HAL's 2005 European Voyages!

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's 2005 European Voyages Offer 33 Unique
Itineraries and 53 Departure Dates

SEATTLE, Sept. 8
Convenience, comfort and choice are the key catch words when it comes
to Holland America Line's 2005 European cruise offerings. With 53
cruises and 33 innovative itineraries, the premium line offers more
European cruises than any other major line.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040303/SFW041 )
"We create the ultimate European cruise experience in true style and
elegance," stated Richard D. Meadows, CTC, senior vice president of
marketing and sales. "With more than 130 years of experience, we are
the Europe experts -- our itineraries offer the most in-depth
explorations -- and the most choice. In 2005 we will visit 98 European
cities including first time port calls to Falmouth and Liverpool,
England; Melila, Spain; Mitilini, Greece; and Sevastopol, Ukraine."

All voyages are aboard luxurious, five-star ships, boasting every
modern convenience including Wi-Fi internet access. The
1,848-passenger ms Westerdam returns for her second season and is
joined by the elegant 1,316-passenger flagship ms Rotterdam, the
intimate 793-passenger ms Prinsendam, and the spacious 1,258-passenger
ms Maasdam. Dining options offer sophistication and selection with the
classic dining room, casual Lido restaurant with selections from sushi
and stir fry to pasta and deli sandwiches, 24-hour room service in
spacious staterooms, and the refined ultra-elegance of the Pinnacle
Grill featuring Sterling Silver® premium beef, Bvlgari® china and
Riedel® stemware.

Northern European Voyages Offer the Most In-depth Itineraries

Ten- to fourteen-day cruises and seven different itineraries explore
northern Europe on 20 cruises in the summer, with convenient roundtrip
sailings from Copenhagen and London and numerous extended stays in
majestic St. Petersburg, Russia. Whether guests are interested in the
scenic splendors of Norway's fjords or a visit to Stockholm's famous
Ice Bar, Holland America Line has an itinerary to please. Interesting
itineraries feature such striking destinations as Iceland, Ireland,
the Scottish Hebrides Islands, Norway's North Cape, and the Arctic
Circle. Prices start at US$1,989 for the 10-day Gems of the Baltic.

Mediterranean Cruises Visit Timeless Destinations

What could be more idyllic than winding through the Greek Isles or
visiting Venice's famed Rialto Bridge? Holland America offers 18
Mediterranean cruises in the spring and fall from 10 to 12 days. The
season highlights unusual destinations such as the Black Sea & Beyond
cruise to Romania, Bulgaria, and the Ukraine or Paths of the Seafarers
from Barcelona to Athens. Shore excursions feature romantic visits to
Florence, Italy, and the Tuscan countryside or historical and
archaeological highlights such as a visit to the ruins at Ephesus from
Kusadasi, Turkey. Prices start at US$1,779 for the Italian Enchantment
or Aegean Odyssey cruises.

Western European Cruises Focus on Art and History

Seven distinctive 12- to 14-day cruises await travelers who want to
explore the cathedrals, museums, and glittering ports of Western
Europe in summer and early autumn. The premium line delivers the most
comprehensive itineraries available such as the European Tapestry and
Windmills & Waterford cruises. Adventures include a trip to the Alfama
in Lisbon, Portugal; a drive around the island of Guernsey; a tour to
the beaches of Normandy; a stroll through the Colosseum in Rome; or a
visit to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain. Two of the cruises
offer overnight stays in Barcelona, Spain, for further exploration and
enjoyment. Prices start at $2,219 for the Grand European Capitals
cruise.

Transatlantic Voyages Afford the Height of Luxury and Sophistication

Recapture the glamour and leisure of a transatlantic voyage on one of
eight 14- to 18-day cruises in the spring and fall. Create one
complete 35-day mid-summer voyage departing roundtrip from North
America (Boston) featuring the combined 17-day Voyage of Vikings and
18-day Irish Sea Odyssey. A one-of-a-kind 17-day crossing, A Taste of
Two Continents, departs from Lisbon, Portugal, visiting ports in
Africa and South America before arriving in Rio de Janeiro. Choose
from five itineraries traveling between Barcelona, Lisbon, Venice or
Civitavecchia (Rome) and Ft. Lauderdale, some featuring northerly
routes via Greenland and Iceland. The Spring Transatlantic cruise
begins at US$1,819.

All prices are listed per person, double-occupancy, and taxes are
additional. Special airfares are available from numerous North
American gateways and pre- or post-cruise hotels and vacation packages
can also be purchased through the line. For more information, consult
a travel agent.

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.