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November 27, 2007

Love Letter From our Bering Sea Cruise

Cruise West’s Spirit of Oceanus Exploration Leader, Alastair Newton, Speaks from the Heart About Our Cruise: Voyage to the Bering Sea

July 22, 2007

Hello All from the Bering Sea.

Tonight, we will be leaving the Bering Sea as we continue our voyage back towards Whittier. It has been a hard trip in the Bering Sea because we have had such a wonderful time here yet again and there have been many long faces in the communities regarding the fact that we are only doing visiting twice this year. I know that our itineraries are constantly being evaluated and I wanted to pass on some information regarding this itinerary and my experiences of doing it over the last 3 years.

When I am off the Spirit of Oceanus, back home in England, I spend some of my time visiting Travel Agents on behalf of Cruise West. When I visit them, I talk about our company and show them pictures that I have taken on voyages with the company. I often get the question "what one trip should a client take to Alaska?" I always recommend a one of the Inside Passage cruises: the Coastal Odyssey, Alaska Whales & Wilderness, or the Alaska Inside Passage Itinerary. This is classic Alaska. It is what people expect, mountains and glaciers and towns like Skagway. They then ask me which is my favorite Itinerary in Alaska and I always answer "The Voyage to the Bering Sea".

To me, this itinerary is truly aimed at those that want to go beyond what all the other visitors will see, who want to go somewhere special that is so far off the beaten path that almost no-one else visits. Last year I was in Grytviken, South Georgia and they had 56 visits from Cruise Ships! Compare that with the number of ships heading into the Bering Sea this year. This is less visited than Antarctica and more special in many ways. What does the Bering Sea have that Antarctica doesn't? The people! This itinerary gives our guests the opportunity to visit fragile communities that are thousands of years old. To see cultures that are in danger of disappearing, and to be warmly welcomed into communities whose existence hangs in the balance. Maybe Little Diomede will soon be abandoned and join King Island on the list of the Most Endangered Historic Places in the USA, or maybe it will be St. George that loses its struggle to survive as a community. But our guests have been able to visit these places and meet the people and to experience a way of life that has continued in this area for up to 10,000 years, by some estimates.

I always ask guests, at the beginning of a voyage here, what they are expecting to see. Most don't know. They were looking for something different. Maybe they have been everywhere else, or maybe they wanted to see the other face of Alaska, the Yup'ik, Inupiaq, Alutiiq and Aleut face...to have the opportunity to meet the people least impacted by Western Culture. Some guests come for the birding, or the bears or the whales. But I think no matter how good the wildlife is, it is the people of the Bering Sea that leave the lasting impression. Many guests describe this as a spiritual journey, completely to their surprise. But of course, one of the greatest highlights is the visit to Providenya and New Chaplino.

I will be honest, this year I did miss visiting some of the other sites in Russia that we have visited in the past. But the visit to Providenya and New Chaplino has always been the most important component. To have the tour of the bleak city, it gives such a fantastic backdrop to the people. There is such contrast - The remnants of Stalin and Lenin, the people struggling on the edge of a once-great empire. But then we move into the theatre. Guests are often confused by the theatre, surprisingly well appointed inside a building that is such desperate need of a coat of paint. (Could we provide that, perhaps?) And then the confusion melts away as the performance begins. It is touching, the cheering at the youngest of kids. Guests moved almost to tears by what they have seen. Guests bursting to tell them that this was the greatest ballet performance they had ever seen (this from a guest who had seen the Bolshoi, and declared the Providenya performance as the far more powerful).

This experience is then followed by the great adventure of driving to New Chaplino. The giant transports bouncing their way through the mountains. It is a journey that is not soon forgotten and is seen by some as unfortunately necessary, and by others as a a fun adventure but it is a journey that is seen by all as a small price to pay for the wonders of New Chaplino. Guests always comment on the warm welcome, the interest in seeing a native community in Russia and the interesting comparison of it to the Alaskan side. But the performance at the end is an incredible highlight...the best singing and dancing anywhere in my mind, and in many of theirs. But there is nothing that matches the power of being able to perform a dance for our hosts. With this current group of guests, we must have had over 50 of them dancing for our local hosts...all keen to show what they had learned from Jack Dalton.

The rest of the cruise honestly pales in comparison to the two days spent in Russia. For many of our well-traveled guests, they state this has been the most incredible period of travel they have experienced.

It is, of course, the southern portion of this cruise is where the majority of wildlife is seen. Ranging from the incredible bird life of the haystacks, the brown bears of Geographic Harbor. Usually by the end of the cruise, our guests have had the most incredible wildlife experiences of their lives and the most incredible cultural experiences of their lives as well. Not bad for 13 days at sea!

This is a wonderful...and I hope that someday we offer four departures in the Bering Sea, if not more. We are a part of something special up here. We are much loved by the communities we visit. If we continue visiting St. George, maybe the community will survive...and if we cease coming, maybe that will be the final nail in their coffin. "Cruise West, helping fragile communities survive." You can't beat having the only image of any kind in Providenya being an image of the Spirit of Oceanus taking up the entire end of a building...representing the fact that Providenya is the gateway to the Russian arctic...and we are depicted as. I think we set ourselves apart from all other companies in Alaska while we can still demonstrate an intent of visiting the smaller places, the harder places, and not just visiting, but 'being' in Alaska. I think this itinerary also acts as a 'Halo' product that demonstrates our commitment to Alaska. Why pick Cruise West over the competition? Because we have demonstrated the depth of our experience in Alaska by the fact that you can cruise Southeast, Southcentral, visit Denali Park and do the Bering Sea all with Cruise West. If we were to stop doing the Bering Sea, the depth of our involvement, knowledge and experience of all things Alaskan would no longer be immediately evident.

I know there are many people waiting for our swift return to their villages. Not just because we bring money, but also because they genuinely enjoy our visits. I equally know that there are many potential guests looking for the incredible experience that we can provide.

Posted by Alastair Newton on November 27, 2007
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September 18, 2007

2007 Alaska Cruise Season Ends

The last ship sailed out of Alaskan waters last night. And although we are already hard at work on next year's even busier schedule, we must make note of milestones like the season end. The Juneau crew celebrated the departure of their last ship by leaping off the dock as the guest on the Spirit of Endeavour snapped photos. All I can say about that is that they got perfect scores on guest surveys that week.

Posted by Larry Johansen on September 18, 2007
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September 07, 2007

Elizabeth's Alaska

I admit it. We are travel snobs. We pick an area, buy a few good guide books, gather detailed maps and find our way on our own terms. We have never traveled with an organization and were a bit wary of our Cruise West Alaskan tour and cruise -- but it was for a good cause, a family reunion to celebrate my parent’s 50^th wedding anniversary.

