Holland America Line Announces Exclusive Tulip at World-Famous Keukenhof Spring Gardens in Honor of 140th Anniversary

SEATTLE, Nov. 19, 2012 /CNW/ - Holland America Line is partnering with the world-famous Keukenhof Spring gardens in the Netherlands to develop an exclusive tulip for Holland America Line in celebration of their 140th anniversary in 2013. Master grower Jan Pennings, exhibitor at Keukenhof Gardens, chose a white-petaled variety to honor the company that was originally founded in Rotterdam on April 18, 1873, as a trans-Atlantic cargo and passenger company.

To launch the planting of the new tulip, which will be harvested next spring, Jan Pennings will hand over the first bulbs to Holland America Line Captain Edward van Zaane; Nico Bleichrodt, Senior Director of Sales, North and Central Europe; and Martin Schroder, loyal Mariner and member of the Holland America Dutch advisory board. The event took place on Nov. 16, 2012 by a windmill that was donated to Keukenhof Gardens by Holland America Line in 1957. The tulips are scheduled to bloom in spring, 2013. An official christening and naming of the new tulip will be held in April, 2013 at Keukenhof.

Known as the Garden of Europe, Keukenhof is the world's largest flower gardens, situated near Amsterdam, in the Netherlands. Approximately seven million flower bulbs of 1,600 varieties are planted annually at the park. The Keukenhof is only open for two months per year, from March 21 through May 20, and attracts more than 800,000 visitors from around the world. For more information visit: http://www.keukenhof.nl.

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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 15 ships offers more than 500 cruises to 415 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies. One- to 110-day itineraries visit all seven continents and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $500 million, 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, Digital Workshop powered by Windows, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds.

World's Leading Cruise Lines

Holland America Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World's Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Images available at http://www.cleanpix.com/cleanpix/portal/WQpX-mng-Y8k.

SOURCE: Holland America Line

http://www.hollandamerica.com