Holidaymakers booked to travel with Cruise West were left in confusion today as the cruise line was apparently sold to an unknown buyer.

The Seattle-based operator – known for trips to Alaska - closed to new bookings as it began “restructuring under new owners”.

Pictured: Cruise West vessel Spirit of Discovery in Alaska

A recorded statement from Cruise West added: “As part of this process, we have suspended all new bookings, and our reservations centre is temporarily closed.”

The new buyer, however, was not named.

Around the World

The impact of the sale was immediately felt, with reports the line has suspended an epic 335-night world cruise aboard the company’s Spirit of Oceanus vessel.

Departing in March this year, the trip was scheduled to run until February 2011.

Cruise West is yet to confirm the journey had been cut short.

The line has been struggling financially for some time, taking out a $1.5 million loan earlier this year, while also exploring a sale and leaseback deal with Oceanus.

Cruise West’s website lists a fleet of 13 ships capable of carrying between 78 and 148 guests.

In addition to Alaska, the line offers departures Europe, Central America and Mexico.