Cruise West- Sea of Cortez

[karfest]

Has anyone done this cruise? I have been searching the internet and can't find any "real person" reviews.

 

I love this itinerary and think a small ship would be a nice change but would like to hear from someone who has actually either gone with Cruise West or on this particular cruise.

Thanks!

[judycruiser]

Husband and I did the Wine Country cruise on the 100-passenger Spirit of Endeavor in October 2001. We were very impressed with CruiseWest.

 

CruiseWest is very casual; food is good not gourmet; crew consists of young people who do all the work--serve meals, make the beds, etc.

 

Doors had no locks. Passengers from all ages from young honeymooners from east coast to retirees from the Dakotas.

 

Comaraderie between passengers was great. Only cruise where all the members of the crew including the Captain stood at the gangway on the last day and shook hands with each passenger as they disembarked.

 

Don't expect a mass cruise line experience. Cost is higher than mass lines.

No swimming pool. No casino. Cost of excursions was included in the cost of the cruise on our cruise. Knowledgeable staff accompanied us on tours and did a good jobs as tour guides.

 

Very little entertainment on the ship other than small lounge.

 

Judy

Little Rock

80 cruises on mass market lines

[karfest]

Judy-

Thanks so much for the quick reply! I think Cruise West is the kind of experience we are looking for. I don't mind the big ships, but I would like to get a little closer to nature without battling the crowds:D

 

I have never gone in the pool on a ship and could probably get by without a casino or shows so I don't think I'll be too deprived. As long as the crew is friendly and the food is edible- I'll be happy.

 

They don't have the 2007 pricing up on their site yet so I'll have to wait to book this one.

[betsey]

Hi Karfest -

While I haven't sailed on the Sea of Cortez itinerary, I just got back from Cruise West's 9-night Costa Rica & Panama cruise. It was fabulous! I've been on a lot of the "big ships" and new that Cruise West was going to be anything like that, but I had no idea how much fun a small, personal ship could be. It was so relaxing to not have to plan anything (as the shore trips are included), tip anyone, sign a bar bill, or even carry a room key! We got to know most of the other guests onboard, and had a real camaradie with them as we had shared so many adventures with them.

The food was plentiful, varied, and even reflected some of the local cusine.

Please feel free to email if you want more info....

Betsey

betseyshapiro@comcast.net

[karfest]

Hi Betsey!

Thanks for the info- watch for an e-mail from me. I have lots of questions. :D

[betsey]

I will!

Betsey

[Little Toot2]

Karfest, to the best of my knowledge, the Sea of Cortez trip that you are considering sails on either the Yorktown or Nantucket Clipper. Both of these ships were recently purchased from Intrav, Clipper Cruise lines based out of St. Louis IL. This year Cruise West is maintaining the "Clipper" itineraries and crews, but I would assume that the meals would become Cruise West cuisine. For more information on this cruise, I'd suggest that you check for posts under the name of the original owners as it's too early to find posts under the Cruise West logo.

 

P.S. I've sailed twice on the Yorktown Clipper when it was owned by Intrav..... small number of passengers, great American crew, wonderful 'field trips', onboard naturalist, food to die for, etc. I hope that Cruise West will be able to maintain some of that atmosphere as I cannot afford the current offerings on the rest of the Clipper' more upscale line.

LT

[betsey]

The Cruise West Sea of Cortez cruises are operated on the Spirit of Endeavor in the winter months by Cruise West.

[TxnAquarian]

Hi Karen!

 

I just wanted to jump in on this post because I took a 10-day Sea of Cortez cruise last Fall. I have never been on Cruise West - we sailed on the Crystal Harmony which is a 900 passenger ship. However, since I returned from this cruise, I cannot promote the virtues of this part of Mexico enough. We visited Loreto, La Paz and Santa Rosalia and I was just left breathless by these destinations. I have cruised to many other parts of Mexico, but the Sea of Cortez is very unique. The landscape is arid and desert-like with cacti for miles and stunning moutain ranges. The way that the cactus meets the turquoise waters of the sea is spectacular. There is an abundance of wildlife and the scenery is just amazing. Also, the ports are tiny towns and the locals are lovely people. They get so excited by cruise visitors because cruise ships are so rare in these parts. In fact, that is another plus. You won't be sharing the ports with any megaships. On our cruise, we were the only ship in port. And the towns were all ours. My favorite port was Loreto. It is a small, cobblestoned hamlet which showcases a gorgeous mission lined with citrus trees. When walking through the town you can literally see into the local's homes and it is very much the traditional way of life. I absolutely adored this part of the world. I cannot recommend it enough!

