Holland America Line today announced enhancements to the onboard experience across the premium cruise line�s five-star fleet with the introduction of the �Explorations Caf� � powered by The New York Times.� The caf� is a comfortable, living room-style environment where guests can sip a cup of coffee, browse through a selection of more than 2,000 books, spend time enjoying a wide selection of music and surf the Internet. Guests can take advantage of these new resources, including a wealth of content provided by The New York Times, to get an in-depth look at the history, culture and traditions of Holland America Line�s worldwide destinations. The caf�, part of the cruise line�s enhanced Explorations enrichment program, is one of the highlights of Holland America Line�s $225 million Signature of Excellence initiative.

�It is an honor to be working with The New York Times. They have been instrumental in the creation of the Explorations Caf� and in helping build upon our Tradition of Excellence,� said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, senior vice president, marketing and sales, Holland America Line. �We realize that taking guests to exotic global destinations is only part of our commitment and with the �Explorations Caf� � powered by The New York Times� we are providing guests with an opportunity for �full-immersion� in local cultures and attractions before they ever set foot on land.�

In the �Explorations Caf� � powered by The New York Times,� Holland America Line guests can get a cappuccino and a pastry and enjoy access to a variety of activities, resources and audio and video programming including the following:

Access to the NYTimes.com. Guests will be able to stay up to speed on world news and events from one of the nation�s most trusted publications.

A selection of The New York Times books in the caf� library, one of the largest libraries at sea.

Unique travel-related crossword puzzles. The New York Times will create crossword puzzles specifically for Holland America Line. Discovery Times Channel programming available both in the Explorations Caf� and in staterooms. �TimesTalk� events will be made available on CD.

New York Times merchandise such as collections of photographs from the publication�s archives, trivia books, commemorative newspapers and coffee mugs.

Complimentary access to The New York Times Electronic Edition which is an exact replica of the New York edition of the newspaper that will be downloaded via the Internet to the computers in the Explorations Caf�. Rounding out the Explorations Caf�, The New York Times is also providing compelling photos from the publication�s famous archives. Tables with glass tops featuring New York Times crossword puzzles contribute to the ambiance of the caf�. Guests can sit at the tables and use grease pencils to complete the puzzles or leave the difficult parts for the next guest to finish. In addition, the caf� area will feature nine music stations, about a dozen Internet stations and offer guests the convenience of wireless Internet access.

�We are delighted to enter this innovative marketing agreement with Holland America Line,� said Alyse Myers, vice president of marketing, The New York Times. �It allows us to bring The New York Times to life for Holland America Line�s intellectually-curious passengers and is in keeping with our approach to provide high-quality news, information and entertainment across a variety of multi-media platforms.�

Holland America Line has also secured expert speakers for its Explorations Guest Speaker Series, on all cruises lasting 10 days or longer beginning December 1. For example, a cruise to the Western Caribbean may feature a museum curator discussing the ancient Mayan civilization and folk art of the Yucatan Peninsula. The speaker series, which brings respected authorities to speak on topics relating to the history, culture, art and cuisine of various destinations, was previously available on cruises lasting over 14 days. It provides a great way for guests to enhance their cruise experience and fully immerse themselves in each destination.

Holland America Line will also provide guests with lists of informative Web sites on their destinations of choice. Guests can use the menus for their convenience or search for topics on their own. This wealth of information delivers a rich cruise experience for all guests no matter where their interests lie.

The ms Ryndam will be the first ship to showcase the �Explorations Caf� � powered by The New York Times� on its October 20 sailing to Mexico. The broader Explorations program will be in place across the fleet in 2006.

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