Holland America Line Expands Partnership With Microsoft For On-Board Digital Workshops

Classrooms to be enhanced; new classes introduced

SEATTLE, May 6, 2013 /CNW/ - Holland America Line has renewed its partnership with Microsoft to continue offering its popular on-board computer and digital camera enrichment classes. The Digital Workshop powered by Windows® shares the latest technology and offers sessions for all skill levels. On-board workshop venues will be renovated and rebranded and new Windows 8 session material and hardware will be added.

The complimentary workshops, led by Microsoft-trained "Techsperts" on all 15 ships in the Holland America Line fleet, introduce guests with varying levels of computer and camera experience to photo editing, movie and slideshow creation, PC organization, cloud storage with SkyDrive, and much more.

"These free classes are very popular and teach skills that are new to many of our guests," said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "Microsoft is an incredible partner, and their Techsperts help guests go home with valuable knowledge and an enjoyable onboard experience."

The new Windows 8 curriculum will offer more than 20 different 50-minute workshops in a variety of genres. Guests can choose to attend some or all of the workshops, which are offered at various times and days throughout every cruise. Multiple workshops are held every day.

Many new workshops focus on the latest and innovative features of Windows 8. "Meet the New Windows" highlights some new features of Windows 8 and shows how to make your PC truly personal while "Learn to Navigate Windows 8" reviews how to get around Windows 8 using touch and traditional mouse and keyboard. An introduction to how to use Microsoft SkyDrive in the "Discover SkyDrive" session shows guests how easy it is to upload and share files with friends and family.

In addition to these sessions, guests looking to learn more about computers can attend "Find the Right PC for You" to discover the right Windows PC for varying lifestyles and budgets or "Brush Up on PC Basics" to learn ways to navigate a PC and how to keep their PC clean and organized.

"Learn to Use Your Digital Camera" is perfect for guests looking to become familiar with the best ways to use their digital camera. "Edit Your Photos Like a Pro" illustrates how to improve the look and feel of photos with Photo Gallery and "Keep Your Photos Organized" demonstrates how to easily get pictures from a camera to a PC with Photo Gallery.

More advanced guests can learn how to apply artistic touches during "Get Creative with Photo Editing" or create slide shows and videos with Movie Maker during the "Create Movies and Slideshows" class.

In addition, one-on-one coaching called "Techspert Time" also is available 70 hours each week so guests can stop by with questions. Those in need of more in-depth assistance can attend these help sessions.

The Digital Workshop showcases state-of-the-art technology provided and maintained by Microsoft, including Windows 8-certified PCs, and a wireless network. The workshops also feature flat-screen TVs for easy viewing of videos and Techspert demonstrations.

For more information about Holland America Line's cruises and cruisetours, consult a professional travel seller; call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425); or visit www.hollandamerica.com or the Plan a Cruise tab at www.Facebook.com/HALcruises.

Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America Blog. Access all social media outlets via the Online Communities quick link on the home page at www.hollandamerica.com.

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. The line currently has a new ship on order from Fincantieri shipyard for delivery in February 2016.

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.

SOURCE: Holland America Line

http://www.hollandamerica.com