It Pays To Book Early

Did you know that it pays to book your cruise early?

Not only do you get a better choice of cabin selection, but once you have booked and deposited your cruise with us, we will continue to offer you the lowest price available. If the rate for your cruise is reduced by the cruise line before final payment, we pass that price reduction back to you! So there is no need to "wait" for a lower rate before you book!

Azamara Cruises - 3-Days Only

Make your cruise all the more memorable...

Azamara Cruises is offering a limited time offer of up to $500 onboard credit on select sailings to Europe! If you book and deposit a 2010 European cruise October 14th-16th, Azamara is offering $300 onboard credit for verandah staterooms and $500 onboard credit for suites.

Let's find the itinerary that works best for you and take advantage of this deal!

Disney Cruise Line Sets Sail for Alaska

It's a Disney Cruise Line first!
The Disney Wonder cruise ship is sailing to Alaska for a four-month season of 7-night cruises in 2011. Departing out of Vancouver B.C., the ship will call on popular ports such as Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.

The first Alaska cruise sets sail on May 3, 2011, with the last cruise of the season scheduled for August 30, 2011.

Bookings are open starting September 28, 2009!! If you are a Castaway Club member who's completed five or more sailings with Disney Cruise Line, you can book as early as September 11th!

KIDS SAIL FREE ON DISNEY!

GREAT NEWS!!

Kids Sail Free this Winter on Disney Cruise Line!

Starting Monday, August 31st at 8 AM!!!

Kids ages 17 and under can sail free on most 3-night cruises January 7 - April 15, 2010 and most 4-night cruises January 10 - April 11, 2010 with two full-fare Guests in the same stateroom. Government Taxes and Fees not included.

Onboard, discover something magical for every member of your crew with separate areas for kids, teens, adults and families. There's even a day at Castaway Cay, Disney's private island paradise.

ADVICE WORTH KNOWING!

Q: How Do I Get The Best Deal on a Cruise??

A:
There are so many options out there for cruisers. The Internet is overrun by companies selling cruises and offering the best deal. The trick is, how do you know what really is the best deal?

Personally, I recommend going with an experienced cruise specialist. It can be a maze out there, with 18 major cruise lines, 150+ ships and a world of destinations. An expert can help guide your style and budget with the right cruise vacation.

Not only will you get a lower price, in most cases, than by calling the cruise line, you'll have an advocate looking out for you throughout your trip.

Bon Voyage!!

Ruby Princess Swimming Pool Becomes Latest Canvas for Famed Marine Life Artist Wyland

As Ruby Princess approached Venice this afternoon, passengers aboard the ship were treated to a special live art event as famed marine life artist Wyland painted an unusual canvas – the bottom of the ship’s Neptune Pool!

Known worldwide for his unique works featuring sea animals, Wyland is aboard the ship for special art events and meet and greets with passengers. However, painting the ship’s pool was not on his original agenda. Ruby Princess Captain Tony Draper suggested the idea to the artist after being inspired by watching ship crew members painting the Princess “seawitch” logo on the bottom of the ship’s other main pool.

A first for the cruise line, Wyland agreed to paint the mother dolphin and her baby as a way to increase awareness of his conservation message. Passengers were invited to follow along with a live top-deck event hosted by the ship’s cruise director, including live video of the painting in progress broadcast on the ship’s Movies Under the Stars screen.

“This is certainly one of the most unusual ways we’ve ever painted a pool,” said Jan Swartz, Princess executive vice president. “But it’s a wonderful way to work with Wyland to address our shared concern with the importance of marine conservation, and to give our passengers a unique experience as they witnessed a one-of-a-kind artwork taking shape.”
Passengers were able to enjoy watching the artist at work just prior to the ship’s arrival into the Venice canal system.

Marine life artist Wyland is an accomplished painter, sculptor, photographer, writer and SCUBA diver. His non-profit Wyland Foundation has supported numerous conservation programs since 1993, including the monumental Whaling Wall mural project – and epic series of more than 100 life-size marine life murals that spans 14 countries on four continents and is viewed by an estimated 1 billion people every year.

Wyland and Princess Cruises have a long-time association. Many Princess ships incorporate his sculptures in the swimming pool areas, and are featured in his latest book “100 Whaling Walls.” Wyland’s artwork is also featured in the ships’ onboard art galleries.

