Holland America Making the Grade!

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


Making the Grade: Signature of Excellence Innovations Keep Premium
Cruise Leader at Head of Class

SEATTLE, Sept. 8
Today's competitive travel market demands progressive product
differentiation, and Holland America Line's unprecedented $225 million
Signature of Excellence initiative lays claim to some of the cruise
industry's top innovations.

"The Signature of Excellence innovations seamlessly blend the
progressive programming and service elements expected by today's
sophisticated travelers with the unparalleled comfort of traveling
with one of the world's most experienced cruise lines," says Richard
D. Meadows, CTC, Holland America Line's senior vice president,
marketing and sales.

Among the most significant Signature of Excellence Innovations a

-- Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine Magazine. Holland
America Line features the only fleetwide dedicated state-of-the-art
show kitchens at sea, each resembling the elaborate kitchens used by
celebrated chefs on television cooking programs. Innovative
theater-styled venues offer large overhead plasma video screens
providing close-up views of food preparation, and a large cooking
display counter where guests can learn new techniques and recipes.
More than 60 top chefs, wine experts and cookbook authors will sail in
each year, and classes and demonstrations will be offered on every
sailing.

-- Explorations Cafe -- powered by The New York Times. This exclusive
and progressive cafe offers guests an opportunity to sip coffee,
browse through one of the most extensive libraries at sea, enjoy a
wide selection of music at several listening stations or surf the
Internet. They may also work on specially designed New York Times
crossword puzzles and receive complimentary access to "TimesTalks"
events and the NYTimes.com website.

-- Mariner's Dream beds. All staterooms and suites will be outfitted
with plush, custom-designed Sealy Posturpedic Euro-top mattresses and
feature 250- thread count cotton bed linens (Penthouse and Deluxe
Verandah suites feature comfortable duvets, too). The mattresses have
proved so popular with guests that they will be available for purchase
shortly through an on-line store. Additional new stateroom amenities
include thick Egyptian cotton towels and deluxe waffle and terry cloth
bathrobes; premium massage showerheads; magnifying make-up mirrors
with halo lighting and salon-quality hair dryers; a stainless steel
basket filled with fresh fruit; and, a stainless-steel ice bucket and
serving tray for beverages.

-- Flat Screen TVs. All staterooms will feature state-of-the-art flat
screen TVs and accompanying DVD/CD players. An extensive collection of
DVDs is available for guests in the library at Explorations Cafe --
powered by The New York Times. DVD rentals are complimentary for all
suite guests with a minimal fee for others.

-- Family Reunion Program. The first of its kind in the industry, the
Family and Friends Program rewards families who cruise together with
extra amenities including special group pricing. Extras include a
Fountain Soda Package for every member; a family photo per stateroom;
and a choice of either dinner for the whole family in the line's
alternative Pinnacle Grill Restaurant or, on Caribbean cruises, free
rentals of snorkel gear and swim mats or banana boat rides for all on
Half Moon Cay, the line's award-winning private island.

-- The Loft & The Oasis. Among the most innovative teen-only areas in
the industry, the new facilities are exclusively for ages 13 to 17.
The Loft appears as a New York artist's studio with a flair of bright
colors and funky patterns. A secluded staircase leads to The Oasis, an
adult-free zone and hideaway giving teens sun-drenched deck space with
hammocks and a waterfall. With a focus on the arts and creativity, the
expanded Club HAL® now caters to kids as young as 3 years with
supervised, age- and destination-appropriate activities for kids up to
age 12. Club HAL After Hours now offers childcare from 10 pm to
midnight.

-- Half Moon Cay. Nearly every Holland America Line Caribbean
itinerary features a day at exclusive Half Moon Cay -- the
highest-rated private island in the cruise industry and Holland
America Line's highest-rated Caribbean port call. A bird-watching
sanctuary, the cruise line carefully crafted new activities designed
to offer guests an elevated sense of exploration, discovery and
adventure consistent with the island's natural beauty. Enhancements
include a horseback riding and swimming tour, a stingray adventure
program, guided AquaTrax watercraft tour, and a fun-filled family aqua
park. The new activities augment Half Moon Cay's extensive array of
existing excursions including scuba diving tours, catch-and-release
deep sea fishing trips, eco tours by glass-bottom boat, kayak trips
and parasailing.

-- One-touch Concierge & Neptune Lounge. Widely renowned for its
world-class service, Holland America Line provides all guests in
verandah suites with personalized, 24-hour phone concierge service to
assist with special requests, spa or dinner reservations, room service
and other needs. In addition, the industry-leading Neptune Lounge
offers a quiet place to relax and work with one-on-one concierge
service to deluxe verandah and penthouse suite guests. The fleet-wide
lounges provide work tables, TV, library, sofas and chairs, and
refreshments. Guests enjoy personalized service to confirm shore
excursions, car rentals, spa appointments, and reservations at the
Pinnacle Grill. One-Touch Concierge Service is available to deluxe
suite guests when the Neptune Lounge is closed.

-- More Times and Options to Dine. Holland America Line offers an
elevated five-star dining experience, showcasing exceptional quality
and choice unmatched in the premium cruise category. Enhancements
include the elegant, reservations-only Pinnacle Grill, a fine-dining
Northwest-themed steakhouse on every ship featuring Sterling Silver
premium meats and fresh seafood served with distinctive Bulgari china,
Frette linens and elegant Riedle stemware. An impressive four dining
times are offered in the main dining room, catering to the varied
schedules of its guests with enhanced one-on-one service.
Made-to-order dinner entrees and table-side wait service are also
offered in the Lido Restaurant's popular casual dining alternative.
And all guests may enjoy 24-hour complimentary room service.

-- Greenhouse Spa and Salon. Holland America Line teamed up with The
Greenhouse Spa and Salon, a popular spa brand in Dallas and New York
City, to provide a wide selection of signature treatments and fitness
activities. Greenhouse Spa expansions feature additional treatment
rooms: including couple's massage rooms, dry float suite with massage
option, thermal suites with hydro-therapy pool and steam room; and
heated ceramic lounges. It also features a new manicure and pedicure
area and the Lifestyle Fitness Center.

Since announcing the Signature of Excellence in 2003, all ships now
offer stateroom amenities, suite enhancements, Neptune Lounge, dining
enhancements and the Pinnacle Grill. Ten ships feature the plush
Mariner Dream beds with the remaining two to receive them in fall
2005.

Half of Holland America Line's five-star fleet already showcases new
construction enhancements such as the Explorations Cafe - powered by
The New York Times, the Greenhouse Spa and Salon, Culinary Arts Center
presented by Food & Wine Magazine and the expanded youth facilities.
Three remaining ships will be completed in fall 2005 and four in 2006.
Signature of Excellence enhancements may vary slightly by ship.

- www.hollandamerica.com -

About Holland America Line (a division of Carnival Corporation and plc
(NYSE: CCL and CUK )

With the introduction of the 1,848-passenger ms Noordam in early 2006,
Holland America Line's fleet grows to 13 ships, offering nearly 500
cruises from more than 25 home ports. The award-winning premium cruise
line excels at providing gracious and attentive service. Holland
America Line's $225 million, fleetwide Signature of Excellence
enhancements feature new programs and amenities including product and
service enhancements in stateroom accommodations, dining, service,
enrichment programs and activities, and worldwide itineraries. Six
ships are completed with the rest to be finished by the end of 2006.
For more information, consult a travel agent.
World's Leading Cruise Lines

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.