Orion Expedition Cruises Assists Cruise West Passengers

The media recently reported that Cruise West has suspended its Spirit of Oceanus world cruise and that the cruise line has been sold and restructured.

In an effort to help travelers who were booked on suspended or terminated Cruise West voyages, Orion Expeditions is offering 20 to 50% discounts on a range of its 2010 and 2011 itineraries.

You must have Cruise West documentation in order to take advantage of the following reduced rates:

• 50% reduction on any Orion sailing between now and March 7, 2011 (not including Antarctica)
• 25% reduction on Papua New Guinea 2010 and 2011 sailings
• 25% reduction on Antarctica sailings December 2010/January 2011
• 20% reduction on Kimberley sailings 2011
• 20% reduction on any Orion II destination in 2011

“As the founder and managing director of a small-ship expedition cruise line, I completely understand how difficult these times are for Cruise West passengers, the travel industry, and all associated with Cruise West during their current challenges,” said Sarina Bratton, founder and managing director of Orion Expedition Cruises.

“There will be a significant amount of stress for passengers whose travel plans have been disrupted, which can have an effect across the whole small-ship expedition sector. Therefore, if Orion can provide a viable alternative in lieu of their original voyage, at the very least, passengers will see that the industry hasn’t deserted them.”

All transfer bookings must be made by October 31, 2010. Reduced fares are not combinable with any other offer. Travelers who wish to discuss their plans can contact their travel agent or Orion Expeditions at 1-(877) 674-6687 for further information.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo courtesy of Orion Expedition Cruises

Cruise West World Cruise Cancelled Mid-Cruise

Bad news for Cruise West passengers aboard its world cruise dubbed the Voyage of the Great Explorers. The company is evidently restructuring. Here's the official news release:

Cruise West Continues Restructuring Efforts

SEATTLE, WA (September 8, 2010) – Cruise West, a global leader in small-ship explorations, today announced that they continue to work towards a restructuring of the company and its operations. The first move in this restructuring is the termination of the Spirit of Oceanus’ Voyage of the Great Explorers. Additional assets may be sold and other steps are being pursued towards a restructure. As part of this process, Cruise West has suspended accepting any new bookings.

The Spirit of Oceanus voyage ended at its scheduled port of disembarkation so as to minimize any negative impact to our guests. Cruise West plans to continue to operate its US flag ships and itineraries through October, 2010; Spirit of Endeavour will sail from Seattle on the British Columbia Cruise and the Spirit of ’98 from Portland, OR along the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Cruise West will also complete cruises or land tours already underway in Alaska.

For those booked Spirit of Oceanus guests who may be affected by this news and who have not yet travelled, we recommend that you take the following steps:

1. If third-party travel insurance was obtained, a claim should be placed immediately with the insurer.
   
   
2. If payment was made by credit card, a claim should be placed immediately with the card issuer.
   
   
3. If the payment was made by cash or check, and you have no travel insurance, please send an email to info@cruisewest.com.

Cruise West executives will not respond to media inquiries or accept interviews at this time.

About Cruise West: Cruise West believes that small is beautiful. Small-ship explorations allow up-close and personal experiences unmatched by the traditional larger cruise lines. For nearly 64 years, Cruise West has provided authentic travel experiences.

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—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Sign On for a Segment of Cruise West's World Cruise

"Up-close, casual and personal exploration"—that's how Cruise West describes themselves. It's an apt description and encompasses so many of the things I love about small ship cruising.

Beginning March 6, 2010, Cruise West launches its 335-day circumnavigation of the globe aboard the 120-passenger all-suite Spirit of Oceanus. Dubbed Voyages of the Great Explorers, the world cruise is a series of 24 individual segments that range from nine to 19 nights. The cruise both begins and ends in Singapore.

Cruise West is offering some excellent values for all segments of the world cruise, if you book and pay in full by December 18, 2009. Also, guests will save up to $1,550 per person ($3,100 per cabin) and receive free round trip international airfare from five select U.S. cities: San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (ORD), Washington D.C. (IAD or DCA), and New York (JFK) or an air credit of $750 per person. (The free air or air credit is valid for Voyages 1 through 18 of the 24-voyage segment Voyages of the Great Explorers.)

Additional saving options include:

• Bring a friend (new booking) and each person receives $500 off the cruise fare
  
  
• 50% savings for all children 18 and younger
  
  
• Single supplement will be waived on Voyages 1 – 4 in all cabin categories
  
  
• Reduced single supplement for Voyages 5 – 24 in Superior, Majestic, Premium, and Classic cabin categories

Cruise fares begin at $4,995 per person, before savings, and include a pre-cruise hotel night.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact Cruise West at 1-(800) 296-8307.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo courtesy of Cruise West