Press Release

CRUISE WEST EXPLORES AN ANCIENT PARADISE WHERE EXOTIC LEGENDS COME TO LIFE DURING NEW 2006 SOUTH PACIFIC VOYAGES OF DISCOVERY

Spirit of Oceanus Helps Passengers Experience Life Beyond the Ordinary

Mar 10 2005 12:00AM

For the guests sailing to the South Pacific on Cruise West’s Spirit of Oceanus, life as they know it may never be the same after experiencing any one of four different voyage of discovery itineraries available in 2006. The largest American-owned cruise line will provide a rare opportunity for those with inquisitive minds and a spirit of adventure to unlock the mysteries of Pacific Island culture with intimate and inspirational sailings onboard its premier all-suite flagship.

Cruise West’s South Pacific itineraries begin with the Holidays in Paradise voyage, scheduled to depart on December 20, 2005. Richard G. West, the line’s Chairman and CEO, along with his wife Leslie and their family, will join Cruise West guests on this maiden voyage as “holiday hosts” venturing to discrete lands such as Papeete, Tahiti and Vostok Island, Kiribati where, on land, nine-pound coconut crabs are spotted and, underwater, guests find themselves in the midst of a marine extravaganza. The Holidays in Paradise voyage is priced beginning at $4,949*.

Departing January 1, 11 & 21, 2006, the Spirit of Oceanus will delve into the depths of exotic Tahitian culture and wildlife during the Island Sanctuaries itinerary, starting at $4,149*. While traveling through the breathtakingly pristine Society Islands and sailing to the remote Tuamotu and Marquesas Islands, guests will venture onto volcanic and coral islands and meet locals whose rich culture is evident in their handicrafts.

Cruise West’s Pearls of Polynesia voyage crosses the International Dateline and explores untouched rainforests, coral reefs and spectacular waterfalls through the Fiji Islands, Cook Islands and Society Islands. Guests discover atolls and motus (small islands that are part of a coral reef) and even travel by inflatable craft to view nesting birds up-close. The Pearls of Polynesia trip departs February 4, 2006, and starts at $5,149*.

Ending the South Pacific experience, the Legends of the Pacific cruise sails February 16, 2006, and offers travelers the chance to visit remote and spectacular island chains. The Legends of the Pacific consists of distinctive combinations of age-old primitive island cultures, remnants of World War II sites in the Pacific and some of the most amazing underwater adventures on Earth, such as diving among rich coral reefs to view manta rays in their natural habitat. Cruise West guests will meet residents of villages who live as their ancestors did, with chieftains and medicine men still residing. The Legends of the Pacific voyage begins at $5,999*.

*Prices are per person, double occupancy and include taxes, port charges, fees and onboard services. Those who book their cruises and pay in full nine months prior to their departure can save up to $800 per person.

~ 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.

---

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.