Hi Everyone,
I received this press release from Cruise West and thought it would be
of interest. If you have missed any of my news' postings, they are
available on my web site.
Best regards,
Ray
LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
http://www.lighthousetravel.com
Cruise West to Refurbish Spirit of Yorktown With New Suites and
Upgrades
New Balcony Category and Art Program to be Added This Fall
SEATTLE, Aug. 27
Cruise West, the leader in small-ship cruising, will refurbish and
upgrade the 138-guest Spirit of Yorktown in fall 2007. Four Balcony
category cabins will be created that will include private teak-floored
balconies with enough room for a cafe table and chairs for two.
Numerous additional upgrades will be completed throughout the ship,
including redecoration and renovation of public corridors, lobby
areas, and the panoramic Observation Lounge, the ship's Living Room.
Updates will be completed in November and December, just in time for
the first Sea of Cortes Holiday cruise departing December 22, 2007.
The combined cost of all renovations is approximately $2 million.
"The Spirit of Yorktown is a beautiful ship that will look better than
ever," said Dick West, chairman and managing director. "We are
particularly pleased with the new art program, which gives us the
opportunity to share some of our cherished family memories. One such
piece is the beautifully hand- embroidered fur coat worn by my mother
during her coronation as Alaska's first Miss Alaska in 1936! Cruise
West strives to support local communities and create meaningful
cultural experiences for our guests, so it is fitting to include art
from Alaska, where our company has such deep roots.
"In addition to art from my family collection, we have commissioned
pieces from local Alaskan communities that we visit," said West. "The
community of Metlakatla has been commissioned to recreate a healing
blanket that adorns a wall in their Long House. This blanket
represents the healing of families from all tribes who have been
affected by drugs or alcohol. It's a very special piece which
incorporates the tribal symbols of the Alaska Native clans, and we
will be honored to have it onboard one of our ships."
The four Balcony cabins located on the sun deck will undergo an
extensive remodel that includes a new layout and the addition of queen
beds, mini refrigerators and private balconies, which will provide
sweeping views. New cabinetry, fixtures, carpet, and lighting will be
installed in the cabins as well. Discerning guests will enjoy the
added comfort and privacy.
Several upgrades were implemented spring 2007 to guest areas aboard
the Spirit of Yorktown, including new mattresses, carpeting, soft
goods and deck furniture. Additional upgrades to the lounge, where
guests enjoy lectures, beverages and congregating with fellow
travelers, will be completed in conjunction with the Balcony cabin
remodel. The lounge will receive new and reupholstered furniture, and
new carpeting, bookcase, ceiling and lighting. All cabins will also
receive new bedspreads and window treatments, and the beautiful
original watercolor paintings by renowned artist Marilynne Bradley
will be reframed to better display each piece. Bradley's work has been
recognized in museum exhibitions, accepted in major national juried
competitions, and included in many major corporate collections.
The five-week wetdock begins on October 23, 2007 in Alameda, CA. The
ship will welcome guests back on its December 22, 2007 Sea of Cortes
Whales & Wildlife cruise round trip from Cabo San Lucas.
The Spirit of Yorktown is the first ship to receive new art and
upgrades, and others in the Cruise West fleet will follow in the next
two years. For additional information regarding the Spirit of Yorktown
cruise itineraries to Alaska, California Wine Country and Mexico's Sea
of Cortes or any of Cruise West's other destinations and ships, call
your travel professional. |