Debut of Program During Wave Season Maximizes Point-Earning Opportunities for Partners

MIAMI – Carnival Cruise Lines today officially launched its Travel Agent Rewards Program, which allows travel partners to register and redeem points for a variety of actions completed through the line’s travel agent portal, GoCCL.com, or their GDS. The program’s launch during “Wave Season” further supports travel agents’ efforts during this lucrative booking period.

Through the Travel Agent Rewards Program, partners may earn and redeem points for themselves or their clients toward a variety of Carnival-branded logo items, gift cards, or Apple iPads®. Once enrolled in the program, travel partners may register their point-redeeming actions and track their earnings in order to redeem points for gifts.

The program is part of Carnival’s “Working Smarter, Not Harder” tool in the Travel Partner Toolbox, where Carnival provides resources for partners to maximize their business-building opportunities. The Travel Agent Rewards Program is available through GoCCL.com or directly at Carnivalagentrewards.com.

Current actions eligible for point earnings include:

· Creation of new online bookings

· Booking groups online

· Making online payments

· Servicing existing bookings using Carnival’s online tools

· Completing CCLU (Carnival Cruise Lines University) training on GoCCL.com

· Attending various events including ship visits, FAMS and more

Travel partners are encouraged to enroll and accumulate points for these actions now as throughout the year certain point-earning actions will be updated with exciting new choices to make the program continually dynamic.

“We’re launching our travel agent rewards program during ‘Wave Season’ to further support our partners’ efforts by maximizing the points they earn with the program during this lucrative booking period,” said Joni Rein, Carnival’s vice president of worldwide sales. “The program is a true ‘win-win’ for our partnership with agents as it features tools to help us both ‘work smarter, not harder’ and at the same time adds some fun rewards into the mix.”

For additional information regarding the Travel Agent Rewards Program, partners may visit GoCCL.com or Carnivalagentrewards.com. Additional questions regarding the program may be answered by Carnival’s business development managers or the line’s trade engagement team at CCLSales@carnival.com.

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SEATTLE, Nov. 30, 2011 — World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society members named Holland America Line the Best Overall Cruise Value 2011 for the 19th consecutive year in recognition of the line’s premium cruise experience.

“To continue to earn this award for nearly two decades and to be acknowledged by the members of the World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society is an honor,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “Holland America Line is dedicated to continuously evolving our product and our brand, and this award shows us that our guests appreciate our efforts.”

WOCLS is composed of thousands of experienced cruisers who take an average of two cruises a year. The society reviews all cruise lines annually, and in its monthly Ocean & Cruise News publication noted, “Holland America Line has consistently offered their passengers a great cruise experience and their Signature of Excellence upgrades and amenities introduced fleetwide over the past few years have certainly helped them provide an extraordinary value for cruise travelers.”

“Holland America Line provides its passengers with an added class and sophistication, and features numerous small touches that are either overlooked by other cruise lines or have been eliminated in cost-cutting measures,” wrote Thomas Cassidy, editor of Ocean & Cruise News. “While one expects to pay more for refinement and amenities on some ships, Holland America provides these extras at only a modestly higher price. It is the ability to offer so much more for such a modest additional cost that creates this extraordinary value for cruise travelers. More affordable pricing should not always mean less quality service and touches.”

WOCLS cites Holland America Line’s “ships staffed with friendly Indonesian and Filipino crews, the extra effort to properly train and supervise staff, extensive choice of dinner menus in its restaurants, a variety of alternate restaurants and extra amenities such as canvas tote bags, hot hors d’oeuvres at cocktail time, a no-charge ice cream bar and later lunch hours when in port,” as contributing factors to the line’s selection as Best Overall Cruise Value of 2011.

Holland America Line also received top marks from the World Ocean and Cruise Liner Society in the “High-Deluxe, 5-Star-Plus, Large Ships” category in the annual Best Cruise Value Awards.

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Florida Gov. Rick Scott meeting with the media on board Carnival Imagination at the Port of Miami Nov. 4.

Working in public relations is fun and usually exciting, especially with clients like Carnival Cruise Lines, who practically owns the word “fun.” You just never know who you’re going to meet and what you’ll be doing. From escorting journalists around a 70,367-ton ship to pointing out prime locations for “media gaggles,” interviews and photo ops, you really just never know.

