7 New Alaska Shore Excursions!

Hi Everyone,

I received this press release from Cruise West and thought it would be
of interest. If you have missed any of my news' postings, they are
available on my web site.

Best regards,
Ray
LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
http://www.lighthousetravel.com


CRUISE WEST INTRODUCES SEVEN NEW ALASKA SHORE EXCURSIONS
~ In-Depth, Personal Experiences Await on Alaska’s Shores ~

February 25, 2008
SEATTLE, WA, February 25, 2008 – Cruise West, the leader in small-ship
voyages to Alaska, will offer seven new shore excursions for 2008 to
complement the line’s eight distinctive Alaska itineraries.

Cruise West, which will have eight ships and 167 departures to Alaska
for the 2008 season, has more permits than any other line to enter
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. In total, Cruise West offers
more than 63 optional and 14 included shore excursions designed to
provide the type of life-altering experiences for which the line has
come to be known: from enjoying the warmth of a local Alaskan home,
hearing powerful wings flapping as a bald eagle takes flight or
snaring rainbow trout in their natural lake environment. Shore
excursions can be pre-booked online to guarantee guests get their
preference.

Guests on board Glacier Bay Highlights , Alaska’s Inside Passage or
the Gold Rush Inside Passage cruises will enjoy five new or revised
shore excursions in authentic Haines, known for its numerous artisans
and scenery. A sampling includes: The Chilkat Valley Photography Tour
that provides a rare opportunity for guests to focus on photographing
the stunning scenery and wildlife of the Chilkat Valley with a local
professional photographer. Guests can retrace John Muir’s footsteps on
the Haines Nature and Wildlife Expedition , which offers a
comprehensive bus and walking excursion through the local river
valleys or get an insider’s look with a knowledgeable local resident
of what makes Haines so special on Haines Highlights .

Two new shore excursions await guests who choose the Denali land tour
add-on in conjunction with their cruise. Anglers will take pleasure in
the new Denali Area Fly-Fishing excursion that will hone casting
techniques in the magnificent setting of Chavay Lake. The Midnight Sun
Dinner & Float in Fairbanks includes dinner at renowned Two Rivers
Lodge and a relaxing float down the Chena River.
For additional information or to book a Cruise West cruise, call your
travel professional. To view or book Alaska shore excursions, go to
www.cruisewest.com/excursions and follow the online prompts. All a
guest needs to pre-book is the specific cruise itinerary name,
departure date and a credit card. All online bookings must be made at
least 21 days in advance of departure date. In addition, shore
excursions may be booked onboard.

~ 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.

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 – 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
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, The U.S. eastern seaboard, the
Caribbean, Japan, the South Pacific, the Kuril Islands, and the Great
Lakes