Cruise West Closes

The specialised small ship cruise line Cruise West has ceased operation. The announcement was made on the company’s website and has left many of the company’s suppliers fuming. Warning tremors ran through the cruise industry when the line cancelled a world cruise that was already in progress earlier in September, but at present the company intends to continue with a Danube river cruise due to sail on 22nd September, although this plan may be overtaken by events. Passengers booked on future cruises are being advised to seek compensation or redress through their travel agent or credit card company.

Despite having made several attempts to keep the cruise line solvent, ranging from refinancing to selling off assets, the line, it has been forced to suspend trading, leaving several small Seattle companies which had been supplying the line, wondering if they too can survive. Founded more than half a century ago by the Seattle-based West family, Cruise West has been known for its Alaskan cruises and the off the beaten track nature of its other trips. Its largest ship carried only 183 passengers.