On Friday, Nov. 4, after learning that I would be “Driving Mr. Banks” (my boss) once again, I said a quick prayer that I would get him back to the office in one piece, made sure we had all the proper documents and photo identification needed for the event and headed north to the Port of Miami.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott was in town to take part in a “workday” at the port with Carnival Cruise Lines. The “workday” tradition was started by former Florida governor and U.S. Sen. Bob Graham. During his “workday” Gov. Scott performed several jobs for Carnival Cruise Lines that included deejaying and spinning the hottest records as guests boarded the ship to begin their three-day fun cruise aboard Carnival Imagination.

Thankfully, those involved in coordinating the “workday” event met prior to the big day and walked through all the important details. There was plenty of security and well thought-out solutions to anything and everything that could possibly go wrong.

I had a great day meeting journalists I grew up watching on television and seeing the governor of my state in action. More importantly, the event went off without a hitch. Media turnout was great and the governor’s fun-filled “workday” at the port and on the ship garnered lots of positive media coverage for our client, which is always a good thing in public relations.

Personally, I really enjoyed seeing all the bubbly Carnival guests posing for photos and chatting with the governor before embarking on their cruise. However, I would have to say my favorite part of the day was watching Gov. Scott spin classic hits from the ’60s and ’70s (long before my time, but I knew every word) and joining Carnival passengers for the popular party dance, the cha-cha slide. Classic stuff.

Check out the video here.

Seattle, Wash., June 27, 2011 — Cruisers who want to visit a specific part of the world or those with limited time can still experience the exotic ports of call, overnight adventures and unique on-board atmosphere of Holland America Line’s 2012 Grand World Voyage, with eight segments available ranging from 18 to 50 days.

“We understand that not everyone has 112 days to sail on a Grand World Voyage, so we divided the itinerary into eight fascinating and exciting segments that highlight the best of each region,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. “The Grand World Voyage is a long-standing tradition with Holland America Line. Each segment has been carefully crafted to ensure unique experiences that will resonate with our guests.”

ms Amsterdam’s full 112-day Grand World Voyage sails round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., departing Jan. 6, 2012. The adventure takes a westbound route with the first stops in the Caribbean, then on to explore South America, the South Pacific, Australia, the Far East, India and Europe. The voyage boasts numerous special events including headline performers such as renowned trumpet player Doc Severinsen and five-time Grammy nominated Michael Feinstein.

A sampling of shorter segments available on the 2012 Grand World Voyage includes:

18 Days from Fort Lauderdale to Buenos Aires

Departing Fort Lauderdale Jan. 6, guests on this segment enjoy sunny Caribbean ports before sailing along the eastern coast of South America. In addition to calls at smaller ports such as Belém and Recife, overnight calls at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Buenos Aires, Argentina, ensure guests have time to celebrate the Carnival atmosphere and take in a tango show.

50 Days from Fort Lauderdale to Sydney, Australia

Departing Fort Lauderdale Jan. 6, the longest segment of the Grand World Voyage includes the 18-day segment to Buenos Aires and then continues on an exciting exploration of Antarctica including sailing around Cape Horn. The Amsterdam continues to Easter and Pitcairn islands before touching on island jewels in French Polynesia and ending at Sydney.

32 Days from Sydney to Mumbai (Bombay), India

Amsterdam departs Sydney Feb. 26 and makes an overnight call at Cairns, Australia. After exploring The Great Barrier Reef and its magnificent underwater scenery, the ship heads to Komodo Island to encounter the infamous Komodo dragon. An overnight at Hong Kong opens the door to overland shore excursions to Angkor Wat, Cambodia, or the Great Wall of China. Amsterdam then calls at ports in Vietnam, stays overnight at Singapore and continues on to Thailand and Sri Lanka before making a maiden call at Mangalore, India.

22 Days from Singapore to Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Departing March 19 from Singapore, Amsterdam calls at ports throughout India, including an overnight at Mumbai, and then spends six leisurely days at sea before calling at Safaga and Sharm el Sheik, Egypt. A daylight transit of the Suez Canal enables guests to enjoy the passage as the ship makes it way to Piraeus.

