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.
Our corporate headquarters are located in downtown Seattle. With spring just around the corner, the trees are starting to bud tulips pushing through the earth, deciduous trees beginning to turn green again and the Pike Place Market is rejuvenated with locals who have been in hibernation all winter.
I love this time of the year in Seattle. There's no better place to enjoy lunch than down at the market. The sights, sounds and smells energize me and make me proud to live here.
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.
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.
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
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 Suzanne Holland, Payroll Specialist for Cruise West.
Q: What is your connection to Seattle?
A: I have lived in the Seattle, Puget Sound area since 1975, after coming from Yakima, WA. I was born and raised in Washington state and am very proud to say that I am from Seattle!
Q: Do you have a funny story or little known fact about Seattle you’d like to share? A: Seattle has been in the Top 5 for The Fittest City (according to Men's Fitness magazine). We have so many active things to in which to participate in the Seattle, Puget Sound area: bicycle trails, mountain biking trails, campgrounds, jogging trails, wonderful lakes in which to swim and boat, kayaking, roller blading, off-leash dog parks, just to name a few.
Q: What is your favorite time of year in Seattle and why? A:My favorite time of year is definitely spring and summer. All of the trees and flowers are in full bloom and it's almost always pleasant weather, not too hot, not too cold. There are so many things to do and see and so many people out and about enjoying the weather!
Q: Is there a particular food or song that reminds you of Seattle? A:Food: Well, not really food, but STARBUCKS definitely reminds me of home, whether I am in Chicago, San Francisco or New York, I always try and find a Starbucks coffee shop so I can get my Non-Fat Almond Mocha! Song: When I hear anything from the Pearl Jam, Ten album, it makes me think of Seattle.
Q: What is on your “must see” list for visitors to Seattle? A: Pike Place Market, Pacific Place mall, 6th and 7th Avenue shopping district, Nordstrom's Flagship Store, The Seattle Center, Ye Olde Curiosity Shop, the waterfront, The Space Needle, Lake Washington, a ferry ride to Bremerton, Snoqualmie Falls, and downtown Kirkland (I like playing chauffeur to guests from out of town!)
Q: Do you have a favorite area of the city? A:I LOVE the energy in the shopping district. There are a great mix of people in that area and Westlake is a fun place to sit, sip some Starbucks and people watch!
Q: Is there a favorite activity that you enjoy in Seattle? A:I love the wonderful mountain biking trails we have in our area. They are some of the best in the world! I am so privileged to call this my hometown and am constantly in awe of nature being so close to a big city.
Q: Is there a particular restaurant that you’d recommend for visitors? A: While The Space Needle's Sky City has the BEST view in Seattle, I would definitely recommend visiting Cutter's Restaurant at the Northwest corner of Pike Place Market. They have a wonderful view of the water and great food.
Q: Anything else you'd like to add? A:If you have time, definitely take a trip out to the old town of Snoqualmie (a 15-20 minute drive from downtown Seattle) and visit Snoqualmie Falls. I PROMISE you will not be disappointed!
Seattle is the home port for our fleet and home to Cruise West's corporate offices. While our fleet travels the world, we do have the opportunity to serve as the host city in the Spring and Fall as our ships sail on our Goldrush Inside Passage and British Columbia voyages. If you'd like to learn more about Seattle, consider visiting the Seattle Convention & Visitor's Bureau website. And by all means, if you're in town, stop by and visit our offices. We're near the Space Needle, underneath the monorail tracks at 5th & Bell, right across from Teatro Zinzanni.
Next week, we'll explore Skagway, Alaska through the eyes of Product Manager, Karen Kuest.
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!
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."
Guest aboard the Spirit of ’98 sees a need and takes action...
Mike and Debbie Morse were first drawn to Cruise West by Lewis & Clark Bicenntenial cruise information. They took the Spirit of ’98 on the Columbia & Snake Rivers in the spring of 2005.
It so happened that Cruise West Chairman, Dick West, was on their cruise and Mike mentioned to Dick that although the bathrooms on the vessel were spacious, the pedestal sinks offered no storage. He told Dick he had an idea for a shelf and Dick said, "Send your shelf idea to us. If we like it we will get them.”
In the picture you can see the shelf that Mike made. This is an extra. The rest can be found being put to good use in the bathrooms on the Spirit of ’98.
