Press Release

CRUISE WEST OFFERS SPECIALTY COSTA RICA & PANAMA CRUISES FOR FALL 2007

July 9, 2007

SEATTLE, WA, July 9, 2007 – The leading small-ship cruise line Cruise West is offering five specialty cruises in the paradise of Costa Rica & Panama this November and December 2007 onboard the 100-guest Pacific Explorer. Whether a photography or history buff, or interested in environmental issues, Cruise West’s compelling expert lecturers reveal mysteries and offer a uniquely satisfying learning experience. Guests may also enjoy the holidays Central American style on either the Christmas or New Year’s sailings, visiting a warm destination that is family-friendly and offers culture, sea and wildlife. Early booking savings are still available on these voyages with savings of up to $175 for guests who book and pay their trip in full by September 14, 2007.

The eight-day Coast to Canal departure on November 3 features Panama Canal expert and 30-year employee of the canal, Eileen Boyd, who will share her knowledge about the history and future expansion of the canal. Professional photographer and educator Charles Edwards joins the departure on November 10. Amateur photographers and novices who are looking to hone skills will enjoy Edwards’ approachable teaching techniques and vast experience in travel photography. His images have been featured in numerous galleries across the country.

Sustainable tourism has become a hot topic in the travel industry, and Cruise West’s Coast to Canal cruise provides the distinct experience of visiting untouched destinations and indigenous peoples that are difficult to reach other than by small ship. The December 1 cruise hosts expert Carlos Valerio, past professor at School of Biology and consultant to the National Institute of Biodiversity in Costa Rica, who will discuss the biodiversity, geology, climate and weather changes. Guests can expect this topic to complement the sights and sounds of this enriching voyage. All Coast to Canal cruises transit by day boat into parts of the Panama Canal and include tours of the Miraflores Lock, and visits to the remote Emberá Village in the Darién Jungle, Coiba National Park, Golfo Dulce, Caletas Beach and Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its prolific wildlife and bird viewing.

The December 18 Between Two Seas 10-day holiday sailing follows the route of the Coast to Canal itinerary and also includes the San Blas Islands and a Kuna Indian Village, Portobelo and traverses the entire Panama Canal. Festive Costa Rican and Panamanian holiday activities complement a fun, relaxing Christmas among secluded islands and remote villages. Ring in Feliz Año Nuevo on the December 27 New Year’s sailing amid the comforts and amenities of the Pacific Explorer with a midnight toast and a late night buffet. Spend New Years Day in Coiba National Park that is considered one of the top 10 diving and snorkeling locations in the world.

Take advantage of the early booking savings of $125 by booking and making a deposit by September 14, 2007, and save an additional $50 by paying in full; total savings $175. Prices are as low as $3,074 per person for the Coast to Canal and $4,024 per person for the Between Two Seas holiday cruises with the maximum early booking savings. Prices are based on double occupancy. Pre- and post-Costa Rica land extensions are available. All cruises depart from San José, Costa Rica and end in Panama City or reverse. For additional information or to book a Cruise West cruise, call 1-800-296-8307 or visit www.cruisewest.com.

---

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.