A long flight from Rome, Italy finally landed in Fairbanks to cool drizzle and mist. This is summer? Visions of the beach flashed before my eyes, but a Sunday brunch at the Pike’s Landing restaurant and a side-trip to the Chena Hot Springs the next day took care of our travel-worn bodies. We were fed, rested, relaxed and ready to begin.

“Here we are, on a tour”, we whispered as reality hit at the opening wine and cheese meeting with its discussions on luggage protocol and excursion reservations before we boarded our bus the next morning. First stop, the oil pipeline and then the Chena River cruise aboard an historic sternwheeler.

With expectations of a nip up and down the river, we were pleasantly surprised when Bob landed his bush plane port side and chatted with us via microphone before an exhibition take off and landing. In the winter, bush planes are the main means of transportation and 80% of year-round families own one. He was followed by a series of locals who showed us their ways, from a training camp for dog mushers to an Indian fish camp preparing salmon for the winter. Reindeer even came out to meet us.

There was a Disney-like flavor to it all, with people popping up on shore as we paddled by to talk to us via microphone, but heck, this in America and where else would you expect to find a professional well-organized show!

Next stop the University of Alaska museum for lunch with a video and visit before continuing to Denali. I was beginning to relax and enjoy the tour part – just having to show up at the bus on time without having to figure out where we were going. Everyone was pleasant and our guide, Chris, told us personal stories on life in Alaska as we headed on our way. When we arrived, we found our properly tagged luggage already in our rooms! We had mastered luggage protocol after all.

Denali park was beautiful, breathtaking actually – well worth the long, bumpy school bus ride. An afternoon white water rafting trip (dutifully reserved at the opening meeting), a couple of very good meals complete with Alaskan Crab legs and salmon and an evening hot tub overlooking the river under a hint of midnight sun put us into true vacation mode. Here we are, in Alaska, soaking away after a day immersed in uncontaminated wilderness. Life is good.

Sun led the way past THE mountain itself the next day on our scenic train ride and Anchorage gave us back to city life, at least for a few hours, before we headed to Whittier and boarded the ship.

Within our first half hour, we had already seen a bear scooping up some fresh salmon for supper and by the end of our three days on the boat, we had seen another bear doing the same, a mother with two babies playing on the beach and a swimming bear whom we followed and cheered on until he landed on a nearby island. The bears were accompanied by humpback whales, orca, lots of sea otters, harbor seals, steller sea lions, bald eagles, jumping pink salmon, tufted puffins, glaciers calving away and more. We saw it all, even the sun – a special treat.

The only other signs of civilization we encountered during our cruise were a few fishing boats in a small harbor and Dave, the oyster farmer, who boarded the ship to tell us about his lifestyle and profession. For those of us who live busy city lives, the silence, stillness and magnitude of nature were wonderful gifts, although we weren’t above tucking inside to warm up and enjoy some very nice meals with family and fellow sojourners.

The biggest problem we encountered was choosing between that last bite of dessert and following a whale sighting. Great vacation problem to solve. The whale won.

Thanks to Cruise West staff for a wonderful trip and a perfect introduction to the joys of organized tours.

See you in…..

Elizabeth Abbot.

Prince William Sound Cruise and Denali Tour, August 7-13, 2007

Posted by Elizabeth Abbott on September 07, 2007
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August 16, 2007

New Photo Gallery is Live

We are so excited about our new photo gallery. Several weeks ago, we quietly released it to our website. Many of our Quyana Members (past guests) have loaded their photos to the gallery. Our CEO, Dick West has also loaded his South Pacific cruise photos to the web. There's a E-Postcard feature as well as the ability to send a link of your entire album to your friends and family.

The gallery is still in beta mode and we'd love to have your feedback. What's working? What needs improvement? Email us and share your thoughts with us.

Posted by Leigh Strinsky on August 16, 2007
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July 19, 2007

An Alaskan Dream

It early in the morning in a beautiful boat harbor north of Juneau. Summer Solstice is approaching and the sun has been up for an hour already. The Cruise West vessel Spirit of Alaska is making a special stop at the Auke Bay harbor to drop guest off in time to catch their early morning flight from Juneau. All is serenely quiet as the vessel makes fast her lines on the outer float of the harbor. Guest are leaning on the rails watching Captain Paul Hawes at the bottom of the ramp making a final check of the lines before disembarking. Suddenly a blow is heard coming from the inner harbor and all eyes focus on the sight of a baby humpback whale rising out of the water for a breath. A whale INSIDE the harbor is unheard of- its only 10 yards from the nearest vessel. Astonishment gives way to awe. The next thing we see is full grown mama humpback rising amongst the moored vessels releasing a tremendous blow. Its as if she is trying to scold her runaway child for swimming "out of bounds". I turn my head to to say something to Captain Paul but he's gone! He's running down the dock looking over the side as the Humpbacks swim underneath. Just as quickly as it happens its over. Its early- pre coffee- it must have been a dream we say. An Alaskan dream!

Posted by Larry Johansen on July 19, 2007
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February 07, 2007

Meet The Avid Cruiser

Back in September, we invited Ralph Grizzle, a.k.a The Avid Cruiser, to join us on a cruise/tour from Denali National Park to Ketchikan, Alaska. Ralph chronicled the entire trip on video and we've since created a wonderful, online video presentation of his cruise.

View Ralph's "Small-Ship Snapshots" video production.

MEET RALPH:

I'm Ralph Grizzle, editor of The Avid Cruiser magazine. I've been writing about travel on cruise ships for more than a decade. My job since the early 1990s, in fact, has been to travel on cruise ships and write about them in order to help you make informed decisions about your own cruise travel.

I know what you're thinking: That guy has a great gig. I don't deny it. Cruising is a great way to see and experience the world, and I am lucky that as a journalist, I chose the cruise industry as a my speciality.

In the interest of full disclosure, I want you to know right up front that I am a fan of Cruise West. In fact, I find that among my professional peers (the cruise industry press corps) that Cruise West is often ranked as a favorite, if not the favorite, cruise line. That's quite an endorsement considering that we cruise on dozens of ships year-round.

I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by the experience Cruise West's small ships can offer you. I first sailed on Spirit of Endeavour in the Sea of Cortez. The year was 1999, and I was impressed with not only the educational aspects of the journey but also the casual atmosphere aboard ship. No pretense, no hint of haughty service or pushing of products such a photographs and pricey shore excursions. True to its mission, Cruise West provides an "up close, personal and casual" travel experience.

I've created a series of "Small Ship Snapshots," comprised of photos and short videos that you may view through your web browser. Each series highlights a particular journey that I've experienced with Cruise West.

I've also designed my site for those who have experienced Cruise West. If you belong in that category, please bookmark this page for future reference and sign up to stay informed about updates to these pages. My intent for experienced Cruise West guests is to create a sense of community here on these pages, and I'm hoping that you will participate with your own stories and photos of your Cruise West travels.

