Press Release

CRUISE WEST INTRODUCES SEVEN NEW ALASKA SHORE EXCURSIONS
~ In-Depth, Personal Experiences Await on Alaska’s Shores ~

February 25, 2008

SEATTLE, WA, February 25, 2008 – Cruise West, the leader in small-ship voyages to Alaska, will offer seven new shore excursions for 2008 to complement the line’s eight distinctive Alaska itineraries.

Cruise West, which will have eight ships and 167 departures to Alaska for the 2008 season, has more permits than any other line to enter Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. In total, Cruise West offers more than 63 optional and 14 included shore excursions designed to provide the type of life-altering experiences for which the line has come to be known: from enjoying the warmth of a local Alaskan home, hearing powerful wings flapping as a bald eagle takes flight or snaring rainbow trout in their natural lake environment. Shore excursions can be pre-booked online to guarantee guests get their preference.

Guests on board Glacier Bay Highlights , Alaska’s Inside Passage or the Gold Rush Inside Passage cruises will enjoy five new or revised shore excursions in authentic Haines, known for its numerous artisans and scenery. A sampling includes: The Chilkat Valley Photography Tour that provides a rare opportunity for guests to focus on photographing the stunning scenery and wildlife of the Chilkat Valley with a local professional photographer. Guests can retrace John Muir’s footsteps on the Haines Nature and Wildlife Expedition , which offers a comprehensive bus and walking excursion through the local river valleys or get an insider’s look with a knowledgeable local resident of what makes Haines so special on Haines Highlights .

Two new shore excursions await guests who choose the Denali land tour add-on in conjunction with their cruise. Anglers will take pleasure in the new Denali Area Fly-Fishing excursion that will hone casting techniques in the magnificent setting of Chavay Lake. The Midnight Sun Dinner & Float in Fairbanks includes dinner at renowned Two Rivers Lodge and a relaxing float down the Chena River.

For additional information or to book a Cruise West cruise, call 1-800-296-8307 or visit www.cruisewest.com . To view or book Alaska shore excursions, go to www.cruisewest.com/excursions and follow the online prompts. All a guest needs to pre-book is the specific cruise itinerary name, departure date and a credit card. All online bookings must be made at least 21 days in advance of departure date. In addition, shore excursions may be booked onboard.

~ Up-Close, Casual and Personal Cruising ~

Cruise West offers the opportunity to explore remote and distinctive destinations throughout North and Central America, Asia and the South Pacific. Small-ship cruising allows for personalized experiences not offered by larger cruise lines. Guest capacities aboard Cruise West’s nine ships range from 78-138. Guests may expect personal enrichment through onboard narrative and presentations by local experts. The ships’ forward lounges and ample outdoor deck space provide outstanding viewing opportunities, and inflatable boats allow for up-close exploration and shore landings.

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Cruise West – a second-generation, family-owned business based in Seattle – offers the opportunity to explore remote, worldwide locales by providing distinctive, one-of-a-kind, personalized itineraries not offered by the traditional larger cruise lines. Cruise West’s smaller ships – nine in all – hold between 78-138 people each, and the casual style onboard encourages relaxation and congenial interaction between guests and crew alike. The experience is personally enriching through expert Exploration Leaders providing onboard narrative and lectures, special local guests from a wide variety of backgrounds, and the library provided on each vessel. All have forward lounges and ample outdoor deck space for viewing and photographing wildlife and scenery. All vessels are also equipped with inflatable landing boats for close-up exploration of remote areas and shore landings.

Destinations served include: Alaska and the Bering Sea, British Columbia, Columbia & Snake Rivers, California Wine Country, Mexico's Sea of Cortés, Costa Rica & Panama, Japan, the South Pacific, and the Kuril Islands.