viewed up close, that provides the most rewarding memories - an eagle in a tree on a tiny rocky islet, or the barnacles visible on a humpback's fin. In many of the remote waterways they visit, small ships are the only way to explore the area.

The Small Ship Advantage

A cruise on a small ship is not filled with elaborate distractions, sleek resorts and packaged tours. Rather, small ships are perfect for intimate exploration of off-the-beaten track waterways, narrow channels and tiny ports that passengers on large ships will never see. When Cruise West guests visit a small port in Alaska's Inside Passage or along Baja Mexico's Sea of Cortés, they don't overwhelm the local communities. Their largest vessel hosts just 114 guests.

Cruise West guests would rather watch for whales in Frederick Sound than spend the afternoon in a casino. They linger outside on deck as the Captain noses under a waterfall, rather than watch a video. On a small ship, the focus is very often outside, on what Nature has provided for entertainment, rather than on amusements provided to occupy your attention on board.

Your time is spent wisely, too. Rather than making a beeline from port to port, Cruise West Captains have the flexibility - and the inclination - to linger when whales are putting on a show, a glacier is calving spectacularly, or to seek out sea otters when a nearby fisherman radios the word.

With Cruise West, you are not just a visitor. You are a participant. Whether kayaking off a wilderness island in Mexico, hiking in a rain forest in Alaska, or enjoying a spectacular spring garden in British Columbia, a small-ship cruise is an engaging experience for all the senses. In every Cruise West destination, at least one shore excursion or highlight is included in each port of call, to further encourage your active involvement.

The Cruise West Fleet

Each member of their proud fleet of small ships was designed around one common idea - to provide guests with the most memorable and intimate adventure, wherever the destination. Cruise West's small ships explore more of Alaska's Wilderness Waterways than any other line, from the Inside Passage to Prince William Sound and on to the spectacular, far flung islands of the Bering Sea.

Your ship's shallow draft, small size and skilled crews provide access to areas big-ship passengers can only dream about. As you range throughout the waterways of the Great Land, and visit a wide variety of fascinating ports, your crew has but one mission: to provide you with the most memorable and rewarding travel experience possible.

Informative Crew

The heart and soul of your Cruise West experience, the crew is bright, informed, and eager to share their knowledge and insider's insights. Every member of the crew is determined that you receive the best destination experience possible.

Your on-board Exploration Leader is an absolute treasury of information and expertise. From the best places to spot rare wildlife in the tropical rainforest to details of Lewis and Clark's voyage down the Columbia and Snake Rivers, your Exploration Leader shares a true insider's knowledge of each area. With small numbers on board, you're always able to talk with your Exploration Leader one-on-one, whenever you wish.

Leisurely Life On Board

The casual style on board all Cruise West vessels encourages relaxation and congenial interaction between guests and crew alike. And the experience is personally enriching, through on-board narrative and lectures, special local guests from a wide variety of backgrounds, and the library provided on each vessel.

On board, you will spend most of your waking hours in the spacious, tastefully appointed public areas. Dine with new friends, relax in the lounge, or watch for wildlife out on deck. Many of our vessels have open guest access to the bow area - a rarity among cruise ships. Of course, all of the lounges and dining rooms feature large view windows - you'll find that extraordinary scenery drifting by somehow sharpens the appetite.

Staterooms

When you'd like to retreat, your private cabin offers all the necessary comforts. You can choose from two twin beds, or one double/queen/king. Depending on the vessel you choose, stateroom types ranges from economical inside cabins to spacious suites with private balconies.

Quyana Club for Past Passengers

The Quyana Club is the Past Passenger Program for Cruise West Alumni. Cruise West is dedicated to establishing and developing personal relationships with their valued past guests, to provide an exceptional cruise experience and the promotion of mutual loyalty. All Cruise West Alumni receive:

• Five percent savings on every Cruise West cruise departure, every cruise destination
• On-board recognition for returning Quyana cruisers
• A unique destination pin for each part of the world Cruise West visits.
• A special section of the Cruise West web site dedicated exclusively to the Quyana Club, including the ability to share stories and photos from your Cruise West travels with other club members.
• The Quyana Club newsletter, dedicated to providing you with information you need to stay connected to the community of people who are brought together by the unique Cruise West experience.

If you are a Cruise West Quyana Club Member, please let your Cruise Specialist know at the time of your reservation so we can make sure we check for possible discounts and complimentary promotions.

Destinations and Itineraries

Cruise West destinations present a breathtaking panorama of cruising possibilities. These include cruises to Alaska, Baha Mexico, British Columbia, the California Wine Country, Columbia & Snake Rivers and finally Costa Rica and Panama. Whichever cruise you select, you will enjoy up-close, casual exploration of extraordinary destinations.

Cruise West does not offer live online booking. If you would like to plan a Cruise West cruise, please call one of our Cruise Specialists directly. We are happy to help you.