HAL New Culinary Arts Program!

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 Introduces Groundbreaking New Culinary Arts
Program

Entertaining New Enrichment Program Focuses on Food and Wines,
Bringing Exotic Destinations to Life

SEATTLE, Nov. 3
Holland America Line announced today that it is continuing to enhance
guests' onboard experience with the introduction of the groundbreaking
Culinary Arts Program across its entire fleet of five- star ships. The
new program integrates passengers' love for fine food and wine with an
entertaining enrichment experience. Special gourmet presentations,
demonstrations, tasting events and intimate cooking classes highlight
cuisine that reflects the ship's itinerary or different special
occasions. Holland America Line has long been famous for its
innovative culinary concepts. Working together with renowned Master
Chef Rudi Sodamin, Holland America Line has developed a program to
continue that tradition, allowing guests an interesting way to immerse
themselves in the rich culture and unique traditions of the many
fascinating ports of call that Holland America Line visits.

During every sailing Holland America Line's exceptional onboard
culinary experts, lead the demonstrations, classes and tastings.
Celebrity and guest regional chefs will participate on select cruises.

The new Culinary Arts Center is located in the Wajang Theatre or, on
Vista-class ships, in the Queens Lounge. As the hub for these
interactive gourmet experiences, the Culinary Arts Center features a
state-of-the-art show kitchen outfitted with premier tools and
equipment from industry leaders such as Wolf, Sub Zero and Kitchen
Aid. Guests in the audience get an up-close view of the cooking action
on large, plasma screens while broadcast capabilities provide all
guests the opportunity to watch these events from the comfort of their
staterooms. In addition to the onstage kitchen, each Culinary Arts
Center will have portable cooking stations where groups of up to 16
guests can participate in hands-on classes.

"We have always been committed to bringing our fascinating
destinations to life," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, senior vice
president, marketing and sales, Holland America Line. "To support our
commitment, we have developed a comprehensive program that uses our
guest's passion for fine food and wines as a way to complement our
rich itineraries and provide guests with yet another way to savor the
unique destinations they visit."

Holland America Line guests can attend several different culinary
demonstration events during each cruise. These free, one-hour
demonstrations will feature innovative cooking techniques and
specially designed recipes that reflect the itinerary or a special
occasion. In addition, several different cooking classes are offered
for those guests who prefer to get in on the cooking action. These
private, interactive sessions are US$19 per person. Participants will
also receive a 10 percent discount at the renowned Pinnacle Grill
restaurant or complimentary admission to the select wine tasting
events.

Highlighting the Culinary Arts Program are several Culinary Signature
Cruises, bringing acclaimed celebrity and regional chefs on board to
lead guests on a culinary adventure, including themed lectures, wine
and liquor tastings, seminars and related shore excursions. Celebrity
chefs will host a variety of demonstrations and classes per cruise.

In addition to these large-scale Culinary Signature Cruises, Holland
America Line will partner with celebrated regional chefs. Each ship
will feature a regional chef at least four times per year who will
help provide guests with an authentic taste of the destinations they
visit. For example, a Culinary cruise aboard the ms Ryndam in March
features renowned chef, author and restaurateur, Richard Sandoval.
Sandoval will lead demonstrations and classes inspired by the
delicious cuisine from the interesting port cities visited during the
10-day cruise to the Mexican Riviera and Sea of Cortez. Born in
Acapulco, this dynamic chef will share with guests how he's helped
evolve Mexican cuisine through the recipes and fare served in his
modern Mexican restaurants. Sandoval will also host and exclusive
dinner in the Pinnacle Grill, featuring premier Mexican wines and
tequilas.

The Culinary Arts Program will debut on the ms Ryndam in October
during a cruise to the Mexican Riviera and will be rolled out to all
ships in Holland America Line's five-star fleet by the end of 2006.

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.

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.