Press Release

EARLY-BOOKING FARE REDUCTIONS OF UP TO $600 PER COUPLE OFFERED ON MOST OF CRUISE WEST’S “AMERICAS EXPERIENCE" ITINERARIES

Jul 22 2004 12:00AM

Seattle, July, 2004 -- Small-ship operator Cruise West is offering early-booking savings of up to $600 per couple for new reservations on six of its soft-adventure itineraries, ranging from six to nine nights and featured in the new 85-page “The Americas Experience” 2005 brochure. Cruise West’s “Best Price Guarantee” ensures that early birds receive the lowest available rate of the season; if any subsequent consumer offer exceeds the value of the early-booking savings, the price difference will be refunded, even if the trip has been completed.

For bookings with deposits made six months prior to departure, travelers save $500 per couple on programs to Mexico's Sea of Cortés, and Costa Rica and Panama; $400 on sailings along the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest; and $300 on British Columbia cruises. Paying in full by the same deadline adds another $100 in savings. Reservations made three months out save couples $250, $200 and $150, respectively, with an additional $50 reduction awarded for full payment received at the time of booking.

The turquoise Sea of Cortés and surrounding desertscape of Baja California are the focus of the seven-night, eco-friendly "Whales and Wildlife" program, sailing roundtrip from Cabo San Lucas between January and March. Travelers explore uninhabited islands teeming with indigenous flora and fauna, snorkel off private beaches, whale watch, kayak up to sea lion rookeries and hike among the tangle of cacti and through red-rock canyons. Normal fares are $2,249 to $3,799, per person, double occupancy.

Three Central America itineraries -- the nine-night "Between Two Seas" to Costa Rica and Panama, December to March, $3,349 to $4,949; seven-night "Gems of Costa Rica," April, November and December, $2,099 to $3,499; and six-night "Family Adventure," June and July, $1,799 to $2,849, with children up to 50% off -- feature jungle hiking in search of exotic wildlife such as white-faced capuchin and howler monkeys, three-toed sloths and coatimundis; snorkeling and kayaking among tropical fish; and visiting historic sites and tropical gardens. Departures are roundtrip from San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital city, except "Between Two Seas," which travels in both directions between Panama City and San Jose, passing through the Panama Canal.

Retracing the historic route of Lewis and Clark's cross-country expedition along the Snake and Columbia rivers is the theme of the seven-night "River Voyage of Discovery," offered in March, April, September and October. The history-laden trip -- round trip from Portland, Ore. -- covers more than 1,000 miles and includes a jetboat excursion deep into Hells Canyon, and cruise stops at Bonneville Dam, Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge, Maryhill Museum and cavalry-era forts. Fares are $1,549 to $4,899.

British Columbia's spectacular fjords, rugged coast, emerald islands and picturesque ports are some of the highlights of the seven-night "Coastal Wilderness Cruise," sailing roundtrip from Seattle in April, September and October. Passengers browse art galleries and antique shops in an artists' colony, tour Vancouver's Stanley Park and world-famous Butchart Gardens in Victoria, attend a private organ recital on Orcas Island and search for pods of whales while the ship cruises between ports. Prices range from $1,449 to $3,649.

Cruise West ships accommodate up to 102 passengers; all have forward lounges and ample deck space for viewing and photographing wildlife and scenery. Cabins have private facilities; casual dress and open seating in the dining room contribute to the relaxed atmosphere on board. Exploration Leaders accompany each voyage and point out wildlife, flora and fauna, as well as discuss the cultures and history of areas visited during evening get-togethers.

Reservations, additional information and brochures can be obtained from travel agents and Cruise West, Suite 401, 2301 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121, telephone 800-888-9378; fax 206-441-4757; web site www.cruisewest.com ### Gillies and Zaiser 110 Riverside Drive New York, NY 10024 CW-16-July, 2004

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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.