HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
Contact:
Rose Abello
Phone: 800/637-5029 (Not
for publication.)
206/281-3535; 206-313-7673 cell phone
Fax:
206/262-5934 E-mail: pr@hollandamerica.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE’S NEW MS NOORDAM
WILL SAIL MAIDEN
VOYAGES TO CARIBBEAN FROM NEW YORK IN 2006
Seattle, June 20, 2004 – With the newest vessel in Holland America Line’s premium cruise fleet just eight months away, bookings for cruises from the newest and one of the most convenient Caribbean homeports are gathering steam. Eleven sailings will depart New York for the southern and eastern Caribbean, beginning with the maiden voyage of the 1,848-passenger Noordam on February 22, 2006.
“Sailing from New York provides millions
in the metro area with easy drive-up access to a winter vacation destined for
the sunny Caribbean,” said Rick Meadows, CTC, senior vice president,
marketing and sales. “It’s an ideal location for our newest
ship . Guests from the area can start their vacation immediately and not
spend time on a plane getting to their cruise.”
New York Caribbean cruises feature a 10-day Eastern Caribbean program that visits new port of call Grand Turk, Turk and Caicos; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Winter/Spring departures sail on February 22, March 15, and April 5. Fall cruises depart October 25, November 15, and December 6 and 27, 2006.
An 11-day Southern Caribbean itinerary calls at Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Roseau, Dominica; Bridgetown, Barbados; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Spring sailings depart March 4 and 25, 2006. Fall cruises sail on October 14; November 4 and 25; and December 16, 2006.
Holland America Line features a shore excursion program with more than 500 Caribbean offerings. Optional activities for cruise passengers feature such tours as the America’s Cup Regatta experience at Philipsburg, Tortola Dolphin Swim at Road Town, Tortola, and the Champagne Catamaran Sail and Snorkel to St. John at St. Thomas. The latter offering is part of the Medallion Collection shore excursions, designed by Holland America Line to provide discerning guests with unique experiences and in-depth perspectives. In addition, whale-watching, snorkeling and diving and nature tours will be offered at new port Grand Turk.
Pricing for Holland America Line’s new 2006 New York-based Caribbean cruises start at US$1,199 per person, double occupancy.
Scheduled for delivery in January 2006, the ms Noordam is the fourth and last in a series of 81,769-ton Vista class ships. Eighty-five percent of its staterooms will offer ocean views, with 67 percent of all staterooms sporting verandahs. The ship will be delivered with Signature of excellence amenities in place, including plush Euro-top mattresses and flat panel TVs and dvd players in all cabins, new dining options, and the pampering Greenhouse Spa and Salon.
For more information, contact a travel agent or call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.
About Holland America
Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and
CUK)]
In 2005, Holland America
Line’s fleet of 12, five-star, premium ships are offering nearly 500
cruises from 27 home ports — 17 in North America. Itineraries range in
length from two to 116 days, visit all seven continents and offer the most
extensive selection of ports the line has ever visited on cruises to the
Caribbean and Panama Canal (175), Alaska (134), Canada/New England (18), and
longer, exotic voyages to Europe (45), Mexico (43), Hawaii/Asia/Pacific (20),
South America (17), and Transatlantic (8), as well as one Grand World
Voyage. Recipient of the prestigious International Five Star Diamond
Award from The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences and the Best Cruise
Value Award from the World Ocean and Cruise Liner Society, Holland America Line
excels at providing consistent gracious and attentive service.
As a part of its renowned Tradition of Excellence, Holland America Line is investing $225 million in the Signature of Excellence initiative providing unparalleled product and service enhancements to its fleet. The comprehensive enhancements focus on five areas vital to Holland America Line’s guest experience: spacious, elegant ships and accommodations; sophisticated five-star dining; gracious, unobtrusive service; extensive enrichment programs and activities; and compelling worldwide itineraries. Enhancements have been started on all ships and will be completed by the end of 2006. For more information, consult a travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.
World’s Leading
Cruise Lines
The highest-rated premium
cruise line in the world, Holland America Line is a member of the exclusive
World’s Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which also includes Carnival
Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruise Line, Costa
Cruises and Windstar Cruises. Sharing a passion to please each guest and
a commitment to quality and value, these lines appeal to a wide range of
lifestyles and budgets. The World’s Leading Cruise Lines offer
exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world’s most desirable
destinations.
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