Seattle-based Cruise West ending operations, cancels all but 1 future cruise

Cruise West cancels all but 1 future cruise

SEATTLE — A small Seattle-based cruise line known for its Alaska vacations says it’s ending operations Saturday and canceling all but one of its scheduled trips.

Cruise West said Friday it has tried unsuccessfully for a year to sell the company or attract investors. Chairman Dick West says he is “absolutely heartbroken.”

The Federal Maritime Commission says passengers who paid by credit card or have third-party travel insurance should contact those companies. Those who paid by check can seek refunds for cruises that were to depart from U.S. ports under the terms of bonds that Cruise West was required to post.

Cruise West has offered small-ship cruises from Seattle to Alaska and along the Columbia and Snake rivers from Portland, Ore., as well as cruises to Mexico, Central America and beyond.

Information from: The Seattle Times, www.seattletimes.com