The line operated nine small vessels that range in capacity from 78 to 138 passengers in the Americas, South Pacific and Asia.

On September 8, 2010, the line issued a press release stating that they were restructuring under new ownership, suspended all new bookings, and had temporarily closed their reservation center.

On August 19, 2007, the Spirit of Columbia ran aground in Latouche Passage in Prince William Sound.

The US Coast Guard sent two HH-60 helicopters, a C-130 aircraft, and the Cutter Sycamore to assist the crew free the vessel.

On July 7, 2008, the ship was cruising Tarr Inlet in Glacier Bay National Park when it ran aground on a silt bar.

[7] After the July 2008 grounding, the US Coast Guard released a statement revealing that Cruise West was part of a special program designed to review the company's safety procedures and maintenance records due to their recent string of incidents at sea.