First "Cruise with Purpose" Shore Excursion

Juneau's local tour operator Gastineau Guiding has created the first Cruise with Purpose shore excursion, in partnership with the Alaska Sea Grant's Marine Advisory Program and the Alaska Marine Conservation Alliance.

This program was designed especially for Holland America Line. Guests board an exploration vessel out of Auke Bay to look for and help document individual humpback and orca whales. Guests will identify individual whales by their tail "fingerprints" and record their songs using an underwater microphone called a hydrophone. Participants will also collect water samples, trawl for plankton and record ocean temperature readings.

Since plankton is a significant indicator in predicting the success of Alaska's salmon runs, this data will help manage this precious wild resource. All collected data and water samples are contributed to the body of research maintained by Alaska Sea Grant's Marine Advisory Program. The beach landing vessel will then make a one-hour stop at a secluded cove or shoreline where guests then turn into volunteer beachcombers. A naturalist-guide provides interpretation on the flora and fauna of the area as guests help pick up any non-native debris in support of the Alaska Marine Conservation Alliance's efforts.

The cost of this tour is $219 per person. At the tour's conclusion, guests receive a Cruise with Purpose VolunTour pin, and will be able to track the projects they contributed to at the program's web page http://www.hollandamerica.com/cruise-destinations/ShoreExcursions.action. The tour is available from May to September.

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Holland America Introduces "Showroom at Sea"

Holland America Cruise Line will introduce a new concept in shipboard entertainment with its first "Showroom at Sea" in May, 2009.

An innovative musical repertory company consisting of seasoned Broadway performers will be the centerpiece of the new entertainment lineup. Created in partnership with Stiletto Entertainment, producers of Emmy award winning TV shows and concert tours, the new programming debuts on the Veendam in May as part of Holland America Line's Signature of Excellence enhancements.

The Showroom at Sea, a modern-day take on the classic nightclub, will feature state of the art technology and a different show and themed environment nightly. Comprised of cast members with credits such as Les Miserables and Rent on Broadway, National Tours of Mamma Mia and performances with the Tokyo Philharmonic, the shows include "Street Singin'," "Encore," "Live from the Stardust Lounge," and "Bob Mackie's Broadway."

The Showroom at Sea is a completely redesigned main stage, with all new seating and an enlarged dance floor enabling guests to combine cocktails, dancing and a show. A new sound system, enhanced lighting, and state of the art video projections transport guests into diverse environments as scenery and decor leap off the stage and into the seats.

Each evening features unique drink menus and table settings. From four vocalists singing pop/rock on the street corner, to two classical vocalists backed by a lavish 14-piece orchestra, to an evening at a fictitious Vegas nightclub hosted by the resident comedian, each night reveals an exciting new production.

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Holland America Named Best Cruise Value

World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society (WOCLS) members named Holland America Line as the Best Overall Cruise Value for the 17th year in a row for its premium cruise experience.

"It's a tremendous achievement to be recognized by the members of theWorld Ocean and Cruise Liner Society once again," said Richard D.Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guestprograms. "The recognition of the society members year after year speaks to the continued relevance of Holland America Line to today'stravelers and commitment to investing in our product through programs such as Signature of Excellence and expanding our fleet and itineraries."

WOCLS is a 29-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 Linep assengers continue to mention the excellent value that the line provides, they easily win again within this category. Further adding to the sense of value is the consistency of the product across its entire fleet of ships."

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 well-trained 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 totebags, 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 Valueawards by the World Ocean and Cruise Liner Society.

Holland America Line's fleet of 14 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to320 ports in more than 100 countries, territories or dependencies. Two-to 108-day itineraries visit all seven continents, and highlights include 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 andPanama Canal. A 15th ship, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, is scheduled to join the fleet in 2010.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements,a commitment totaling more than $525 million, that showcase theCulinary 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.

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 and Costa 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.

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Source: Holland America