HollandAmerica.com Debuts Dynamic New Virtual Online Cinema Experience

SEATTLE, Oct. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Web surfing travelers can experience a virtual cruise vacation with Holland America Line's new interactive Online Cinema experience debuting now on the premium cruise leader's website at http://www.hollandamerica.com/. On the virtual cinema, the elegant ships, worldwide destinations, gracious service, sophisticated dining and enriching activities for which Holland America Line is renowned, come to life via rich media allowing guests to view a Holland America Line vacation experience in advance of their trip.

"Our new Online Cinema feature is designed to augment the existing site, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a virtual cruise of their choice. Guests can witness views from a tableside window in the Pinnacle Grill, virtual tours of our spacious staterooms and video from ports of call," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, senior vice president, marketing and sales. "Today's consumer is increasingly internet savvy, and we want to provide them with as much detailed and experiential information regarding their vacation choice as possible."

The new Online Cinema portal on the opening page of the Holland America Line web site links guests to the site's innovative features including 360 degree tours, video clips, photo albums, interactive maps, travelogues, and more. Content covers each of the line's 12 ships and all of its destinations -- Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Asia/Pacific, Caribbean, Europe, Grand World Voyages, Hawaii, Canada/New England, Mexico, Panama Canal, and South America. The dynamic content is rich and detailed, offering guests an intimate preview of their vacation both on board and ashore.

All five sections of the Online Cinema module -- ships/accommodations, destinations, service, dining and activities -- feature virtual tours, photo albums and downloadable e-brochures. The Penthouse Verandah Suites, Deluxe Outside Verandah Suites, and Outside/Inside Staterooms are further showcased with 360 degree tours. Destinations come to life with interactive maps and travelogues of the cruise itineraries. The line's legendary service is revealed with profiles on the types of events -- birthdays, weddings, anniversaries -- to celebrate on a ship, and dining is showcased via video clips and snapshots of the culinary experience. The enriching on-board activities also are highlighted by postcards from fellow Holland America Line guests themselves.

"In the short time that the new Online Cinema has been up, the Mariner Dream Experience has been the most popular feature," said Meadows. "Guests and potential guests want to see the stateroom accommodations through video and 360 degree photography to discover what's new at Holland America Line -- for example, our Mariner Dream Beds, bathroom amenities, and Signature of Excellence stateroom enhancements."

Virtual tours of other popular and requested areas by ship include: the Atrium, Dining Room, Pinnacle Grill (intimate, reservations-only fine dining), Lido Pool & Bar, Neptune Lounge (VIP lounge for penthouse and deluxe verandah suites), Greenhouse Spa & Salon, Fitness Center, Casino, Show Lounge, Piano Bar, Crow's Nest, Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine, Explorer's Lounge, Exploration Café - powered by The New York Times, Club HAL (for children), the Loft (for teens), and the Oasis (teens-only deck area).

Holland America Line's web site, http://www.hollandamerica.com/, also features user-friendly vacation planning logistics such as browsing different itineraries, finding fares, locating a travel agent, and confirming shore excursions in advance of travel. The site features special cruise offers, and cyber travelers are encouraged to sign-up for emails and download e-brochures.

The new Online Cinema is part of the line's sweeping Signature of Excellence initiative, a $250 million investment in product and service enhancements unprecedented in the industry.

- http://www.hollandamerica.com/ -

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

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.

Contact: Rose Abello/Erik Elvejord Phone: 800/637-5029 (Not for publication.) 206/301-5318; 206-313-7673 cell phone Fax: 206/262-5934 E-mail: pr@hollandamerica.com