Press Release

CRUISE WEST ENHANCES 2008 CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRY ITINERARIES
Added Onboard Lectures, Wine Tastings & Land Tours Heighten Guest Experience

August 11, 2008

SEATTLE, August 11, 2008 – Cruise West, America’s leading small-ship cruise line, has enhanced 2008’s three-night Culture of the Vine and four-night Vintner’s Choice cruises to highlight even more of the California wine region’s outstanding culinary offerings. Each day features added topical onboard lectures and wine tastings led by a wine expert as well as a robust land program with tours at select wineries and delectable meals at renowned local dining establishments.

“The California Wine Country Cruises are designed for both wine novices and connoisseurs who seek a personalized wine country experience,” said President & CEO Dietmar R. Wertanzl. “There is romance of being on a small-ship;it’s like your own personal vessel with the camaraderie of like-minded individuals. A romantic couple or friends who just want a fun getaway with a designated ‘driver’ can enjoy sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset with a glass of sparkling wine in hand, viewing the dazzling evening lights of San Francisco and circumnavigating infamous Alcatraz. The three or four days spent wining and dining onboard and on land are a feast for the senses.”

The five-day/four-night Vintner’s Choice itinerary highlights Napa Valley, Sonoma and the charming town of Sausalito. Cruising up the Napa River from San Francisco Bay, guests step ashore in Napa and into the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA). There, guests will be immersed in a wine blending workshop that includes the five Bordeaux grape varietals, will savor a three-course “chef’s selection” lunch paired with wine at renowned Auberge du Soleil and will taste the sparkling wines of Mumm Napa during a tour of the facilities. and gallery.

In Sonoma, guests will have the option to explore Sonoma’s historical district or participate in a choice of optional excursions including: The Cabernet Lovers Limo Tour; an Olive Press tour; or a thrilling hot air balloon ride. That afternoon oenophiles will learn “tasting techniques”at award-winning Chateau St. Jean and indulge in a cheese, charcuterie and winetasting at St Francis Winery, known for its outstanding wines and gorgeous setting. This itinerary on the138-guest Spirit of Yorktown round trip San Francisco departs September 15, 22, 29 and October 6 and 13, 2008and begins at $2,049 per person, round trip.

The four-day/three-night Culture of the Vine itinerary, also on the Spirit of Yorktown , round trip San Francisco, departs September 19, 26 and October 3 and 19, 2008 and begins at $1,349 per person. In Napa, guests will taste four wines of note at a private tasting at boutique winery Alpha Omega followed by a tasting at Merryvale Vineyards, the first winery built in the Napa Valley following the repeal of Prohibition. Revelers will capture the spirit of Bacchus at Clos Pegase Winery, enjoying a three-course lunch in the on-site cave theater, complemented by three of the winery’s favorite products

Highlights in Sonoma will include a tour and tasting of Reve Blanc de Blancs and Brut Rose at sparkling wine producer Domaine Carneros as well as a private tram tour of the vineyard and cave at Benzinger Family Winery, followed by a lesson in the company’s biodynamic farming principles.

For more information or to book a California Wine Country cruise, call 1-800-296-8307 or visit http://www.cruisewest.com/destinations/california_wine_country/ .

~ Up-Close,Casual and Personal Cruising ~

Cruise West offers the opportunity to explore remote and distinctive destinations throughout North and Central America, Asia and the South Pacific. 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 onboard narrative and presentations by local experts. The ships’ forward lounges and ample outdoor deck space provide outstanding viewing opportunities, and inflatable boats allow for up-close exploration and shore landings.

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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.