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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December 13, 2006
Russia and Japan Photo Albums
 Recently, I posted a Ring of Fire photo album, submitted by Quyana Member Brian Cleverly. In that post, I received a nice comment from another guest on that same cruise, named Mike Bowles. Mike and his wife, Sharon, traveled on our Ring of Fire cruise this year. Mike has given me permission to share their photo albums with you. There's are two wonderful Ring of Fire Albums and a newly posted Ring of Fire-Japan album.
After you've looked at these, I'd highly recommend spending some time looking at their other albums. They've posted albums for Costa Rica, Maine, Yellowstone, Chile, and Egypt. All of the albums are wonderful and Mike relayed to me that he welcomes your comments and/or label corrections on any of the images in his albums. You are also welcome to download any of the photos.
We are a few months away from launching our own, hosted photo album service. In the meantime, I'd love to hear from other Quyana members who've posted similar albums. We love seeing the real thing!
Thank you, Mike & Sharon, for sharing your adventures with us. Your albums make for a great armchair vacation.
Posted by Leigh Strinsky on December 13, 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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October 27, 2006
Ring of Fire Photo Album
 He's done it again! Our longtime Quyana Member, Brian Cleverly has put together another fantastic photo album highlighting his recent Ring of Fire cruise on the Spirit of Oceanus.
Brian spent hours accumulating his photos and those of other guests and then created this wonderfully real photo album. It's full of great shots, scenery, people, funny moments, birds, flora, fauna and crew members.
 Grab a cup of coffee and then go visit Brian's album. It's a very accurate representation of a rarely visited area of the world.
Thanks, Brian for sharing your work with us and allowing us to share it with others!
Next year, we'll again offer a single departure for the Ring of Fire cruise, however, it will be a slightly different itinerary than that represented in Brian's album. If you'd like to learn more about our 2007 Ring of Fire itinerary, you'll find it here.
Posted by Leigh Strinsky on October 27, 2006
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September 21, 2006
Christmas On Attu Island
With the Fall season upon us and Winter around the corner, we are often asked where our small-ships spend their winters. The smallest of our ships, the Spirit of Alaska and Spirit of Columbia will end their fall seasons come home to Seattle for the winter, but our larger (relatively speaking) operate almost year-round. The Yorktown Spirit will be in the California Wine Country, the Nantucket Spirit in the Caribbean, the Spirit of Endeavour in Mexico's Sea of Cortes and Pacific Explorer will be in Costa Rica & Panama. Our largest, ocean-going vessel the Spirit of Oceanus is enroute to Japan, by way of the Aleutian Islands.
Her current journey is the subject of this post. Sometimes, we reposition or "dead-head" our vessels to their next destination. This means that we batton down the hatches and make a straight course for the next port. Other times, we find clients who want to charter the ship and create a custom cruise. It's essentially a private cruise, sold by a third party to their exclusive guest list. The Spirit of Oceanus is currently on such a charter.
On September 8, in Whittier, Alaska, a group of birders, hosted by Victor Emmanual Nature Tours (VENT) boarded the Spirit of Oceanus. Their ultimate destination was Attu Island, which is at the westernmost end of the Aleutian chain. Attu is know for it's world-class birding and many of the guests on this cruise are adding birds to their "life-list" that can only be found in this region. VENT is posting the daily log from the trip on their website. It's a great read- even if you are not a birder. Be sure to check out the photo gallery.
One of my favorite stories- unrelated to birds, is that of the interaction with the Coast Guardman serving at the USCG Loran Station on the island. This duty station is consider to be "isolated duty" an understatement! Therefore, the "Coasties" are only assigned to the station for a year. Connections to the outside world are made through internet, mail pouches and television. But visitors are rare. On Monday night, there was an early Christmas party onboard the Spirit of Oceanus. The honored guests were the Coast Guard Station members.
Here's a quote from the Exploration Journal that describes the event:
tn.jpg) This evening concluded with our Christmas in September celebration for thetn.JPG) Coast Guard, who rarely get visitors in December. The Coast Guard had already been beyond hospitable to us and had shuttled us back and forth to the distant Japanese War Memorial in their pickup. They even helped out with a rare bird chase at one point. So it was a real pleasure to throw a party on their behalf. A Christmas tree had been decorated and the entire lounge was bedecked with decorations befitting Christmas. Dick and Don performed Christmas carols and led us in some group singing. Group gifts were handed out to each of the Coast Guard personnel (who serve one year on remote Attu) and thank you plaques were exchanged with the ship. The Cruise West kitchen went above and beyond on dinner and hors d’oevres. The Coast Guard guys don’t get many visitors, so it seemed like the chance to dine with us, hang out at the bar, and joke around off the base were welcomed. At least we hope so! We went to bed with visions of sugarplums (and Asian rarities) dancing in our heads.