30 Days from Mumbai to Fort Lauderdale

Guests looking to sail on the latter half of the Grand World Voyage can embark March 29 at Mumbai and sail through the Suez Canal to the Mediterranean. Amsterdam calls at ports throughout Greece, Italy and Spain, including overnight calls at Piraeus and Barcelona, Spain, before visiting the floral and fragrant port of Funchal, Madeira. The ship then sets sail across the Atlantic Ocean on a seven-day crossing to Fort Lauderdale, marking the end of the Grand World Voyage.

A Grand Onboard Experience

Sailing on Holland America Line’s Grand World Voyage is a cruise experience unlike any other. Onboard amenities are elevated to the highest degree. The finest service is always nearby, with nearly one crew member for every two guests and many of them Grand Voyage veterans. A different dining experience is offered every day, with the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of exquisite food and fine wine from around the world, including regional specialties that highlight the ports of call. Entertainment features local cultural and folkloric shows, special guest headliners, illuminating speakers and many other festive events and galas.

Grand World Voyage segment fares begin at $3,049 per person, while fares for the full Grand World Voyage start at $18,999 per person, both double occupancy.

For more information on Holland America Line’s cruises and cruisetours, consult a professional travel seller, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

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Seattle, WA, – This holiday season Holland America Line is providing the ultimate getaway gift for the entire family with 22 signature holiday cruises ranging from seven to 17 days. Whether basking in a Caribbean sunset or reveling in the ultimate Antarctic white Christmas, guests aboard the premium line can leave the hustle and bustle behind and enjoy up to 50 percent savings, plus special reduced rates for third and fourth guests sharing staterooms, on select sailings.

Special rates are geared toward families on several holiday cruises — with six dates offering free or $199 rates for the third or fourth guest in a stateroom. Double-occupancy fares start at $699 per person, plus tax, for a seven-day Caribbean holiday cruise.

“With cruise values starting at $1,598 plus tax for a family of four sharing the same stateroom, ‘tis the season to travel,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “Plus, holiday cruises allow guests to celebrate and relax in style with five-star dining, award-winning service and their favorite traditions observed with none of the hassle — letting guests truly enjoy their time with their family.”

On-board festivities include holiday decorations, sumptuous traditional meals, seasonal movies, culinary classes and demonstrations featuring tasty holiday treats, a visit from Santa for the kids, activities and crafts, strolling carolers, a tree-lighting ceremony, eggnog in the Atrium, Christmas brunch, Santa’s milk and cookie late-night snack, and a holiday show by the crew on Christmas Eve.

Those sailing on any ship over Dec. 31 will enjoy a traditional New Year’s Eve Gala Ball with live music, dancing, festive attire and a midnight toast. Select college bowl games also will be broadcast on board. Each holiday voyage features clergy to conduct Catholic, Protestant and Jewish services (for cruises during Hanukkah).

Sail the Caribbean on Seven- to 14-day Cruises

Thirteen Caribbean holiday cruise options are available between Dec. 17 and Dec. 31 aboard seven ships — ms Westerdam, ms Maasdam, ms Eurodam, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, ms Ryndam, ms Prinsendam and ms Noordam — departing from Fort Lauderdale or Tampa, Fla., over one or both holidays.

Itineraries include a seven-day southern Caribbean cruise with stops at such exotic ports as Aruba and Curaçao. Or try seven days exploring the rich waters of the eastern Caribbean and legendary ports of call such as Nassau, St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Finally, holiday cruisers can choose among western Caribbean options with stops that might include Belize, Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Costa Maya, Mexico, and Key West, Fla.

Travelers with more time can opt for 10- to 14-day Caribbean cruises and usher in the New Year in St. Thomas or St. George’s while sampling the ports of Barbados and Grand Turk.

Most itineraries feature a visit to Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s award-winning exclusive private island experience with white sand beaches, aqua waters and shore activities ranging from horseback riding to a stingray adventure.

Sunny Mexican Riviera & Panama Canal for a Festive Occasion

Departing from Fort Lauderdale, San Diego or Los Angeles, Calif., in mid to late December, five cruises feature distinct itineraries that visit different collections of warm-water ports along the Mexican Riviera, Central America, Panama Canal and Caribbean.

The Sunfarer Caribbean Holiday cruise is a 10-day trip from Fort Lauderdale on Dec. 23 aboard ms Zuiderdam in the southern Caribbean with Christmas Eve at Half Moon Cay, a partial transit of the Panama Canal and New Year’s Eve at sea, returning Jan. 2, 2011.

