Following its successful inaugural season in Norfolk, Holland America Line will again operate 10- and 11-day Caribbean cruises in 2005 from Virginia�s historic seaport. As in 2004, the ms Maasdam will be homeported in Norfolk and sail an alternating series of roundtrip Eastern and Southern Caribbean itineraries during winter, spring and fall. Holland America has increased the number of sailings from 15 in 2004 to 17 in 2005.

�Norfolk proved to be a popular homeport last year and we will feature a total of 17 Caribbean departures in 2005,� said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, senior vice president, marketing and sales. �Norfolk is easily reached by car from the mid-Atlantic states, making it a convenient alternative to our Florida homeports for many guests.�

Holland America Line enhanced the Maasdam�s 11-day Southern Caribbean itinerary for fall 2004 to include Basseterre, St. Kitts and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Next year, the Maasdam is the only Holland America Line ship visiting outlying St. Kitts, so guests sailing from Norfolk will enjoy a special opportunity to explore the island�s unique attractions. All cruises visit Half Moon Cay, Bahamas, the highest rated private island in the cruise industry. Here guests can enjoy many water and beach activities, featuring the new horseback riding and swimming tour, a stingray adventure program, an AquaTrax personal water craft park, and a family aqua park.

The Maasdam features eight departures from Norfolk for 11-day cruises of the Southern Caribbean and nine departures for 10-day sailings in the Eastern Caribbean.

Eastern Caribbean Itineraries

The 10-day itinerary departs Norfolk for a relaxing day at sea before visiting Half Moon Cay and and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Additional ports of call include St. John�s, Antigua; Philipsburg, St. Maarten, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Guests will especially enjoy the idyllic beaches of St. John�s and the Dutch flavors (chocolates and cheeses) of St. Maarten. In addition, shore excursions feature such activities as the America�s Cup Regatta � a sailing lesson and race on a genuine America�s Cup race boat � in St. Maarten and the Off-Road 4x4 Safari to explore the backroads and beauty of Antigua.

Sailing dates for the 2005 Eastern Caribbean cruises from Norfolk are Jan. 6 and 27, Feb. 17, Mar. 10 and 31, Apr. 21, Oct. 26, Nov. 16 and Dec. 7. Cruise-only fares start at US$959 [CAN$1,279] per person, double occupancy, with Holland America�s Early Savings discount, plus taxes.

Southern Caribbean Itineraries

The 11-day itinerary departs Norfolk for Half Moon Cay before cruising on to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. The ship then visits the lush island of Dominica, where guests opting for shore excursions disembark at 8 a.m. in Cabrits and re-board that afternoon at Roseau.

Next, guests explore British-flavored Bridgetown, Barbados and unspoiled Basseterre, St. Kitts, which features beautiful old churches, bustling Fort Street, a former slave market and exciting shore excursions such as an ATV tour and catamaran/snorkel adventure. The ship continues to popular San Juan, Puerto Rico before cruising back to Norfolk.

Departures for the 2005 Southern Caribbean cruises are Jan. 16, Feb. 6 and 27, Mar. 20, Apr. 10, May 1, Nov. 5 and 26. Cruise-only fares start at US$1,069 [CAN$1,279] per person, double occupancy, with Holland America�s Early Savings discount. Taxes are additional.

www.hollandamerica.com

About Holland America Line In 2004, Holland America's fleet of 13, five-star, premium ships will offer nearly 500 sailings from 15 North American home ports, including new departures from Norfolk, VA; Baltimore, MD; and Boston, Mass. Recent additions to the fleet include the 1,848-passenger Vista ships, ms Zuiderdam and ms Oosterdam. In April 2004, the third Vista sister, ms Westerdam joins the fleet. The fleet will visit all seven continents in 2004, while increasing the number of cruises to popular destinations such as Alaska (139 cruises scheduled), the Caribbean (191), Europe (58) and Canada/New England (26).

Holland America excels in service, amenities and special programs. Known for consistent and attentive service, its ships have one of the highest staff-members-to-guest ratios. Spacious staterooms average 25 percent larger and verandahs twice as large as those on other lines' ships. Menus are among the most extensive at-sea. Dining choices include formal elegance, alternative specialty dining in the Pacific Northwest-themed Pinnacle Grill, casual fare and complimentary 24-hour room service.

The winner of the 10th consecutive "Best Overall Cruise Value" award from the World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society (WOCLS), the line offers the only trip cancellation program in the industry that provides cash back for canceling for any reason prior to 24 hours before departure. For more information, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

World's Leading Cruise Lines The highest-rated premium cruise line in the world in the 2003 Travel & Leisure magazine "World's Best" Awards, Holland America 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, the member 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. Conde Nast Traveler magazine readers also ranked Holland America Line as the top premium cruise line in the world in the much-anticipated 2003 Readers' Choice Awards.

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Media Contact: Mary Schimmelman +1 206-301-5318 mschimmelman@hollandamerica.com