We are proud to introduce You, to our
Small Ship Partner
"Cruise West"

If you've traveled with big ship cruise lines in the past, it's time to forget everything you thought you knew about cruising. And if you've avoided cruising because you thought it would be like traveling in a floating mall, it's time to think again. This is something else altogether.

Are You a Cruise West Cruiser?

Cruise West guests would rather watch for whales than spend the afternoon in a casino. They linger outside on deck as the Captain noses under a waterfall, rather than watch a video. On a small ship, the focus is outside where Nature provides the entertainment, rather than on artificial amusements conjured up to occupy your attention during long hours of open water.

With Cruise West, you're not just a visitor, you're a participant. Whether you're kayaking off a wilderness island in Mexico, hiking in a rain forest in Alaska, or enjoying a spectacular spring garden in British Columbia, each of our small-ship cruises is an engaging experience for all your senses.
   

Up-Close, Casual & Personal

When Chuck West first offered unique and personal travel experiences more than 50 years ago, he built his business on the philosophy that drives Cruise West to this day: to provide up-close travel that focuses on the destination - its scenery, wildlife, natural history and culture - all in the company of limited numbers of like-minded travelers.

While magnificent sweeping views are certainly abundant in every one of our destinations, it's the glory of the details, viewed close up, that bring you the most rewarding memories - cruising so close to a waterfall you can feel the mist, or see the barnacles on a humpback's fin.

The casual style on board all of our vessels encourages relaxation and congenial interaction between guests and crew alike. And the experience is personally enriching, through on-board narrative and lectures, special local guests from a wide variety of backgrounds, and the library provided on each vessel.

The Small Ship Advantage

In many of the remote waterways we visit, small ships are the only way to explore the area. We forsake the wider shipping lanes for channels just a few hundred feet wide, tie up to inner piers in tiny villages, and share waterways with local fishermen and perhaps a few private yachts. Some of our ships have bow ladders for shore access. Many carry inflatable excursion craft to take you to where the action is.

Your cruise on our small ship is not filled with elaborate distractions, sleek resorts, and packaged tours. Rather, our small ships are perfect for intimate exploration of off-the-beaten track waterways, narrow channels and tiny ports that passengers on large ships will never see.

When Cruise West guests visit a small port in Alaska's Inside Passage or along Baja Mexico's Sea of Cortés, we don't overwhelm the local communities or crowd nature trails. In fact, our largest vessel hosts just 114 guests. And in the small ports we visit, we've nourished excellent relationships with the local innkeepers, port directors, and local storytellers. That means everywhere you travel, you have entrée to the very best experiences that each community can offer. And in every Cruise West destination, at least one shore excursion or highlight is included in each port of call, to further encourage your active involvement.

Your time is spent wisely, too. Rather than making a beeline from port to port, our Captains have the flexibility - and the inclination - to linger when nature is putting on a show, whether it's a spectacular rainbow or a rare view of wildlife.

The Story of a Company Signature

Cruise West is a family company. Not simply family owned, but with a family commitment that is shared by every member of the team.

Several years ago, when we were searching for a way to communicate the distinct difference of our small-ship voyages, a Cruise West employee offered a photograph of a bear that had been taken from the deck of one of our ships. When placed alongside a photo from the distant decks of a massive ocean liner, the difference was clear and compelling. The Our Bear/Their Bear ad was born.

Over the years, the photographs of bears have changed as new explorers discovered new sightings, but the difference between "our bear" and "their bear" remains unchanged. When you cruise with Our Bear, you'll see and experience more.

Now when you come aboard for your Alaska voyage and a friendly crew member extends a hand and says, "Welcome to the Bear," you'll know what they're talking about.

Cruise West's Small Ships

Each one of the ships in our fleet is ideally suited to our up-close, casual, and personal style of cruising. Their shallow draft, small size and skilled crew give you access to places big-ship passengers can only see through their binoculars.

And while all are designed to put you where the action is, depending on your destination, you may have a choice of styles to choose from including our luxury flagship, Spirit of Oceanus, the steamer-style Spirit of '98, and the day touring Sheltered Seas.

Think Casual

Our focus is always on the destination, so informality is key. After all, if there's a whale spouting off the bow, dinner will just have to wait, and you don't want to get whale spume on a tux!

When you're on board, you'll spend most of your waking hours in the spacious public areas. Unlike many other ships, many of ours have open guest access to the bow area, giving you the best views. And of course, all the lounges and dining rooms feature large view windows, as do most of our staterooms.

Speaking of Staterooms

When you're ready to retreat at the end of the day, your private cabin has all the comforts. Choose from two twin beds, or one double/queen/king. Depending on the ship you choose, stateroom types range from economical inside cabins to spacious suites with private balconies.

Destination First, Then Ship

       

Alaska - Inside Passage; Bering Sea
British Columbia
California Wine Country
Columbia & Snake Rivers
Baja Mexico's Sea of Cortes
Costa Rica
Japan
South Pacific

Each of our ships has its own distinctive personality. In general, though, we suggest you pick your destination first, and then, where there's a choice, choose your ship preference. Whichever ship and destination you choose, you'll enjoy an unforgettable journey discovering special places only accessible by our agile fleet.

Small Ship versus Big Ship

A cruise on a small ship is not filled with elaborate distractions, sleek resorts and packaged tours. Rather, small ships are perfect for intimate exploration of off-the-beaten track waterways, narrow channels and tiny ports that passengers on large ships will never see.

When Cruise West guests visit a small port in Alaska's Inside Passage or along Baja Mexico's Sea of Cortés, we don't overwhelm the local communities - our largest vessel hosts just 114 guests.

Exploration Leaders

Throughout your cruise, your on-board Exploration Leader offers a treasury of information, insights and stories. He or she offers narration at key points and evening presentations on wildlife, natural history, and historical events. And with small numbers, you're always able to talk with your Exploration Leader whenever you wish. Select one of the names at left to learn more about a sample of our Exploration Leaders.

"Some can only dream. Others live the dream." Cruise West's guests are very special people - people who step forward while others hang back, people who are hungry for new experiences. People who are willing to live their dreams. Many of our passengers return exhilarated from their experiences. Read on and discover how our guests have realized their dreams with Cruise West.

• "We were in Frederick Sound and almost all the guests were leaning over the rail watching a humpback whale scratch its back on our bow. We were looking into the whale's eye, and you could see the blow hole opening and closing. Wow! What a day!"
  -A. Ward, CSS, Sheltered Seas

• "Thank you for the most awesome experience of my life. I just finished the Gold Rush Voyage and land tour on the Spirit of Discovery. It is a trip I will never forget. It was like having my own private yacht with my own personal crew."
  -K. A. Driver, Troy, MI

• "Our Voyage to the Bering Sea had a very special meaning for my wife, who spent her early childhood in the Aleutian Islands. Your officer staff went out of their way, and were exceptionally considerate. She was allowed to be on the bridge when the Spirit of Oceanus was abeam of Belkofski, where she saw some structures she recognized. It was a very special moment for her."
  -B. & S. Garcia, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, C

Cruise West's ships
are wonderful for individual traveler,  but also for  groups,
traveling together and are also available for charters.

We look forward to be of service to You and help You plan
Your next Adventure
to the Destination of Your Dreams!