Holland America Line Cruise Kudos Led By Best Overall Cruise Value For Record 13th Year In A Row

Holland America Line recently earned an unprecedented distinction among the world’s cruise lines with its 13th straight designation as Best Overall Cruise Value from the prestigious World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society (WOCLS), as published in “Ocean and Cruise News,” the society’s monthly publication.

“It’s an honor to receive the recognition of the World Ocean and Cruise Liner Society for the 13th year in a row,” said Stein Kruse, president and CEO. “It speaks to the consistency of our product as the best premium cruise experience and recognizes our efforts to continually enhance Holland America Line in ways that offer even greater guest satisfaction and value.”

WOCLS is a 24-year-old organization comprised of more than 7,000 experienced cruisers who average taking two cruises a year. The society reviews all cruise lines annually and noted that “Holland America Line has consistently offered their passengers more than any other comparable cruise lines, though often priced much less than comparable cruise lines.”

George Devol, publisher of “Ocean and Cruise News,” wrote, “Some of the elements that combine to make Holland America Line the best overall cruise value include its efforts to continually improve; the impeccable appearance of its ships; its friendly Indonesian and Filipino crew; 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.”

Other recent accolades for the premium cruise line include Holland America Line’s ms Zaandam voted as the top cruise ship in the Overall Experience Category of the WOCLS Ship of the Year Awards in February 2005. The ship received a score of 9.9 out of 10. And The Family Travel Forum named Holland America Line as one of the Top 10 Getaways for Family Travelers. Specifically, Holland America Line was recognized for its Alaska cruises to Glacier Bay as a top family reunion opportunity. Holland America Line features a Family Reunion Program that provides extras for families sailing together, such as special group pricing, a beverage package, family photos, and more.

Award-winning Holland America Line received the International Five Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences and the Best Private Island in the Cruise Industry from Porthole Cruise Magazine at the end of 2004. Holland America Line is consistently ranked among the highest rated cruise lines in the “Conde Nast Traveler” Readers’ Choice Awards and “Travel & Leisure” World’s Best Awards.

www.hollandamerica.com —
About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]
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. Recipient of the prestigious International Five Star Diamond Award from The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences and the Best Cruise Value Award from the World Ocean and Cruise Liner Society, Holland America Line excels at providing consistent gracious and attentive service.

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 Line’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, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com

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.

April 4, 2005   Posted in: Cruise Ships