Holland America Line and O, The Oprah Magazine Launch O's Reading Room Fleetwide Featuring Oprah's Book Club's Latest Selection 'An American Marriage' By Award-Winning Author Tayari Jones

O's Reading Room on all ships by May 2018

SEATTLE, Feb. 22, 2018 /CNW/ -- Due to its overwhelming popularity, Holland America Line is bringing O's Reading Room to all 14 ships in the fleet around the world. Introduced as part of special onboard programming developed in partnership with O, The Oprah Magazine, by May 2018, guests on all ships regardless of cruising region will have the opportunity to read the latest book club selection and participate in discussions on board.   

The first novel to go fleetwide - "An American Marriage" by award-winning author Tayari Jones - was recently announced as the latest selection in Oprah's Book Club. Guests on board Holland America Line ships will share the same experience with millions of readers.

"Our guests are fanatical readers, and O's Reading Room quickly became one of the most popular activities on ships with O, The Oprah Magazine programming," said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. "We're excited that we can now offer this experience to all of our guests. Oprah's personal passion for reading is evident by the books she chooses, and we're privileged to feature the same selection as Oprah's Book Club."

Jones is the author of several other novels, including "Leaving Atlanta," "The Untelling" and "Silver Sparrow." Her writing has appeared in Tin House, The Believer, The New York Times and Callaloo. A member of the Fellowship of Southern Writers, she is a recipient of the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award, Lifetime Achievement Award in Fine Arts from the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, United States Artist Fellowship, NEA Fellowship and Radcliffe Institute Bunting Fellowship.

Jones is scheduled to join Holland America Line's March 3, 2018, O, The Oprah Magazine's Adventure of Your Life Cruise" to the Caribbean aboard Nieuw Amsterdam. She embarks with a collection of the magazine's editors and visionaries who will share stories, inspire guests and impart their knowledge through special programming. O, The Oprah Magazine's books editor Leigh Haber will be on board to lead the discussion of "An American Marriage" with Jones during O's Reading Room.

On non-theme cruises, guests who are interested in participating in O's Reading Room can bring "An American Marriage" on board. Book club discussions are led by a member of the ship's staff, and selections change periodically throughout the year. The latest O's Reading Room selection is listed on Holland America Line's website on the O, The Oprah Magazine's Year of Living Well page.

Holland America Line and O, The Oprah Magazine Partnership
Holland America Line and O, The Oprah Magazine's exclusive partnership unites the soul-stirring power of travel with O's deep commitment to connection and personal growth. Two remaining Adventure of Your Life Cruises with Holland America Line and O, The Oprah Magazine also will feature members of the magazine's editorial team, along with visionaries to be announced. The remaining cruises depart Aug. 11, 2018, on a seven-day Alaska itinerary and Oct. 28, 2018, on a seven-day Caribbean sailing.

To further enhance the programming, more than 300 Holland America Line cruises sailing in North America this year offer a variety of engaging activities developed with the magazine's editors including meditation, exercise, healthy eating, the onboard book reading room and more.

For more information, contact a travel professional, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

Editor's note:  Photos are available at https://www.cruiseimagelibrary.com/c/akujk63n.

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About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE:  CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line's fleet of 14 ships offers more than 500 cruises to more than 400 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies around the world. From shorter getaways to 113-day itineraries, the company's cruises visit all seven continents, with highlights including Antarctica explorations, South America circumnavigations, Cuba cruises and exotic Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; four annual Grand Voyages; and popular sailings to the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada and New England, Bermuda, Europe and the Panama Canal. The line welcomed ms Koningsdam in 2016 and has a second Pinnacle-class ship, ms Nieuw Statendam, to be delivered in December 2018. A third Pinnacle-class ship, due for delivery in 2021, recently was announced.

The company is undergoing $300 million in brand enhancements to secure its position as the leader in premium cruising. Fleetwide, the ships feature innovative initiatives and a diverse range of enriching experiences focused on destination immersion and personalized travel. Guests can expand their knowledge through an exclusive partnership with O, The Oprah Magazine; during an America's Test Kitchen show; at Explorations Café presented by The New York Times; and by taking a Digital Workshop powered by Windows. Outstanding entertainment fills each evening at venues including Lincoln Center Stage, Billboard Onboard and B.B. King's Blues Club. The dining experience can be savored at a variety of restaurants with menus that feature selections from Holland America Line's esteemed Culinary Council, comprising world-famous chefs who design dishes exclusively for our guests.

SOURCE Holland America Line

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