Two more cruises visit the Panama Canal beginning with a 14-day cruise that departs Los Angeles Dec. 22 aboard ms Amsterdam in time for Christmas Day at sea and stops in Mexico, Guatemala and Costa Rica before traversing the Canal en route to Fort Lauderdale. Or guests can opt for the 14-day Panama Canal Holiday Cruise on ms Statendam departing San Diego on Christmas Eve. Stops in Mexico include Puerto Vallarta and Puerto Chiapas before crossing the canal to reach Fort Lauderdale.

Christmas and New Years holidays along the Mexican Riviera can be particularly memorable on an eight-day cruise from San Diego aboard ms Oosterdam departing Dec. 18, or a seven-day sailing Dec. 26 that visits Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Or guests can opt for a 12-day cruise departing Dec. 22 on ms Rotterdam that features Christmas Eve in Cabo San Lucas, Christmas Day at sea and New Year’s Eve in Mazatlan.

Longer Voyages Sail the Pacific

The warm waters of the far Pacific offer memorable holiday adventures as well. A 14-day Circle Hawaii sailing aboard ms Zaandam departs San Diego Dec. 19 with Christmas Eve in Hilo, Christmas Day in Nawiliwili and New Year’s Day in Ensenada, Mexico. Departing Dec. 17 and with limited space, the 16-day Australia–New Zealand Holiday Cruise aboard ms Volendam explores the southern coast of Australia from Sydney before an extensive tour of New Zealand ports such as Milford Sound and Auckland, and celebrating Christmas Eve in Wellington.

White Christmas in the Antarctic

Guests who want their holidays adorned with snow and ice will see a white Christmas on the 17-day South America and Antarctica Explorer journey. Departing Valparaiso (Santiago), Chile, Dec. 20, ms Veendam steers south amid the glaciers to spend Christmas Eve cruising Darwin Channel and the Chilean Fjords, Christmas Day sailing Amalia Glacier Canal and New Year’s Eve in the Antarctic Sound.

On board Activities for Everyone

When choosing a Holland America cruise for a family vacation, there’s always something for everyone — from kids to grandparents — with a wide variety of exciting activities and venues for the entire family to enjoy the cruise vacation of their dreams. Younger children 3-7 can play games, enjoy arts and crafts and join other supervised activities in Club HAL. Tweens 8-12 have an area featuring arcade games, air hockey, foosball and Sony PlayStations. Older kids 13-17 can often be found at The Loft, a teen-only venue, enjoying karaoke, video games, movies and a teen disco or hanging out at The Oasis, a teens-only sun deck. And daily menus feature kid-friendly choices.

While the kids are busy, adults can enjoy diverse activities and facilities from the Greenhouse Spa & Salon to a lively shipboard casino, wine tasting, cooking classes, afternoon tea, an internet café/library, party-planning classes and complimentary interactive Digital Workshops powered by Windows to learn more about using digital media.

For more information, contact a travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

SEATTLE, Aug. 6– With the recent launch of the 2,106-guest ms Nieuw Amsterdam, Holland America Line is showcasing its new approach to shipboard entertainment, opting to bring more intimacy to evening shows.

Exemplifying this new direction is the singing group Cantare, a quartet of male performers with a pop music repertoire covering several eras.

“With this new approach we’ve focused on getting top-notch performers, and you’ll see more faces from Broadway, ‘American Idol’ and other well-known performance outlets gracing our stage,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “We’re looking to share meaningful entertainment experiences with our guests through the quality of the music and performances, as well as deliver increasingly innovative and enriching options.”

Several production shows will debut aboard Nieuw Amsterdam, including “N.Y.C.,” a musical tour of the Big Apple; “Ladies Night,” a fun and fabulous all-female revue; “Live from the Avalon Ballroom,” an extravaganza of ballroom dance and music; “Garage Band,” a ’60s and ’70s musical set in an automobile service center, and “It Takes Two,” a revue of famous duets and duos.

Following the shows’ run aboard Nieuw Amsterdam they will expand across the fleet by the end of 2010.

Throughout the cruising year, Holland America Line’s more than 200 entertainers perform more than 90 shows on the 15 ships in the fleet. In addition to the resident performers, guests also can enjoy a variety of entertainment including comedians, musicians and magicians.