So come on in, and let's explore a world of life-enriching travel on Cruise West. And please feel free to contact me directly by e-mailing rgrizzle AT avidcruiser.com with your comments or questions.

Oh, and true to the spirit of full disclosure, my favorite beer while in Alaska is Alaskan Amber, though I have very fond memories of the Spruce Tip Ale from Haines Brewing Company.

Happy travels, Ralph

A very special thanks to Tony, Catherine and the entire team at www.dragonfly.com for their unwavering support of this production. We have enjoyed every minute of time spent creating this production.

Posted by Leigh Strinsky on February 07, 2007
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February 02, 2007

Shooter Video

Last week, we found another video nugget in our archives.

This video is of a "shooter." A "shooter" is a piece of ice (usually very large) that breaks off of a glacier below the surface of the water. Witnessing these events is very rare. Capturing it on video was pure luck.

Enjoy!

Posted by Leigh Strinsky on February 02, 2007
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December 13, 2006

Russia and Japan Photo Albums

Recently, I posted a Ring of Fire photo album, submitted by Quyana Member Brian Cleverly. In that post, I received a nice comment from another guest on that same cruise, named Mike Bowles. Mike and his wife, Sharon, traveled on our Ring of Fire cruise this year. Mike has given me permission to share their photo albums with you. There's are two wonderful Ring of Fire Albums and a newly posted Ring of Fire-Japan album.

After you've looked at these, I'd highly recommend spending some time looking at their other albums. They've posted albums for Costa Rica, Maine, Yellowstone, Chile, and Egypt. All of the albums are wonderful and Mike relayed to me that he welcomes your comments and/or label corrections on any of the images in his albums. You are also welcome to download any of the photos.

We are a few months away from launching our own, hosted photo album service. In the meantime, I'd love to hear from other Quyana members who've posted similar albums. We love seeing the real thing!

Thank you, Mike & Sharon, for sharing your adventures with us. Your albums make for a great armchair vacation.

Posted by Leigh Strinsky on December 13, 2006
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December 01, 2006

My Anchorage

This post is part of our series, "My Hometown" These posts will feature the hometowns and local connections that our employees have with the ports that our guests visit. This week's post is submitted by Andy Compton, Exploration Leader Land Manager.

Q: What is your connection to Anchorage, AK?
A: My family moved to Anchorage when I was 7 years old. I attended most of elementary, junior high, and high school in the Anchorage Public Schools. Since college I have returned to Anchorage to work for Cruise West.

Q: Do you have a funny story or little known fact about Anchorage you’d like to share?
A: Hmmm... so many to choose from! Anchorage is loaded with wildlife. The Department of Fish & Game estimates the Anchorage moose population at around 1200. With this in mind, we encounter them all the time. In high school I was on the Cross-Country Ski Team. I remember during one race I was skiing up a very steep hill. It was about 9 kilometers into a 10 kilometer race and I was struggling. About 3/4 of the way up I look up to see four racers coming down the hill. Considering that it was a one-way race course I knew something was wrong. As they come flying by me a moose came over the hill toward me. In a split second I was heading down the hill praying I didn't fall. The only other thing I remember was skiing up that blasted hill one more time!!!

Q: What is your favorite time of year in Anchorage and why?
A: May and September are a wonderful time in Anchorage. In May we typically have some of the best weather of the year. In September the rainbow trout fishing is at its peak! The fish have been gorging themselves on salmon eggs and spawned salmon and have reached their peak in size and weight. In both May and September, there are a lot fewer visitors in town. This means that visitors can explore town without the crowds that hit town in the mid-summer months.

Q: Is there a particular food or song that reminds you of Anchorage?
A: PIZZA!!! Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria creates the best pizzas in Alaska if not the entire Pacific Northwest! Additionally they handcraft over a dozen different beers which rotate all the time. Live music the first Thursday of each month caps it off. There are no reservations available, and on a weekend you have to wait upwards of two hours for a table.

Q: What is on your “must see” list for visitors to Anchorage?
A: Anchorage is a very diverse area loaded with things to do. For me it's all about the out of the way places. I love going up to Glen Alps and Flattop Mountain where you can have a fantastic look out on the city, especially around sunset. I will also bring visitors to the Alaska Native Medical Center for their world class displays of Alaskan Native Art.

Q: Is there a favorite activity that you enjoy in Anchorage?
A: THE IDITAROD!!! The first Saturday in March the Iditarod Trail Sleddog Race kicks off in Anchorage. It is loads of fun. Thousands hit the streets of downtown Anchorage and it is a wonderful atmosphere.

Q: Is there a particular restaurant that you’d recommend for visitors?
A: The Anchorage dining scene is very unique in that many of the best restaurants are situated in strip malls, commercial parks, and other off the beaten path locations. My personal favorite, aside from the aforementioned Moose's Tooth, is Kincaid Grill. It offers fantastic cuisine, a solid wine list, and a great "bring your own" wine policy!

Q: Anything else you'd like to add?
A: The quality of life is head and shoulders above what many other places offer. Anchorage is home to some of the greatest people you will ever meet. Though the population is up to 280,000 people, there is still a small town community feel. If I leave my car running while getting a cup of coffee in the wintertime, I know it will be there when I get back. If I get a flat tire, I know somebody will pull over and help. It is simply a great place to live and visit!

Cruise West guests visit Anchorage when they travel on our Voyage to the Bering Sea, Coastal Odyssey , Glacier Wonderland or Best of Both Worlds cruises. Anchorage is also the home base of our land tour program. If you'd like to learn more about Anchorage, consider visiting the Anchorage Convention and Visitor's Bureau website.

Posted by Andy Compton on December 01, 2006
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November 27, 2006

Flipper Flapping and Tail Lobbing

Now that the Alaska season is over, much of the equipment onboard the ships is sent to Seattle for maintenance. One item that makes it's way to the Seattle office is the digital camera that each Exploration Leader carries onboard. The cameras receive quite a work-out during the summer months. Each week, our ELs produce a photo slide show for our guests to enjoy on the last night of the cruise.

A few weeks ago, Scott Steinke, our techie guru, was cleaning up the cameras, erasing the memory cards and getting the cameras ready for another season of work. Scott knows that I'm always on the lookout for those special, heart-stopping moments that often happen but are rarely recorded. So, when he came into my office, grinning ear-to-ear, I knew that something good was about to happen. Sure enough, Scott had discovered a series of video clips on one of the cameras of a Humpback whale flipper-flapping and tail-lobbing. For me, it was like finding $20 in the pocket of a jacket that I hadn't worn since last season. What a find!

Happening upon a whale exhibiting this behavior is rare. In the three summers that I spent in Alaska, I probably only witnessed the flipper flapping 10-12 times. Capturing it on video is even rarer. I hope that you enjoy the clips.

Most of our Alaska cruises travel through the fertile waters of Frederick Sound and Icy Straight. Both of these passages are known as feeding grounds for the Humpback Whales. We also have one special itinerary, our Wilderness Inside Passage Cruise with a Whale Guarantee.

