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 Offers More Alaska in 2006
159 Cruises on Eight 5-Star Ships Feature Glaciers, Wildlife, and
Native Culture
SEATTLE, Sept. 12
Holland America Line, the leader in Alaska Cruises and CruiseTours,
continues to offer a comprehensive selection of Alaska cruise
itineraries and departures, sailing eight ships on 159 cruises in
2006. Three Vista-class ships, ms Oosterdam and ms Westerdam,
roundtrip Seattle, and ms Zuiderdam, roundtrip Vancouver, will be
introduced as well as three Seattle-based ships, ten additional
cruises to Glacier Bay National Park and unique new port, Icy Strait
Point. The company's five-star ships offer unmatched spaciousness and
service, 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 revving up for a great 2006 season and are pleased to offer
more Alaska than ever for our 58th year in Alaska," said Richard D.
Meadows, CTC, senior vice president, marketing and sales. "All ships
will have gone thru the Signature of Excellence upgrades so the
shipboard experience will be even better than ever, from stateroom
amenities to the new Culinary Arts Center show kitchen and
Explorations Café. No detail has gone unturned."
Three First-Rate Alaska Cruise Itineraries
Beginning in May 2006, two ships will cruise Glacier Bay Inside
Passage, 7-day roundtrip voyages from Vancouver, aboard Holland
America Line's 1,848-passenger Vista-class Zuiderdam (new to
Vancouver, departing Saturdays), and the 1,432-passenger ship ms
Volendam (departing Wednesdays). The voyages will take in the pristine
waters and scenic surroundings of Canada's Inside Passage and tour
Tracy Arm and Sawyer Glacier en route to port calls at Juneau, Skagway
and Ketchikan. Each cruise features a day of cruising Glacier Bay
National Park with a U.S. park ranger and Huna Totem native
interpreter, including giant Margerie Glacier, a mile wide and 25
stories high. In addition, the 1,258-passenger ships, ms Ryndam, ms
Veendam and ms Statendam, will sail six early and late season sailings
to Glacier Bay.
Three ships will sail seven-night Glacier Discovery Cruises, one-way
between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska throughout the summer,
approximately 1,679 nautical miles. The gracious 1,258-passenger
Statendam (departing Fridays) explores new port Icy Strait Point,
Hubbard Glacier, Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway or Sitka.
1,258-passenger sister ships, Veendam and Ryndam, (departing Sundays),
cruise Glacier Bay and College Fjord with port stops in Ketchikan,
Juneau and Skagway or Haines.
Seattle roundtrip Alaskan Explorer Cruises are offered on three ships,
the 1,848-passenger Vista-class ship Oosterdam, (departing Saturdays),
cruises to immense Hubbard Glacier and lovely Yakutat Bay. Ten
additional Glacier Bay National Park departures are being offered from
Seattle onboard 1,848-passenger Vista-class Westerdam (new to Seattle,
departing Sundays) on May 7, 14, 21 and 28, July 16, 23 and 30, August
20, September 10 and 17. The Westerdam cruises Hubbard Glacier on all
other dates. The 1,432-passenger ms Zaandam (departing Fridays) also
cruises renowned Glacier Bay National Park and all three ships have
port stops in Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Victoria, British Columbia.
"Holland America Line is the only cruise line," continued Meadows,
"offering Glacier Bay National Park on three different itineraries:
roundtrip Seattle, roundtrip Vancouver and Vancouver/Seward. With
smaller ships and the best choice of glacier experiences, the 2006
Alaska cruise season for Holland America Line has a terrific lineup."
Cruise-only fares start at US $849, per person, double occupancy for
Glacier Bay Inside Passage and Alaskan Explorer, and US $899, per
person, double occupancy for Glacier Discovery Cruises.
Extensive Shore Excursion Selection Invites Personalized Experience
At every port of call, there are diverse shore excursions available
designed to excite and delight. Holland America Line offers tremendous
choices from active and adventurous to cultural and historical.
Excursions include flightseeing and dog-mushing, fly fishing, whale
watching, glacier and garden visits, float trips, kayaking,
Alaska-style salmon bake, historical tours by foot or historic
vehicle, wilderness safari's, and more.
2006 Alaska Cruises Brochures Are Now Available
For a copy of the new 2006 Alaska Cruises brochure, contact a
professional travel agent.
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. Itineraries range from two to
108 days long and visit all seven continents, including new
Australia/New Zealand and Asia sailings, a world cruise and popular
sailings to several ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico and Europe.
The ms Noordam also will offer Caribbean sailings in the winter from
new homeport New York City.
Holland America Line's $225 million, fleetwide Signature of Excellence
enhancements feature new programs and amenities including the Culinary
Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine -- a state-of-the-art
onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and
culinary experts will provide cooking demonstrations and classes --
Explorations Cafe powered by the New York Times, teens-only activity
areas and all new cabin amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and
plush-top Mariner's Dream Beds. 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. |