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Linda Garrison

Last Chance for Six Asia and Alaska Voyages on Cruise West's Spirit of Oceanus in 2009

By , About.com GuideApril 12, 2009

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Small ship cruise operator Cruise West (www.cruisewest.com, is looking beyond its more familiar explorations and is preparing to launch a bold new mission in 2010 for its flagship Spirit of Oceanus.
Cruise West Spirit of Oceanus in Vietnam
New itinerary details will be announced soon. As this change in course will affect the ship's well known itinerary plans, Cruise West is offering a final opportunity to take part in several voyages of distinction to Japan, Grand Asia, Vietnam and Alaska in 2009. Those who pay in full at time of booking can save from $600 to $1,100/cabin depending on itinerary.

These voyages offer great value with itineraries that include shore excursions in every port, onboard experts and guest lecturers. In addition, an experienced exploration staff provides expertise and local knowledge, which makes a real difference in the remote areas of the North Pacific and Asia. The use of zodiac inflatable boats, also an included feature, bring guests even closer to the wondrous scenery and wildlife for which Cruise West has become so well known for.

  • Covering 1,600 miles from Vancouver to Anchorage or reverse, the 12-night Coastal Odyssey cruises through the Strait of Georgia, British Columbia and Alaska's Inside Passage, the Gulf of Alaska and iceberg-studded fjords of Prince William Sound. Port calls include a remote Wilderness Community, Petersburg, Skagway, Sitka and Whittier. Choose from seven departure dates: May 11, 21; June 2, 12, 24; July 28; and August 9, 2009. Rates begin at $8,049 per person, double occupancy. Book and pay in full at time of booking and save up to $1,100/cabin, double occupancy.
  • The 13-night Voyage to the Bering Sea offered July 4 and 16, 2009, travels from Anchorage to Nome or reverse passing over the Arctic Circle to the farthest reaches of the Bering Sea. Visit remote ports where subsistence living still exists in the Shumagin and Pribilof Islands and Russia's Chukotka Peninsula. Rates begin at $10,599 per person, double occupancy. Book and pay in full at time of booking and save $700/cabin, double occupancy.

  • The ultimate 24-night Alaska voyage, In Harriman's Wake, combines the Coastal Odyssey and the Voyage to the Bering Sea, following the path of 20th century railroad magnate Edward Henry Harriman. Two departures: June 24 and July 16, 2009. Rates begin at $18,499 per person, double occupancy. Book and pay in full at time of booking and save $1,100/cabin, double occupancy.

  • Highlights of the 11-night Hidden Treasures of Japan, round trip Kobe, include the ancient castle town of Okayama; relaxing in a geothermal warm sand bath at Ibusuki; Uwajima, the nation's largest pearl cultivation center; UNESCO World Heritage Site Yakushima; a Ceremonial Shinto dance at Miyajimas astonishing temple complex; Nagasaki, the most westernized of all Japanese cities; a Korean barbeque lunch at Kyongju, South Korea; Hiroshima, and a visit to Takamatsu. Choose from three departure dates: September 28; October 8 and 18, 2009. Prices start at $6,349 (before savings are applied). Book and pay in full by May 8, 2009 and save up to $800/cabin, double occupancy.

  • The November 2, 2009 departure of the 18-night Grand Asia voyage travels from Kobe to Hanoi through Japan, Korea, China and Vietnam with a single home base onboard the Spirit of Oceanus. Sail a rugged shoreline along verdant mountains and pristine beaches, exploring temples, palaces, port cities and castle towns, meeting local artisans and visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way. Price starts at $8,049 (before savings are applied). Book and pay in full by May 8, 2009 and save up to $800/cabin, double occupancy.

  • The 11-night Vietnam voyage commences in Hanoi on November 21, 2009, and ends in Ho Chi Minh City. The itinerary will give travelers the chance to explore Vietnam's architecture, art, and ancient shrines in Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Hue; the Gulf of Tonkin; the temples and picturesque fishing boats of Nha Trang; the Cham Museum and a special private performance of traditional martial arts in Qui Nhon; and UNESCO World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay. Prices start at $5,649 (before savings are applied). Book and pay in full by May 8, 2009 and save up to $600/cabin, double occupancy.

More information about advance reservations for these itineraries - as well as Cruise West's other itineraries to destinations as diverse as Alaska, Panama and Costa Rica, Mexico's Sea of Cortes, Antarctica, the Galapagos, the Pacific Northwest or the romantic rivers of Europe - can be found online at www.cruisewest.com or by calling 1-800-689-1783 or a Travel Professional.

Cruise West Spirit of Oceanus Courtesy of Cruise West

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