Posted by Leigh Strinsky on November 27, 2006
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November 22, 2006

Chef Doug's Sweet Potato Salad

I think I've mentioned before, I have a fear of cooking. I'm always worried that the dish will be a flop. That said, I know that I can always count on our Head Chef, Doug Kramer, to soothe my fears and guide me toward a dish that will please a crowd. I've even been known to phone him from home, mid-recipe to ensure that I'm on track.

Last week, I asked Chef Doug for a list of his most requested recipes and found one that seems perfectly suited for a Thanksgiving Day meal. If you are looking for a quick, easy salad to prepare, our Sweet Potato Salad(pdf link) might be just what you've been looking for.

Bon appétit!

"CRUISE WEST" SWEET POTATO SALAD

Servings: 8

This recipe has been electronically scaled down from 80+ portions. Some adjustments may be necessary.

INGREDIENTS:
1 pound fresh sweet potatoes or yams, washed
brown sugar, as needed
1 each red apple, cored and diced
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup red bell pepper, seeded and ribbed, finely chopped
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

DRESSING:
1 ounce sour cream
2 ounces mayonnaise
1 each lemon, zested and juiced, no seeds
1 ounce honey
salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon fresh tarragon, finely chopped

PROCEDURE:

Peel and cut sweet potatoes into 1/2 inch cubes. Hold cut potatoes in water.

When potatoes are all cut, drain well and place in mixing bowl. Toss lightly with just a little brown sugar to coat
well.

Place cut potatoes on paper lined sheet pan, single layer and bake in 350 d. oven just until tender. This will not
take very long. Remove from oven, transfer to cool sheet pan, single layer and place in cooler to chill.

Prepare apples, pecans, red bell peppers, celery and red onion, place in clean mixing bowl.

Separately mix all ingredients together for dressing and blend well.

When potatoes are chilled gently toss all ingredients together.

Place in serving bowl, decorate and garnish for service.

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 149 Calories; 9g Fat (51.0% calories from fat); 1g Protein; 18g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 4mg
Cholesterol; 55mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1/2 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 0 Fruit; 0 Non-Fat Milk; 1 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates.

Posted by Leigh Strinsky on November 22, 2006
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November 13, 2006

My Fairbanks

Q: What is your connection to Fairbanks?
A: I first visited Fairbanks in the summer of 1970, between high school and college. My brother and I stayed with my sister at the university before heading to a remote wilderness site to help them start building a log cabin. After college, my husband and I moved to Alaska in 1975 as carefree newlyweds (no debts, no jobs we were attached to, and no children), taught in the 'bush' for two years, and then moved to the Fairbanks area permanently in 1978. We have lived here and raised our two sons here; being active in school and community sports, soccer especially. We actually LIVE in North Pole, just south of town.

Q: Do you have a funny story or little known fact about Fairbanks you’d like to share?
A: I saw this humorous saying on the blackboard at my favorite coffee shop a while back. "Fairbanks is not so much a city as a collective mental disorder in which people think that 17 degrees (Fahrenheit) is warm." After the temperature has been -40 degrees or so for a week or more, 17 degrees IS warm!

Q: What is your favorite time of year in Fairbanks and why?
A: My first favorite time of year is summer, because of the long days and non-existent 'nights'. The joy of being able to see daylight and sunshine around the clock just gives an incredible rush of energy. Many Alaskans find themselves 'burning the candle at both ends' all summer long. My second favorite time of the year is what we call spring. That is the month of March (before break-up in April) when the sun shines twelve hours a day, the skies are clear, the snow is white, and most everyone is smiling. I guess I can't really say WHICH time of the year is my favorite, because I really enjoy living here year-round!

Q: Is there a particular food or song that reminds you of Fairbanks?
A: The food that particularly reminds me of Fairbanks is salmon - smoked salmon, fresh grilled salmon, salmon chowder, baked salmon, salmon sandwiches, salmon spread/dip, etc.

Q: What is on your “must see” list for visitors to Fairbanks?
A: The places on my must-see list include the Museum of the North, the Ice Museum in downtown Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs Resort (east of town about a long hour's drive), and as many of the art galleries in the downtown area as you can get to. I really enjoy the work of the local Alaskan artists who display their creations in these gift shops. If you want to hike without going out of town, try the ski trails up at the University or the shorter trails at Creamer's Wildfowl Refuge on College Road.

Q: Do you have a favorite area of the city?
A: My favorite area (other than OUT of town) is downtown. It's a small downtown with many small, locally owned shops and restaurants, and the river walk area which is growing,

Q: Is there a favorite activity that you enjoy in Fairbanks?
A: We enjoy the many sports events from the university and the local sports teams (basketball and hockey mostly). We also enjoy First Friday which is a monthly, year-round event sponsored by all the art galleries in town. New shows are highlighted, beverages and snacks are provided, and we get to see many friends all in one night.

Q: Is there a particular restaurant that you’d recommend for visitors?
A: We recommend Gambardella's or Lavelle's Bistro to folks who are going to be in the downtown area for a main meal. We've enjoyed our meals there for years.

Q: Anything else you'd like to add?
A: Come up and visit us in March as well! As well as the World Ice Art Carving Championships at the Ice Park There are sprint dog sled races, ski races, and opportunities for visitors to enjoy northern light viewing most every night.

Posted by Margi Ungrodt on November 13, 2006
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November 04, 2006

Update on Hooper Bay Fire Relief

Earlier this summer a devastating fire caused severe damage to the Hooper Bay community of Southwest Alaska. The fire destroyed a school complex, 14 homes, 14 acres and several other structures of this Yupik Eskimo village.

As part of the Cruise West “Our Bear Cares” program in which guests and the company provide assistance to local communities and Native organizations in the destinations where we travel, Cruise West initially contributed funds for relief efforts in Hooper Bay. The crew of the Spirit of Oceanus, which was traveling through the region when the disaster hit decided to hold an auction. They raised $1,700 by auctioning off the ship’s flag. Guests onboard also made personal donations. In the picture you see John Kreilkamp, who is Vice President of Alaska Land Operations handing over a $4,200 donation check to Anchorage Wells Fargo Branch Manager Lisa Call for the Hooper Bay relief fund.

This money will be used to aid in the purchase of furniture for five pre-fabricated houses which have been shipped to Hooper Bay before the winter freeze up on their river.

Jack Dalton is a guest speaker who has been coming onboard Cruise West ships for the past five years. He is also a resident of Hooper Bay and he says , “The devastation in Hooper Bay was jarring, but the immediate response and overwhelming generosity of Cruise West and their guests has truly impacted the relief efforts.”

