Press Release

CRUISE WEST ANNOUNCES DISTINCTIVE CRUISES IN BAJA MEXICO
Early Booking Savings to Explore in the Wake of John Steinbeck, Kayak or Holiday Cruise

August 7, 2007

Early booking savings are available through the leading small-ship cruise line Cruise West as it offers five specialty cruises in the Sea of Cortés in December 2007 and January 2008 onboard the 138-guest Spirit of Yorktown. Guests can save up to $175 on the route that inspired author John Steinbeck if they pay their trip in full by September 14, 2007.

The special itineraries allow guests to explore in the company of expert scholars, hone photography skills, or celebrate the holidays Mexican-style on either the Christmas or New Year’s sailings. The itineraries are designed to allow guests to become intimately acquainted with Mexico’s family-friendly culture through enrichment-oriented interaction with local residents. Onboard kayaks help provide an up-close experience with the region’s prolific sea and bird life.

The December 22 Whales & Wildlife eight -day holiday sailing offers a traditional Mexican Christmas Eve including the late night feast, Nochebuena . On Christmas Day, guests will unwind on a remote beach with activities, free from the holiday rush. There will also be a gift-giving event in Loreto with local children whose infectious smiles and warmth will long be remembered. Guests on this departure will be the first to enjoy numerous upgrades aboard the Spirit of Yorktown including the remodel of four Deluxe cabins on the Sun Deck and the addition of private balconies, slated to be completed late fall 2007. The ship will ring in Feliz Año Nuevo on the December 29 sailing with a midnight toast and late night buffet. This cruise includes a stop in La Paz where guests celebrate the “Epiphany” or “Three Kings Day” at the La Paz Children’s Home.

Guests will sail in the company of John Steinbeck scholar Susan Shillinglaw of San Jose State University and Marine Biologist Bill Gilly, who will share the essence of Steinbeck’s journey through topical presentations, on the January 5 and 12, 2008 departures. Steinbeck was inspired by this remarkable area to write the book, The Log from the Sea of Cortez. The January 12 sailing also includes a special post-cruise philanthropic event at La Paz Children’s School for a painting party January 18-20. This event is offered through Cruise West’s philanthropy program, “Our Bear Cares.”

Photography buffs will enjoy the January 19, 2008 departure. PENTAX sponsored professional photographer, Kerrick James, will be on hand to coach guests on all aspects of photography and help them test drive PENTAX camera gear. All cruises sail round trip from Cabo San Lucas and include the picturesque seaside village and mission town Loreto and Isla Espiritú Santo, home to several plant and animal species only found on this island. Active guests will enjoy kayaking, snorkeling and nature walks at the serene islands Los Islotes & Isla Partida. Guests may also add-on a spectacular four-night Copper Canyon post-cruise land tour. Visit www.pentaxslr.com and www.kerrickjames.com.

Guests who take advantage of the early booking savings of $125 by booking and making a deposit by September 14, 2007, can save an additional $50 by paying in full; total savings $175 for sailings between December 2007 and March 2008. They can save up to $350 on departures in December 2008 when they book and pay in full by October 5, 2007.. Prices start at $2,399 per person and are based on double occupancy. The post-cruise La Paz Children’s School Paint Party is an additional $299 per person and space is limited.

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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.