Holland America Line Announces 55 New Shore Excursions for Summer 2010

    



    
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<p><span class="xn-location">SEATTLE</span>, <span class="xn-chron">March 17</span> /CNW/ -- To complement its already extensive and award-winning shore excursion offerings, Holland <span class="xn-person">America Line</span> has put together 55 new and captivating tours for its 2010 summer season. The new excursions range from an afternoon in the French city of Cognac, <span class="xn-location">France</span>, where one can discover the secrets of making Cognac and sample the delights of what many French call "the healing drink;" to a nostalgic steam-hauled train ride which crosses the world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct -- a 21-arch, 1000-foot span featured in the <span class="xn-person">Harry Potter</span> and Narnia films; to an unforgettable flightseeing Brown Bear and wildlife tour in the wilds of Southeast Alaska, visiting remote areas that only a bush pilot can reach.</p>
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<p>"Holland <span class="xn-person">America Line</span> is always looking for new opportunities to provide our guests with a variety of memorable and unique excursions that will enrich their cruise-travel experience," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs.  "Our selections not only give our guests the chance to expand their cultural horizons but also cater to a variety of interests including romantic candlelight cruises in Northern <span class="xn-location">Europe</span>, an elegant, white-gloved dinner in the Mediterranean, parasailing in the Caribbean and zipline eco-adventures in Alaska. We have something for everyone."</p>
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<p>Holland America adds <span class="xn-location">Anchorage</span>, Alaska, to itinerary and will include 22 new shore excursions</p>
<p>Holland <span class="xn-person">America Line</span> will, for the first time in the line's history, pay calls to <span class="xn-location">Anchorage</span>, Alaska. A diverse line-up of shore excursions within the state's largest city has been arranged. Highlights include: fly-in fishing expeditions to remote Alaska backcountry; a sled dog rodeo; flightseeing safaris through the Chugach Mountain Range and over <span class="xn-person">Captain James Cook</span>'s Turnagain Inlet in search of beluga whales; a <span class="xn-person">Prince William Sound Glacier</span> cruise; a full-day scenic ride aboard the historic Alaska Railroad to Talkeetna with the chance to view Mt. McKinley; a guided, fly-out bear-watching tour where guests can view Alaska black and brown bears in their natural habitat; and a visit to Wildberry Park and <span class="xn-location">Anchorage</span> Museum, home of many Native Alaskan art and artifacts as well as paintings by renowned Alaskan artist <span class="xn-person">Sydney Laurence</span>.</p>
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<p>In addition to the line's Alaska offerings, 17 new excursions have been added to the company's <span class="xn-location">Europe</span> tour itineraries. Featured tours include:</p>
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    --  Roman Catacombs, Pompey's Pillar and National Museum of Alexandria --
        An exploration of one of the most distinguished museums in the world
--
        the National Museum of Alexandria -- home to antiquities ranging from
        Egyptian mummy cases to Greek statues and papyri. The museum also
        displays the underwater excavation of the Faros Lighthouse -- one of
        the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In addition, guests will
        explore the 2nd-century catacombs at Kom el Shugafa, where tombs are
        cut 115 feet into the bedrock, and the famous Pompey's Pillar, a
column
        of polished, rose-colored Aswan granite that stands before the ruins
of
        the Temple of Serapis.
    --  Budva, Kotor and Coastal Views -- An extraordinary tour in the port of
        Montenegro, showcasing the exotic Montenegrin Riviera with visits to
        The Old Town, a 15th century walled city in Budva, followed by a
        spectacular coastal tour to Kotor, a medieval Mediterranean town and a
        UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    --  Traces of Alexander the Great -- A fascinating drive across the
        Macedonian countryside with a tour of Pella, birthplace of Alexander
        the Great, where guests can enter the residences of the ancient
        aristocrats and explore archeological sites dating from the 4th
century
        BC.
    --  Historic Jewish Dublin -- A panoramic tour of Dublin's main
attractions
        coupled with a heritage tour of Dublin's historic Jewish community
        whose presence in Ireland can be traced back to 1079.
    --  The Atlantic Ocean Road and Haholmen Island -- A unique tour, which
        zigzags across bridges and causeways between dozens of forested
islands
        and right out to the ocean's edge, will delight guests who love the
        call of the sea. From the Varden Viewpoint, guests will enjoy a
        spectacular view over Romsdalsfjord with its many small islands. A
stop
        at Bud village, a charming fishing village facing the open ocean, is
        also included.

    
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<p>Holland <span class="xn-person">America Line</span> offers hundreds of shore excursions to more than 300 ports in more than 100 countries. To discover more about Holland America Line's entire award-winning shore excursions program or to pre-book excursions online, visit <a href="http://www.hollandamerica.com">www.hollandamerica.com</a> and click "shore excursions."</p>
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<p>Find Holland <span class="xn-person">America Line</span> on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America Blog.  Access all social media outlets via the Online Communities quick link on the home page at <a href="http://www.hollandamerica.com">www.hollandamerica.com</a>.</p>
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<p>About Holland <span class="xn-person">America Line</span> [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]</p>
<p>Holland America Line's fleet of 14 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to 320 ports in more than 100 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to 108-day itineraries visit all seven continents, and highlights include Antarctica, <span class="xn-location">South America</span>, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, <span class="xn-location">Mexico</span>, Canada/New England, <span class="xn-location">Europe</span> and <span class="xn-location">Panama</span> Canal. A 15th ship, ms Nieuw <span class="xn-location">Amsterdam</span>, is scheduled to join the fleet in 2010.</p>
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<p>Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than <span class="xn-money">$525 million</span>, that showcase 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 provide cooking demonstrations and classes - Explorations Cafe powered by The New York Times, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds.</p>
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    Worlds Leading Cruise Lines
    
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<p>The highest-rated premium cruise line in the world, Holland <span class="xn-person">America Line</span> is a member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, <span class="xn-person">Princess Cruises</span>, Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruise Line and Costa 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.</p>
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    CONTACT:  Sally Andrews, John Primeau
    PHONE:    [phone]
    FAX:      [phone]
    EMAIL:    [email protected]




    

For further information: Sally Andrews, 1-800-637-5029, or John Primeau, [phone], both of Holland America Line, [email protected] or fax, [phone] Web Site: http://www.hollandamerica.com