Cruise West adds to its Columbia River cruises

To keep up with growing demand, Travel the World and Cruise West have announced 20 additional departures for its Columbia River cruises in 2009. Cruise West was the first cruise line to operate cruises on the Columbia River in 1992 onboard the Spirit of Discovery and has been sailing there ever since.

“Cruise West’s rich 16-year history of Columbia and Snake River cruises demonstrates our commitment to the area,” said Dick West, Chairman and Managing Director. “This year’s new epicurean-focused itinerary, Taste of the Pacific Northwest, has been extremely well-received. Like its popular Columbia & Snake River fellow cruises, it offers a robust enrichment program, creating memorable experiences for our guests in an up-close, casual and personal environment.”

The extended 2009 season will not only offer additional departures but four fantastic ships. Guests will have a choice of ten departures in spring and autumn on the Taste of the Pacific Northwest itinerary taking place onboard the 84-guest Spirit of Discovery. The Taste of the Pacific Northwest journey is a culinary cruise that basks the rich history and delicious flavors unique to the region. Guests will cruise down the mighty Columbia River through Washington’s Wine Country round trip from Portland, Oregon. Prices start at US$3,299 per person twin share.

The Voyages of Discovery itinerary is offered onboard the 96-guest Spirit of ’98, the 78-guest Spirit of Columbia and 78-guest Spirit of Alaska. Travelling round trip from Portland, guests will watch the Pacific Northwest’s pioneering history brought to life with a special series of excursions, guest speakers and presentations by the on-board Exploration Leader. With 25 seven-night departures from April until October, prices start from US$2,199 per person based on double occupancy.

Travel the World can assist with bookings for Cruise West, and also put together combined air and tour packages. Contact Travel the World on 1300 766 566 or visit the website www.traveltheworld.com.au for more details.

About Cruise West

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 – ten in all – hold between 70-138 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, The U.S. eastern seaboard, the Caribbean, Japan, the South Pacific, the Kuril Islands, and the Great Lakes