CRUISE WEST OFFERS EPIC YEAR-LONG GLOBAL ADVENTURE

~Ground Breaking Journey Will Visit 242 Ports, 59 Countries on 24 Voyages~ 

Seattle, WA – Marco Polo; Odysseus; Leif Eriksson; Christopher Columbus; James Cook; Ferdinand Magellan -- history’s great sea explorers have inspired an epic global voyage destined to become the most memorable cruise of a lifetime. 

These legendary adventurers whose travels shaped much of the known and the new world set the theme for Cruise West’s Voyages of the Great Explorers -- a 335-day circumnavigation of the world.  Departing Singapore on March 6, 2010, Cruise West’s flagship, the 120-guest, all-suite Spirit of Oceanus will sail westward, following the sun, to return to Singapore on February 3, 2011.

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”
St. Augustine’s words will come to life on the worldwide itinerary of the Voyages of the Great Explorers.  Following the major routes inspired by history’s great ocean explorers, this new world voyage is a collection of 24 individual voyages within six themed “chapters” comprising one awe inspiring “book” that reflects the exploits of the legendary seafarers.  Each distinct voyage, ranging from nine to 18 nights, will offer historical insights into the sea commanders who first made history along the same routes. 

Drawing from its 63 years of tour and cruise experience, Cruise West promises one-of-a-kind voyages that will appeal to the history buff as well as the bold seafarer; traveling to places and sites that many people have only dreamed to venture.

“No other cruise line – big or small -- offers a journey as long or as varied as Voyages of the Great Explorers,” said Richard West, managing director and chairman of Cruise West who will host the inaugural departure from Singapore.  “A true explorer knows that smaller is better.  These voyages are designed to visit remarkable destinations; waterways and sites during the best time of the year, and only a small exploration ship can access many of these destinations.  Our guests also appreciate the casual but gracious environment that the Spirit of Oceanus provides.”

The Voyages of the Great Explorers includes visits to 242 ports of call in 59 countries and 85 UNESCO World Heritage sites while crossing 14 seas and oceans, transiting three canals -- Port Suez/Port Said (Suez Canal transit); Corinth Canal/ Corinth (Mycenae/Nafplion); and the Colon/ Panama Canal – as well as a voyage tied to The Famed Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Scotland’s colorful military musical spectacular..

Further exploration by Zodiacs and included  “Ultimate Explorer “ experiences will bring guests even closer to spectacular natural and historical wonders.  A hallmark of the Cruise West experience is engaging and thought-provoking presentations aboard every sailing.  These cruises will boast renowned guest lecturers, local experts and onboard Exploration Leaders who will expand upon the significance of the cultural and historical highlights as well as the explorers who left their mark. 

Chapters of the Voyage of the Great Explorers

1.      Marco Polo  - Ancient Trade Routes of the Mystic East, March 6 – May 5, 2010.  Four enticing voyages recall the ancient trade routes from Southeast Asia to the Mediterranean Sea.  Departing Singapore, the itineraries include visits to Thailand and Burma before exploring the Indian sub-continent and Sri Lanka. Then it’s on to historic Iran, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Jordan and Egypt, before concluding in Alexandria. 

2.      Odysseus and the Phoenicians  - [Back to Press Releases Main]