Postcards....

THE HIGH LIFE ON THE HIGH SEAS
Holland America Line is Committed to Quality Cruising

With a 135-year lineage of giving vacationers a life of luxury--both at sea and in far-flung port cities, Holland America Line isn't about to rest on its laurels. The leisure-cruise provider continues to enhance its accommodations, amenities and activities, all while expanding its sailing horizons to include new, exciting itineraries. Today, Holland America's 13 ships offer nearly 500 cruises to more than 320 ports. And a 14th ship, the ms Eurodam, is due to arrive in July. Put simply: Holland America Line is better than ever.

World Traveler

Long considered a global leader in cruise travel, Holland America Line is celebrating it’s 50th year providing around-the-world getaways. Passengers looking for an expansive sampling of our planet can choose from several Grand World Voyages in 2008. The trips, which range from 17 to 131 days in duration, offer stops in South America, Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia.

North to Alaska

Also this year, Holland America Line further solidifies a longtime presence in Alaska--both at sea and on land--by delivering more Alaskan travel packages than ever before. Between May and September, Holland America will send an incredible 156 cruises to America's 49th state, using ships based in Seattle and Vancouver, Canada. In addition, phenomenal onshore opportunities make it easy to thoroughly explore Alaska's cities and wilderness.

Touring Europe

Holland America Line’s European offerings are just as expansive. The cruise line has 57 unique itineraries in classic Europe. The journeys last 7 to 35 days, stopping in ports that stretch from the North Cape of Norway to Egypt and the Black Sea. Six Holland America ships are sailing in Europe this year, including the ms Eurodam, which makes its maiden voyage in July.

The Eurodam will set a new standard at sea. As Holland America's first Signature-class ship, it will offer extensive upscale shopping and dining options. The Eurodam will accommodate 2,104 guests, making it the largest Holland America ship yet.

Signature of Excellence

Perhaps the best example of Holland America's leadership in world-class cruising is its ongoing Signature of Excellence initiative. Through the program, Holland America has upgraded its accommodations, ventured out to new destinations, and heightened the levels of luxury and personalized service it provides. Signature of Excellence enhancements include:

*The Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine magazine, which showcases cooking demonstrations in state-of-the-art onboard kitchens, provides hands-on cooking classes, and offers popular culinary-theme cruises

*New menus and wine packages, Pinnacle Grill private dining opportunities, and flexible As You Wish dining, which lets passengers opt for fixed meal times or an open seating schedule

*The Internet-connected Explorations Café, powered by The New York Times, which houses an extensive library of print and multimedia materials

*Teens-only activity areas and other kid-friendly updates, which increase Holland America's appeal to families and multigenerational travel groups

*An expanded Exploration Speaker series that brings guest lecturers aboard to discuss the history and culture of Holland America cruise destinations

*Expanded Greenhouse Spa and Salon facilities and treatments

*Additions to Holland America Line's award-winning private island, Half Moon Cay, including a private "oasis bungalow" with butler service

*Fleetwide standard stateroom amenities that now include flat-panel televisions, high-thread-count linens; large and fluffy cotton towels, deluxe bathrobes, and plush Euro-top Mariner’s Dream Beds.

“Signature of Excellence began as a ground-breaking initiative within the cruise industry,” said Richard D. Meadows, Holland America executive vice president for marketing, sales, and guest programs. “It has since evolved into our brand promise and our company’s commitment to invest in our product.”

During the past four years, Holland America has dedicated more than $425 million to Signature of Excellence. It's become one of the line's most effective ways to ensure its passengers enjoy smooth sailing--now and for years to come.