December 18, 2007

Cruising Glacier Bay National Park

Linda Garrison, from About.com took a cruise with us last summer.  She sailed aboard the Spirit of Yorktown on our Alaska's Inside Passage cruise itinerary.  On Sunday, she posted some great photos from her cruise.  Here's an excerpt from her journal:

We arrived at Margerie Glacier in the afternoon and marveled at this river of ice, cheering when it calved and oohing when the sun brought out the brilliant blue color. By the time we arrived back at Bartlett Cove, it was almost dark. What a great day!

At the bottom of her photo gallery page, she's linked out to other aspects of the cruise.  If you're looking for a real perspective on what our Inside Passage cruise it like, Linda's blog is a wonderful resource.

Posted by Leigh Strinsky on December 18, 2007
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November 15, 2007

Photos of Chip's Alaska Cruises

We received the following letter from one of our Quyana Members, Chip Wright.  Chip traveled on two of our Alaska cruises this summer and took over 3,400 photos.  Wow!  He's posted 400+ in his photo gallery on Web Shots.  We hope that you enjoy them as much as we have.  Thanks for sharing, Chip!

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Given the number of photographs and the difficulty of posting on your site, I chose WebShots (where I normally post my vacation photo's).  These are public. They have had over 5,000 plus hits.

The photographs encompass both of our two cruises --- we were on the Spirit of Columbia for 4 nights and 5 days cruising Prince William Sound, and then on the Spirit of Discovery for 7 nights and 8 days cruising the Inside Passage.  Both cruises were GREAT and both were different.
 
For the first "half" of our trip to Alaska,  we flew into Anchorage on June 23; drove down to Seward, AK stopping at the Alaskan Zoo (rescue center), Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and the Seward SeaLife Aquarium on June 24; and on June 25 were bussed to Whittier, AK to start our 4 night, 5 day cruise on Prince William Sound, styled "Glacier Wonderland" by CruiseWest.  CruiseWest operates small boats (compared to the big passenger liners) and Spirit of Columbia, our boat for this trip, carried only 78 passengers plus crew.  143 feet long with a really shallow draft, we were able to go places the larger ships could not. 
 
Prince William Sound was wonderful and I'm afraid the photographs do not really do it justice.  Incidentally, this "collection" is a selection from the 2,601 digital photographs Chip managed to take during these 6 days!
 
For the second "half", we came back into Anchorage for two nights and then flew to Juneau to start the Inside Passage cruise.  Our ship was the Spirit of Discovery, carrying only 84 passengers plus crew.  166 feet long, a really shallow draft, and 3 DIBs (Durable Inflatable Boats --- like a Zodiac).  It, like the Spirit of Columbia, could get into some really tight spots that larger vessels could not reach.  These albums begin with our travel from Anchorage (rental car) to the Eagle River Wildlife Preserve and then on to Talkeetna (hoping to see Mt. McKinley, but we did not). On July 1 we flew to Juneau.  Departure was on July 2 and the return was on July 9.

The Inside Passage was spectacular with abundant wildlife and scenic vistasalmost every moment.   
 
The photographs are organized into multiple albums with the album name being the description of the photo subjects.  The file name on the photograph represents the date and time (Alaskan Time) taken (year-month-day--hour-minutes-seconds).  There are comments attached to some of the photographs, but not all. The Inside Passage photographs commence with Album numbered 20.  Chip took a total of 3,435 photos on this leg of our trip, but was able to select 412 to include in the albums.  Please don't feel compelled to look at them all.  It was just progressively more and more difficult to choose one over the other given the ever-changing views.
 
There is also a combination video file at the end (Album 50) with selected video footage from the Inside Passage cruise.
 
