Cruise West, synonymous with Alaska cruising, is dramatically reducing its presence in the region in 2010, citing a drop in demand and market conditions.
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The deployment changes reflect the Spirit of ’98 staying on the
Columbia River and the Spirit of Oceanus venturing on a new world
voyage in 2010.
Cruise West is introducing a new seven-night Alaska’s Inside Passage itinerary that highlights more wilderness and Zodiac experiences and ports of call. Four-night departures will be offered on Glacier Bay Highlights and Glaciers of Prince William Sound voyages, and the 10-night Gold Rush Inside Passage returns with a new port of call.
"Our redeployment is in response to demand and current market conditions, while maintaining the integrity and heritage of our core Alaska products," said president and CEO Dietmar Wertanzl.
The deployment modifications include 25 departures of the new seven-night Alaska’s Inside Passage cruise roundtrip from Juneau on Spirit of Yorktown, featuring Wrangell, which offers high-action optional excursions including bear viewing from the Anan Bear Observatory and taking a jet boat up the Stikine River. Also featured are two additional days spent searching for sea and wildlife, including opportunities to explore around Lake Eva, Red Bluff or Security Bay by Zodiac inflatable craft, and a full day at Icy Strait and the Inian Islands. Prices start at $4,399 per person.
The 84-guest Spirit of Discovery will operate 24 departures of the four-night Glacier Bay Highlights itinerary, roundtrip from Juneau. This cruise offers two nights in Glacier Bay National Park, with a stop at Bartlett Cove. Prices start at $1,599 per person.
Cruise West's 10-day Gold Rush Inside Passage itinerary has been revised to include Misty Fiords and the Tsimshian community, Metlakatla. Ten departures will cruise between Seattle and Juneau at the beginning and end of the season on all four ships. Prices start at $3,599 per person.
Cruise West includes a shore excursion in every port and offers numerous optional excursions. Book and pay in full by August 14, 2009, and save up to $700 per person.
Visit www.cruisewest.com.