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HAL Announces 2005 Alaska Cruises!
Hi Everyone,
I received this press release from Holland America and thought it would be of interest. If you have missed any of my news' postings, they are available on my web site. Best regards, Ray LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL 800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905 http://www.lighthousetravel.com Holland America Line Announces 2005 Alaska Cruises 134 Cruises on Seven 5-Star Ships Feature Glaciers, Wildlife, and Native Culture SEATTLE, Aug. 30 Holland America Line, the leader in Alaska cruises and CruiseTours, will sail seven ships on 134 cruises in 2005, offering the widest selection of Alaska cruise itineraries and departures in the industry. The company's five-star ships offer unmatched spaciousness, carry fewer passengers than any other major cruise line and offer the most entries into Glacier Bay National Park. Guests will experience the most popular Alaskan ports of call, most extensive shore excursion programs, exclusive enrichment programs and brand-new Signature of Excellence amenities. "We're proud to be returning for our 57th year of premium cruising in Alaska," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, senior vice president, marketing and sales. "And the shipboard experience will be better than ever. We offer attention to detail in everything from the caliber of our shore excursions to the traditional split pea soup that we serve on deck during our Alaska cruises. The quality of our cruises is what distinguishes us from the competition." The Three Kinds of Alaska Cruises Beginning in May, Glacier Bay Inside Passage cruises will depart on round- trip, 7-day voyages from Vancouver aboard Holland America Line's "twins," the 1,440-passenger ms Zaandam (departing every Saturday) and sister ship, ms Volendam (departing Wednesdays). The voyages will take in the placid, scenic waters of Canada's Inside Passage and tour Tracy Arm before calling at Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. Each cruise features a day of cruising Glacier Bay National Park, including the stark vistas of the Johns Hopkins Glacier and the stunning, bright white and blue Margerie Glacier in Tarr Inlet. Three ships will sail the waters between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska throughout the summer. One-way Glacier Bay Discovery Cruises of seven days depart on alternating Sundays aboard ms Ryndam and ms Veendam and feature both Glacier Bay National Park and the sixteen glaciers of secluded College Fjord. The ms Statendam, embarking on Fridays, visits inspiring Hubbard Glacier. Each ship carries only 1,258 passengers, half the number of guests of other cruise lines on similar itineraries. Cruise-only fares for these voyages begin at US$799, per person, double occupancy. The 1,848-passenger ms Oosterdam and the 1,380-passenger ms Amsterdam cruise roundtrip from Seattle on Alaskan Explorer voyages. Together, they will make 37 seven-day journeys between May and mid-September. Port calls include Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Victoria. The Oosterdam sails Saturdays and visits Hubbard Glacier. Holland America's flagship, ms Amsterdam, will sail Sundays from Seattle, visiting Glacier Bay National Park. Cruise-only fares start at US$934, per person, double occupancy. Exciting Ports of Call and Unique Enrichment Programs Holland America Line believes travel means doing, not just seeing. To provide quintessential Alaska experiences to its guests, the company offers a wide array of optional excursions. These activities highlight ports of call in Southeast Alaska -- Juneau, Sitka, Skagway and Ketchikan -- and Victoria in British Columbia, depending on the ship and itinerary. Each port showcases its own unique flavor through a variety of organized optional tours. Adventurous travelers can hike, bike, kayak, climb glaciers, ride horses, and try dogsledding. Flightseeing via helicopter or fixed wing aircraft offers the ultimate adventure. Aboard every Alaska cruise, a full-time naturalist is on board to discuss and point out wildlife and key natural features. A native artisan, affiliated with the Alaska Native Heritage Center, is aboard to demonstrate traditional crafts. In Glacier Bay, only Holland America Line spotlights the interpretation of a Huna Totem tribal member as well as the more usual Park Service Ranger programs for adults and Junior Ranger program for children and teens. 2005 Alaska Cruises Brochures Are Now Available For a copy of the new 2005 Alaska Cruises brochure, contact a professional travel agent. About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)] In 2005, Holland America Line, 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. 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'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. 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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