View The Album Here 

Thanks,
 
Chip

Posted by Leigh Strinsky on November 15, 2007
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September 18, 2007

2007 Alaska Cruise Season Ends

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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June 18, 2007

Review of our Wilderness Inside Passage Cruise

Posted by Leigh Strinsky on June 18, 2007
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June 04, 2007

Most Excellent Alaska Photo Album

Thanks to one of our Quyana members, Evan Chu for his most excellent photo album featuring his cruise to Alaska.  Evan was on our Wilderness Inside Passage cruise aboard the Spirit of Discovery.  In fact, he was on the cruise that our Exploration Leader, Amanda McKutcheon reported seeing the northern lights!  If you've been wondering what the REAL Alaska looks like,  take a look at Evan's album.  Warning: you're not going to see a photo of a single gift shop or long lines of people, although you will see a few big cruise ships passing by whales, which we are taking the time to enjoy.

Posted by Leigh Strinsky on June 04, 2007
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May 22, 2007

May Surprises in Alaska

May is a great time to be in Alaska, as evidenced by this report from Amanda McCutcheon.  Amanda is aboard the Spirit of Discovery, serving as an Exploration Leader for our Wilderness Inside Passage cruise.

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We saw Northern Lights! This was my first time seeing them. We were blessed last week with amazing weather. To see Northern lights in Southeast Alaska, it has to be early in the summer season when it is still dark enough, it has to be clear which can be very rare, and third, the sun flare activity has to be high. I was speaking with a few guests before bedtime and mentioned that we had two of the three necessary elements to see the northern lights. This got us all a little excited. I contacted our 2nd mate, Beth Hulsmen, and asked her to wake me up if there were northern lights. I went to bed feeling like maybe I had put out expectations that could not be met, but was wishing for the best. Around 12:20 am Beth's voice came in over the intercom box. I nearly fell out of bed and simply could not get reading fast enough. Upon arrival to the bridge I was saw an amazing display of green light dancing across the sky line. I made an "all call" announcement to crew and guests. Most people got up and our Bartender, Dave Sorensen, made a pot of hot chocolate for everyone. It was a rare and exciting moment for everyone that was outside bundled up in their pj's watching the phenomena. 

In Glacier Bay National Park we came upon a large Brown Bear that was sitting on and protecting a carcass. Possibly or most likely a moose carcass. There was a raven nearby trying to distract the bear and to get some of the valuable meat. It was an amazing interaction. The bear was so full from a large meal he could barely move to chase off the pesky bird, and the bird's diligence was amazing. It was an amazing sighting!

Posted by Amanda McCutcheon on May 22, 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.

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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 

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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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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.

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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

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 Margi Ungrodt, one of our superstar team members in Fairbanks.

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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 31, 2006

My Juneau

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 Kristin Freng, Association Sales Manager for Cruise West. 

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Q: What is your connection to Juneau?
A: My family moved to Juneau when I was in the second grade. I went all through school there and graduated from Juneau-Douglas High School. I've lived there off and on as an adult, although I currently live in Seattle. My parents and my sister and her family still live there. My husband, Kelly, also grew up in Juneau.

Q: What is your favorite time of year in Juneau and why?
A: My favorite time of year in Juneau is the 4th of July. My hometown throws a wonderful celebration that usually starts at 12:01am on the 4th with a fantastic fireworks display. The parade is usually a lot of fun, but my favorite event is the firehose races - a competition between the different fire stations in the community.

Q: Is there a particular food or song that reminds you of Juneau?
A: Heritage Coffee reminds me of my hometown. I love the caesar salad with fresh King Crab from the Twisted Fish - I'm always trying to recreate that dish. I graduated in 1985 - so just about any song from the 80's reminds me of Juneau and those days.

Q: What is on your “must see” list for visitors to Juneau?
A: I feel the must see for my home town is a trip up the tram or a hike up the mountain. Juneau is beautiful from sea level, but the mountains are so magnificent and the waterways are so beautiful from that elevated spot. It's a great ride - even in the rain and fog! I also feel Juneau has a very rich mining history and political history - I suggest visitors go to the museums and the capitol to explore Juneau's past.

