Press Release

SEE UP-CLOSE BARNACLES ON A WHALE’S TAIL AND HEAR THE ROAR OF A CALVING GLACIER  - Cruise West offers Nine-Day Itineraries To Explore Alaska’s “Inside Passage”

Jan 28 2005 12:00AM

This summer, Cruise West, the largest American-owned cruise line, is offering eco-adventure explorers and those seeking a distinctive vacation experience the opportunity to encounter Alaska’s majestic wildlife and rich culture up-close – from viewing spawning salmon to whales frolicking in the frigid waters to exploring a tiny Tsimshian village – with three selections of intimate nine-day itineraries that showcase the sights of Alaska’s acclaimed “Inside Passage.”

Beginning from $3,125 to $6,975 per person, double occupancy, the nine-day Inside Passage itineraries include shore excursions, port charges, onboard services, transfers and taxes, with rates varying according to departure date, itinerary selection and cabin accommodations. Guests can save on cruises with deposits made by February 25, 2005. For cruises departing before June 15, guests are eligible for early booking savings of $400 per couple and for cruises departing after June 16, guests can save $200 per couple. Reservations and brochures can be obtained by calling (800) 888-9378.

The three, nine-day Inside Passage itineraries offer guests a personalized opportunity to explore Alaska’s remote and narrow passageways that cannot be reached by the larger cruise lines. The 2005 summer Inside Passage itineraries include:

Alaska Inside Passage “A” and Alaska Inside Passage “AA”

Both Alaska Inside Passage “A” and Alaska Inside Passage “AA” cruises will sail between Ketchikan and Juneau and visit remote locales in Alaska, including Metlakatla, Alaska’s only Tsimshian community; Petersburg, a Norwegian-settled fishing and cannery town for a Scandinavian dance performance; Sitka, a Russian-influenced town and its national historic park; Frederick Sound for humpback whale watching and Glacier Bay National Park for cruising.

In addition to the above ports, the “A” Inside Passage features port calls at Skagway, which is the oldest city in Alaska and was once the gateway to the Gold Rush of 1898, and Haines, a city that borders 20 million acres of protected wilderness. The “AA” itinerary, in lieu of Skagway and Haines, features a stop at Fish Creek near Hyder for salmon-viewing opportunities. - more - 

“A” Departures are May 11-September 8, 2005, with prices ranging from $3,925 to $ 6,975 and “AA” sailings are June 24-August 27 with fares from $3,975 to $5,675.

Wilderness Inside Passage

This itinerary, sailing from Juneau, Alaska, guarantees that guests will see a whale or receive a $250 refund. The cruise offers guests the opportunity to venture into rarely visited remote islands and hidden coves such as the “ABC Islands” – Admiralty, Baranof and Chicagof – all of which are part of the world’s coastal temperate rainforest. Admiralty Island supports one of the largest bald eagle populations and has the highest bear density on earth. Guests can also explore the scenic Icy Strait via an inflatable excursion craft, which provides the chance for face-to-face, water-level encounters with humpback whales breaching, spouting and gorging themselves on plankton churned by the waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Departures are May 14-August 27, 2005, with prices ranging from $3,125 to $5,475.

Available in conjunction with all sailings are cruise tour options, such as Denali National Park and Preserve, which is home to Mt. McKinley, the highest peak in North America. The park also features one of the nation’s best spots for bird and other wildlife watching. Another tour option is the opportunity to stay at one of the remote wilderness lodges hidden deep in the interior of Alaska’s most spectacular natural settings.

 ~~ Up-Close, Casual and Intimate Cruising~

As the largest American-owned cruise line, Cruise West – a second-generation, family owned business, offers eco-adventure seekers 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 – eight in all – hold between 70-114 people each, and the casual style on board encourages relaxation and congenial interaction between guests and crew alike. The experience is personally enriching through 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.

For more information, 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.