"The recent additions are another example of how Holland America Line continues to unveil new and imaginative on-board activities, dining, and ship renovations to provide an unparalleled experience for today’s premium cruise guests," said Stein Kruse, president and chief executive officer.

The first wave of innovative Signature of Excellence fleet-wide enhancements, which cost more than $225 million, was completed at the end of 2006. 

"At Holland America Line, we continually evaluate how to make our product even more relevant to today's cruiser.  This ongoing commitment to quality and innovation is our   Signature of Excellence,"  added Kruse.  "These new concepts and venues on the Westerdam will be extended to the Eurodam upon its launch in June 2008 and to the Vista-class Oosterdam in 2008 and Zuiderdam in 2009."

Work on the Westerdam was completed a day earlier than expected at Fincantieri Palermo Shipyard in Italy. 

Located in the Crow's Nest, the new Explorations Café, powered by The New York Times, provides magnificent vistas while guests surf the Internet Center, read a book, listen to music, or relax with friends, sipping a specialty coffee or enjoying a tasty pastry.

The popular Pinnacle Grill alternative restaurant on Lower Promenade Deck was expanded to accommodate 136 guests.   A new Pinnacle Bar separate from the restaurant was created.

One deck higher, on Promenade Deck, the former location of the Internet Center now features additional shopping areas and a small coffee bar.   The Holland America Line Signature Shops have expanded and a new high-end jewelry store, the Merabella — which was first introduced on the ms Amsterdam — has been added. 

The guest capacity of Westerdam also has increased with the addition of 34 verandah and inside cabins on the aft Upper Verandah, Rotterdam and Navigation decks. The new staterooms, complete with signature amenities such as flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds, give Westerdam a guest capacity of 1,916.

Seattle, WA, May 4, 2007 – Underscoring the popularity of Alaska as a favorite vacation destination, Holland America Line kicks off its Seattle to Alaska cruise season tomorrow with versatile programs offering expanded optional excursions and destinations.

“No other cruise offers such a sweeping and majestic view of Alaska than what guests experience onboard a premium Holland America Line cruise,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales, and guest programs for Holland America Line.  “From the Inside Passage to Glacier Bay, we’ve crafted a wonderful choice of itineraries and optional excursions that showcase the this beautiful cruising destination, providing our guests with an exceptional experience.”  

With roundtrip sailings from Seattle, Holland America boasts 58 Alaskan Explorer departures with port calls to Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Victoria, BC. Two new Vista ships – the ms Noordam (Sunday departures) and the ms Oosterdam (Saturdays) -- join the flagship ms Amsterdam (Fridays).   The Noordam visits Glacier Bay on all departures while the Amsterdam visits either Tracy Arm and Sawyer Glaciers, or Glacier Bay. The Oosterdam continues cruising to the immense Hubbard Glacier od Wrangell-St.Elias National Park.

Drawing from numerous Washington-based vendors and suppliers, Holland America Line’s cruise operations have a significant economic impact locally and statewide.  Based on five ships scheduled for 64 cruises with a combined total of nearly 115,000 passengers, Holland America Line estimates the total statewide benefit to be approximately $469 million.  Direct spending in Seattle is estimated to be $170 million and $199 million statewide.

Seattle, March 5, 2007 — With the fluctuating exchange rate of the Euro, Americans looking to get the most for their money while traveling in Europe will appreciate the value of cruises. With only minimal shoreside expenses such as souvenirs, consumers have found that planning a cruise is a proven money-saver as well as a stress-reducer.  To meet the increasing demand for European holidays, Holland America Line is offering diverse cruise itineraries and incredible savings on a premium cruise vacation experience for the 2007 Europe season. 

A recent comparison of a 10-day land tour versus a cruise vacation revealed that a family of four could save up to 45 percent by booking a 10-day Mediterranean cruise over a 10-day deluxe escorted land vacation.  The evaluation included typical expenses such as accommodations, transportation between cities in Europe, food, entertainment and tours.  Estimated costs for a family of four totaled $11,359 for the 10-day cruise vacation and $20,728 for the deluxe escorted Europe land vacation.

“When you look at the overall experience, more travelers are catching on to the fact that cruising, especially in Europe, is an incredible value,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, Holland America Line. “There’s no easier way to avoid the common travel headaches than by taking a cruise. For example, guests wake up in a new port each day, but only unpack once. They are pampered with the finest cuisine and amenities, and are able to better plan their expenses than on a land-based vacation.”

In 2007, the line will sail its longest Europe season ever, visiting more than 136 cities, including 13 maiden ports of call. European cruises runs from March 12 through Nov.  3, 2007, and range from 10 to 56 days. Holland America is cruising to more regions in Europe than ever before, including the Baltic, Scandinavia, Norwegian fjords, Great Britain, Italy, Spain, France, Croatia, Greece and the Black Sea.

Guests seeking longer vacations in Europe can select from Holland America’s “Collectors’ Voyages” cruises of 20 to 32 days made by combining two shorter itineraries with little or no port repetition and significant discounts on cruise fares. Guests booking “Collectors’ Voyages” receive up to 27 percent additional savings as well.  

Holland America Line currently is offering the significant savings on verandah staterooms.  Guests can save $850 per person by booking a verandah stateroom for $2,199 on the 10-day, Westerdam May 10 or 30, or June 9, 2007 cruises sailing roundtrip from Rome.