Q: Do you have a favorite area of the city?
A: My favorite area is "out the road." Juneau only has about 70 miles of road altogether. I love to drive as far north as I can, to the very end of the road, stopping along the way to watch birds or whales or just the ocean. Second choice would be out by the Mendenhall Glacier. My friends and I used to ride our bikes out to the glacier and swim in the lake during the summer. It's seems crazy to me now, but it was great fun then.

Q: Is there a favorite activity that you enjoy in Juneau?
A: I have many favorite activities in Juneau - hiking and camping would be high on the list. I also think the downtown area is charming and fun to stroll through. Best of all would be enjoying a cup of coffee in my mom's living room, though.

Q: Is there a particular restaurant that you’d recommend for visitors?
A: The Twisted Fish,The Douglas Cafe (on Douglas Island) and The Thai restaurant out in Auke Bay.

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Cruise West vessels visit Juneau in the summer months while cruising on many of our Alaska cruise itineraries.  In fact, we have a full office and support staff in Juneau to help us manage our tours, supply our vessel and take care of our guests that are overnighting at the Goldbelt Hotel.  The very best way to experience all of Juneau, is to spend a few extra nights before or after your cruise.  If you'd like to learn more about Juneau, consider visiting the Juneau Convention & Visitor's Bureau Website.

 

Posted by Kristin Freng on August 31, 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 04, 2006

Voices from Alaska- Wilderness Cruising

We are pleased to share with you a recorded narration from Cruise West Exploration Leader Peter Rumm.  Peter has spent many summers in Alaska and by far, his most enjoyable was spent exploring the waters of the Inside Passage on our Wilderness Inside Passage cruise. 

To hear the recording, simply press the play button on the far left or, download the mp3 file to your iPod and enjoy at your leisure.

 

MP3 File

Posted by Peter Rumm on August 04, 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.

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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.”

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Posted by Peter Rumm on July 28, 2006
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July 14, 2006

Glacier Bay National Park

Daily Adventure Update- Submitted by the Spirit of Discovery - currently on our Wilderness Inside Passage voyage in Alaska.

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What the Ice Reveals . . .

Be prepared for a full day of sightseeing in spectacular Glacier Bay with a National Park Ranger and Huna cultural interpreter on board. Birders will delight at the variety of species that are found in these waters and we have good chances for an array of wildlife encounters. Mountain goats, harbor seals, brown and black bears are all at home here, and in recent years, moose sightings at the southern end of the bay have become surprisingly more frequent.

Throughout the day, we’ll see some of the most majestic sights of our tour. The Marble Islands are just one of the areas designated for protection of nesting birds and no natural predators live here. Because of their isolated geography, it is an ideal site to conduct studies. Research on the traditional native practice of harvesting gull eggs, and the interactions between different species continue to provide researchers with new insight.

We will arrive at the head of Tarr Inlet where the Grand Pacific and Margerie Glaciers make their great journeys from mountains to the water’s edge. While you look at these giant rivers of ice, think about what Captain George Vancouver or John Muir thought when they stumbled upon these giant faces that took up most of what is now Glacier Bay.

Following Tarr Inlet, we will continue our glacier viewing and wildlife encounters as we make our way back down the West Arm of the bay.

Throughout the last 200 years, many glaciers in Glacier Bay have undergone massive retreat. Over 65 miles of new terrain have been uncovered, inspiring much international research concerning plant and animal succession and adaptability.

Posted by Leigh Strinsky on July 14, 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!

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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.

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Posted by Andy Compton on June 16, 2006
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May 30, 2006

Back for her 16th Trip!

Submitted by John Kreilkamp, Vice President of Alaska Operations.

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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.

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Posted by John Krielkamp on May 30, 2006
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May 22, 2006

Nutrient Rich Waters of the Inside Passage

Submitted by Cruise West Exploration Leader, Peter Rumm

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One afternoon while on the Wilderness Inside Passage Itinerary, we were off the coast of Baranof Island near Red Bluff Bay. After five years of cruising and exploring this area I am still awestruck by the scene Mother Nature presents. We noticed a whale spout or two very close to shore, there were harbor porpoise feeding near the whales, as if that was not enough a pod of killer whales passed by. Salmon were jumping out of the water everywhere as if nature was providing an endless fountain of fish. The mountains behind this scene were snow capped and reached 4,500 feet straight up for from sea level. The scene could not have been have been dreamed up or perhaps only by the artist Wyland himself. But such scenes do exist and we soaked it up with the warm sun on our faces and we became lost in time transfixed by an abundance that was Eden like.