 

 

 

 

Michael

[karfest]

Fabulous!

Thanks for the info- the itinerary looks so different and so unique that I want to try it. I'm sure the Crystal experience is quite alot different than Cruise West- but the ports are the same!!

 

I am still waiting for them to put out their 2007 dates and pricing but I'm getting anxious. I am one of those that books way in advance.

[CruiseWestFan]

We have already booked our Cruise West cruise to the Sea of Cortes for next February. Don't wait for the book to come out. Contact them now as the best dates and staterooms are already booking up for next year. We went on our first and only Cruise West cruise last June to Alaska. We did the Wilderness Inside Passage and it was absolutely amazing. We saw so much wildlife and the most beautiful scenery you can imagine. The crew was wonderful. The food was excellent. The accommodations were comfortable...a little cramped...but we were rarely in our cabin anyhow. And the bed was surpisingly comfortable. We slept better on the boat than we had in a long time at home. And we made some new friends and still keep in touch with them today. The atmosphere is casual and we like it that way. We are hooked on Cruise West and looking forward to our trip next February!! You won't regret your decision to take a Cruise West cruise.

[Flredhead]

We took this trip last February(2005) and are hoping to go back with another couple in February 2007. We want to get the best prices so if you hear of any please share. We are past Cruise West Cruisers and would pay upfront for significant savings. What travel agencies/groups offer Cruise West discounts or extras with a Cruise West booking?

 

Our friends were not able to accompany us as her mother was dying. We enjoyed it so much we wanted to go back and bring our friends with us: the scencery, the encounter with the wildlife, the comradarie amoung the staff and guests, plentiful food, plesant travel companions. With a boat this small with a different agenda that is designed to the adventurous travelers the group t:)ends to have a lot of comonality of interest and backgrounds. '

 

With open seating if you have one couple that annoy, move elsewhere for subsequent meals. Don't suffer.

[dudboom]

Hi,

 

We have taken the Sea of Cortés cruise and it was wonderful. We plan to go again some day. On October 1st we are taking the Spirit of Endeavor to British Columbia again.

 

As far as discounts, they don't seem to run sales like the big cruise lines. One way to save is put money down on a future cruise, (you must cruise with 2 years) book early, pay in full by a certain date and be a frequent cruiser. After your first cruise you become a Quyana member and can save 5% on future cruises.

 

We love the laid back atmosphere of these ships and friendly all American crew. It doesn't take long to know your fellow passengers and it seems like you are one big happy family.

 

Have a good time next year.

[JaneBP]

I am just back froom my first CW trip on the 'Spirit of Oceanus' on a 12 day Costal Odyssey from Anchorage/Whittier to Vancouver. I did not take the optional land excursion to Denali National Park, but did use their recommened arrival and departure hotel packages.

 

I found this ship well appointed and scrupuously clean. Unfortunately there are no forward viewing lounges, just outside. I was on Deck 4, the Lounge deck, with a big picture window. That level, however, circumnavigates the ship, so if you want privacy, the curtains must be closed, diminishing the viewing ops. One chap who checked in on me each lap mentioned I might get the bed made up!!! Cheeky devil!

 

The staff were wonderful, mostly from the Philippines and the Carribean. The bartender, Jun, was a star. Alcohol was not covered in the inclusive price, so there was some chit signing. Bottles of wine could be ordered and then saved for subsequent dinners.

 

The dining room could not quite fit all 120 of us at dinner at one time, but that was rarely a problem. Breakfast and lunch were served in the DR and then in a small galley on the outside viewing deck. A nice touch was the warmed drink cups since often we were outside on the deck with a few layers of clothing, watching the glacier calve. Service was attentive and the wait staff were terrific! They learned our preferences very quickly. Seating was random, unless one had a reservation and that helped with the mix. There was plenty of food, which was good, but not 4-star; many choices.

 

There were included tours in all ports as well as optional trips, for dog sledding, glacier viewing and train rides. Zodiac boats were launched several times for up-close viewing along shore lines. They were a real favorite.

