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
15 in a Row - Holland America Line Best Overall Cruise Value According
to World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society
SEATTLE, Dec. 14
World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society (WOCLS) members named Holland
America Line as the Best Overall Cruise Value in the industry. The
premium line, which recently completed a $225 million Signature of
Excellence enhancement program, was honored with the distinction for
the 15th year in a row.
"I'm honored to again have Holland America Line recognized by the
members of the World Ocean and Cruise Liner Society," said Stein
Kruse, president and chief executive officer. "Our investment in
Signature of Excellence enhancements certainly has helped keep Holland
America at the top of the premium market and we intend to remain there
through innovative on-going programs and upgrades."
WOCLS is a 24-year-old organization comprised of thousands of
experienced cruisers who average taking two cruises a year. The
society reviews all cruise lines annually and noted in its monthly
publication, Ocean and Cruise News, that "Holland America Line
passengers continue to mention the excellent value that the line
provides and with the recent completion of their Signature of
Excellence program, Holland America Line easily wins again. Further
adding to the sense of value is the consistency of the product across
its entire fleet of ships."
Signature of Excellence enhancements added features such as 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 provide cooking demonstrations and
classes -- Explorations Cafe powered by The New York Times, teens-only
activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by
flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds.
Thomas Cassidy, editor of Ocean and Cruise News, wrote, "Some of the
elements that combine to make Holland America Line the best overall
cruise value include its effort to continually improve such as its
fleet wide Signature of Excellence upgrades, the impeccable appearance
of its ships, its friendly Indonesian and Filipino crew; the extra
effort to properly train and supervise its staff, the more extensive
choice of dinner menus in its restaurant, alternative restaurant and
Lido, and all the little extras such as canvas tote bags, hot hors
d'oeuvres at cocktail time, chilled beer glasses, a no-charge ice
cream bar and later lunch hours when in port."
Holland America Line also received top marks in the High-Deluxe,
5-Star, Large Ships category during the annual Best Cruise Value
awards by the World Ocean and Cruise Liner Society.
Holland America Line's fleet of 13 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to
more than 320 ports. Two- to 108-day itineraries visit all seven
continents, including Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand
and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports
in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and
Panama Canal.
In the 2006 Portrait of Affluent Travelers survey by Yesawich,
Pepperdine, Brown and Russell, Holland America Line topped the list of
cruise lines sought after by affluent leisure travelers. Its recently
completed $225 million fleetwide Signature of Excellence enhancements
added features such as 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 provide cooking
demonstrations and classes -- Explorations Café powered by The New
York Times, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities
highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-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. |