Tomorrow, the Spirit of Oceanus leaves Attu for Petropavlosk, Russia. The birders will be headed home and our Ring of Fire trip begins. After that, it's on to Japan, Vietnam and the South Pacific. Adventure awaits our guests and crew, but my guess is that the crew's fondest memories of 2007 will include their days at anchor off Attu Island.
(More...)
Posted by Leigh Strinky on September 21, 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 09, 2006
My Petropovlovsk
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 Elena Lassal, our ship's agent in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, Russia.
 Q: What is your connection to Petropavlovsk? A: I was born in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy and live here all my life. Q: Do you have a funny story or little known fact about Petropavlovsk you'd like to share? A: It is interesting (to my mind) that inside our town there is a seal rookery (in winter time, as in summer they go to Japan). Several years ago it was a fish plant, now it doesn't work. I live about 2 km within that rookery and at night, when it is calm in the street, I can hear the roar of seals. It's really cool. Q: What is your favorite time of year in Petropavlovsk and why? A: Summer, because we have little sun and warm here. Winter lasts about 8 months. As the first snow falls in October and melts in May.
Q: Is there a particular food or song that reminds you of Petropavlovsk?
A: King Salmon, red caviar, Kamchatka crab and Kamchatka beer are visit card of Petro. Yes, there is one nice song that in Kamchatka the weather is bad for half a year.
Q: What is on your "must see" list for visitors to Petropavlovsk? 
A: The valley of geysers, volcanoes, Nalicheva valley, beautiful nature - in Kamchatka. But in the town - several nice monuments (to St. Peter and Paul, Vitus Bering (founder of Petro), Chapel,etc); Orthodox church; Local Lore and Military Museums, view point.
Q: Do you have a favorite area of the city?
A: Yes, view point, city beach, the Hill of Love (favorite place for young couples)
Q: Is there a favorite activity that you enjoy in Petropavlovsk?
A: Mountain biking, diving, walking in summer and cross-country and down-hill skiing, snowboarding in winter.
 Q: Is there a particular restaurant that you'd recommend for visitors?
A: "Russkaya gornitsa" (in Russian style), "Vechera na hutore" (in Ukrainian style).
Q: Anything else you'd like to add?
A: Citizens of Petro prefer to spend their summer holidays outside, making shishkobab, sunbathing, swimming in warm lakes, picking mushrooms and berries. I also like to go to the ocean to watch beautiful waves and killer-whales or make round the Avacha bay tours.
The Spirit of Oceanus calls on "Petro" as part of our Ring of Fire cruise. If you'd like to learn more about Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy consider taking a look at the Wikipedia entry on the region.
Next week, we'll be on the other side of the Pacific, exploring Seattle, WA through the eyes of the most important person in our company, Susan Holland, Payroll Coordinator.
Posted by Elena Lassal on August 09, 2006
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June 07, 2006
My Bering Sea- Part I
 The Bering Sea- A Childhood Dream becomes Reality
During my seven years here at Cruise West I have had some incredible opportunities to travel to places that people rarely think about. Those far off places you hear about as a child growing up but never in you wildest dreams imagine that you will ever get there. For me it was the Bering Sea.
I was fortunate enough to be involved in our very first foray into the area when we purchased the Spirit of Oceanus in Singapore and brought her over to the US. I had to contact US Customs and Immigrations and the US Coast Guard to facilitate the clearance of the vessel in Adak, our very first US port of call far out in the Aleutian Islands. Adak, a place I had read about when studying World War II history and could only picture in my imagination. I have a degree in history and I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to do more research on this area and to work with a vendor to build a tour for our guests when the vessel arrived. I soon learned that there isn’t much on Adak and that includes US Customs and Immigrations agents. To clear the SOO, Cruise West needed to fly the agents out to the island. This meant chartering a flight to get them there and back. There was extra space on the flight and imagine my surprise when I was invited to go along and then join the ship. I was thrilled. I was going to see our brand new ship AND be able to cruise from Adak all the way into Whittier, visiting places like Dutch Harbor, Geographic Harbor and Kodiak along the way.
To be continued next Wedneday...
Karen Kuest is one of our Product Managers for the US Fleet. She manages several our of West Coast itineraries, so if you've traveled with us to Alaska, British Columbia, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Karen ultimately planned your trip. Karen got her start in the travel business behind the wheel of a motorcoach in Alaska. A woman of many talents, Karen can change a tire, route a ship or narrate on the migratory patterns of the tufted puffin with the best of them!
Posted by Karen Kuest on June 07, 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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