Ruby Princess is currently sailing on 12-day Grand Mediterranean voyages between Barcelona and Venice, with calls at Monte Carlo, Florence/Pisa, Rome, Naples/Capri, Mykonos, Istanbul, Kusadasi, and Athens.

LOW RATES ON THE "MARINER OF THE SEAS"

We have some GREAT rates on Royal Caribbean's "Mariner of the Seas" on upcoming sailings between now and the end of the year!

Rates start as low as $399 a person!

Some sailing dates have additional discounts as well if you are a senior, in the military or even a resident of some US states!

Call us for the details and cruise the Mexican Riviera in style!

Q&A Session!!

Q: Is cruise ship dining as good as I've been told??

A: Everything you've heard about cruise ship dining is true!! At each meal, you'll find a varied selection of entrees (Appetizers, salads, soups, vegetables, and desserts too), and each day the selection will be different. If you've ever wanted to experiment with a cuisine or try a dish, you can feel free to order more than one entree or appetizer (or dessert!).
But, just because your cruise ship offers plenty of delicious food, doesn't mean you'll come home out of shape. You can choose low-cal, low-carb, spa, vegetarian or health-conscious menu selections that are just as tempting as the regular menu.
Best of all, except for certain specialty restaurants on some ships, the one thing you'll never see on a cruise ship menu is a price because your meals are included!!

RCI Unveils Oasis Dining Venues

With production of the Oasis of the Seas 90% complete, Royal Caribbean International has released initial details of the dining venues that will be available onboard.
Among the wide array of choices will be familiar favorites like Chops Grill, Sorrentos, Windjammer Marketplace and Johnny Rockets, as well new concepts including 150 Central Park, Giovanni's Table, Solarium Bistro, Izumi Asian Cuisine and Seafood Shack!

Going by neighborhood, dining venues aboard Oasis of the Seas will include:

The Boardwalk will offer family favorite Johnny Rockets, as well as a new alternative the 50s style diner, the surf-themed Seafood Shack. Also, on the Boardwalk will be the Donut Shop, which will offer a rotating selection of 10 to 15 varieties of free donuts every day, as well as complimentary coffee. Also in the Boardwalk will be the Boardwalk Bar, a full-scale bar that will also offer salads and sandwiches, and the 50s-styled Ice-Cream Parlour, which will offer up to 15 different flavors.

Five dining options will be offered in Central Park, including the semi-formal 150 Central Park, the Oasis of the Seas' most exclusive dining venue. Also in Central Park will be the line's signature steakhouse Chops Grill and a new Tuscan eatery, Giovanni's Table, which will offer family style Italian dining. Park Café will be a quick service concept offering sandwiches, made to order salads, soups, full meals and crepes on certain days. Central Park also will feature the familiar Vintages wine bar, but new to the Oasis, Vintages will offer a tapas menu, perfect for wine pairings.

On the Royal Promenade, guests will find Café Promenade, which offers coffees, pastries and sandwiches, as well as Sorrento's, which offers pizza on most Royal Caribbean ships. However, on Oasis, Sorrentos will offer made to order pizzas so cruisers can choose from a selection of toppings and watch as a chef makes the pizza on the spot.

For those seeking healthy dining options, the Solarium Bistro will be offered in the Pool & Sports Zone. Here, guests will find healthy buffet selections for breakfast and lunch, and health food menu for dinner. All items served in the Solarium Bistro will be 500 calories or less. Also in the Pool & Sports Zone, will be Wipeout Café, which will offer all-day soft serve ice-cream, as well as hamburgers, hot dogs and other quick service sandwiches.

Vitality Café will be found in the Vitality Zone and will offer healthy snack items such as wraps, fruits, juices, smoothies, energy drinks and more.

Other dining venues found onboard, which will not be linked to a specific neighborhood, will be Windjammer Marketplace and Izumi Asian Cuisine. While Windjammer is an old favorite for RCI guests, Izumi is a new concept that will offer Japanese cuisine, as well as a sushi bar.

While reservations are not required for any of the specialty restaurants, they are recommended. Guests will be able to go online before their cruise and make reservations for any of the specialty dining venues available on the Oasis.