On several ships, performances take place in the new Showroom at Sea, a modern-day take on the classic nightclub that features state-of-the-art technology and a different show and themed atmosphere nightly. The Showroom at Sea is aboard Nieuw Amsterdam, as well as ms Veendam, ms Rotterdam, ms Statendam and ms Ryndam as part of the $525 million Signature of Excellence enhancement program.

The Showroom at Sea features a completely redesigned main stage that introduces a new seating layout and an enlarged dance floor. A new sound system, enhanced lighting and high-tech video projections transport guests into diverse environments as scenery and decor leap off the stage and into the audience.

Holland America Line’s creative team has earned more Tony, Emmy, Grammy and Oscar nominations than any other in the cruise industry. Hugh Durrant — a costume, set and theatrical designer — has won Emmy awards for his work with Cher and others, and fashion icon Bob Mackie, who created many of Holland America Line’s costumes, has a long history of award-winning designs for celebrities.

Built at Fincantieri’s Marghera yard near Venice, Italy, Nieuw Amsterdam was named by Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima of the Netherlands July 4, 2010. After a series of 12-day Mediterranean sailings, the ship embarks on a fall trans-Atlantic crossing to the Caribbean to sail seven-day eastern and western itineraries from November 2010 through March 2011.

For more information and cruise fares, contact a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

Carnival Spirit to Also Operate Line’s First 15-Day Round-Trip Cruises to Hawaii from Los Angeles, San Diego

MIAMI (July 1, 2010) — Carnival Cruise Lines – the West Coast’s number one cruise operator – will return to the Port of Los Angeles when the 2,124-passenger Carnival Spirit launches a series of five- and nine-day Mexican Riviera voyages in fall 2011. This marks the first time the line has offered a regular program from the San Pedro cruise terminal in eight years.

Carnival Spirit will also offer two 15-day Hawaii sailings round-trip from Los Angeles and San Diego in 2011 and 2012, marking the first time the line has offered round-trip voyages to the Aloha State.

New Five- and Nine-Day Sailings from L.A.

Carnival Spirit’s new Los Angeles-based schedule will encompass 12 departures between September 2011 and January 2012.

Carnival also operates two ships year-round from nearby Long Beach, Calif. — the 2,052-passenger Carnival Paradise, operating three- and four-day Baja cruises, and the 3,006-passenger Carnival Splendor, sailing week-long Mexican Riviera cruises.

Carnival will be the only cruise operator to homeport three ships in the Los Angeles area, providing consumers with a wide variety of affordable cruise options in Southern California and the surrounding region.

Carnival Spirit’s five-day voyages will spend two days at the popular resort town of Cabo San Lucas, distinguished by its distinctive rock formations, lush landscape and gorgeous white-sand beaches, while nine-day departures will also feature a two-day call in Cabo San Lucas, as well as visits to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and La Paz.

Puerto Vallarta is a popular resort destination offering magnificent beaches and a host of shopping and dining experiences. Known as the Pearl of the Pacific, Mazatlan is famous for white-sand beaches, and myriad fishing and diving opportunities. La Paz offers an awe-inspiring waterfront with excellent beaches and an abundance of snorkeling and diving experiences.

New 15-Day Hawaii Voyages

For the first time, Carnival will offer 15-day Hawaii voyages round-trip from either Los Angeles or San Diego, providing consumers with a more convenient and cost-effective means for visiting the breathtaking island chain. Both departures include day-long stops at five spectacular ports: Hilo, Maui (Kahului), Honolulu, Kauai (Nawiliwili), and Kona.

Hawaii is home to a diverse array of landside experiences, offering guests an opportunity to visit interesting historical sites, explore volcanoes and other natural landmarks, and soak up the sun on some of the world’s best beaches.

Voyages operate round-trip from Los Angeles Dec. 2, 2011 and from San Diego April 13, 2012.

Signature ‘Fun Ship’ Amenities

The namesake vessel in the line’s Spirit-class, Carnival Spirit offers a host of guest-pleasing facilities and features, including a two-level promenade lined with themed bars, lounges, and nightspots, along with a 13,500-square-foot spa, indoor and outdoor promenades, and supervised programs for children in three age groups. Eighty percent of the ship’s staterooms offer either an ocean view or private balcony – perfect for viewing the passing scenery.

Carnival Spirit will continue to offer seasonal Alaska cruises as well as five- and nine-day Mexico cruises from San Diego this fall/winter and in 2012.

