Press Release

FORMER COSTA RICAN PRESIDENT RODRIGO CARAZO ODIO EXPERIENCES HOMELAND WITH CRUISE WEST’S “UP-CLOSE, CASUAL AND PERSONAL” STYLE

Feb 9 2006 12:00AM

SEATTLE, WA, February 9, 2006 – Cruise West’s famous exploration style has been a preferred choice for many over the years, and most recently one of Costa Rica’s own officials chose Cruise West to be his guide in a sailing of his homeland. Former president Mr. Rodrigo Carazo Odio and his wife, Mrs. Estrella Carazo, were guests aboard the December 7, 2005, Gems of Costa Rica sailing and enjoyed the vistas of the breathtaking country from the sea.

“Our trip with Cruise West was excellent, with superb service and attention from the crew,” said Carazo. “Costa Rica is always beautiful and just as impressive from the ocean.”

The Gems of Costa Rica cruise, which Carazo and his wife enjoyed, sailed aboard Cruise West’s Pacific Explorer. This eight-day itinerary traveled across the western coast of the country, visiting wildlife refuges and tropical isles along the way. Excursions included a bird-watching walk in Corcovado National Park, visiting the Casa Orquideas botanical garden, and snorkeling lessons in Isla de Coiba.

This year, Cruise West continues to explore Costa Rica with the Between Two Seas, Coast to Canal, and National Treasure of Costa Rica & Panama itineraries, available at various dates throughout 2006. While guests trek the countryside among giant anteaters and brilliantly colored toucans, they will also visit with native cultures, like the Kuna Indians, learning their indigenous dances and chants.

Carazo served as president of Costa Rica from 1978 to 1982. During his term, he founded the Peace University, an institution focused and dedicated on the study and promotion of world peace. Carazo still remains active in the political spectrum.

~~ Up-Close, Casual and Intimate Cruising~

As the largest American-owned cruise line, Cruise West – a second-generation, family owned business, 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 – ten in all – hold between 70-138 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.

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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.