Holland America Line's ms Maasdam Receives Signature of Excellence Enhancements

SEATTLE, April 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland America Line's ms Maasdam emerged from drydock in Freeport, Bahamas today, becoming the last ship in the fleet to receive major enhancements in the company's $225 million Signature of Excellence initiative. Physical ship upgrades included the addition of the Exploration Cafe -- powered by the New York Times, Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine Magazine, refurbished Crow's Nest observation lounge, and an expanded Greenhouse Spa and Salon. This fall, Signature of Excellence will be completed when the ms Oosterdam receives its Culinary Arts Center.

"It's exciting to see all the major Signature of Excellence enhancements completed across the fleet," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, senior vice president, marketing and sales, for Holland America Line. "These additions and upgrades have been well received by all. Guest satisfaction with the ships and service has never been higher.

"We also are looking forward to adding more service enhancements and amenities to continue our Signature of Excellence positioning," added Meadows.

The Maasdam is Holland America Line's 12th ship to receive the Signature of Excellence enhancements. The ms Ryndam, ms Prinsendam, ms Zaandam, ms Rotterdam, ms Westerdam, ms Statendam, ms Amsterdam, ms Volendam, ms Zuiderdam, and ms Veendam have been transformed by Signature of Excellence enhancements. The ms Noordam was delivered with Signature of Excellence enhancements in place when it entered service in February 2006. The Oosterdam, which already features Signature of Excellence soft good and service enhancements, will go into drydock to receive its Culinary Arts Center in September 2006.

The Maasdam also has all new cabin amenities such as plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds, flat screen TVs, DVD players and deluxe waffle/terry cloth robes. Other items featured in staterooms are magnifying make-up mirrors with halo lighting, massage shower heads, professional hair dryers, and complimentary fruit basket.

Highlights of the recently added upgrades are: -- The Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine Magazine, where more than 60 celebrated chefs and culinary experts per year will provide cooking demonstrations and intimate classes in the new state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen. Guests in the audience can get an up-close view of the cooking action on large, plasma screens, while other guests also may watch these events from the comfort of their staterooms. -- The new Explorations Cafe -- powered by The New York Times offers guests an opportunity to sip coffee, browse through one of the most extensive libraries at sea, enjoy a wide selection of music at one of several listening stations or surf the Internet. They also can work The New York Times' crossword puzzles and access "TimesTalks" events and the NYTimes.com website. -- Younger cruisers now enjoy supervised, age-specific activities in a more comprehensive Youth Program and expanded Club HAL(R) designed for kids ages 3 to 12. The younger ones can enjoy creative activities at art tables, watch big-screen television and play on a fun slide. Older kids, ages 8 to 12, have an area featuring arcade games, air hockey, foosball, Karaoke, Internet access and Sony Playstations. The previously enlarged Youth Center has been upgraded to include Signature of Excellence amenities that provide a full youth program for toddlers, tweens and teens. -- Dining choices include the Pinnacle Grill restaurant, featuring Pacific Northwest fare and fine wines, and four dining times in the main dining room. -- The expanded Greenhouse Spa and Salon features more treatment rooms, a thermal suite and hydro-pool, as well as a new spacious fitness facility. In addition, the salon features an accessible treatment room so all guests may enjoy the facility. - http://www.hollandamerica.com/ -

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc ]

With the introduction of the 1,918-passenger ms Noordam in early 2006, Holland America Line's fleet grew to 13 ships, offering nearly 500 cruises from more than 25 home ports. The award-winning premium cruise line excels at providing gracious and attentive service. Holland America Line's $225 million, fleetwide Signature of Excellence enhancements feature new programs and amenities including product and service enhancements in stateroom accommodations, dining, service, enrichment programs and activities, and worldwide itineraries. Signature of Excellence enhancements have been completed on 12 ships, with the final ship receiving enhancements by the fall of 2006. 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.

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Contact: Rose Abello or Erik Elvejord, +1-206-301-5318, or cell, +1-206-313-7673, or fax, +1-206-262-5934, or pr@hollandamerica.com.