Holland America Line Features Microsoft Surface in New Mix Lounge on Several
Ships

    
    Innovative Touch Screens and Specialty Lounge Are Part of Latest Signature
    of Excellence Enhancements





    
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<p><location>SEATTLE</location>, <chron>Dec. 7</chron> /CNW/ -- As part of its ongoing Signature of Excellence enhancements, Holland <person>America Line</person> will install five Microsoft® Surface® units in Mix, its newest lounge venue with three specialty bars -- Martinis, Champagne, and Spirits & Ales.  Already in full operation on ms Veendam, Mix and Surface units will be completed on ms <location>Rotterdam</location> by mid-December, followed by three additional ships.</p>
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<p>An exciting new entertainment space, Mix is a destination lounge where guests can meet and mingle throughout the day and night.  Mix is an open and inviting space anchored by a pianist providing entertainment for the three distinctly themed specialty bars.</p>
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<p>"Microsoft Surface is an exciting focal point in the trendy Mix entertainment venue, which is designed as the ultimate place to both socialize and be entertained with the latest innovations," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "Our guests greatly enjoy Mix and Surface on Veendam so we are confident they will embrace the new features on <location>Rotterdam</location> and our other ships, too."</p>
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<p>In Mix, while sipping their favorite drink, guests can interact with the Microsoft Surface touch-screen technology to listen to music and play checkers and chess, air hockey, Tetris, cards and the Touch Sports games of football, basketball and skee-ball.  Holland <person>America Line</person> became the first cruise line to offer Microsoft Surface when it furnished Mix with five units aboard ms Veendam in March of this year.  Mix and Microsoft Surface will be featured on five Holland <person>America Line</person> ships:  ms Veendam, ms <location>Rotterdam</location>, ms Ryndam, ms Statendam and ms Maasdam.</p>
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<p>"The hospitality industry is striving to differentiate in this competitive environment by delivering personalized, interactive and relevant experiences that travelers will remember long after their trip has ended," said <person>Sandra Andrews</person>, U.S. hospitality solutions director, Microsoft Corp. "With Microsoft Surface, Holland America is at the forefront of a whole new innovative experience within the travel industry - putting fun leisure activities and helpful information at the guests' fingertips for a unique and enriching cruise vacation experience."</p>
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<p>Microsoft Surface is an innovative computing platform that responds to touch, natural hand gestures and real-world objects placed on the display, providing effortless interaction with information and digital content in a simple and intuitive way. With a large, 360-degree, horizontal user interface, Microsoft Surface offers a unique gathering place where multiple users can collaboratively and simultaneously interact with content and each other.</p>
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    Mix and Mingle at Mix
    
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<p>Microsoft Surface is showcased in the new Mix entertainment space that combines three specialty theme bars in one central area.  Champagne features 20 different champagnes and sparkling wines from around the world and events such as champagne breakfast and pre-dinner champagne hour with caviar canapés.  Martinis serves up 19 Grey Goose martinis elegantly offered in individual shakers as well as a full range of cocktails.  Spirits & Ales will feature an international selection of beers and premium whiskeys and brandies while broadcasting premium sports programming.</p>
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<p>As part of its latest Signature of Excellence enhancements, Holland <person>America Line</person> adds Mix and five Microsoft Surface units to ms <location>Rotterdam</location> in <chron>December 2009</chron>, ms Ryndam in <chron>February 2010</chron>, ms Statendam in <chron>April 2010</chron> and ms Maasdam in <chron>April 2011</chron>.  Veendam is complete.</p>
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<p>Holland America Line's latest investment in Signature of Excellence enhancements also includes a new resort pool concept, innovative lanai staterooms, new entertainment and enrichment options, complimentary Italian Canaletto restaurant and all new stateroom décor. The premium cruise line's commitment to enhancing its fleet now exceeds <money>$525 million</money>.</p>
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<p>For additional information, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit <a href="http://www.hollandamerica.com">www.hollandamerica.com</a>.</p>
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<p>Editor's Note: Photography available at <a href="http://www.cleanpix.com/cleanpix/portal/WWnN:Bwq:h6E">http://www.cleanpix.com/cleanpix/portal/WWnN:Bwq:h6E</a>.</p>
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<p>Find Holland <person>America Line</person> 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 <person>America Line</person> [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, <location>South America</location>, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, <location>Mexico</location>, Canada/New England, <location>Europe</location> and <location>Panama</location> Canal.  A 15th ship is scheduled to join the fleet in <chron>July 2010</chron>.</p>
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<p>Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than <money>$525 million</money>, 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 Café 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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    World's Leading Cruise Lines
    
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<p>The highest-rated premium cruise line in the world, Holland <person>America Line</person> is a member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, <person>Princess Cruises</person>, 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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<p>    CONTACT:  <person>Sally Andrews</person></p>
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    PHONE:  [phone]
      FAX:  [phone]
    EMAIL:  [email protected]






    

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