Cruise West Reveals 2011/2012 Worldwide Voyages Aboard the Spirit of Oceanus

SEATTLE, Feb. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Cruise West (www.cruisewest.com), the world's leading provider of small-ship explorations to the most fascinating destinations on earth, announces its second edition of the Voyages of the Great Explorers in 2011/2012. Twenty-five meticulously crafted itineraries from Asia to the Mediterranean, Europe to the Americas and throughout the South Pacific offer the most discerning and well-traveled guests an array of extraordinary choices and authentic experiences.  Book and pay in full by April 30, 2010 and save up to $4,600 per person and receive free international air of up to $1,500.  

While several ports are repeats from the original 2010 voyages, there are a myriad of exciting new ports in which to have your passport stamped in countries such as Israel, Greece, Morocco, Scotland, Iceland, Greenland, Nicaragua, Peru, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Vietnam, China and more.  

Exclusive encounters, inclusive pricing (except alcohol) and personal touches define the Cruise West experience:  

• Shore excursions are included at every port and each voyage will be enhanced by an extraordinary 'Ultimate Explorers Experience' (UEE), designed to bring guests into direct personal contact with fascinating people.  For instance, guests will have the chance to observe some of the finest dancing in all the South Pacific at Kitava, Trobriand Islands in Papua New Guinea, and participate in the noviciation ceremony and food offering to the monks in Rangoon.  
• The discovery and learning continues aboard ship as well with expert guest speakers sharing their knowledge of the people, cultures, and sights from each journey.  On average there will be seven to 10 thought provoking lectures on a 14-night itinerary.  
• Further exploration by Zodiac to private islands, snorkeling safaris, pristine inlets and hard to reach villages fulfill the promise of an unforgettable journey.

Destinations that only small-ships can access

Each distinct voyage, ranging from 9- to 18- nights, will visit many ports, places and inlets that the larger ships can't access such as: Ile Rousse, Corsica, the birthplace of Christopher Columbus; the secluded beaches of Belle-Ile-en-Mer, France, also known for its dramatic coastline; the pristine coral reefs of isolated Corn Island, Nicaragua - once frequented by Caribbean pirates; Santa Ana, Solomon Islands known for its elaborately decorated "spirit house"; and Kumai, Kalimantan, Borneo to experience dawn in the jungle and observe orangutans.  

Explore cultural treasures, archaeological sites, unique landscapes and remote island chains that many people have only dreamed to venture. Sink your teeth into local Turkish delicacies at an exclusive reception featuring a private classical concert at Ephesus; discover the excavations of Capharnaum and the Mount of Beatitudes in Haifa, Israel; visit the exquisite Grand Mosque in Muscat, Oman that can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers, and travel onto ancient Shiraz and Persepolis via charter flight; and witness the spectacles as Edinburgh's world-famous Military Tattoo.  

The world will see you now

The 2011/2012 Voyages of the Great Explorers 25 unique back-to-back itineraries will circumnavigate the world in 335 days, commencing in Singapore on February 22, 2011 and ending in Hong Kong on January 24, 2012.  The 25 voyages will visit six continents, 254 ports of call in 61 countries while crossing 14 seas and oceans, and transiting four canals -- Port Suez/Port Said (Suez Canal transit); Corinth Canal/ Corinth (Mycenae/Nafplion); Kiel Canal; and the Panama Canal.

Prices start at $6,545 per voyage for the 13-night Panama City to Lima.  Book and pay in full by April 30, 2010 and save $2,300 to $4,600 per person (depending on the voyage) and receive free international airfare of up to $1,500.  Cruise West must reserve the air.  Save an additional five percent by booking consecutive voyages. More information about these voyages can be found online at www.cruisewest.com or by calling 1- 800-296-8307 or a travel professional. Visit the line's video gallery at http://www.cruisewest.com/world-cruises-videos.

The Spirit of Oceanus

Cruise West's all-suite Spirit of Oceanus -- recently named by Frommer's as the Top Small Ship for 2010, is the line's most spacious and luxurious ship. It offers gracious comfort for 120 select guests.  Seven suite categories are offered onboard, including 14 suites with private balconies and one elegantly appointed and spacious Owner's Suite located on the ship's Sun Deck.

~Up-Close, Casual and Personal Explorations~

Cruise West believes that small is beautiful.  Small-ship explorations allow up-close and personal experiences unmatched by the traditional larger cruise lines. For more than 63 years Cruise West has provided authentic travel experiences where the destination is the focus. The fleet of small ships with guest capacities ranging from 78-148 explores remote and distinctive destinations throughout the globe.  A robust onboard enrichment program further enhances the guest experience through topical guest lecturers, additional exploration by Zodiac and included excursions at every port.  

SOURCE Cruise West