Press Release

CRUISE WEST CELEBRATES LEWIS & CLARK’S BICENTENNIAL AND THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF MT. ST. HELENS’ ERUPTION

Guests Prepare for Special Anniversary Voyages with Cruise West

Jul 11 2005 12:00AM

Seattle, WA, July 11, 2005 – Two hundred years ago, Lewis & Clark’s journey to the Pacific Ocean ended and, as they prepared for their return voyage, history was shaped. Cruise West, the largest American-owned cruise line and the longest continually operating line on the Columbia & Snake Rivers, celebrates Lewis & Clark’s conquest and this historic time by offering a River Voyage of Discovery: Bicentennial Edition with an eight-day journey in September and October 2005 and April 2006, beginning at $1,675 per person, double-occupancy. Cruise West is also offering an exciting extended stay option to travel to Mt. St. Helens, which erupted 25 years ago and is, again, active.

On the River Voyage of Discovery, Cruise West guests will sail round trip from Portland, Ore., along the Willamette River to view the city’s downtown skyline. Onboard Exploration Leaders bring to life this epic expedition, sharing information and details of the remarkable Lewis & Clark journey. Guests will tour Multnomah Falls, pass through The Dalles and the John Day Lock and Dam. Over the course of Day Three, guests will cruise from the Columbia River into the Snake River, later using inflatable excursion craft to explore rugged cliffs and buttes along the shore, weather and water conditions permitting. Next, guests venture through Hells Canyon on jet boats and learn the story of Nez Perce, a native Indian tribe, and their interaction with Lewis & Clark.

After exploring the town of Walla Walla and reliving history at the Fort Walla Walla Museum, Cruise West guests will spend a day at the Maryhill Museum, then the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, and on to the dramatically beautiful Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area. At Fort Clatsop National Historic Park, guests stand in Lewis & Clark’s footsteps and visit the reconstructed log fort where they spent the winter of 1805 planning their return voyage. Finally, the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center in Ilwaco, Wash., explains the incredible story of the expedition and offers magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean.

Cruise West’s celebration itinerary provides guests with the option of a pre- and post-cruise extended stay at Mt. St. Helens (post-cruise only) or Portland, Ore. (pre- or post-cruise). The Mt. St. Helens option offers guests the opportunity to experience what happened on May 18, 1980, when the volcano suddenly exploded, wreaking havoc on surrounding areas. Guests will travel high into Washington’s Cascade Range to the spectacular Mt. St. Helens National Monument with a local expert guide, climbing 3,000 feet, while learning the unforgettable eruption story. This package is available for an additional $155 per person, double-occupancy, which includes one night’s hotel accommodations and one transfer. The second option, in Portland, is available before or after the cruise and includes one or more night’s hotel accommodations and one transfer.

The Lewis & Clark River Voyage of Discovery: Bicentennial Edition cruises on the Spirit of Alaska, Cruise West’s 78-guest vessel; Spirit of Discovery, an 84-guest ship; and Spirit of ’98, the 96-guest craft.

As part of Cruise West’s 2005-2006 season, tax and gratuity fees are included in all package prices. Guests are neither expected nor required to tip for onboard services.

~ 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 70-120 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 ships 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) 203-8306.

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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.