My Time Dining
With all the attention put on the specialty restaurants, "we have not forgotten about the Main Dining Room," said Kenneth Taylor, director of fleet restaurant operations. Taylor added that RCI expects the Main Dining Room to continue to be very popular, especially with the cruise line's new My Time Dining option in place.
With My Time Dining, "we've designed entertainment and dining to be on your schedule, which is why we think My Time Dining will be successful," Taylor added.

As part of My Time Dining guests can choose when they want to dine, as well as request a specific waiter or table. One entire deck of the Main Dining Room will be dedicated to guests who choose My Time Dining. As of May 1, guests can choose My Time Dining at the time of booking.

Get onboard this beautiful ship and check all this excitement out for yourself!

Cruise on the Mariner of the Seas

Well, they're back! Linda and Dorsey spent a week onboard the Mariner of the Seas and cruised up the Pacific coast.

Stay tuned for details on their great cruise!!

Celebrity's Galapagos!

Celebrity Cruise Lines offers a seamless, ALL-INCLUSIVE, environmentally friendly cruise vacation!

What is included:

• VIP Personalized check-in service onboard Celebrity Xpedition
  All meals including bottled water, wine, beer and spirits, coffee, tea, espresso, cappuccino
• All Gratuities
• Cooking demonstrations including tastings
• All snorkeling equipment... masks, snorkels, fins, wet-suits and floatation devices
• All shore excursions... daily excursions led by our Naturalists with choices of activity levels and intensities
• All onboard briefings and lectures led by our expert Naturalists
• Binoculars and bathrobes
• Pre-post Quito experience

Quite an amazing way to experience the Galapagos Islands!

Carnival Cruise Lines to Resume Port Calls in Mexico

Carnival Cruise Lines will resume visits to Mexican ports of call based on the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, which is no longer recommending against non-essential travel to Mexico. Once all voyages with previously modified itineraries are completed, those vessels will revert to their original routes featuring stops in Mexico.
Most itineraries were modified through mid-June with the exception of the Holiday which was modified through late May.

Please rest assured that the health and well being of Carnival's guests and crew is their highest priority and they are returning to Mexico after careful evaluation and consultation with the CDC. It is important to note that the concentration of H1N1 flu cases in Mexico has been inland rather than in the coastal resort areas where cruise ships visit.

The cruise industry works closely with U.S. public health officials in the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program in developing and complying with extensive policies and procedures that are effective in mitigating illness aboard cruise ships. Carnival will continue to follow CDC guidelines for cruise ships which include pre-boarding health questionnaires for all guests and crew, along with secondary screening by shipboard medical professionals as necessary. Additionally, all Carnival ships stock influenza test kits and anti-viral medications for treating type A influenzas.

Mexico is one of the most popular cruise destinations and Carnival looks forward to once again providing you the opportunity to enjoy its many wonderful sites and attractions. They are very pleased to be returning to Mexico and would also very much like to thank you for your understanding and patience during the past few weeks.

Sail with Disney Channel Stars

You can sail with popular Disney Channel stars this summer aboard the Disney Wonder® Cruise Ship during the first-ever "Disney Channel Summer at Sea," presented by Kodak.

Popular stars from Disney Channel shows like "Hannah Montana," "Sonny With a Chance," "JONAS," "The Suite Life on Deck," "Camp Rock," "High School Musical" and "Hatching Pete" will join guests on 3- and 4-night cruises beginning July 9 through Aug. 2, 2009!

All eight sailings are available to book now with special fan activities included in the prevailing cruise rate.
During the voyages, Disney Channel stars will help pump up the volume during onboard deck parties and join Guests for Q&A and autograph sessions as well as preview screenings of Disney Channel programming.

The onboard fun culminates with a "Party with the Stars" event, an evening in which guests are invited to join the stars for a special musical performance by a Disney recording artist.