I thought this would be fun for a Friday and a great way to start the weekend. Please enjoy this Haiku, written by Quyana Member and Poet Joesph J. Turncale. Joseph composed the first three while traveling on our British Columbia cruise aboard the Spirit of Columbia. The last two are from his book, Season of the Warrior: A Poetic Tribute to Warriors.
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.
A scandal is unfolding in the world of layered sugary confections.
The Nanaimo bar is a sweet, chocolaty treat long thought to have roots dating back to the mid 1800's in the coal mining colonialization of the Western British Columbia island of Nanaimo. Allegedly, these bars were included in care packages from back home in the U.K. to the early settlers. A fascinating story with apparently no basis in fact.
Instead, the rather pedestrian world of potlucks in the 1950's spawned the layered sugar bombs that have come to be known as Naniamo bars. The Women’s Auxiliary to the Nanaimo Hospital was the first publisher of the recipe.
I think I like the Coal Miner English-care-package story better. Either way, the bars are as good now as... whenever they were invented.
Here's a note I got from David Hill-Turner, the great museum curator at the Naniamo District Museum, who uncovered the scandal for us and is setting the world's treat-lovers and historians straight. The Museum is located in Piper's Park and is a stop on our included tour.
"I will admit the popular interpretation of the Nanaimo bar is more interesting. Apart from the butter and sugar, all the remaining ingredients would have come from the UK or California. Bird's Custard, the vanilla custard powder mentioned in the recipe, was developed by a pharmacist in Birmingham and many of the early miner-colonists (prior to 1862) did come from that region of the UK. We are considering developing a Nanaimo Bar exhibit in the new museum as we are asked many questions about its origins (along with the Bathtub Race!)."
Mark Belanger is the Technology Program Manager for Cruise West- which means that anytime you see Cruise West represented out on the web or through email, Mark was in some way involved. From time to time, he'll be unraveling the mysteries of the internet and how we use it to enhance our products and services to you.
Last Sunday's New York Times featured a great article by Susan Lehman, called Books That Triggered Writers' Wanderlust. The article got us all thinking about what books have inspired our own travels. When I worked aboard the Spirit of Alaska and later the Spirit of Columbia, I entertained myself with travel stories that pertained to the route I was assigned.
One of my favorite books about the Inside Passage is a memoir written in 1927 by Wylie Blanchet, called The Curve of Time. Wylie was widowed at age 37, with five children. In spite of this (or maybe because of it) she spent every summer aboard their 25' boat, cruising the Inside Passage of British Columbia. Having sailed these waters many times myself and realizing how remote they truly are, gave me a great appreciation for her adventurous spirit. There was nothing tame about her experience!
My other favorite Northwest author is Nard Jones. I'd categorize his work at historical fiction, that borders on what we would call pulp-fiction today. Definately not politically correct, but an accurate portrayal of the attitudes and social issues of the Northwest and Columbia River during his time. He was also writing in the 30's. All of his books are out of print, but can sometimes be found in used bookstores in our area and online at Powell's Bookstore. (No, I'm not getting paid by Powell's to plug them, I just happen to think they are the greatest bookstore in the world- put them on your "must-see" list if you ever visit Portland, OR.)
So- those are a few of the fun but, obscure authors who have inspired and entertained me. Who are your favorite travel writers? Which books have inspired you to drop everything and get on a plane -or boat? What destinations are on your life list because of their influence?
Post a comment and share your favorites.
Submitted by Leigh Strinsky, former Captain and now Manager of Online Initiatives.
Victoria had been beautiful and very European, reminded me of my heritage, still being a UK citizen. The option of stay later in the town was appealing so we stopped and ate at a Tapas bar downtown before making our way back to the Endeavour. Several other guests had stopped and eaten good old fish and chips and had a pint of English Beer. One night out was good; we had a chance to really feel and see the life of Victoria, walking back to the vessel was so pretty with the evening lights twinkling over the Capital building .
We woke early next day to some bumpy weather, the Straits of Juan de Fuca are renown for being a little wild and they lived up to their reputation! Still a few were in the lounge for coffee and a spot of breakfast although the cups and plates not quite so full in-case of spills. By 9:00am the weather had turned brighter as we entered into the Harbor at Port Townsend. Waiting at the dock were several tour guides dressed in Victorian garb and looking very fancy with feathered hats, with information packets in hand. We had an open day, we could take the tour or stay on board or wander at our pace, we chose to take the tour.
