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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February 20, 2007

Wildlife List from South Pacific

On each cruise, our Exploration Leaders keep a wildlife list.  I was fascinated by the list from the Spirit of Oceanus' recent South Pacific cruise through Tahiti and the Society Islands, called Island Sanctuaries.  Below, is the abbreviated list and some random photos from the trip.  A nice way to escape winter! 

Bora Bora Crested Tern Fairy Tern Tupa Crabs Bottlenose Dolphin Moorish Idol Convict Tang Tahitian Petral Longnose Butterflyfish Trumpetfish Pig Reef Heron Fruit Dove Myna Burd Orangeband Sturgeonfish Giant Clams Bird Wrasse Lei Triggerfish Blue Streak Cleaner Wrasse Lesser Golden Plover Harrier Hiva Oa Marquesan Swiftlet White-Tailed Tropic Birds Marquesan Reed Warbler	Rangiroa Tuamotus Greater Frigate Bird Grey-back Tern White tip Shark Black tip Shark Unicorn Fish Cornet Fish Moray Eel Titan Triggerfish Goldrim Tang Achilles Tang Cleaner Wrasse Raccoon Butterflyfish Takapoto Blue Triggerfish Picasso Triggerfish Pinktail Triggerfish Whitetip Soldierfish Surge Wrasse Peacock Grouper Redfin Butterflyfish Blue Damselfish Bullethead Parrotfish Bridled Parrotfish Redfooted Booby Brown Noddy	Motu Oa & Ua Huka Little Tern White Tern Gray-back Tern Sooty Tern Brown Booby Masked Booby Magnificant Frigate Bird Black Noddy Marquesan Fruit Dove Marquesan Swiftlet Fakarava Clown Fish Powder Brown Tang Grouper Blue-Jaw Triggerfish At Sea Flying Fish Buller's Shearwater Fatu Hiva Manta Ray Wild Goats White Capped Fruit Dove

Posted by Leigh Strinsky on February 20, 2007
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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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October 19, 2006

You are Invited!

 Join my wife, Leslie, my three well-traveled children, and me aboard the Spirit of Oceanus for another fabulous adventure in the South Pacific cruising to remote islands from Guam to Fiji. Visit Micronesia and Melanesia, and learn of the different cultures. Cruise the Caroline Islands and visit remote islands of Yap, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.

Last spring’s trip was sold out – so I couldn’t go! Lucky for us, and those able to join us, there is space available on the December Holiday cruise departing by air to Guam on December 18 (or earlier) and returning from Fiji January 4 (or later!).

We will enjoy Christmas Day at sea cruising between Chuuk and Pohnpei – just the names are mysterious and intriguing. New Year’s Eve will also be at sea, cruising between Guadalcanal and Tikopia in the Solomon Islands.

Our first cruise to this area last spring was an absolutely incredible, life-changing experience for our guests. We will visit remote islands, and meet people from a land that time has seemingly forgotten. This is truly a world-class exploration experience – with top-notch snorkeling – and - there is still time to reserve your suite.

No visas are necessary.  Give us – or your travel agent – a call!

Posted by Dick West on October 19, 2006
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September 18, 2006

Walking Sharks?

It's all over the news-  off the coast of Indonesia, scientists have discovered two species of walking sharks and eight new types of shrimp.  One of the best articles is on the National Geographic News website.   Be sure to check out the picture.  Very unusual!

Here's a quote from the article:

 
The two new shark species are particularly exciting, Troeng says.

The sharks are about 3 to 4 feet (1 to 1.2 meters) long and walk along the shallow reef flats on their fins, preying on shrimp, crabs, snails, and small fish.

"If they get spooked they can swim away, but the thing that stands out is their walking over the bottom," Troeng said.

What a find!  While we don't actually travel to this area of Indonesia, we get pretty darn close on our South Pacific cruises.   Our guests do spend quite a bit of time snorkeling and diving- who knows what we might see?  My guess is that everyone will be carrying underwater cameras and keenly watching for these amazing new sharks.

Brings new meaning to the term "land shark" doesn't it?

Posted by Leigh Strinsky on September 18, 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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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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March 10, 2006

Connections Across the Pacific

I subscribe to Google Alerts to stay in touch with news that is relevant to our cruises.  I normally get articles from mainstream newspapers, a few television stations and occasionally an obscure newletter.

I never expected to receive a notification that the Solomon Star Newspaper, Honiara, Solomon Islands  posted an article about the Spirit of Oceanus' visit on March 2nd.  Our Legends of Pacific itinerary calls on this small island and by all accounts, the visit was a highlight for the guests and the residents of Kia.

Honiara, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands is half way around the world from Seattle.  However, in that moment, through that article, I felt completely connected to the ship and our guests.   For those few minutes that I sat and read the post, I was standing on that beach in Kia, meeting those local residents and could hear the early morning birds that Mr. Herming mentions in his article. 

These little surprises are the good stuff... the unsolicited feedback that makes me look forward to coming to work everyday and that has kept me here for over 10 years.

Back in December, we cast off the lines and good-bye waved to the crew of The Spirit of Oceanus as they started their journey to South Pacific. Now, as I write this post, the crew is in the process of welcoming guests aboard in Japan- the South Pacific and people of Kia in their memory.  My job does not allow me the pleasure of  traveling on every cruise, but through the power of the internet, I remain connected and in touch with their experiences- even if they happen in Kia, Solomon Islands!

My Google Alerts are still watching for more posts, from the far-flung regions we visit & I'll be sure to share those with you.

Posted by Leigh Strinsky on March 10, 2006
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