Holland America Line Introduces Intimate Approach to Shipboard Entertainment

    


    
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<p><span class="xn-location">SEATTLE</span>, <span class="xn-chron">Aug. 4</span> /CNW/ -- With the recent launch of the 2,106-guest ms Nieuw <span class="xn-location">Amsterdam</span>, Holland <span class="xn-person">America Line</span> is showcasing its new approach to shipboard entertainment, opting to bring more intimacy to evening shows.</p>
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<p>Exemplifying this new direction is the singing group Cantare, a quartet of male performers with a pop music repertoire covering several eras.</p>
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<p>"With this new approach we've focused on getting top-notch performers, and you'll see more faces from Broadway, 'American Idol' and other well-known performance outlets gracing our stage," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "We're looking to share meaningful entertainment experiences with our guests through the quality of the music and performances, as well as deliver increasingly innovative and enriching options."</p>
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<p>Several production shows will debut aboard Nieuw <span class="xn-location">Amsterdam</span>, including "N.Y.C.," a musical tour of the Big Apple; "Ladies Night," a fun and fabulous all-female revue; "Live from the Avalon Ballroom," an extravaganza of ballroom dance and music; "Garage Band," a '60s and '70s musical set in an automobile service center, and "It Takes Two," a revue of famous duets and duos.</p>
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<p>Following the shows' run aboard Nieuw <span class="xn-location">Amsterdam</span> they will expand across the fleet by the end of 2010.</p>
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<p>Throughout the cruising year, Holland America Line's more than 200 entertainers perform more than 90 shows on the 15 ships in the fleet. In addition to the resident performers, guests also can enjoy a variety of entertainment including comedians, musicians and magicians.</p>
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<p>On several ships, performances take place in the new Showroom at Sea, a modern-day take on the classic nightclub that features state-of-the-art technology and a different show and themed atmosphere nightly. The Showroom at Sea is aboard Nieuw <span class="xn-location">Amsterdam</span>, as well as ms Veendam, ms <span class="xn-location">Rotterdam</span>, ms Statendam and ms Ryndam as part of the <span class="xn-money">$525 million</span> Signature of Excellence enhancement program.</p>
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<p>The Showroom at Sea features a completely redesigned main stage that introduces a new seating layout and an enlarged dance floor.  A new sound system, enhanced lighting and high-tech video projections transport guests into diverse environments as scenery and decor leap off the stage and into the audience.</p>
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<p>Holland America Line's creative team has earned more Tony, Emmy, Grammy and Oscar nominations than any other in the cruise industry. <span class="xn-person">Hugh Durrant</span> -- a costume, set and theatrical designer -- has won Emmy awards for his work with Cher and others, and fashion icon <span class="xn-person">Bob Mackie</span>, who created many of Holland America Line's costumes, has a long history of award-winning designs for celebrities.</p>
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<p>Built at Fincantieri's Marghera yard near <span class="xn-location">Venice</span>, <span class="xn-location">Italy</span>, Nieuw <span class="xn-location">Amsterdam</span> was named by Her Royal Highness <span class="xn-person">Princess Maxima</span> of the <span class="xn-location">Netherlands</span> <span class="xn-chron">July 4, 2010</span>. After a series of 12-day Mediterranean sailings, the ship embarks on a fall trans-Atlantic crossing to the Caribbean to sail seven-day eastern and western itineraries from <span class="xn-chron">November 2010</span> through <span class="xn-chron">March 2011</span>.</p>
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<p>For more information and cruise fares, contact a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit <a href="http://www.hollandamerica.com">www.hollandamerica.com</a>.</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 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 15 ships offers more than 500 cruises to 350 ports in more than 100 countries, territories or dependencies.  Two- to 110-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, <span class="xn-location">Bermuda</span>, Alaska, <span class="xn-location">Mexico</span>, Canada/New England, <span class="xn-location">Europe</span> and <span class="xn-location">Panama</span> Canal.</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, 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.</p>
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    World's Leading Cruise Lines
    
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<p>Holland <span class="xn-person">America Line</span> is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, <span class="xn-person">Princess Cruises</span>, Costa Cruises and The Yachts of 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 <a href="http://www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com">www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com</a></p>
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For further information: Sally Andrews of Holland America Line, PHONE, 1-800-637-5029, FAX, [phone], [email protected]