It was a beautiful day 5 morning, the water was pristine and the wind low and soft. Copper gave the wake up call at 7:00 for those that wanted coffee and breakfast in the lounge early riser already eating some thing cooked in the dinning room. With coffee in hand it didn’t take long for Meriwether and Copper to start their wonderful chatter about marine life as we cruise through the picturesque smaller San Juan Islands.
First spotted on the port side are a couple of harbor seals resting on the rocks at the edge of the water, way above them high on very rocky steep cliffs are breeding Pelagic Cormorants. We know they are breeding because the feathers ( sorry, plumage) on their rear are speckled. There are so many of them the rock looks like it has a black coat covering the normally white color. The next cry is from a wary Bald Eagle… high in a bare topped tree… first one then two then three spreading their wings and taking off over the vessel, showing off the white tail and majestic heads feathers. They fly so close overhead we can see the yellow curve of their beaks. As we slowly wind around the beach as close in as possible, we spy a huge Bald Eagle nest, a mass of twigs and branches collected by the birds it looks like the whole top portion of the tree is taken over by this home. I am just so impressed with the closeness to our natural environment we have been able to get and the ability to be so intimate with the local marine and bird life.
Did I mention that no matter what time you get up the EL’s are at the bow of the boat with binoculars looking and sharing the wildlife they are seeing! Today was an early start, the sky a little heavy but no rain drops falling. About 7:00 am we round the curve and enter Victoria harbor. The beautiful buildings, and pretty boats quite the picture with the Parliament Building and the grand Empress Hotel waiting at the dock.
Captain Mike carefully maneuvered to the dock where we lock into position and lower the gangway. We are ready for our trip to Butchart Gardens by 8.30 and waiting for the red double-decker bus to collect us. John Robert, the driver of the bus, stops at the dock to collect us, the excitement of the day begins as we try and make our way up a short hill out of the marine area. The bus doesn’t quite make it so back we roll to try again, several tries later it is threatened that we have to get out and push the bus to the top of the hill. With cheers we make it over the brow and roll on to Butchart Gardens. There were several engineering tips from the guests for the driver recommending future auto shop repairs!
The Canadian Gulf Islands spread across the skyline as we dock at Nanaimo… a quaint Victorian town on Vancouver Island. An early start meant breakfast, coffee and off by 8.00! Our Crew busily put up the gangway while two very distinguished Canadian Mounties, and several townspeople were ready with maps and local papers to greet us. We all wanted a picture with the Mounties so they patiently stood while Meriwether snapped the shots. The jackets made sure we were all wide awake; scarlet red really stands out in the early morning light.
The morning was chilly but our guide Nick from tour guides “Tracks” was bravely in just shirtsleeves. Our group was the adventure group, which meant a longer walking trip and more stairs. Yes, we were the largest group…again the true colors of Cruise West travelers shone. Our walking trip took us around the town looking at the historical buildings and sites of interest. Nanaimo began with the First Nations People but was later added to when coal was discovered and mined. British coal miners were brought over by Hudson Bay to start the mines and share their expertise. We learnt just how many tunnels and passages there were…many, they traveled in a fan like plan out from the city center and even as far as Protection Island which was well into the bay. Nick was full of great information, for example the local theater was scheduled to be built for 5 million dollars but unfortunately the foundations capsized into unmapped mining tunnels forcing the cost to almost triple. We were able to visit the only remaining Bastion, built with no nails and standing three stories high. The Bastion was a refuge, a military storage facility and office for the miners to buy supplies and get paid.
The Endeavour is so quiet and smooth; it’s just a delight to be aboard! We awoke on the second day to the bow of the vessel pushing its nose to the banks of Jervis Inlet and into the cascading waters of Friel Water Falls. The Inlet, a giant granite wall fjord, carved by ice has its waters up to 1200 feet with vertical sides straight down. It is so exciting to drink the first morning coffee looking up at 1000 feet of spraying water.
After poking our nose into the falls we were back on our way up the inlet, gliding along Copper and Meriwether chatted about the wild life we may see and the birds that are common to the area. No sooner had they mentioned mountain goats than someone spotted three white specs high on the cliffs…Mike, our Captain immediately slowed the vessel down and slowly turned round so we could grab the binoculars and look up to where the goats were sitting on the rocks. Mike came down with his massive camera lens and took pictures while we were chatting and viewing real up close wild life!! Once everyone had taken pictures and had seen plenty we slowly moved farther into the fjord. Young and mature Bald Eagles rose high above us; Copper explained the differences so we would know later on as we saw more wild birds on our travels.
