Holland America Line Wraps Up The Holidays With 19 Winter Cruise Escapes

Seattle, September 21, 2006 – From the exotic — enjoying the Christmas spirit with penguins in Antarctica or toasting the New Year down under — to a popular Caribbean or Mexico cruise, Holland America Line invites travelers to celebrate the season this December on one of 19 holiday escapes.

“Holiday cruising provides a relaxed surrounding to enjoy family and the festivities and there’s no cooking, cleaning, decorating or hassle,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, senior vice president of marketing and sales. “From enriching activities ashore to special onboard festivities celebrating the season, our holiday cruises also provide tremendous value and extensive options for travelers of all ages.”

From December 16 through 31, 2006, Holland America Line offers several cruise departures ranging from 7- to 20-days and accommodating the varied schedules of busy professionals, school kids and grandparents. Destinations, both close-to-home and far-flung, include:

- The beaches and azure waters of the Caribbean — the perfect warm winter retreat with 14 holiday cruises, ranging from 7 to 14 days, traveling round-trip from Ft. Lauderdale and Tampa, Florida, Norfolk, Virginia, and New York City with the maiden Holiday voyages of the ms Noordam. Most itineraries feature a visit to Half Moon Cay, the line’s award-winning private Bahamian island.

- The mystery and beauty of the Mexican Riviera on a 7-day cruise traveling round-trip from San Diego for Christmas or New Year’s. In a country known for its festive celebrations, guests may experience the excitement of Las Posadas, the nine days before Christmas, or Año Nuevo, New Year’s.

- Journeys to exotic locales — 14-day Panama Canal Sunfarer round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, 15-day Hawaii itinerary round-trip from San Diego, a 14-day New Zealand/Australia adventure from Auckland to Sydney, and a 20-day exploration of South America and Antarctica from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to Valparaíso, Chile.

Each holiday voyage features clergy to conduct Catholic, Protestant and Jewish services (for the 12/16 Noordam cruise over Hanukkah). Holland America Line’s on-board festivities for the entire family include holiday decorations, special movie showings, traditional dinner selections, religious services, a visit for the kids from Santa — sometimes arriving by parasail — activities and crafts for the Club HAL kids program, strolling carolers, tree lighting ceremony, eggnog in the atrium, Christmas brunch, Santa’s milk and cookie late-night snack, a Christmas show by the crew on Christmas Eve, and a turndown gift on Christmas Eve. The line also holds a New Year’s Eve Gala and arranges to broadcast some college bowl games on board the ship.