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.
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