Press Release

CRUISE WEST OFFERS GLACIER BAY ALTERNATIVE FOR AGENTS AND GUESTS

Oct 25 2005 12:00AM

Seattle, WA – October 25, 2005 – With the recent announcement of Glacier Bay Cruiseline’s decision to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, travel agents seeking to book their clients on commissionable small-ship cruises to Alaska can consider Cruise West and its two new itineraries for 2006 – Glacier Bay Highlights and Best of Both Worlds – as well as its full roster of Alaska sailings as an alternative.

Cruise West, North America’s largest small-ship cruise line, offers a choice of either a 3- or 4-night getaway sailing that allows guests the opportunity to sample the soaring sanctuary of Alaska’s stunning Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve on the Glacier Bay Highlights cruise; or 8-night voyages offering the Best of Both Worlds with daytime yachting exploration plus overnight cruising. In all, Cruise West offers more ports of call in Alaska than all other cruise lines combined, and more of the very limited entry permits to Glacier Bay National Park than any other line in the world.

“There is no doubt that the demand for the small-ship cruise experience in Alaska remains strong among both agents and clients,” said Richard G. West, chairman and CEO of Cruise West. “We want our partners in the travel agent community to be aware that, despite the current financial challenges that one Alaska operator is facing, there are still outstanding options, such as ours, in the marketplace who look forward to working with them in the days, months and years ahead.”

~ Up-Close, Casual and Personal Cruising~

Cruise West – a second-generation, family-owned business, has had a presence in Alaska dating back to 1946 when its founder, the late Chuck West, served as a bush pilot. Today, Cruise West 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 78-120 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.

For more information, visit www.cruisewest.com or call (800) 426-7702. Media can also visit www.louhammond.com for additional information and images.

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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.