Majestic America Line Announces 2008 Schedule Showcasing an Extraordinary Collection of American Travel Experiences
Leader in American river and coastal cruising is committed to providing discerning guests with one-of-a-kind American travel experiences through expanded offerings, theme cruises and enrichment programs

SEATTLE, May 22 
Majestic America Line, one of the world's premier river cruise lines and the largest river and coastal cruising company in America, will broaden its amazing collection of great American travel experiences in 2008 to include 238 departures to some of the most distinct regions of the United States. The company's fleet of seven boutique river and coastal cruise ships will ply the mighty waters of the Mississippi, Ohio and tributary rivers; the Columbia and Snake Rivers in the Pacific Northwest and the breathtaking waterways of Alaska's Inside Passage.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070522/AQTU096 )

Reservations are being accepted now and guests are encouraged to book early for the best values, choices of departures and accommodations.

"We're pleased to announce our 2008 programs, which represent an unmatched selection of the most extraordinary American travel experiences available today," said David A. Giersdorf, President, Majestic America Line. "We take great care to ensure that every Majestic America Line voyage showcases the culture, history and natural wonders of each destination. Our fleet is uniquely designed to provide intimate access to the many wonders of America."

America's Heartland and Lower Mississippi

Majestic America Line's three river cruise ships home-ported on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers - the grand American Queen, the magnificent Mississippi Queen and historic Delta Queen - will return to the region with a number of new itineraries and many included shore excursions. With a year-long schedule and departures from major ports such as New Orleans, Memphis, St. Louis and St. Paul, Majestic America Line's guests will have more opportunities than ever to soak up Cajun culture in New Orleans, walk in the footsteps of American icon Mark Twain in Hannibal, Mo. and feast their eyes upon the fabled countryside, along the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers, that gave America such legends as Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone.

A new New Orleans-themed cruise kicks off on the Lower Mississippi River season, with seven-night sailings from January 12 through February 28, 2008. This roundtrip journey from the colorful Crescent City allows guests a full extra day to explore New Orleans, with included shore tours such as a moving visit to the National World War II Museum or, on a more festive note, a trip to Mardi Gras World for a behind-the-scenes look at how this world-famous celebration comes together.

With 117 Mississippi and Ohio River sailings ranging from seven to 14 nights, Majestic America Line offers guests an unparalleled array of choices to customize their American travel experience. Rates for the popular seven-night programs start at $1,799 per person with 2-for-1 saving applied based on double occupancy.

The Columbia and Snake Rivers of the Pacific Northwest

Majestic America Line will again offer three boutique cruising options to discover this unique region: the 223-guest Empress of the North, 142-guest Queen of the West and 150-guest Columbia Queen. Guests will retrace the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, and see first-hand the dramatic contrasts of the Pacific Northwest landscape - from lush coastal forests to the golden, rolling wheat fields of Eastern Washington and Oregon. A trip through the majestic Columbia River Gorges takes guests through eight locks and dams and transports them from sea level to an elevation of 738 feet. Shore excursions are included to further enrich the experience, allowing guests to gain a deeper understanding of Native American arts and culture at Tamastslikt Cultural Center, marvel at the awe-inspiring Mt. St. Helens Volcanic Observatory or take a jet boat ride on the Snake River into Hells Canyon, North America's deepest canyon.

With 80 sailings to choose from between March and December, rates for the seven-night program start at $1,899 per person with 2-for-1 saving applied based on double occupancy.

Alaska's Inside Passage

The Empress of the North will journey deep into Alaska's Inside Passage during the summer months. A series of seven-night roundtrip voyages from Juneau provide guests with an unparalleled view of America's last frontier, including plenty of opportunities to see Alaska's breathtaking glaciers and abundant wildlife. Expert onboard naturalists travel on every journey and custom-designed shore excursions such as a trip into Glacier Bay National Park are included in the cruise price.

The intimate, 48-guest Contessa will join the Empress, sailing seven-night excursions between Ketchikan and Sitka. The Contessa will afford guests the opportunity to visit ports such as Silver Bay, Misty Fjords, Dawes and Sawyer Glaciers and more. The ship's catamaran hull and open top deck allow for close-up access to Alaska's majestic sights.

An Alaskan journey on board the Contessa also includes some remarkable shore excursions, such as hiking and kayaking adventures in Thomas Bay, at the foot of the LeConte Glacier.

With 41 sailings to choose from between April and September, rates for the seven-night program on board the Empress of the North start from $2,999 per person with 2-for-1 saving applied based on double occupancy. Rates for the Contessa start from $2,899 per person with 2-for-1 saving applied based on double occupancy. These rates include a choice of either roundtrip airfare from Seattle to the Alaska point of departure or $400 roundtrip airfare credit per person.

Early Bookings Ensure the Best Choices and Value

With intimate, boutique ships and 2-for-1 early advantage savings, these popular American river and coastal cruises will fill up quickly. In addition to the cruise itself, select shore excursions, soft drinks, specialty coffees, on board enrichments and entertainment programs are all included in the price of a Majestic America Line cruise.

For additional information, contact Lighthouse Travel at 800-719-9917.

About Majestic America Line

Majestic America Line is the premier river and coastal cruising company in the United States, offering uniquely American cruise itineraries that provide an extraordinary travel experience.

With a fleet of seven U.S.-flagged and built ships, Majestic America Line travels America's great rivers and coastal waterways from Alaska and the Pacific Northwest to the Heartland and the Lower Mississippi. The company's specially designed ships deliver an unequalled boutique cruise experience that combines an unmatched attention to quality with deluxe comfort and warm, attentive service from an American crew.

Based in Seattle, Majestic America Line is a division of Ambassadors Cruise Group, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ambassadors International, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMIE).