Background of Cruise West
The Cruise West, an America company that is operated by a family, has its area of specialization in destination focused small ship cruises. The company started when the west family started offering Alaska tours close to fifty odd years ago, and grew accordingly. The focus is not on a cruise experience, but the destination. The operation aims at providing travelers with a glimpse into rewarding scenic landscapes, nature, flora and fauna, history and culture. The small ship intimacy is given an added enjoyment as most of the fellow travelers will be like minded persons, who are interested in nature, whale spotting and so on. There are a good number of rewarding destinations, and an exciting cruise is ensured.
Extremely conscious about the environment, the Cruise West has a policy that ensures no disturbance of habitat. The small sized ships make sure that destinations that big sized ships can only dream about are accessible. There are destinations offered to British Columbia, Snake Rivers amd the Wine country in California. There are also Mexican itineraries, Sea of Cortes and baja California.
Spirit of Endeavor – Overview
The Spirit of Endeavor comes back from Alaskan itineraries in the summer and sets off for an action packed Mexican season in the period from December to March. There are whale watching and water sports on offer, and these also can be inclusive of the add on train trips to the Copper Canyon in Mexico.
Spirit of Endeavor – Specifications and fast facts
Year at which entered service : 1983, the ship was extensively renovated in 1996
Port of Registry : United States
Gross Tonnage ( G R T ) : 95 G T
Maximum Cruising Speed : 13 knots
Capacity for passengers : 102 passengers
No of Decks plus accessible by passengers : 4 decks
No of Crew and staff members : 28
Nationality of Officers : American
Nationality of Cruise / Hotel Staff members : American
Destinations traveled : Alaska and Baja Mexico
Spirit of Endeavor – Tips and Gratuities
Tipping amount recommendations are found in travel leaflets, but guests are advised to tip what ever amount they deem fit.
Spirit of Endeavor – Access for physically challenged passengers
There are no passenger elevators abroad the Spirit of the Endeavor, and guests that require wheelchairs must get their own, preferably collapsible ones. There are some areas where accessibility may be a problem for disabled passengers because of physical conditions, but the staff and crew will certainly assist the physically challenged so as to facilitate access.
Spirit of Endeavor – Staterooms
All state rooms are equipped with an exclusive bath and shower, porthole or picture window and desk. There are different sizes of beds, standard, twin sized and larger.
Spirit of Endeavor – Facilities
There is a telephone as well as a t v monitor to view videos.
Spirit of Endeavor – Life on board
Dining
The open seated Resolution Dining Room has dining at fixed timings, and serves American and Mexican fare prepared by the 
thoughtful staff. There is a good number of entrees as well. There are cold drinks, coffee, cocoa and tea available all through the journey. There is also a decent wine list accompanying the dinner.
Other
Smoking is allowed outside only, with no smoking zones on board. The Sun Deck is a great place to hang out, and take in the sun.
Entertainment options
The adventurous nature of the Spirit Cruise eliminates any real need for entertainment, the whale spotting and wildlife spotting keeps excitement at a high level. There are small performances by groups at night times, and there are lectures by naturalists. There are also talent evenings where the crew and staff perform. The Explorer’s lounge has a collection of books and videos. There are gambles on the timing of the next whale sighting. There is a tiny bar at the back of the Explorers lounge.
All in all, the Spirit of Endeavor makes for an adventurous cruise experience, and provides an exciting array of attractions on board.