Why so much life in one place? Often our guests expect these deep dark cold waters to contain less life than other places they have visited such as Hawaii or the Caribbean. But nothing could be further from the truth. The cold waters we cruise through support some of the greatest varieties and abundance of marine life found anywhere in the world. We commonly see lions main jelly fish with diameters of about a foot or more, however they have been documented at 8 feet across with tentacles over a hundred feet long! The giant pacific octopus with a world record of 600 pounds, although they average 50-90 pounds are found in the waters of the Inside Passage. Often while exploring the intertidal zone we come across sea stars (star fish) the size of dinner plates and bigger! My friends and I found an 11-foot long squid, dead, on Cape Fanshaw one summer. And historically just off the coast of Alaska, the largest animal on the planet, the blue whale use to be frequently spotted, unfortunately due to poor stewardship and over hunting the sighting of blue whales in the gulf of Alaska are now fleeting and unconfirmed.

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Posted by Peter Rumm on May 22, 2006
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May 07, 2006

"Lost" in Alaska's Inside Passage

Submitted by Leigh Strinsky- former Captain and now Manager of Online Initiatives(web stuff).

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"Well, sounds like a good job, but you'd better be careful or you'll get lost."  Those were the words of one of my East Coast mariner friends when I told him I'd been offered a job with Cruise West and that my route would be from Seattle to Juneau through the Inside Passage.

I grew up around boats, sailing the lakes and waterways of the East Coast.  Lazy summers spent on the water as a child grew into highly competitive collegiate sailing.  That eventually led to a 4 yr stint in the U.S. Coast Guard where I was flown across the country to a very busy Search and Rescue station in Newport, Oregon - Station Yaquina Bay.  So, I felt confident and up to the task.

Me, worry about getting lost?  How could I? The main shipping lanes or "highway" to Alaska is well-traveled by big cruise ships and ferries all summer long.  If all those boats safely ply these waters at all hours, then I'll be fine.

Reporting to the Spirit of Alaska, as Second Mate, my collateral duty was to maintain the charts.  There were hundreds!  My first clue that there might have been some truth in my friend's words.   As I studied the charts, I realized very quickly that these charts could be categorized. There were the series of charts that all the BIG ships use (you do need those for part of the route) and then there were the OTHER charts...those that would help me get "lost."  The charts for sailors and mariners who weren't interested in traveling with the rest of the armada and wanted to choose the waterways less traveled and really see Alaska.  Those charts were well worn, with many personal notes and tips handwritten throughout.

Suddenly, I realized.  I was getting paid to get "LOST."  What a job...  

Although I don't work on the boats anymore, my own tattered cruising guides are still a part of my personal library.  I can still envision every back passage and narrow waterway, know the characteristics of the land and could probably still get "lost" with the best of them.  Alaska does that to you.  Touches your soul and never lets go.  A lifetime of memories is mine...after all, aren't the best travel experiences those where we get "lost"?

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Email: leighs@cruisewest.com

Posted by Leigh Strinsky on May 07, 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 11, 2005

Whales and Watermelon

Submitted from the field by Exploration Leader, Meriwether Gill

Day Five- Point Adolphus & Gustavus

Thursday August 11, 2005

Right after the wake-up call, the search began. We were searching for humpback blows and we hit the jackpot! We spent all morning with an active group of 8-10 humpback whales feeding in the nutrient rich waters of Icy Strait. The highlight of the morning was an unexpected triple breach and numerous caudle peduncle throws (intense tail slapping on the waters surface)! Cameras were clicking at rapid speeds to capture all the excitement.

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Posted by Meriwether Gill on August 11, 2005
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