Cruise West was a company that specialized in smaller ship excursions. It was a family-owned company that focused on the destination, as opposed to the amenities available on the ship. Getting up close to see the scenery and wildlife was an integral part of their small ship cruising experience.
At the most, a Cruise West ship accommodated 138 guests, which created a more intimate atmosphere than on a large cruise ship. Guests were encouraged to interact with each other and the crew as they share their experiences. Wildlife detours are not only common, but were to be expected when booking a cruise with this now defunct company.
The company welcomes guests on the following ships:
Amadeus Diamond
Corinthian II
Galapagos Explorer II
Pacific Explorer
Spirit of '98
Spirit of Adventure
Spirit of Alaska
Spirit of Columbia
Spirit of Endeavour
Spirit of Oceanus
Spirit of Yorktown
Via Australis
Cruise West's Former Destinations
People interested in booking a cruise with Cruise West could choose from one of the following destinations:
Alaska
British Columbia
Columbia and Snake Rivers
Europe
Galapagos
Hudson River
Intercostal Waterway
Mexico's Sea of Cortes
Mississippi River
Panama Canal and Costa Rica
Patagonia
St. Lawrence Seaway
Voyages of the Great Explorers
The small ships visited ports that the larger cruise ships can't access. Cruise West took the time to develop relationships with local people. Each stop included an excursion on shore or a highlight of some kind. The captain of the ship had enough flexibility in the schedule to take the time to stop to look at interesting sights along the way. It could be observing a group of whales, some interesting scenery or a beautiful rainbow. This type of cruise is a good choice for travelers who want a more personalized experience where the journey is just as important as the destination.
What's the difference between seeing Alaska on a mammoth luxury cruise liner versus seeing Alaska with the former Cruise West? This video tells it all:
Working for Cruise West
Cruise West was on the lookout for people interested in a challenging, but rewarding, employment experience. The following are some examples of jobs the company used to actively looking to fill:
Assistant Chef
Assistant Engineer
Bartender
Captain
Chef
Chief Mate
Cruise Sales Consultant
Deckhand
Dishwasher
Guest Service Representative
Second Mate
Senior Manager, Hotel Operations
This company hired for many seasonal positions in Alaska and the U.S. Pacific Northwest, and for corporate, shore-based jobs too.
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