CruiseWest Execs Sail on World Cruise.

August 17, 2009 - Underscoring the significance of Cruise West’s series of journeys that combine to form the worldwide exploration concept, Voyages of the Great Explorers, the West family, long recognized as pioneers in small-ship explorations, will host Voyages 1, 10 and 24. In addition, 25-year cruise veteran, President and CEO Dietmar Wertanzl will lead Voyage 13. Guests can anticipate notable hosted special events in addition to the already included excursions. Guests can save as much as 32 percent by booking and paying in full by August 28, 2009, or save up to 21 percent from August 29 - October 15, 2009.

Dick West -- chairman and managing director of Cruise West, and son of Chuck West, Alaska tourism legend and the founder of the Seattle-based cruise line -- and his family will lead three segments of The Voyages of the Great Explorers, including the inaugural 16-night voyage Lands of the Lotus from Singapore to Chennai that kicks off the worldwide adventure on March 5, 2010. The West’s family’s presence will mark a memorable start to the voyage including a themed dinner of Singaporean & Asian cuisine at the world famous and historical Raffles Hotel complete with transportation via rickshaw. In addition, esteemed Captain Reidulf Maalen will be at the helm of this voyage. The voyage also includes a two-day Ultimate Explorers Experience in Rangoon complete with a visit to the Shwedagon Temple and the Kalaywa Monastery.

The Voyages of the Great Explorers -- a collection of 24 individual voyages that combine to form a 335-day circumnavigation of the world along the major routes inspired by history’s great ocean explorers -- begins March 5, 2010, on board Cruise West’s flagship, the 120-guest, all-suite Spirit of Oceanus. Sailing ever westward, this world voyage returns to Singapore on February 3, 2011.

Supporting Cruise West’s emphasis on casual and personal cruising, West and his family will also host Voyage 10 Exploring Iberia and Gaul, which sails on July 4, 2010, from Barcelona to Honfleur in 16-nights. West will host two additional ultimate explorer special excursions, Catalonian Tapas & Flamenco in Barcelona, and a private visit to Château Kirwan in Bordeaux that includes a wine aperitif tasting and an authentic French dinner accompanied by exceptional wines.

On the final 16-night segment, Voyage 24 Dragons and Spice, sailing from Darwin to Singapore on January 18, 2011, West will also host special functions that will be announced soon. The exciting itinerary includes a visit to the spectacular temple complex of Borobudur and Komodo Island.

In addition, Dietmar Wertanzl, president and CEO of Cruise West, will lead the 13-night Voyage 16 In Search of El Dorado, which sails from Palm Beach to Panama via the 50-mile long Panama Canal on October 13, 2010. Guests can anticipate a unique and memorable event hosted by Wertanzl including a pre-cruise party at the historic Brazilian Court Hotel in Palm Beach.

Cruise West explorers can purchase individual voyages, a set of multiple voyages, any of the six Chapters, or the full circumnavigation. Prices per voyage start at $4,995 and include a pre-cruise hotel night. For maximum savings of 32 percent book and pay in full by August 28; or save up to 21 percent by paying in full from August 29-October 15, 2009. Guests who book more than one voyage will save an additional five percent.