Cruise West protects your interests through participation in the following consumer protection efforts.

ASTA TOUR OPERATOR PROGRAM

The American Society of Travel Agents’ Tour Operator Program recognizes companies committed to TOP’s standards, which include belonging to a consumer protection plan which provides protection against financial loss, as well as adherence to ASTA’s Code of Ethics and Environmental Code.

FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION PROTECTION

Under Public Law 89-777, the FMC requires vessels having berth or stateroom accommodations for 50 or more passengers and which embark passengers from U.S. ports to maintain acceptable evidence of financial responsibility to indemnify passengers for nonperformance of transportation. Cruise West maintains an escrow agreement to protect passenger payments for water transportation. This escrow agreement has been reviewed and approved by the Federal Maritime Commission.

THE USTOA $1 MILLION CONSUMER PROTECTION PLAN

Cruise West, as an Active Member of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), is required to post $1 million with USTOA to be used to reimburse, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the USTOA Consumer Protection Plan, the advance payments of Cruise West customers in the unlikely event of Cruise West’s bankruptcy or insolvency. Complete details of the USTOA Consumer Protection Plan may be obtained by writing to 275 Madison Avenue, Suite 2014, NY, NY 10016 or by visiting their web site at www.ustoa.com.