 

We spent the 4th of July in Yakutat, a small village of 500, with their annual parade and festivities. That's just as is should be all over the States! For their 'our' contribution the ship had watermelon slices to hand out and the 'sailors' helped distribute them. They also honored us with an exhibition of native dancing as well.

 

On board were 3 cruise staff/naturalists/adventure explorers. They were supberbly knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Ome feature of a small ship with a broad schedule means we could stop for over an hour to watch Orcas around the boat. We could dock straight away. A visitor in Sitka mentione that only 1/2 of the population of their large cruise ship could disembark and tour the town because they couldn't tender them all in a timely fashion. We, on the other hand, could try different areas to look for flora and fauna.

 

Speaking of fashion, it's casual all the time, no dressng up for dinner. Also, no entertainment other than nature lectures. On board were a couple from Alaska with impressive CV's and they presented many talks on various subjects. One drawback is that the talks can only be heard in the cabins, but not viewed. I appreciate the reasons for this, but I attended the Salmon lecture and fell asleep anyway! I wish they could tape and re-play the lectures around the clock. There is no tv except for a webcam and then one channed with a news program in small print, no pics. Internet is available. The staff put together pics taken during the curise and presented a great slide show and a DVD was available to purchase. I did, but haven't seen it yet.

 

The passengers as a whole were closer to 70, but every age group (one family with 3 teens) was represented. Almost everyone was on their first trip to Alaska and many were on their first cruise, especially with a small ship and we were spoiled beyond belief!

[aredhel]

P.S. I've sailed twice on the Yorktown Clipper when it was owned by Intrav..... small number of passengers, great American crew, wonderful 'field trips', onboard naturalist, food to die for, etc. I hope that Cruise West will be able to maintain some of that atmosphere as I cannot afford the current offerings on the rest of the Clipper' more upscale line.

LT

 

Little Toot, I was on the Yorktown Clipper's Seattle to Juneau repositioning cruise this spring (the first sailing this ship did under Cruise West ownership). The food was excellent (although one person who had sailed with Clipper before didn't think it was quite as good as it was when INTRAV owned the vessel), we had two fantastic naturalists, and everything about the trip was simply wonderful. I don't think you'll be disappointed if you choose to sail on this ship again!

[gillianrose]

I am just back froom my first CW trip on the 'Spirit of Oceanus' on a 12 day Costal Odyssey from Anchorage/Whittier to Vancouver. I did not take the optional land excursion to Denali National Park, but did use their recommened arrival and departure hotel packages.

 

I found this ship well appointed and scrupuously clean. Unfortunately there are no forward viewing lounges, just outside.

 

I have been reading up on the Spirit of Oceanus this past hour or so, from brochures we picked up and scouring the Internet. I noticed that there are two versions of the deck plans, one pre-owner's suite and one after the suite was added. WHAT WERE THEY THINKING ADDING THIS OWNER'S SUITE??? :(

 

It doesn't appear that this space was previously a lounge, but at least it was a place for forward viewing. Now that is gone, as the space has been converted into one suite, presumably for the owner of Cruise West to use when he or his family wants, and secondarily for cruisers who will pay for the privilege of using it when he/they are not. Because this space was taken away from use by the rest of passengers onboard, I would expect to see a drop in price for the rest of the cabins, but I haven't.

 

These small ships already suffer greatly from the lack of public space and extremely small cabins. The amount of public viewing space per passenger now is significantly reduced. I was very sorry to see this new suite added, because there is an itinerary which looks interesting, "Japan Unveiled."

 

Has anyone cruised on the Spirit of Oceanus both pre- and post- the addition of the Owner's Suite?

 

Second question, which perhaps I should post as a separate question, has anyone cruised on both the Spirit of Oceanus and the Clipper Odyssey?

[DoctorTom]

They have actually added three new cabins, the owner's suite and two other cabins on the same deck. We will be staying in one of them for the Japan cruise this October. When Cruise West offered us the new cabin, they told us the area was a sundeck that was under-used.

 

JaneBP, thanks for the review. I am very excited about seeing Japan, but we have never sailed Cruise West before. It sounds like we will be treated well.

 

Tom Fynan

[surfklutz]

I have been on Cruise West many times - and feel the quality of everything is slipping to the point that the cruise line just doesn't interest me anymore. The ships are worn, the food quality spotty ( when one of the crew members told me they are not serving Crab because it was too expensive ( WHAT???? I just paid $5000 per person for my cruise ) - I just about lost it.

