According to the Seattle Times, Cruise West — the Seattle-based cruise line of small ships — is closing today and cancelling all its cruises except one, the September 22 sailing on the Danube River.
Even though Cruise West had sold its flag ship, the Spirit of Oceanus, Chairman Dick West said he could not find the new investors needed and was “absolutely heartbroken” that the family legacy is at an end.
Added West: “We have done absolutely everything to maintain operations, but with limited resources and the current tight financial market, we simply cannot continue.”
The line, owned by the family, had been in business for over 60 years.
Cruise West has offered small-ship cruises from Seattle to Alaska and along the Columbia and Snake Rivers from Portland, Ore., as well as cruises to Mexico, Central America and beyond.
Fans loyal to this cruise line were interested in learning and had a sense of adventure as many of the cruise line’s ship routings took you to the areas that passengers on the big ships did not get a chance to see.
Customers who paid by cash or cheque without travel insurance for a cruise departing from a U.S. port are being directed to file a claim with Cruise Claims c/o Wells Fargo Disability Management, P.O. Box 1567, Abingdon, Va. 24212, You can phone 877-371-9700, ext. 6059, or fax 276-676-0152. Specify the claim is for cruise fare reimbursement.
All for now.
