Press Release

CRUISE WEST GIVES GUESTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE THE AMAZING WONDER OF RUSSIA’S FAR EAST ABOARD A VOYAGE TO THE BERING SEA - Travelers Explore the Extraordinary Lands and Waters from Anchorage and Beyond the Artic Circle on Cruise West’s Spirit of Oceanus

Feb 28 2005 12:00AM

Guests sailing one of Cruise West’s Voyage to the Bering Sea itineraries can now experience some of the world’s most spectacular, secluded wonders, including the remains of a 20-million-year-old petrified forest, a land where herds of reindeer flourish, and distant villages where cash, credit cards and stores do not exist – all in an intimate setting that big ships cannot provide. Throughout June, July and into August, travelers can choose from three 14-, 17- and 18-day Voyage to the Bering Sea itineraries starting at $8,015 per person, double occupancy.

Although guests will be traveling in luxury accommodations aboard Cruise West’s Spirit of Oceanus, the all-suite flagship, the exploration throughout the Bering Sea will cater to the most inquisitive adventure seekers. Cruise West begins its adventure wilderness cruising through the waters between the Alaska mainland and Kodiak Island, home to Alaska’s first Russian-American settlement.

At Katmai National Park, Cruise West guests have the opportunity to observe brown bears digging for clams while exploring the remote shoreline of Geographic Harbor, where the Arctic Tern (a small bird with the world’s longest migration – from the Arctic to the edge of the Antarctic ice pack – more than 21,750 miles) stops during its migration.

Visiting at the Shumagin Islands, conditions permitting, Cruise West guests will explore tidal pools and the tundra amidst the background of the active 8,200-foot Pavlov Volcano, which most recently erupted in 1997. Upon an off-boat excursion to remote islands, guests may spot wild musk oxen and reindeer while visiting islands such as fogbound Nunivak, part of the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge, established to support several migratory birds and other animals.

After clearing Russian customs, Cruise West guests will sail along the rugged shorelines of the Chukotka Peninsula. Novoye Chaplino, Yanrakynnot, Little Diomede or Savoonga – the “Walrus Capital of the World” – are among some of the Russian villages guests may visit with the opportunity to interact with villagers. Afterwards, the Spirit of Oceanus will sail far north, crossing the International - more - BERING SEA / 2 Date Line and the Arctic Circle, conditions permitting, where whale sightings, including those of grays, minkes, humpbacks and bowheads, are prevalent.

Guests also have the option of altering their itinerary to fit their adventure needs more specifically. On the Voyage to the Bering Sea, B itinerary, Cruise West features a Tundra Wilderness Tour at Denali National Park, in addition to the core itinerary as previously outlined. Throughout the tour that leads deep into the heart of the park, a guide will assist in spotting various wildlife, including moose, grizzly bears, caribou, Dall sheep and more. Several add-on options are available, including up-close flightseeing around Mt. McKinley, helicopter-borne hiking, whitewater rafting and float trips or horseback riding. This cruise will end by traveling by motorcoach to Fairbanks and an excursion on a sternwheeler riverboat on the Chena and Tanana Rivers.

On the Voyage to the Bering Sea D and DD itineraries, travelers stay at an extraordinary lodge of their choice, Redoubt Bay Lodge or Winterlake Lodge. Redoubt Bay Lodge, open during the fishing/bear season, features three rustic cabins that can accommodate up to 20 guests. The Lodge encompasses the excitement of the great terrain of Alaska, sitting on 171,000-acres of critical habitat area, which is home to many wildlife species. Winterlake Lodge is open year-round and has many alternate activities including dog-sledding along the historic Alaskan Iditarod Trail. Because of the dense bear population, bear-sighting is not unusual on the D and DD itineraries.

 ~ Up-Close, Casual and Personal Cruising ~

Cruise West -- a second-generation, family-owned business -- 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 – eight in all – hold between 70-114 people each, and the casual style onboard 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.

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.