Holland America Line announced today that, as part of its $225 million Signature of Excellence initiative, the company is further elevating its premium cruise experience by expanding its wireless Internet service fleet-wide. This technology upgrade allows guests to stay in touch with loved ones, check stock quotes or share vacation experiences in real-time, all from the comfort and luxury of Holland America�s elegant five-star ships.
Wireless "hot spots," similar to those found in many land-based businesses today, are now available on all Holland America ships for guests traveling with personal laptop computers with wireless capability. Wireless Internet access aboard Holland America ships was previously only available in the Internet Caf�, which provides guests with the use of desktop computers, printers and traditional Internet access. Wireless service is now available at the Lido Deck pool and in the Atrium area, Explorer�s Lounge, Card Room, Library, Crow�s Nest, Ocean Bar and other locations, depending on the ship. This wireless expansion puts Holland America Line at the forefront of the cruise industry, providing guests with 24-hour wireless access the moment they step aboard.
�We have a longstanding and unwavering commitment to provide our guests with all the comforts and amenities possible,� said David A. Giersdorf, executive vice president, marketing and sales for Holland America Line. �More wireless coverage means more convenience for our guests. They can now enjoy all of the beautiful lounges, pools and common areas throughout the vessel while the rest of the world is just a click away.�
Offering the same pricing and sign-up procedures as terminals in the Internet Caf�, guests can purchase time at 75 cents per minute or in discounted packages that range up to 250 minutes. Discounts for purchasing bulk packages of online time can reduce the cost to as little as 40 cents per minute. Guests� laptops will filter the connection according to the settings that have been established on each system. Internet managers on board all ships are available to assist guests with troubleshooting.
� 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