SEATTLE, Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 the
World Ocean and Cruise Liner Society once again," said Richard D. Meadows,
CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "The
recognition of the society members year after year speaks to the continued
relevance of Holland America Line to today's travelers 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 Line passengers 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 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.
About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc
(NYSE: CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line's fleet of 14 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to 320
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 and Panama 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 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. For
more information, consult a travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425)
or visit http://www.hollandamerica.com.
- http://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 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.
CONTACT: Rose Abello
PHONE: 800-637-5029
FAX: 206-262-5934
EMAIL: pr@hollandamerica.com
SOURCE Holland America Line