Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Cruise West Sold & Suspends Bookings

Is this good news or bad news? We're not sure, but the family operated Seattle-based cruise line noted for its small ship voyages to Alaska is restructuring with new ownership, has suspended new bookings, and temporarily closed its reservations center. That's according to a recorded message I received when calling them this morning. At this time the new owners have not been named and my usual contact could not be reached.

The recording I heard earlier stated that Saturday sailings of Spirit of Endeavor from Seattle, Washington and Spirit of '98 from Portland, Oregon will operate as scheduled and that booked passengers' questions should be directed to info@cruisewest.com.

Reports indicate that the financially troubled cruise line's president and CEO, Dietmar Wertanzl, quietly resigned a week ago. However, the Cruise West website is still operational and that's a good sign.

It is rumored that Cruise West's largest ship, the Spirit of Oceanus (pictured above), is or has been sold, and that the remainder of its current 335-day world cruise is terminating in Saint John's, Newfoundland, where the ship is presently docked.

In addition to Alaska, Cruise West offers cruise itineraries that include Europe, Central America, Mexico, and the rivers of North America.

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