Press Release

STRIKE GOLD THIS FALL WITH CRUISE WEST’S ALASKA GOLD RUSH INSIDE PASSAGE VOYAGE ITINERARIES

Cruise West offers 10-Night Gold Rush Itineraries for the Price of a Seven-Night Cruise

Jun 6 2005 12:00AM

This fall, Cruise West, the largest American-owned cruise line, is offering the Gold Rush Inside Passage Voyages, providing guests with an opportunity to trace the exciting path of the Old West settlers on the nearly 1,000-mile Gold Rush Inside Passage itinerary. Guests will re-live a vivid chapter of America’s history on a 10-night southbound exploration between Juneau and Seattle, visiting temperate rain forests in British Columbia and viewing some of the country’s most vibrant hues of fall foliage. The memorable voyage starts at $3,279 per person, with cruises departing from Juneau September 3, 4, 7, 8 and 15, 2005.

Considered one of the most rewarding itineraries available, the Gold Rush Inside Passage gives guests the intimate opportunity to view extensive wildlife in Ketchikan, known as the salmon capital of the world, and Haines, America’s longest fjord and noted as a wildlife photographer’s paradise, as it traces the path of many earlier adventurers who traveled north seeking a dream of riches. In addition, guests will view sceneries unrivaled in beauty, including waterfalls formed by glacially carved granite at Tracy Arm, active tidewater glaciers that are home to thousands of harbor seals in LeConte Bay and vibrant wildflowers and lush terrain nurtured by the Tongass Rainforest in Juneau.

 ~ Gold Fever Hits Alaska ~

The first big gold strike occurred in Juneau followed by several gold strikes in Klondike, bringing more fortune hunters from Seattle to Skagway in search of their dreams where they trekked, carrying 2,000 pounds of supplies each, through the Chilkoot Pass to the Klondike gold fields. Later, gold found on the beaches in Nome encouraged those such as Wyatt Earp to venture to “The Great Land.” Today, major gold mining operations continue in parts of Alaska. Cruise West follows the same route the gold miners traveled, giving guests the opportunity to understand how gold mining became a major industry in America.

~ Up-Close, Casual and Personal Cruising ~

Cruise West – a second-generation, family-owned business – offers the opportunity to explore remote, worldwide locales by providing distinctive, one-of-a-kind, personalized itineraries not offered by the traditional larger cruise lines. Cruise West’s smaller ships – eight in all – hold between 70-118 people each, and the casual style onboard encourages relaxation and congenial interaction between guests and crew alike. All have forward lounges and ample outdoor deck space for viewing and photographing wildlife and scenery.

To make reservations or request a brochure, visit www.cruisewest.com or call (800) 203-8306. 

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Cruise West – a second-generation, family-owned business based in Seattle – offers the opportunity to explore remote, worldwide locales by providing distinctive, one-of-a-kind, personalized itineraries not offered by the traditional larger cruise lines. Cruise West’s smaller ships – nine in all – hold between 78-138 people each, and the casual style onboard encourages relaxation and congenial interaction between guests and crew alike. The experience is personally enriching through expert Exploration Leaders providing onboard narrative and lectures, special local guests from a wide variety of backgrounds, and the library provided on each vessel. All have forward lounges and ample outdoor deck space for viewing and photographing wildlife and scenery. All vessels are also equipped with inflatable landing boats for close-up exploration of remote areas and shore landings.

Destinations served include: Alaska and the Bering Sea, British Columbia, Columbia & Snake Rivers, California Wine Country, Mexico's Sea of Cortés, Costa Rica & Panama, Japan, the South Pacific, and the Kuril Islands.