Each cruise will include multiple Disney Channel stars. Among those scheduled, with more to be announced shortly, are:

3-Night Disney Channel Summer At Sea Cruise Sail Dates and Appearance Schedule*
July 9 to 12, 2009 – Tiffany Thornton (Sonny with a Chance) and Nicole Anderson (JONAS)
July 16 to 19, 2009 – Jason Earles (Hannah Montana)
July 23 to 26, 2009 – Jason Dolley (Hatching Pete)
July 30 to August 2, 2009 – Debby Ryan (The Suite Life on Deck)

4-Night Disney Channel Summer at Sea Cruise Sail Dates and Appearance Schedule*
July 12 to 16, 2009 – Tiffany Thornton (Sonny with a Chance) and Nicole Anderson (JONAS)
July 19 to 23, 2009 – Musical Act Mitchel Musso and Jason Earles (Hanna Montana)
July 26 to 30, 2009 – Jason Dolley (Hatching Pete)
August 2 to 6, 2009 – Alyson Stoner (Camp Rock)

*Schedule and talent subject to change. Not all stars available for each sailing

Pick out the date the works best for you and your family, and call us for more info!

Paul Gauguin Cruises

You already know that the m/s Paul Gauguin is your best choice for sailing among the idyllic islands of the South Seas. But did you know that their exceptional, award-winning ship is now even better than ever?
That's because this five- plus-star vessel has recently undergone a multimillion-dollar refurbishment. Here are some highlights of what you can now enjoy aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin:

More balcony staterooms. They've converted 26 staterooms into balcony staterooms – for a total of nearly 70%. And, as before, every stateroom – bar none – is guaranteed an ocean view.

Elegant new décor. They've extensively restored all of the ship's public areas with new carpeting, upholstery, and refinished woodwork. And with refreshed décor in all of their spacious staterooms and suites, guests now enjoy even greater comfort in their private shipboard retreat.

Enhanced dining options. They've updated their ship's casual poolside restaurant, Le Grill, and expanded the al fresco dining space for the ship's La Veranda restaurant.

Upgraded public areas. Guests can take advantage of an upgraded Internet Center and brand-new, state-of-the-art equipment in the Fitness Center.

Enhanced watersports marina. New sports boats at their exclusive, retractable watersports marina mean you will have even more opportunities to witness the dazzling wonders that await beneath the sea.

One thing that hasn't changed is their ship's signature Polynesian elegance and hospitality. The m/s Paul Gauguin continues to provide one of the best crew-to-guest ratios at sea – an extraordinary 1:1.5!
This intimate, 332-passenger vessel was built specifically to ply the small bays and inlets of the South Pacific islands that larger vessels simply can't reach, and, with floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the ship, you will be immersed in the spectacular beauty of Polynesia all along the way.

Don't forget to take advantage of their extended Early Booking Savings deadline! If you book your Paul Gauguin Cruise by July 31, 2009, you'll save up to 45% off select 2010 cruises aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin, PLUS receive two-for-one airfare from Los Angeles on cruises of 7-9 nights (a value of $1,250 per couple) or FREE airfare from Los Angeles for cruises of 10-15 nights (a value of $2,500 per couple).

Call us to get more detailed information. We look forward to getting you out to the South Pacific!

Photographer's Cruise

Traveling with Cruise West means getting up-close and personal with the scenery, wildlife and people in some of the world’s most beautiful destination – in short, it’s a photographer’s dream.
Which is exactly why they've decided to partner with PENTAX Imaging Company, a leader in digital photography, to offer a series of Photographers’ Cruises on select itineraries throughout 2009.

At no additional cost, these departures will be co-hosted by professional PENTAX photographer Kerrick James, who will conduct special field events and onboard workshops throughout the cruise. Whether you're a novice or seasoned photographer and regardless of the brand of camera you use, you will receive valuable, hands-on instruction on everything from image composition and digital image management to tips on how to be in the “right place at the right time.” In addition, PENTAX will provide premier gear onboard this cruise, including their latest top-of-the-line, digital SLR cameras and a full range of lenses, for you to check out during your journey.

While many of their guests are photography enthusiasts, Cruise West's Photographers’ Cruises are for everyone! Each departure includes a full menu of activities as well as the expertise of their Exploration Leaders. Combining small-ship cruising in the world’s most photogenic destinations with world-class PENTAX expertise.
Due to the popularity of these cruises, you’ll want to book early – small ships book up quickly!

Contact us today to find the perfect photographer's cruise for you!!