 

They crew used to be very enthusiastic - but my last few cruises, I didn't find that to be the case at all. They seemed disinterested and not all that happy to be there.

 

Cruise West is starting to run the Clipper Ship in the Caribbean - but I can't imagine anyone willing to pay that amount of money for something that is quite substandard. I keep getting bombarded with mailings for Cruise West - but for me, I am done with them. Too many other options out there to settle for Cruise West

[irislady]

We haven't sailed the Sea of Cortes, but I can give you some info about our Cruise West experience. We sailed on CW's Spirit of Discovery this past April. Maybe we would have enjoyed it more if we had chosen a different itinerary. We did the Columbia-Snake River, and we were by far the youngest couple on the ship. (We're in our late 50's). The ship was a little worn or dated looking in places, but was always very clean. Our cabin was really tiny, which we expected, but we didn't expect how noisy it would be. The AC/heating unit rattled loudly all the time. Our door didn't shut completely, and since it was an outside door we had to hang a towel over the top to stop the draft. There was only one lounge, so if we didn't want to attend the lecture that night our only choices were on deck or in our cabin. It was usually much too cold after dark to sit out on the deck.

 

We really enjoyed the food and liked the open seating policy. We got to know all of our fellow 68 passengers.

 

The staff worked really hard, but they were always friendly and willing to do whatever they could to help.

 

We were disappointed by the shore excursions and often felt we were on a school field trip the way we were herded on and off buses. We only got to use the Zodiak-like boats once. We thought there would be a lot more spontaneous exploring of the shore. I guess it was because of all the locks and dams along the way, but we kept on a tight schedule. And those 6:30 ship-wide wake up calls before the shore excursions didn't make for a leisurely cruise.

 

We're still considering taking the Cruise West Wildlife cruise in Alaska, but will wait a couple of years. Right now it's the Spirit of Discovery that does that itinerary, and we'd rather sail on a different ship.

 

We had considered booking the Sea of Cortes, too, but now that trip has been bumped further down our "wish list". We still would love to explore that area... we're just not sure we want to do it on Cruise West.

 

In all fairness I have to say that just about all the other couples onboard said they LOVE Cruise West, and that they'd never consider going back to a larger ship. We did enjoy it, but it didn't live up to our high expectations.

 

Hope this helps,

Shae

[gillianrose]

...We were disappointed by the shore excursions and often felt we were on a school field trip the way we were herded on and off buses. We only got to use the Zodiak-like boats once. We thought there would be a lot more spontaneous exploring of the shore. I guess it was because of all the locks and dams along the way, but we kept on a tight schedule. And those 6:30 ship-wide wake up calls before the shore excursions didn't make for a leisurely cruise.

 

We're still considering taking the Cruise West Wildlife cruise in Alaska, but will wait a couple of years. Right now it's the Spirit of Discovery that does that itinerary, and we'd rather sail on a different ship.

 

We had considered booking the Sea of Cortes, too, but now that trip has been bumped further down our "wish list". We still would love to explore that area... we're just not sure we want to do it on Cruise West...

 

Thank you, Shae, for all the details you gave in reviewing your trip with Cruise West. The prices are much too high for what is being offered, in my opinion. I hadn't even thought about those exterior doors on their little ships. I won't stay in any hotel/motel that has exterior doors, and I'm not interested in paying a high price to stay on a ship that does, especially in a cooler climate. Your comment about "field trips" is very descriptive of the type of outings we do NOT enjoy. Another thing I have noticed is that there seems to be no "lounging" (as in at least semi-reclining) furniture in any of the pictures we have seen. The thought of spending an entire week sitting totally upright on benches or uncomfortable chairs isn't thrilling, either.

 

HAL does the Sea of Cortés, and one of these days we will do that itinerary.

[irislady]

Gillianrose,

 

Glad I could help. There were some lounge type chairs, I believe, on the rear sun deck of the Spirit of Discovery, but on our itinerary there was just no time allotted to enjoy that deck. During the day we were on all those shore excursions, and by evening it was just too cold.

 

BTW, it's true that there's a no key policy, at least on the SOD. We could lock our doors while we were in the cabin, but had to be sure to leave it unlocked when we left since we didn't have a key. We didn't bring any valuables onboard with us since it was such a casual cruise (except for our cameras and binoculars which we always took with us).

 

Shae