Posted by Gail Manahan on November 04, 2006
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September 26, 2006

Stunning Alaska Photo Album

Last week, we received another modest email from a guest. Here's an excerpt: "My husband and I took an Alaskan Inside Passage Cruise with Cruise West in August 2006. We've put our photos from our trip on our website..." Turns out, the photos are from Patty & Bill Hankins. In the interest of full disclosure, you should know that they are professional photographers. That said, they were not compensated in any way by Cruise West for the trip and in fact, we didn't even know that they were onboard. It really is a compliment that they would even choose to travel with us!

Here's what the landing page on their photo site says:

We chose this particular cruise for a couple of reasons. The Spirit of Endeavour is a small cruise ship,with a capacity of 102 passengers. This allows the ship to go where the big cruise ships can't, and generally to get closer to the wildlife and the scenery. Also, we went in August on the cruise that stops at Hyder, AK, in the hopes of seeing bears as they fed on the salmon heading upstream to spawn. It was our first trip with Cruise West - we had a great time, and Captain Mike did a fantastic job getting us close to the wildlife.

They've also provided a nice page on tips and tricks for photographing Alaska from a Cruise Ship. I was definitely inspired!

Thanks to Patty & Bill for sharing their work with us.

Posted by Leigh Strinsky on September 26, 2006
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September 11, 2006

Alaskology Blog

I have to admit it, I'm a picky blog reader. I spend a lot of time looking for fun blogs, that might relate to our cruises. I do this, because I think that the way you really learn about a place is through the people who live there. Local voices are much more interesting than paid fluff meant to sell on a visitor's bureau website. Problem is, there are very few really good blogs about the destinations that we visit. Well, today, I found a really fun blog called Alaskology. It's written by Steve Edwards, of the Anchorage Daily News. Steve talks about what's going on in Anchorage, hikes he's taken, how we feels about the weather, basically, whatever strikes his fancy. That's Steve's picture on the left (hope you don' t mind, Steve!) If you want to get inside the head of an Alaskan, this is a fun blog to read.

Back to my admitted blog snobbery. I'd love to be proven wrong. Do you have a really great blog that we should know about? Send me an email and let me know: leighsATcruisewestDOTcom

Posted by Leigh Strinsky on September 11, 2006
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August 28, 2006

How We Handle Tipping

Today, I found an online article by Linda Garrison about cruise line tipping policies. As I read it, I found myself reliving a recent family vacation. Before we left, my husband handed me a stack of bills- ones & fives, so that I would be prepared to tip when necessary. Throughout the trip, I always kept track of my smaller bills- making sure not to spend them lest I get caught in an embarrassing situation, where a tip was required and I had nothing to give.

Several years ago, we realized that our guests had this same concern. So, we implemented our No Tipping Policy. At Cruise West, gratuites are neither expected nor required. When you cruise aboard our small ships, travel on our exclusive land tours or even enjoy one of our included shore excursions- your gratuities are covered. One less worry when you travel with us.

Linda did a great job of mentioning our policy in her article. If you'd like to see how we compare to other lines, be sure to read the article.

Posted by Leigh Strinsky on August 28, 2006
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August 21, 2006

Meet Our Oldest Cruising Quyana Club Member

Sylvia Ryder has been cruising with Cruise West since the 1950s when she met Chuck West on a July 4th Alaska cruise he was running. She’s been a Cruise West fan ever since. Now 98, Sylvia has cruised with us at least six times. She and her daughter, Barbara, “Bobbie” Stoermer, have voyaged Mexico’s Sea of Cortes, the Columbia & Snake Rivers, Alaska’s Inside Passage, Costa Rica & Panama, British Columbia and the Bering Sea. They both agree their favorite trip was the Bering Sea adventure.

Sylvia isn’t sure when or where they’re going next but she does plan to go again. What does she like best about Cruise West cruises? Sylvia says, “You get to know everybody right away.”

We believe Sylvia is our oldest cruising Quyana Club Member at 98. Do you know otherwise? If so, please let us know! Call your Quyana toll-free number 1-888-851-4132

Posted by Leigh Strinsky on August 21, 2006
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August 14, 2006

Chef's Recipes

My local grocery store is having a big seafood sale right now, with Alaska prawns readily available. I love shrimp & prawns, but am not very original when it comes to preparation. While I love to eat great food, I'm not much of a Chef. So, when I need to really dazzle a crowd, I turn to our Vessel Culinary Manager, Doug Kramer for advice. Doug is always happy to help me and is even happy to share advice with our guests. I've published his Shrimp Scampi recipe on our website. I hope that you enjoy the recipe. We do have a cookbook in the works, but if you have a favorite recipe that you enjoyed while onboard, just post your request in the comment section of this post and I'll be happy to publish it to our site. Bon Appétit!

Posted by Leigh Strinsky on August 14, 2006
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August 11, 2006

Flight Security Tips

With the latest news on tightened airport security, I thought it might be useful to share a few tips.

The Department of Homeland Security has published a lot of useful information on their website and I'm republishing some of it down below:

No liquids or gels of any kind will be permitted in carry on baggage. such items must be in checked baggage. This includes all beverages, shampoo, sun tan lotion, creams, tooth paste, hair gel, and other items of similar consistency.

Exceptions: Baby formula and medicines*, which must be presented for inspection at the checkpoint. *Be sure that your medications are in the original, labeled pharmacy bottle and not in a pill minder.
Beverages purchased in the boarding area, beyond the checkpoint, must be consumed before boarding because they will not be permitted onboard the aircraft.

Passengers traveling from the United Kingdom to the United States will be subject to a more extensive screening process.

And now, a few helpful hints from me:

Get to the airport early, early, early.
Have your bags organized and ready to be searched.
Keep your tickets and ID in an area that is easy for you to locate.
Don't forget, TSA still expects you to take your shoes, jackets, belts when passing through security. Dress comfortably and sensibly for a smooth pass through.
All those liquid items that now must go in your carry-on luggage should be stored inside a plastic zip type bag. I've had more shampoo explode in my luggage than I care to remember!
Ladies: play it safe and pack your make-up in your checked luggage. You'd be heartbroken to throw out that favorite color that only works for you!
Pack your patience and your humor. Just think of all the great people-watching you'll get to do!
Many gift shops on the other side of security have stopped selling bottled liquids, so don't expect to be able to stock up these items once through security.
If you forget all of these tips and have to throw out your personal items, you'll find shampoo, conditioner and soap inside your cabin onboard the ship.

And finally, don't forget why you are traveling. You are headed on the trip of a lifetime and this little inconvenience will all be worth it when you receive your first of many warm, welcoming smiles and a hearty "Welcome Aboard" from our crew.

And as we sailors like to say, "Fair Winds and Following Seas."

Posted by Leigh Strinsky on August 11, 2006
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August 09, 2006

My Petropovlovsk

This post is part of our series, "My Hometown." These posts will feature the hometowns and local connections that our employees have with the ports that our small-ships visit. This week's post is submitted by Elena Lassal, our ship's agent in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, Russia.

