CRUISE WEST WAIVES FUEL SURCHARGE

AND EXTENDS ALASKA EARLY BOOKING PROMOTION

~Savings of up to $1,210 per Cabin on Popular 2009 Alaska Inside Passage Cruises~

Cruise West, the global leader in small-ship exploration voyages and the largest American-owned cruise line, is extending the Alaska early booking discount and waiving the fuel surcharge for guests who book and pay in full by January 30, 2009. In addition, to encourage new guests to book any Cruise West itinerary, the company is waiving the fuel surcharge on all 2009 cruise itineraries for guests who pay in full by the final early booking discount date. Guests can save up to $690 for a 24-night cruise, based on double occupancy, with the fuel surcharge promotion. Cruise West guests can combine this value with early booking incentives to save additional dollars.

“We realize that in this challenging economy guests are booking their vacations closer to their departure date,” remarked President and Chief Executive Officer Dietmar R. Wertanzl. “Our inclusive pricing along with these added incentives ensure that our guests can continue to enjoy our experience-rich cruises without going over what, for many, is a more conservative vacation budget.”

By booking and paying in full on new or existing reservations by January 30, 2009 guests can save up to $1,210 per cabin, double occupancy, on a 2009 eight-night/nine-day Alaska’s Inside Passage cruise, including one-night hotel accommodations in Juneau. This savings reflects both the early booking discount and waived fuel surcharge promotion. The Alaska Inside Passage itinerary starts at $3,999 per person, based on double occupancy. Alaska cruises range from three-night/four-day to 24-night/25-day and start at $1,149 per person before savings are applied. This promotion may be applied to existing bookings.

The fuel surcharge will be waived on all Cruise West itineraries that depart in 2009. Guests must pay in full by the final early booking discount date of January 17, 2009 for fall Japan; February 6, 2009 for Grand Asia, and Vietnam; and March 27, 2009 for Panama & Costa Rica, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, Columbia & Snake Rivers, and British Columbia to have the fuel surcharge waived and receive maximum early booking discounts of up to $2,310 per cabin for Grand Asia, double occupancy. To view all of Cruise West’s itinerary options or to book a Cruise West cruise, call 1-800-689-1783 or visit http://www.cruisewest.com/.

All Cruise West voyages offer authentic, life-changing journeys and pricing includes an excursion in every port, transportation to/from the airport, as well as the line’s signature Exploration Leaders who share insightful information on the flora, fauna, culture and history of the region. As always, gratuities are neither expected nor required onboard.

~ Up-Close, Casual and Personal Cruising ~

Cruise West offers the opportunity to explore remote and distinctive destinations throughout North and Central America, Asia, South Pacific and Europe. Small-ship cruising allows for personalized experiences not offered by larger cruise lines. Guest capacities aboard Cruise West’s nine ships range from 78-138. Guests may expect personal enrichment through insightful shore programs, onboard narrative and presentations by local experts from a wide variety of backgrounds. In addition, destination specific materials and an array of books are provided in the onboard library on every vessel. Cruise West considers it a privilege to access some of the world’s most pristine wilderness areas and culturally rich countries. With this in mind, Cruise West views itself as good stewards and encourages crew and guests to act responsibly with respect to the environment and diverse cultures visited.