Cruise West Returns to Vietnam in 2009

Cruise West (www.cruisewest.com), the global leader in small-ship exploration voyages and the largest American-owned cruise line, is reintroducing its Vietnam itinerary in 2009. Back by popular demand, Cruise West’s Vietnam voyage will take place upon the company’s flagship and most luxurious vessel, the 120-guest Spirit of Oceanus. The itinerary will give travelers the chance to experience Asian destinations such as Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Hue while discovering Vietnam’s architecture, art, and ancient shrines. Along the way, guests will sample traditional Vietnamese cuisine, enjoy beautiful dance, martial arts and colorful puppet theater.

The 12-day journey commencing in Hanoi and ending in Ho Chi Minh City will depart on November 21, 2009, and includes tours along the Gulf of Tonkin – some 1,600 mostly uninhabited islands and islets; Hue, the Imperial City on the Perfume River; the temples and picturesque fishing boats of Nha Trang and more. Other highlights include the Cham Museum, a special private performance of traditional martial arts in Qui Nhon and UNESCO World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay.

“Cruse West’s Asian itineraries are an important component of our goal to be an international cruise line,” stated Dietmar R. Wertanzl, newly appointed president and CEO of Cruise West. “The decision to reintroduce our Vietnam itinerary was an obvious one given the interest in the destination our guests continue to express.”

While onboard the SOO, Exploration Leaders and guest speakers will share information about the people and places visited throughout the itinerary. Cruise West’s Single Share Program is available on the Vietnam itinerary, allowing single travelers who are willing to share a room with another single traveler of the same gender to pay the double occupancy fare on the cruise. Prices start at $5,649 for double occupancy rooms.

An optional five-day Angkor Wat/Cambodia add-on includes tours of the Temples at Angkor Wat including the spiritual center of Ta Prohm, Tonle Sap Lake, a floating fishing village of homes, shops and deepwater rice paddies, Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.

For additional information, a complete itinerary or to book the Cruise West Vietnam Cruise, call 1-800-296-8307 or visit (http://www.cruisewest.com/destinations/vietnam).

~ 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. For more information, call 1-800-296-8307 or visit www.cruisewest.com.