Reservations are currently being accepted for the Carnival Spirit’s new five- and nine-day voyages from Los Angeles as well as the 15-day Hawaii voyages.

For additional information and reservations contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

Volendam and Zaandam to visit Australia, New Zealand, Asia and South Pacific

Seattle, Wash., – Holland America Line will deploy ms Volendam and ms Zaandam in Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the South Pacific in 2011-12, marking the first time the line will have two ships sailing a series of itineraries in the region simultaneously.

Guests will be able to select from a variety of itineraries ranging from 13 to 26 days, with calls at some of the most popular and exotic ports throughout the Pacific. Travelers looking for a longer exploration will be able to sail a Collectors’ Voyage from 27 to 39 days long that combines two back-to-back itineraries, allowing for an in-depth experience while visiting multiple regions.

“That part of the world has always been popular with our guests, and that greatly influenced our decision to increase our capacity in the region,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, for Holland America Line. “The entire area has such diverse offerings — from the Great Barrier Reef and fiords of New Zealand to the dramatic landscapes of the South Pacific islands and rich and exotic cultures of the Orient.”

14-day Explorations Highlight Australia and New Zealand

Volendam will sail a series of 14-day cruises roundtrip from Sydney, Australia, or between Sydney and Auckland, New Zealand, that explore both the North and South Islands. The nine departures from October 2011 thorough March 2012 feature extensive scenic cruising opportunities in Fiordland National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — as well as Milford, Dusky and Queen Charlotte Sounds. Calls at some of the most popular ports like Wellington, Napier and Tauranga highlight the itineraries, along with several evening departures.

Following the same itinerary as Volendam, Zaandam also sails a 14-day round-trip Sydney cruise departing Nov. 25, 2011.

South Pacific Itineraries Feature Exotic Islands

From December 2011 through February 2012 Volendam and Zaandam will sail three 13- or 14-day round-trip Sydney itineraries to island jewels in the South Pacific. The ships visit lesser-known tropical ports in New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji that are celebrated for their crystalline waters, powdery beaches and dramatic scenery. Guests will be able to soak up the sun and learn about fascinating island cultures.

Mystery and Mythology Showcased in the Far East

In 2012, Zaandam sails six spectacular 14-day sailings between Singapore or Kobe (Osaka), Japan and Hong Kong, China. Ancient customs and traditions live on in this part of the world, and the mysteries of a little-known region will unravel with each port of call. The cruises — which depart January through March — offer extended stays in several ports, as well as overnight calls at Laem Chabang (Bangkok), Thailand; and Hong Kong, Shanghai and Xingang (Beijing), China.

With extra time in port, guests will be able to visit world-famous landmarks such as Hong Kong’s Big Buddha, and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Great Wall of China, Vietnam’s Halong Bay and Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

Pacific Crossings Offer Unique Ports, Relaxing Days at Sea

Volendam and Zaandam both offer repositioning cruises to and from Asia and the South Pacific region, ranging from 22 to 26 days. These trans-Pacific adventures provide an excellent opportunity to visit several countries on one cruise, spend relaxing days at sea and require only one-way international airfare.

Volendam departs Sept. 7, 2011, from Vancouver, B.C., on a 26-day cruise that makes its way to Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji and New Caledonia before arriving at Sydney. The ship returns to Vancouver from Sydney on a 23-day itinerary departing April 10, 2012, that also makes calls throughout the South Pacific and the Aloha State.

Zaandam sails from San Diego, Calif., to Sydney on a 26-day crossing via Hawaii and the South Pacific that includes an evening sailing by the Kilauea Volcano. Guests looking for a northern Pacific crossing can sail from Kobe to Vancouver April 1, 2012, on a 22-day journey and explore several ports in Japan before arching up to Alaska and enjoying scenic cruising in Glacier Bay and the Inside Passage.

Sea days aboard a Holland America Line ship are an invitation to unwind and rejuvenate. Guests can fill their time with enriching activities such as cooking demonstrations at the Culinary Arts Center, pampering at the Greenhouse Spa or simply sipping a coffee while reading the news at the Explorations Café.

Cruisers looking to make the most out of their time in Asia, Australia and New Zealand can add a pre- or post-cruise land tour to further explore sites such as the Forbidden City in Beijing, Uluru/Ayers Rock or Alice Springs in Australia’s Northern Territory.

For more information and cruise fares, contact a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

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