Q: What is your connection to Petropavlovsk?
A: I was born in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy and live here all my life.

Q: Do you have a funny story or little known fact about Petropavlovsk you'd like to share?
A: It is interesting (to my mind) that inside our town there is a seal rookery (in winter time, as in summer they go to Japan). Several years ago it was a fish plant, now it doesn't work. I live about 2 km within that rookery and at night, when it is calm in the street, I can hear the roar of seals. It's really cool.

Q: What is your favorite time of year in Petropavlovsk and why?
A: Summer, because we have little sun and warm here. Winter lasts about 8 months. As the first snow falls in October and melts in May.

Q: Is there a particular food or song that reminds you of Petropavlovsk?

A: King Salmon, red caviar, Kamchatka crab and Kamchatka beer are visit card of Petro. Yes, there is one nice song that in Kamchatka the weather is bad for half a year.

Q: What is on your "must see" list for visitors to Petropavlovsk?
A: The valley of geysers, volcanoes, Nalicheva valley, beautiful nature - in Kamchatka. But in the town - several nice monuments (to St. Peter and Paul, Vitus Bering (founder of Petro), Chapel,etc); Orthodox church; Local Lore and Military Museums, view point.

Q: Do you have a favorite area of the city?
A: Yes, view point, city beach, the Hill of Love (favorite place for young couples)

Q: Is there a favorite activity that you enjoy in Petropavlovsk?
A: Mountain biking, diving, walking in summer and cross-country and down-hill skiing, snowboarding in winter.

Q: Is there a particular restaurant that you'd recommend for visitors?
A: "Russkaya gornitsa" (in Russian style), "Vechera na hutore" (in Ukrainian style).

Q: Anything else you'd like to add?
A: Citizens of Petro prefer to spend their summer holidays outside, making shishkobab, sunbathing, swimming in warm lakes, picking mushrooms and berries. I also like to go to the ocean to watch beautiful waves and killer-whales or make round the Avacha bay tours.

The Spirit of Oceanus calls on "Petro" as part of our Ring of Fire cruise. If you'd like to learn more about Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy consider taking a look at the Wikipedia entry on the region.

Next week, we'll be on the other side of the Pacific, exploring Seattle, WA through the eyes of the most important person in our company, Susan Holland, Payroll Coordinator.

Posted by Elena Lassal on August 09, 2006
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July 28, 2006

All Things Great and Small

Submitted by Exploration Leader Peter Rumm. Peter has traveled far and wide with Cruise West, including Alaska, Mexico's Sea of Cortes, Columbia & Snake Rivers and California Wine Country.

While we cruise through the Inside Passage and elsewhere in the Pacific, we impress our guests by spotting some fantastic wildlife. Six hundred pound brown bears, black bears, moose, wolves, coyotes, killer whales, Dalls porpoise and humpback whales just to name a few. In the mean time we are constantly surrounded by awe inspiring scenery. This combination has made cruising in Alaska and the Inside Passage one of the most popular cruising destinations in the world.

While we are out in the field with our guests, it gives us great pleasure to also refocus our guest’s attention on the smallest of creatures, some are reviled, like the banana slug that’s eats fecal matter off the forest floor along with other plant life. They are hermaphroditic, with their sexual organs located on their neck, which means they mate both ways simultaneously. It gives a whole new meaning to term “necking.”

(More...)

Posted by Peter Rumm on July 28, 2006
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July 19, 2006

My Nome

This post is part of our series, "My Hometown" These posts will feature the hometowns and local connections that our employees have with the ports that our small-ships visit. This week's post is submitted by John Krielkamp, Vice President of Land Operations.

Q: What is your connection to Nome?
A: I lived in Nome from 1978-1987.

Q: Do you have a funny story or little known fact about Nome you’d like to share?
A:I joined the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in '78 after graduating from Seattle University. I asked the Jesuits to send me someplace far off and romantic....they sent me to Nome.

Q: What is your favorite time of year in Nome and why?
A: Albeit it is brief....but the fall is spectacular in Nome and the surrounding Seward Peninsula. The tundra becomes a quilt of orange, red, green and yellow. This makes for memorable moose hunting, whether you bag one or not.

Q: Is there a particular food or song that reminds you of Nome?
A: Food: Moose heart, stuffed with wild rice, mushrooms and garlic. Nome Song: "Fall on me"....The Pussette-Dart Band.

Q: What is on your “must see” list for visitors when in Nome?
A: Go to the Museum and check out Marguerite Lee's picture ( Chuck's wife)...it is in the in the archives...of the Kegoyak Kozga building in Nome. Also, the Nome nugget has a picture of her stepping off the plane in Nome after being crowned the First Miss Alaska in the 30's.

Q: Do you have a favorite area of the city?
A: Front street is always pretty entertaining day or night...Nome has 12 bars and just as many churches.

Q: Is there a favorite activity that you enjoy in Nome?

A: Living in Nome as 25 years ago was pretty special....I lived in a geodesic hut, right on the beach and had a dog team...hung out with a lot of other folks that had teams as well...as fun as it was, I learned that having a team is a great way to ruin any love for dogs.

My life moment in Nome came one December evening...I was standing on the runners of my sled about 5 miles out of Nome, it was at least 20 below based on the icicles that were building on my beard and mustache, it was a crystal clear evening, and I was listening to nothing but the trot of the dogs feet on the trail as we headed for Nome under with the lights of the City glowing in the distance...within minutes, the black starlit sky came alive with the Northern Lights were dancing from one horizon to the other in several different colors.

Q: Is there a particular restaurant that you’d recommend for visitors?
A: The Moose Lips Cafe....a.k.a. the Polar Cub Cafe....it's a folksy, friendly kinda place....often people would have their left over fries brought to my table for lunch...as they knew I would eat them.

Q: Anything else you'd like to add?
A: Take the time to experience how others cultures live...it can give you a much better appreciation for what you have.

Cruise West visits Nome, AK on our Voyage to the Bering Sea and In Harriman's Wake cruises aboard the all-suite, Spirit of Oceanus. If you'd like to learn more about Nome, AK - consider visiting the Nome Chamber of Commerce website.

Next week, we'll view Chicago, IL through the eyes of Cruise West Cruise Director, Jessica Lakoff.

Posted by John Kreilkamp on July 19, 2006
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July 03, 2006

Summer Camp in the Bering Sea?

Last week, I discovered a blog post from Nunivak Island, entitled "First Cruise Ship of the Year" that chronicled the arrival of the Spirit of Oceanus and our guests, who were on our Voyage to the Bering Sea cruise. What was amazing to me, was that the ship arrived in the morning and by that evening, the post was live on their blog, complete with video.

To understand what a great find blog site is, you need to know that Nunivak Island is part Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge and the second largest island in the Bering Sea and hundreds of miles from the modern conveniences that most of us take for granted. There are only about 200 residents on the island.

