Press Release

CRUISE WEST OFFERS A TROPICAL ALTERNATIVE TO THE WINTER HOLIDAYS

Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama Make for a White Sand Christmas

Jul 19 2005 12:00AM

Seattle, WA, July 19, 2005 – Travelers seeking to avoid the hustle and bustle that leads to holiday season stress can instead opt for warm weather, fun activities and the experience of traditional local holiday customs on two of Cruise West’s most distinctive Latin American Holiday Cruises.

As a second-generation, family-owned business, Cruise West understands the importance of spending the holidays with loved ones and has crafted outstanding itineraries that allow guests to celebrate together while also learning about local customs and traditions. With its relaxed, casual and intimate atmosphere, Cruise West gives guests the opportunity to sail through Christmas and New Year’s Day in the stunning locales of Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama while enjoying life-enhancing experiences without life-shortening stress.

Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, Whales and Wildlife

Cruise West’s eight-day, seven-night Whales & Wildlife holiday itinerary through the exotic Sea of Cortés, gives guests a rare present they will never forget as they embark on a journey to an area that holds many amazing wonders – some of which are found nowhere else on earth – while enjoying a traditional celebration in a not-so-traditional atmosphere.

The 102-guest Spirit of Endeavour takes guests on a search for up-close encounters with dolphins, humpbacks, minke and blue whales, and provides the chance to traverse between beautiful, serene islands, hike and kayak, and snorkel with sea lions. Among the locales they will explore on their journey include the 17th century mission of Loreto and the Old Baja atmosphere of La Paz.

With Whales & Wildlife holiday sailings departing on December 24 and 31, 2005, Cruise West offers opportunities to experience celebrations onboard that coincide with the celebrations on land. On December 24, Nochebuena, locals welcome the birth of Baby Jesus with fireworks and a feast, while Cruise West guests will enjoy a midnight feast of their own. On December 25, Navidad, the Mexicans traditionally attend a Christmas Mass and then celebrate with siestas. Cruise West will host its own siestas on the beach, followed by a day of relaxation.

New Year’s Eve, Vispera de Ano Nuevo is rung in with music, fireworks and parties till dawn. Onboard the ship, guests will also share a Champagne toast and a midnight buffet. While children receive their gifts on Three Kings Day, Dia de los Santos Reyes (January 6), Cruise West guests will spend the day in a Baja town, enjoying the festivities and delivering gifts to a local charity.

Whales and Wildlife itineraries begin at $2,199 per person, double-occupancy for the seven-night cruise. See the full itinerary at www.cruisewest.com/cortes.

Costa Rica & Panama, Between Two Seas

Departing December 18 or 27, 2005, the 100-guest Pacific Explorer sails to Costa Rica and Panama for 10 days of warm weather celebration both onboard and on the beach during the Between Two Seas holiday cruise. Cruise West decorates the ship for the season and tempts guests with Latin delicacies and desserts, such as rompope (egg nog) and the tamal, and takes part in entertaining parades, carnivals, parties and processions including posadas – the reenactment of the pilgrimage of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem.

The Pacific Explorer travels between Panama and Costa Rica through the Panama Canal and into nature’s wonderland, visiting Golfo Dulce, the Corcovado National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park and much more.

Other Between Two Seas holiday cruise highlights include a visit to the Kuna Indians on the San Blas Islands, discovering the legends of pirates and galleons in Portobelo, transiting the Panama Canal at eye-level, traversing three sets of locks, and exploring the emerald reaches of the Darién Jungle and meeting the Emberá villagers. Guests have the opportunity to observe more than15 species of coral near the Isla de Coiba National Park, stroll through the beautiful gardens of Orchid House and look for more than 100 mammal and 180 bird species at Manuel Antonio National Park. They will experience a world hidden from most others who visit this area and celebrate the holidays enriched by gentle cultures, vibrant wildlife and fragrant fauna.

The Between Two Seas Holiday Cruise begins at $3,799 per person, double occupancy for the 10-day, nine-night cruise. See the full itinerary on www.cruisewest.com/costa_rica.

 As part of Cruise West’s 2005-2006 season, tax and 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 – the largest American-owned cruise line – 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 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.