Press Release

COUPLES SAVE UP TO $3,600 ON 2005 ALASKA ITINERARIES WHEN BOOKING EARLY WITH CRUISE WEST; LOWEST PRICE IS GUARANTEED Admiralty Island

Sep 20 2004 12:00AM

Seattle, September, 2004 -- Cruise West is guaranteeing the lowest rate to early bird travelers and offering reductions of up to $3,600 per couple on 2005 Alaska itineraries when booked and paid in full by December 10 for departures before June 15; and up to $2,000 for sailings after June 15. After December 10, couples can still save as much as $1,800 for fully paid reservations through February 25. Solo travelers are eligible for half the couple's savings. Cruise West's new "2005 Alaska Experience" brochure details the company’s 12 four- to 25-day cruise itineraries, land options and numerous passenger programs, including the early-booking guidelines.

Fare reductions are calculated according to itinerary and booking date, when full payment is received and departure date. The maximum savings applies to the December booking deadline. Cruise West’s lowest fare guarantee means that passengers can book with confidence -- any subsequent consumer offer that lowers the price below the early-booking price will result in a refund of the difference, even after the trip is completed.

Cruise West's fleet of small ships, carrying 70 to 114 passengers, nose through narrow waterways and picturesque coves away from traditional shipping lanes and flexible sailing schedules allow for unplanned stops to view wildlife. Passengers are treated to up-close, casual and personal exploration of the Great Land's unspoiled wilderness -- towering snowcapped mountains, glaciers, deep fjords, ice floes, fishing hamlets, native villages and wildlife such as whales, bears, moose, caribou and bald eagles.

Exploration leaders -- experts trained in regional history, cultures, wildlife, ecology and geology -- accompany voyages and shore excursions, and present lectures onboard. The sounds of pale-blue glaciers calving, chatter emanating from seabird rookeries and whales slapping their tails against the water are heard without the distraction of the noise and crowded decks common to larger ships. Outings on inflatable excursion craft and passenger decks that are mere feet above the water surface bring travelers to the center of the action. All ships have forward, glass-enclosed lounges and ample outdoor deck space for viewing and photographing wildlife and scenery.

Prices range from $1,149 per person, double for a four-day "Glacier Wonderland" cruise of Prince William Sound in the spring to $19,499 for a mid-season departure of the extraordinary 25-day "In Harriman's Wake" sailing on Cruise West’s flagship, the 114-passenger all-suite Spirit of Oceanus -- a 3,600-mile exploration of British Columbia, Alaska, the Aleutians and Far East Russia. Fares include shore excursions and port charges.

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

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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.