Being a semi-geek, I was obsessed with figuring out how they managed:

1) To have internet connection

2) To maintain a blog so rich in content

3) To go beyond the basics of blogging and embed video, slides and other forms of media on their site

Martin Leonard, author of the post, is a faculty member at the Summer Science Field and Research Incentive Program for High School Science and Technology Students in the Yukon Kuskokwim Delta. This program is sponsored by the UAF- University of Alaska-Fairbanks and their goal is to expose their students to "both the principles of Western Ecology and to Native Ways of Knowing" and is mainly open to top performing high school students that reside within the Yukon Delta who plan to attend the University of Alaska. The students pay only nominal expenses, with the funding coming from a variety of sources. There are also many sponsors, including a satellite communications company.

I love that their site is so rich in content. From historical slide shows, video clips of rare birds, to simply notes posted for friends & family - the site is an enjoyable read. Really, it is the next best thing to being there! I'm sure that our guests came away from their experience on Nunivak Island with a true appreciation for the work of these students and a deep admiration for their commitment to their culture and the environment.

Thanks, Martin, for blogging about us and for sharing your program with the world!

Posted by on July 03, 2006
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June 21, 2006

My Bering Sea- Part III

After sailing from Diomede our next stop was Provideniya and Novoye Chaplino on Russia’s Chukotka Peninsula. Built during the height of the Cold War era, Provideniya was everything I ever imagined a communist city would look like. We sailed in under foggy conditions to what appeared to be a ghost town of cold concrete buildings lacking any frivolity in design or color. The city seemed so neglected with buildings in total disrepair and long forgotten by the far off government. They have a great little regional museum though. Our tour culminated at the Performing Arts Center, to be entertained by the children of Provideniya. To me it was as if all the color had been sucked out of the town and had been concentrated in the regional costumes the children were wearing, with brilliant plumage, rosy red cheeks and shy smiles they sang and danced for us.

We departed Provideniya in our transport vehicles to travel across the very bumpy tundra towards the Yupik village of Novoye Chaplino just a few miles away. I don’t believe these vehicles had shocks and sitting in the back seat I swear that my kidneys ended up somewhere near my ears! As we traveled north the weather began to improve and sun came out for a beautiful afternoon. A photo stop provided the opportunity to walk up a hillside for a shot of the sweeping mountains and tundra that greeted the chilly arctic waters. Looking down at the ground there was beauty in the starkness dotted by tiny flowers of heather and dwarf azaleas. The villagers greeted us and showed us around town. Drifting on the wind was a slightly putrid smell and I saw many a nose wiggle. We soon saw the source lying on the beach, the remains of a whale carcass that had been killed by the villagers in April. Whew!

As we were making our way back to the school gym we heard a rumbling sound getting louder and louder. I turned to see a Russian tank making its way into the center of town. I think we were all a little shell-shocked at first, thinking uh oh, what did we do? What will we do? We are in Russia, how do we get out of this situation? You could have heard a pin drop we were all so quiet and then a sigh of relief when it was explained to us that the two not so friendly looking occupants just wanted to get a look at us. We were as much a curiosity to them as they were to us! One of the guests, eleven-year-old Kevin was a huge military buff and his dad asked our guide if they could look at the tank close up. After translating a few of us were invited to climb aboard to look around. The next thing we knew we felt the gears shift and we were tearing across the tundra on the top of a Russian tank! The rush of adrenalin had our hearts beating fast as we crossed creeks and permafrost on our ride it was exhilarating if not a little bit terrifying. I was sitting next to Cruise West President and CEO Jeff Krida and we kept looking at each other and asking can you believe this? When we came to a stop we all slid off the tank wearing perma-grins and still reeling.

Our day was winding to end, but not before the community came together to dance for us, and show off the strength challenges they compete in at the annual Eskimo Olympics. We were welcomed with tea, cookies and traditional subsistence foods to sample. I was brave enough to taste the boiled walrus meat and native plants, but I just couldn’t stomach the raw sea urchin! I have been forever changed for having traveled to these communities and interacting with the people who live there and I am thankful for the chance to make a childhood dream a reality.

Karen Kuest is one of our Product Managers for the US Fleet. She manages several our of West Coast itineraries, so if you've traveled with us to Alaska, British Columbia, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Karen ultimately planned your trip. Karen got her start in the travel business behind the wheel of a motorcoach in Alaska. A woman of many talents, Karen can change a tire, route a ship or narrate on the migratory patterns of the tufted puffin with the best of them!

Posted by Karen Kuest on June 21, 2006
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June 16, 2006

Nenana Fire Jumpers

A little background, Chris Tomsen is a retired Army Major and still uses a lot of military lingo. There was a forest fire between Fairbanks and Denali National Park that shut down the highway. We were able to work with one of our vendors, Alaska Timberline Aviation, and it's Owner/Pilot, Roger Fischer, to air-vac our 8 guests around the fire and into Denali. This is a GREAT testament to what we, at Cruise West can do to make the guest experience a great one in less than ideal circumstances. Chris & Ed did a FANTASTIC job! C hris had one guest who was very nervous about flying in such a small plane so he gave her his Audubon Society Ptarmigan with accurate bird call when squeezed, hence TEAM PTARMIGAN!

My eight guests (Team Ptarmigan) told me that Cruise West should use them for positive testimonials for their great adventure experience with the "Nenana Fire Jump" with Roger at Timberline Aviation (maybe we should make some Nenana Fire Jumper shirts?). They were totally impressed with the speed Cruise West organized a plan to bypass the Nenana fire blockade (less than an hour).

When you conveyed the message that we could "go airborne" we rolled the bus back up to the roadblock and quickly passed through. Since the fire line was about six miles down the road (a state trooper had blocked us previously at mile 298) and we only needed to go a mile to the municipal airfield, I was able to persuade the NCO manning the roadblock to let us slip through (Ed thought my 'Ranger Assn-Life' card might help). We left three fully loaded Princess tour busses sitting behind the barricade watching us drive on! At the airfield, it only took 6 minutes for the team of 8 guests to reconfigure, select critical items. Roger was right on time with his High Wing JetProp - like Sky King to the rescue, coming down skirting the column of smoke from the 12 mile long fire. In less than 10 minutes the guests (Team Ptarmigan) were airborne, jumping the fire and flying into the Alaska Range to Denali (Healy airstrip). It was only an 18 minute flight for us, but an impenetrable wall for 99% of tourists in campers, busses waiting on the fire.

(More...)

Posted by Andy Compton on June 16, 2006
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June 14, 2006

My Bering Sea-Part II

In June of 2003, I was back in the Bering Sea this time sailing from Nome to Anchorage. Again, I was going to be visiting places that just boggled my mind. I grew up towards the end of the Cold War era and I remember the abject terror that was struck into every Americans mind of the thought of a nuclear war. Growing up on the west coast of Washington State I was aware of the fact that geographically there are only a few miles separating the United States from Russia and that there were listening devices and missiles pointed at us just waiting for the signal. Mine was part of the collective sigh of relief when Gorbachev came to power and we saw the melting of the Cold War fear. Now I was going to be there.

