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 50th 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
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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.
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Posted by Leigh Strinsky on August 16, 2007
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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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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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May 07, 2006
"Lost" in Alaska's Inside Passage
Submitted by Leigh Strinsky- former Captain and now Manager of Online Initiatives(web stuff).
"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"?
Email: leighs@cruisewest.com
Posted by Leigh Strinsky on May 07, 2006
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April 08, 2006
Joe Williams, Storyteller and Mayor
If you've ever been on one of our small-ships that called on Ketchikan, then you probably know Joe Williams. Joe has been captivating our guests for years with his wonderful and enlightening stories about the Tlingit culture. Through his stories we learn about his people and their traditions. Joe's commitment to keeping his culture alive not only for visitors, but for his own people is inspiring.
This fall, Joe was elected Mayor of Ketchikan and Mayor of Saxman. Here is the press release from the Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. From all of us here at Cruise West, Congratulations! You will serve your communities well.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 7, 2006
JOSEPH C. WILLIAMS, JR. IS FIRST ALASKA NATIVE TO SERVE AS KETCHIKAN GATEWAY BOROUGH MAYOR
 Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska tribal citizen Joseph C. Williams, II made history in October 2005 by becoming the first Alaska Native (Tlingit) to be elected in Ketchikan as the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Mayor.
Williams entered the race late in the game, registering to run at 4:00pm on the last day of registration. With only 3 weeks of campaigning left Williams said a prayer asking that the election be decisive; he didn't want a landslide win or landslide loss. When the call came letting Williams know he was the new mayor, he was told there were 106 absentee ballots and if all absentee ballots were given to his opponent he would still win.
After being elected to Ketchikan Gateway Borough Mayor, Williams was selected by the City of Saxman to serve as their Mayor. Since no one has held both of these positions concurrently the borough attorney was consulted to see if there would be a conflict. No conflicts were found, Williams is now the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Mayor and the Saxman City Mayor.
(More...)
Posted by Leigh Strinsky on April 08, 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?
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Posted by Peter Rumm on January 31, 2006
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