Press Release

CRUISE WEST RESPONDS TO EMPRESS OF THE NORTH EVACUATION

May 14, 2007

SEATTLE, WA, May 14, 2007 – At approximately 3 a.m. AKDT this morning, Cruise West’s vessel, Spirit of Columbia, was contacted by the U.S. Coastguard requesting response to an emergency evacuation in Alaska’s Icy Strait aboard the Empress of the North, a cruise ship operated by Majestic America Line. The Spirit of Columbia was approximately eight miles away from the incident. Upon receiving the request for assistance, the ship immediately went to the scene. The crew of Spirit of Columbia accommodated approximately 51 passengers who were transferred onboard from the Empress of the North via a gangway dropped onto the stern of the ship.

The passengers taken aboard the Spirit of Columbia were later transferred to the Alaska State Ferry Columbia, which was bringing the passengers to Juneau. Several other private vessels also assisted in the evacuation of guests. No injuries were reported.

The Spirit of Endeavour was also in the area and requested to assist. The ship is currently escorting the Empress of the North to Juneau.

“We were pleased our ships were in the vicinity and able to immediately respond and assist in the rescue operation,” said Cruise West’s President and CEO Jeffrey Krida. “Guest safety is always of paramount importance and our crew was well prepared to assist in this effort.”

For media inquiries, please contact Harriet Zois, Lou Hammond & Associates, at harrietz AT lhammond.com/212-891-0206; or Jerrol Golden, Cruise West, at jerrolg@cruisewest.com/ (206) 733-5692.

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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.