Press Release

SAIL THROUGH HISTORY AS CRUISE WEST EXPLORES ANCIENT DYNASTIES AND MODERN CULTURES IN ASIA

April 18, 2006

New Itineraries for 2007 Visit Vietnam, China and Japan


Seattle, WA, April 17, 2006 - Cruise West, the largest American-owned cruise line and leader in small-ship cruising, is once again pioneering a journey through history with two new itineraries for 2007. For the first time, Cruise West is offering guests the opportunity to explore the ancient capitals and modern cities of Vietnam on the line’s new Vietnam sailing. On the Treasures of the Orient voyage, Cruise West will explore four nations in Asia on a sailing through Northern Japan, South Korea, China and Vietnam. Both itineraries will sail aboard the company’s flagship and most luxurious vessel, the Spirit of Oceanus.

~Vietnam~

The Vietnam itinerary will explore the nation’s ancient capitals, experience the French colonial influences on architecture and cuisine, and enjoy the country’s blossoming cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Along the way, guests will sail through the majestic Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, discover Vietnam's rich past at the Cham Museum in Danang and temples at Nha Trang, and experience a cooking school in China Beach. The 11-night journey is offered on November 18, 2007, and November 26, 2007, starting at $4,199 per person.

Prior to and following embarkation on the Vietnam journey, guests will enjoy overnight stays in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. In Hanoi, Cruise West will arrange sightseeing of the Ethnographic Museum and a private dinner at the Temple of Literature, while in Ho Chi Minh City, guests will have a full-day tour of the Mekong Delta. Guests can also arrange a pre- or post-trip land tour of Cambodia with visits to the temples at Angkor, Artisans d’Angkor and Banteay Srei, as well as Phnom Penh.

~Treasures of the Orient~

Treasures of the Orient, an epic voyage beginning in Osaka and concluding in Hanoi, travels for 13 nights. As the Spirit of Oceanus sails southbound from Japan to Vietnam, guests will journey through time with visits to one of the most important Shinto shrines in Miyajima,

the Peace Park in Nagasaki, Cheonjiyeon Waterfall in Jeju Island, Korea, and Ha Long Bay. Guests will have the privilege of interacting with the monks of the Nanputao Temple in Xiamen, experience an acrobatic performance in Shanghai and have a cooking and art tour through Hong Kong with expert guides. The Treasures of the Orient tour starts at $6,499 per person and departs on November 6, 2007.

Prior to embarkation on the Treasures of the Orient voyage, guests will enjoy an overnight visit in Kobe. Following the cruise, guests will stay for two nights in the city of Hanoi, a bustling metropolis of pagodas, colorful markets and towering modern buildings. Guests also have the option of adding a five-night pre-cruise land tour of Kyoto and Nara or a five-night post-cruise land tour in Cambodia.

~ Up-Close, Casual and Personal Cruising ~

Cruise West 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 – ten in all – hold between 70-138 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.

To make reservations or request a brochure, visit www.cruisewest.com or call (800) 888-9378.

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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.