Holland America Line Offers More Alaska in 2006
159 Cruises on Eight 5-Star Ships Feature Glaciers, Wildlife, and Native Culture
SEATTLE, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland America Line, the leader in Alaska Cruises and CruiseTours, continues to offer a comprehensive selection of Alaska cruise itineraries and departures, sailing eight ships on 159 cruises in 2006. Three Vista-class ships, ms Oosterdam and ms Westerdam, roundtrip Seattle, and ms Zuiderdam, roundtrip Vancouver, will be introduced as well as three Seattle-based ships, ten additional cruises to Glacier Bay National Park and unique new port, Icy Strait Point. The company's five-star ships offer unmatched spaciousness and service, carry fewer passengers than any other major cruise line and offer the most entries into Glacier Bay National Park. Guests will experience the most popular Alaskan ports of call, most extensive shore excursion programs, exclusive enrichment programs and brand-new Signature of Excellence amenities.
"We're revving up for a great 2006 season and are pleased to offer more Alaska than ever for our 58th year in Alaska," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, senior vice president, marketing and sales. "All ships will have gone thru the Signature of Excellence upgrades so the shipboard experience will be even better than ever, from stateroom amenities to the new Culinary Arts Center show kitchen and Explorations Café. No detail has gone unturned."
Three First-Rate Alaska Cruise Itineraries
Beginning in May 2006, two ships will cruise Glacier Bay Inside Passage, 7-day roundtrip voyages from Vancouver, aboard Holland America Line's 1,848-passenger Vista-class Zuiderdam (new to Vancouver, departing Saturdays), and the 1,432-passenger ship ms Volendam (departing Wednesdays). The voyages will take in the pristine waters and scenic surroundings of Canada's Inside Passage and tour Tracy Arm and Sawyer Glacier en route to port calls at Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. Each cruise features a day of cruising Glacier Bay National Park with a U.S. park ranger and Huna Totem native interpreter, including giant Margerie Glacier, a mile wide and 25 stories high. In addition, the 1,258-passenger ships, ms Ryndam, ms Veendam and ms Statendam, will sail six early and late season sailings to Glacier Bay.
Three ships will sail seven-night Glacier Discovery Cruises, one-way between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska throughout the summer, approximately 1,679 nautical miles. The gracious 1,258-passenger Statendam (departing Fridays) explores new port Icy Strait Point, Hubbard Glacier, Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway or Sitka. 1,258-passenger sister ships, Veendam and Ryndam, (departing Sundays), cruise Glacier Bay and College Fjord with port stops in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway or Haines.
Seattle roundtrip Alaskan Explorer Cruises are offered on three ships, the 1,848-passenger Vista-class ship Oosterdam, (departing Saturdays), cruises to immense Hubbard Glacier and lovely Yakutat Bay. Ten additional Glacier Bay National Park departures are being offered from Seattle onboard 1,848-passenger Vista-class Westerdam (new to Seattle, departing Sundays) on May 7, 14, 21 and 28, July 16, 23 and 30, August 20, September 10 and 17. The Westerdam cruises Hubbard Glacier on all other dates. The 1,432-passenger ms Zaandam (departing Fridays) also cruises renowned Glacier Bay National Park and all three ships have port stops in Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Victoria, British Columbia.
"Holland America Line is the only cruise line," continued Meadows, "offering Glacier Bay National Park on three different itineraries: roundtrip Seattle, roundtrip Vancouver and Vancouver/Seward. With smaller ships and the best choice of glacier experiences, the 2006 Alaska cruise season for Holland America Line has a terrific lineup."
Cruise-only fares start at US $849, per person, double occupancy for Glacier Bay Inside Passage and Alaskan Explorer, and US $899, per person, double occupancy for Glacier Discovery Cruises.
Extensive Shore Excursion Selection Invites Personalized Experience
At every port of call, there are diverse shore excursions available designed to excite and delight. Holland America Line offers tremendous choices from active and adventurous to cultural and historical. Excursions include flightseeing and dog-mushing, fly fishing, whale watching, glacier and garden visits, float trips, kayaking, Alaska-style salmon bake, historical tours by foot or historic vehicle, wilderness safari's, and more.
2006 Alaska Cruises Brochures Are Now Available
For a copy of the new 2006 Alaska Cruises brochure, contact a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit online at http://www.hollandamerica.com.
http://www.hollandamerica.com
About Holland America Line (a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE:CCL) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:CUK) )
With the introduction of the 1,848-passenger ms Noordam in early 2006, Holland America Line's fleet grows to 13 ships, offering nearly 500 cruises from more than 25 home ports. Itineraries range from two to 108 days long and visit all seven continents, including new Australia/New Zealand and Asia sailings, a world cruise and popular sailings to several ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico and Europe. The ms Noordam also will offer Caribbean sailings in the winter from new homeport New York City.
Holland America Line's $225 million, fleetwide Signature of Excellence enhancements feature new programs and amenities including 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 will provide cooking demonstrations and classes -- Explorations Cafe powered by the New York Times, teens-only activity areas and all new cabin amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush-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.
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.
For the Greatest Cruise Deals Shop Around First. Click Here: http://www.itravelmag.com/travel-links-bycat.php?category=Cruises
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