August 16, 2007

New Photo Gallery is Live

Posted by Leigh Strinsky on August 16, 2007
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February 07, 2007

Meet The Avid Cruiser

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

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

MEET RALPH:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy travels, Ralph 

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

Shooter Video

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.

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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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.

Posted by Peter Rumm on August 04, 2006
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