<BR>I've taken many cruises, everything from a Windjammer to the New Mega Ships and want something different. Can someone tell me what makes Cruise West special. Any advice or suggestions?

<BR>Hi Fran, <BR> <BR>Cruise West is a family owned cruise line with 7 small boats with the largest sailing with only a few more than 100 guests. <BR> <BR>You can sail up close to whales, glaciers (calving), waterfalls, seals, otters, sea lions and possibly a bear or two or a mountain goat. <BR> <BR>The naturalists on board are extremely experienced and its more or less on a one-to-one basis. <BR> <BR>Truly a unique experience for exploring Alaska (if that is where you are planning to go). <BR> <BR>Paul

<BR>Paul and others, <BR>I'm actually doing the Wine country from San Fran. Was wondering what the dinner dress will be. I tend to dress every evening on a "regular" cruise and am not sure if dresses and skirts will be appropriate for a Cruise West cruise. <BR>Thanks for add'l info.

<BR>Hi Fran, <BR> <BR>Cruise West is definitely casual. Not to say resort wear is not worn. Your dresses and skirts will not be out of place with some casual accessories. You may be taken for a princess. <BR> <BR>Paul

<BR>Paul, <BR>I am a princess! <BR> <BR>I get the impression that the passengers on Cruise West are affluent, adventurous types who would be likely to climb Mt Everest. What do you think or recall from your cruise?

Hi Fran, <BR>My husband and I did the wine country on the Spirit of Endeavor last fall. We had never been on any ship like this before and were pleasantly surprised. There are no keys given out and your cabins can only be locked while you are in the room. This worked fine for us. Food is very good. People are very friendly - some well-travelled, others may be on their first cruise. Wine experts are on each cruise and sell their wine as well. Dress is very casual - many people do not even change for dinner. Warm clothes are a must as it's quite cool - it was misting in SanFran when we arrived. We had a cabin near the lounge - not a "deluxe" but the next level (it was all that was left as we booked at the last minute). Recently refurbished, Waverly print featherbeds - quite comfortable - small bathroom and enough storage space. We travelled only with one rollaboard each (carry-on size) and had more than enough stuff. Enjoy!

<BR>Excellent post Joann. Also I believe the passengers are evenly split ..... historical, scenic, adventurous. Quite a mix of ages from middle-age to seniors. Not too many seniors would kyack and climb mountains. <BR> <BR>Paul

<BR>Non locking doors is nice to know, that's the kind of information I'm looking for. Those things that make Cruise West different. I have seen that on a ship before however was not warned beforehand. Any more advise/suggestions.

One other thing - all shore excursions were included in the price. Lunch one day was a picnic type at one of the wineries - nice Italian light lunch. Wine was also included with that lunch and with dinners on the ship. I guess we must have had lunch ashore another day but I'm having a senior moment and can't remember. <BR>Upon arrival in San Francisco we were not allowed to board the ship until the stated time. They had a shuttle (bus) to take anyone who wanted to go, down to the Fisherman's wharf area to pass the time. And upon disembarkation every single crew member/staff/etc was lined up on the pier to shake everyone's hand. It was a nice ending to a nice cruise.

<BR>Joann, <BR>Thank you so much for your add'l info as I also posted a question on the US board about getting from the dock to Fisherman's Wharf or Pier 39. This definitely answers my question, as I did not want to hang around for 4 hours at the pier. I'm also glad to hear the food is good, I'm not necessarily looking for gourment but rather just plain ole "good". I really feel the food on cruise ships in general has declined in the last 20 years.

Just completed the four night wine cruise last week and there are a few modifications from these posts. Cruise West now uses the Sheraton at Fisherman's Wharf as their meeting point. If arriving at San Francisco airport you are bussed to the Sheraton where CW reps are stationed to check you in. They take your luggage at the hotel and you are then free to wander around San Francisco until the appointed time to be transferred to the ship (around 315-330 bus loading at hotel). This is quite nice and allows some time for looking over the wharf, etc. <BR><BR>Our cruise was pretty much as described above. This is one excellent product. They offer the one took as well as a shorter one that only has three nights, more of a long weekend. Ours departed on a Monday with boarding around 4 and returned to San Francisco on Friday morning around 830 or so. We look forward to more cruises with Cruise West.