Cruise West will be the only line offering river cruising in both the Old and New Worlds this year, as the line operates river itineraries among the pristine waters and dramatic landscape of the Snake and Columbia rivers and launches cruises through ancient European cities along the Danube.
"We are reaching into more exotic destinations with the new Spirit of Oceanus going into Japan and the South Pacific, and we looked at what else we could do with our signature product," said president and CEO Dietmar R. Wertanzl.
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The Amadeus Diamond sets new standards in European river cruising
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The company decided that European river cruising was the logical evolution for Cruise West’s small-ship experience. To make the transition, it partnered with Lueftner Cruises of Austria, who shares many similarities with Cruise West. A family-owned company, Lueftner sets high standards for its seven, five-star vessels, six of which were built specifically for the line in Holland.
"We didn’t want to partner with someone with an established brand marketed in North America," Wertanzl said. "Essentially, we are the sales, marketing and branding company for this product, and [Lueftner Cruises] furnished the brand-new ship, the Amadeus Diamond."
The features of the 148-passenger Amadeus Diamond are impressive, with all staterooms providing river views. Constructed by the Dutch shipyard De Hoop of Holland, the ship sets new standards in European river cruising, according to Wertanzl.
Staterooms range between 170 and approximately 300 square feet and, in a majority of the rooms, guests will find French balconies with sliding glass doors. Each stateroom has individually adjustable air conditioning, a private bathroom (some with a bathtub), a television and a telephone.
Wertanzl noted that a primary function of the European cruises is providing new itineraries for the line’s Quyana Club repeat passengers. Since brand consistency and a high-comfort level for past passengers are strong considerations, the cabin categories of Amadeus Diamond will be the same as other Cruise West ships, napkins will carry the Cruise West logo and the ship will also fly Cruise West’s flag. The line’s open dining and deep enrichment programs have been maintained, and the menu has been created to Cruise West specifications, combining continental and regional cuisine.
Small-boat excursions will be the river equivalent of the line’s signature zodiac experiences, and the company will bring local culture onboard in Europe as well as in the U.S. For example, gypsies will entertain the passengers in Romania and a food and wine experience in Hungary is rich in Tokay wine and paprika.
As for the Columbia and Snake River cruises, now that there are far fewer competitors in the Northwest, Cruise West is solidifying its position in the region.
"We are very bullish about the Columbia and Snake," Wertanzl stated.
The company has increased its presence with two ships, including one for the entire season — the 96-passenger Spirit of ’98. Though she has modern amenities, the ship was designed to emulate an early 20th century coastal steamer complete with carved wooden cabinetry, floral upholstery, a Grand Salon and a full bar with Old World charm. Seen in the Kevin Costner film "Wyatt Earp," she will be joined by the 84-guest Spirit of Discovery in September and October.
Three eight-day, seven-night itineraries are offered roundtrip from Portland, Ore. The River Voyage of Discovery itinerary highlights the history of Lewis and Clark and operates in the spring and fall onboard the Spirit of ’98, starting at $3,099. The new Northwest Passage summer itinerary is offered from May to September, a time of year where temperatures are pleasant, wildlife is abundant and the scenery is dramatic. The cruise incorporates traditional favorites like a jet-boat ride into Hells Canyon with new excursions to Mt. St. Helens and the museum at the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute. For food and wine aficionados there is the Taste of the Pacific Northwest itinerary, launched last fall onboard the 84-guest Spirit of Discovery, starting at $3,349.
Something Old, Something New
Cruise West’s new itineraries highlight the best of both worlds
By Marilyn Green
Cruise West’s sailings on rivers of the Old World and New World are designed to offer maximum exposure to local culture and to take advantage of the rivers’ strategic position in the history of each region.
The Danube River itinerary features a number of special highlights including folklore programs, lectures, theme dinners, onboard musical performances and lectures given by specialists. Ports vary slightly based on the vessel's route, but highlights include the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Danube Delta and city tours of Budapest, Osijek, Belgrade and Bucharest. Pre- and post-cruise land tours of Prague and Transylvania can be added on at each end.
Shore excursions are a nice balance of guided tours and free time. For instance, since the Danube splits Budapest into its two halves – the medieval cobbled Buda and the broad avenues of Pest, the commercial center – guests will explore both sides of the city, with the afternoon free to use the complimentary tender service to follow their own interests. As the Diamond leaves the pier in Budapest for Kalocsa in the late evening, the illuminated heart of the city provides a beautiful show.
On the next day’s guided tour to Viminacium in the northern military camp Porta Praetoria, guests will be informed about the history of the Roman military camp and archaeological excavations there. After lunch on board, a city tour of Belgrade takes guests on foot and by coach to fortresses, churches and castles.
From the pier in Somova, excursion boats will take guests through a forepart of the best preserved Delta in Europe to the Nunnery of Saun and a second breakfast followed by a bus tour to the Black Sea and the five star Hotel Rex for lunch. A city tour of Constanta, the principal seaport of Romania, and a visit to Ephorie, where the wines of Murfatlar can be tasted, ends with passengers rejoining the ship in Hirsova.
Prices start at $4,899 for the 10-night Vienna to Bucharest cruise. Four departure options include July 16 and 24 and Oct. 13 and 21. The inaugural July 16 Chairman's Cruise will be hosted by Cruise West Chairman Richard West and wife Leslie West and the Oct. 13 sailing is a Pentax Photography Cruise featuring field events and onboard workshops all co-hosted by professional Pentax photographer Kerrick James.
Three seven-night Columbia and Snake River itineraries cruise operate round trip from Portland, Ore. The River Voyage of Discovery itinerary traces a significant part of the history of Lewis and Clark in the spring and fall onboard the 96-guest Spirit of ’98. Prices start at $3,099 per person.
Inquisitive food and wine lovers will favor the Taste of the Pacific Northwest itinerary, successfully introduced last year. This cruise operates in the fall and is offered onboard the 84-guest Spirit of Discovery, where passengers are welcomed onboard with a taste of Willamette Valley’s signature flavors: a Pinot Noir and a Pinot Gris. After going through the giant locks, an experience in itself, the ship is lifted 60 feet to enter the 4,000-foot-deep Columbia Gorge, where passengers cross the Bridge of the Gods and continue to the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center for a presentation on the foods of indigenous cultures.
Onboard wine tastings are followed by visits to the Red Mountain Viticultural Area and the vineyards of Coyote Canyon Winery, located in a very remote reach of Horse Heaven Hills, along with the Terra Blanca Winery and Estate Vineyard. In Walla Walla, a trip to the Three Rivers Winery and an elegant winemaker's lunch at the Backstage Bistro are followed by a visit to Beresan Cellars Winery and its handcrafted Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah and Semillon wines.
In Oregon’s Hood River Valley, passengers will go ashore to the family-run Fruit Company, specializing in magnificent pears and apples. The seafood of the Oregon coast is showcased at a luncheon at the Consumer Seafood Center, as are locally produced artisan cheeses, farmer’s fruits and vegetables.
The cruise includes a jet boat ride into Hells Canyon, along with new excursions to Mt. St. Helens, the Pendleton Underground Tour and the museum at the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute. Prices begin at $3,349 per person, double occupancy.
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