Press Release

CRUISE WEST’S REFURBISHMENTS OF THE SPIRIT OF YORKTOWN ARE COMPLETE - New Balcony Category and Art Program Added

December 11, 2007

SEATTLE, WA, December 11, 2007 – Cruise West, the leader in small-ship cruising, has completed the refurbishments and upgrades of the 138-guest Spirit of Yorktown. Four Balcony-category cabins were created that include private teak-floored balconies with enough room for a café table and chairs for two. Numerous additional upgrades include redecoration and renovation of public corridors, lobby areas, and the panoramic Observation Lounge, the ship’s Living Room. The combined cost of all renovations is more than $2 million.

A new art program has been introduced onboard that includes cherished family memories from the West family, whose roots in Alaska extend back more than seven decades. One such piece is the beautifully hand-embroidered fur coat worn by Managing Director Dick West’s mother during her coronation as the first “Miss Alaska” in 1936. In addition, there are commissioned pieces from local Alaskan communities that Cruise West visits.

The four Balcony cabins located on the sun deck underwent an extensive remodel that includes a new layout and the addition of queen beds, mini refrigerators and private balconies. New cabinetry, fixtures, carpet, and lighting were also installed in the cabins. Discerning guests will enjoy the added comfort and privacy.

Additional upgrades in the lounge, where guests enjoy lectures and congregating with fellow travelers, were completed in conjunction with the Balcony cabin remodel. The Lounge received new and reupholstered furniture, new carpeting, bookcase, ceiling and lighting. All cabins also received new bedspreads and window treatments, and the beautiful original watercolor paintings by renowned artist Marilynne Bradley were reframed to better display each piece. Bradley’s work has been recognized in museum exhibitions, accepted in major national juried competitions, and included in many major corporate collections.  

The five-week wetdock began on October 23, 2007 in Alameda, CA. The ship will welcome guests back on its December 22, 2007 Sea of Cortés Whales & Wildlife cruise round trip from Cabo San Lucas. This itinerary is available through March 1, 2008.

The Spirit of Yorktown was the first ship to receive new art and upgrades, and others in the Cruise West fleet will follow in the next two years. For additional information regarding the Spirit of Yorktown cruise itineraries to Alaska, California Wine Country and Mexico’s Sea of Cortés or any of Cruise West’s other destinations and ships, call 1-800-296-8307 or visit www.cruisewest.com .

~ Up-Close, Casual and Personal Cruising ~

Cruise West offers the opportunity to explore remote and distinctive destinations throughout North and Central America, Asia and the South Pacific. Small-ship cruising allows for personalized experiences not offered by larger cruise lines. Guest capacities aboard Cruise West’s nine ships range from 78-138. Guests may expect personal enrichment through onboard narrative and presentations by local experts. The ships’ forward lounges and ample outdoor deck space provide outstanding viewing opportunities, and inflatable boats allow for up-close exploration and shore landings. For more information, call 1-800-296-8307 or visit www.cruisewest.com . Images available upon request.

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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.