There being Little Diomede, whose inhabitants saw their families divided when the Iron Curtain, or the Ice Curtain as it was referred to in the north, went up along the international border and International Date Line that runs between US owned Little Diomede and Russian owned Big Diomede. Families that had previously been able to cross the two miles of ocean separating the two islands and countries were now irrevocably divided by politics. Eventually the residents of Big Diomede were removed from the island and relocated to the Russian mainland. We arrived on a cloudy day to see this little village perched precariously on the side of a very rocky little island. We were met by grown adults who were to be our tour guides but were soon usurped by some precocious 12 year olds who were anxious to tell us about life on the island. They led us up a rocky incline to show us where they gather Murre eggs and how they have to be on the lookout for arctic fox that get on island during the winter and will steal the eggs that part of the staple diet of the Inupiat. Polar bears that travel on the sea ice that closes in around Diomede in the winter are a also a danger. We saw the evidence of their existence in the drying hides and freshly cleaned skulls lying about.

To be continued next Wednesday...

Posted by Karen Kuest on June 14, 2006
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June 07, 2006

My Bering Sea- Part I

The Bering Sea- A Childhood Dream becomes Reality

During my seven years here at Cruise West I have had some incredible opportunities to travel to places that people rarely think about. Those far off places you hear about as a child growing up but never in you wildest dreams imagine that you will ever get there. For me it was the Bering Sea.

I was fortunate enough to be involved in our very first foray into the area when we purchased the Spirit of Oceanus in Singapore and brought her over to the US. I had to contact US Customs and Immigrations and the US Coast Guard to facilitate the clearance of the vessel in Adak, our very first US port of call far out in the Aleutian Islands. Adak, a place I had read about when studying World War II history and could only picture in my imagination. I have a degree in history and I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to do more research on this area and to work with a vendor to build a tour for our guests when the vessel arrived. I soon learned that there isn’t much on Adak and that includes US Customs and Immigrations agents. To clear the SOO, Cruise West needed to fly the agents out to the island. This meant chartering a flight to get them there and back. There was extra space on the flight and imagine my surprise when I was invited to go along and then join the ship. I was thrilled. I was going to see our brand new ship AND be able to cruise from Adak all the way into Whittier, visiting places like Dutch Harbor, Geographic Harbor and Kodiak along the way.

To be continued next Wedneday...

Posted by Karen Kuest on June 07, 2006
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May 30, 2006

Back for her 16th Trip!

Submitted by John Kreilkamp, Vice President of Alaska Operations.

Yesterday my family got a treat.

Quyana Member, Ila G. arrived in Anchorage for her 16th cruise with Cruise West. She has sailed on almost all of our cruises and Prince William Sound is her favorite (her 4th trip to this area). Each year, she celebrates her birthday by giving herself a cruise with Cruise West. Because I had a previous engagement with my visiting family, I asked Andy Compton to take her out to dinner but to bring her over for a glass of wine first. He did and Ila delighted us all...she was in her prime....she held court over the gathering of my 12 relatives and they realized that they had met a rather significant person in history.

What makes her so special? Ila is a nuclear physicist. Not just any nuclear physicist but a pioneer physicist. Beginning in 1948, she worked at the Los Alamos research lab and was there for 34 years...she witnessed several atom bomb detonations in the Nevada Desert, she knew Robert Oppenheimer. She was one of the first women to work at the Los Alamos site in the post war development of the Bomb. Ila is fairly unpretentious...she disdains those who thought their work was too important. She recalled with a devilish wink when Oppenheimer went into a local restaurant with shorts on one day for lunch and the waitress, who noticed he was not wearing the required apparel refused to give him service....no slacks - no service.

Ila is celebrating her 82nd birthday with us on the Spirit of Columbia this weekend, she almost missed her cruise with us after last year's heart attack. Her doctor advised her not to go...but she told him if she was going to go, she would rather have it be in front of a glacier in Prince William Sound.

The Sheraton Anchorage upgraded her to a Jr. suite and last night she thoroughly enjoyed her Copper River Salmon at her favorite restaurant in town.

Posted by John Krielkamp on May 30, 2006
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February 1, 2006

Sights and Sounds of Glacier Bay on Video

This short video was submitted by our Exploration Leader, Peter Rumm. In addition to his interpretive duties, Peter spent much of last summer documenting the entire Inside Passage on video. We plan to regularly post many of these clips to our site. I love this particular video, because it really brings the wildlife, sights and sounds of Glacier Bay to life.

It may take a few minutes to load the video, but it's worth the wait. I promise.

Enjoy!

Posted by Leigh Strinsky on February 1, 2006
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January 31, 2006

Does Global Climate Change Affect the Glaciers in Alaska?

Submitted by Cruise West Exploration Leader- Peter Rumm

Nothing is more anticipated by our guests, returning officers and crew than a to visit one of the most dramatic places in all of North America, Tracy Arm Fjord and its' two stunning Sawyer Glaciers at its terminus. I have been making this pilgrimage since 1998 with guests, however, this was the first season anyone could remember that for weeks, even months we could not reach either of these two glaciers. In years past, the Sawyer Glacier was clear of ice and we had no trouble safely viewing it from a 1/4 mile. In 2005, South Sawyer Glacier was visible but only from a distance, with so much ice calving off the face, and breaking off the submerged bottom that it completely choked off the entrance preventing a close approach. It was not until July, when I was on the Sheltered Seas that Captain Mike managed to squeeze up to the face. We let our guests know that they were the first boat of the season to get as close as we did. What is so interesting from a naturalists point of view, is that this glacier has retreated unevenly over two miles in the past two years! Why is this glacier retreating so fast and calving off so much ice? One instantly asks if it has anything to do with climate change?

Posted by Peter Rumm on January 31, 2006
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August 17, 2005

Care for a spot of tea?

Submitted by Exploration Leader Peter Rumm

There are times as an Exploration Leader you know you have one of the best jobs in the world, and on this day that feeling prevailed. Our itineraries are sometimes left open and up to the Captain and Exploration Leaders to adjust to maximize our guests experience. On occasion other people unexpectedly influence our itineraries much to our delight, this was such a day.

Imagine for years, cruising through some very remote areas of British Columbia and passing tiny little villages that barely have a dock and no sense of tourism or infrastructure for it. Also imagine passing the smallest most remote lighthouses on the Inside Passage and always wondering what it would be like to visit or live there. Then imagine you are on the Spirit of Oceanus passing by one of these lighthouses and a lighthouse keeper calls you on the radio and invites your guests for tea. Sound outrageous?

Posted by Peter Rumm on August 17, 2005
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