Cruise West, a highly reputable outfit based in Seattle, is offering big discounts for advance bookings on its 2003Alaska cruises. In keeping with the yield management theory, the company will give you large discounts if you pay byDecember 6, 2002, somewhat less savings if you fork over the money by February 14, 2003.
Paying in full by December 6 can effect savings from $250 to $1,946 per person on a "doubled, early booking discount." Ifyou reserve and pay by Valentine's Day in 2003, the savings will range from $100 to $900 per person. The firm's Best PriceGuarantee includes free or reduced airfare, as well.
Their Alaska cruises subject to the deep discounts are scheduled from May 3 through June 15, 2003. For later cruises(June 16 through September 11, 2003), you get standard early-booking discounts, with the same deadlines, of $50 to $400 perperson.
Cruise West has a fleet of seven ships in its Alaska program, each carrying 70 to 114 guests. Its cruises range from 3 to13 nights, covering the full length of the Canada-Alaska Pacific coastline from Seattle to Nome (Alaska). Fares before theearly-booking discounts range from $949 for a "C" grade cabin on a three-night early-season Prince William Sound cruise toas high as $12,499 for a Grand Titan Suite on a mid-season 13-night Spirit of Oceanus voyage from Anchorage to the BeringSea.
All cruises emphasize the wildlife, glaciers, fjords, indigenous cultures and Alaskan history. The firm uses acombination of guest speakers, experienced locals and on-board exploration leaders to help passengers gain a deeperunderstanding of the passing scene, the types of wildlife, natural history, native cultures, and events from Alaska'sRussian and Gold Rush past.
For more information or to reserve space, phone Cruise West at 800/888-9378 or fax them at 206/441-4757. Their Website is www.cruisewest.com.