With a warm smile and a welcome handshake our trip began. Our land crew (in Cruise West blue) took our bags and led the way to our first check in, chatting easily with a smile on their lips. Moments later with name tags attached, passports checked and coffee in hand we board the bus leg to the Spirit of Endeavour.
The SOE waits patiently while Captain Mike Fleming invites all aboard…returning passengers get hugs while new and excited passengers handshakes, top of the gangway Hotel Manager Mark shows us in and demonstrates direction to the right cabin. It all feels so friendly and warm! The whole process is smooth, fast and extremely friendly…already I see how this up-close experience feels good.
This is the Pacific Northwest and it is spring so water drops are softly falling but the spirit is strong and the journey gets underway. Business comes first, we all gather for a safety program and life jacket demonstration in the main lounge, followed by crew introductions and first mini lecture from Meriwether and Copper, the Exploration Leaders of the trip. It takes but two minutes before Copper is on the mic giving a running historical commentary of the Ballard Locks as we pass through on the way to the Puget Sound.
videos 
booked guests 
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 
Q: What is your connection to Seattle?
see and so many people out and about enjoying the weather! 
Q: Do you have a favorite area of the city? 
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 
Guest aboard the Spirit of ’98 sees a need and takes action...
I thought this would be fun for a Friday and a great way to start the weekend. Please enjoy this Haiku, written by 
Yesterday my family got a treat. 
A scandal is unfolding in the world of layered sugary confections. 
Victoria had been beautiful and very European, reminded me of my heritage, still being a UK citizen. The option of stay later in the town was appealing so we stopped and ate at a Tapas bar downtown before making our way back to the Endeavour. Several other guests had stopped and eaten good old fish and chips and had a pint of English Beer. One night out was good; we had a chance to really feel and see the life of Victoria, walking back to the vessel was so pretty with the evening lights twinkling over the Capital building . 
It was a beautiful day 5 morning, the water was pristine and the wind low and soft. Copper gave the wake up call at 7:00 for those that wanted coffee and breakfast in the lounge early riser already eating some thing cooked in the dinning room. With coffee in hand it didn’t take long for 
Did I mention that no matter what time you get up the EL’s are at the bow of the boat with binoculars looking and sharing the wildlife they are seeing! Today was an early start, the sky a little heavy but no rain drops falling. About 7:00 am we round the curve and enter Victoria harbor. The beautiful buildings, and pretty boats quite the picture with the Parliament Building and the grand Empress Hotel waiting at the dock. 
The Canadian Gulf Islands spread across the skyline as we dock at Nanaimo… a quaint Victorian town on Vancouver Island. An early start meant breakfast, coffee and off by 8.00! Our Crew busily put up the gangway while two very distinguished Canadian Mounties, and several townspeople were ready with maps and local papers to greet us. We all wanted a picture with the Mounties so they patiently stood while Meriwether snapped the shots. The jackets made sure we were all wide awake; scarlet red really stands out in the early morning light. 
largest group…again the true colors of Cruise West travelers shone. Our walking trip took us around the town looking at the historical buildings and sites of interest. Nanaimo began with the First Nations People but was later added to when coal was discovered and mined. British coal miners were brought over by Hudson Bay to start the mines and share their expertise. We learnt just how many tunnels and passages there were…many, they traveled in a fan like plan out from the city center and even as far as Protection Island which was well into the bay. Nick was full of great information, for example the local theater was scheduled to be built for 5 million dollars but unfortunately the foundations capsized into unmapped mining tunnels forcing the cost to almost triple. We were able to visit the only remaining Bastion, built with no nails and standing three stories high. The Bastion was a refuge, a military storage facility and office for the miners to buy supplies and get paid.
Cruise West ... up-close, personal and casual from the marketing department’s perspective. This is a log of my very first Cruise West sailing experience to our 
gangway Hotel Manager Mark shows us in and demonstrates direction to the right cabin. It all feels so friendly and warm! The whole process is smooth, fast and extremely friendly…already I see how this up-close experience feels good. 