Holland America Line Makes Summer Cruising in Alaska And Europe an Affordable Family Vacation

Limited-time savings include free upgrades, kids sail free and air credits

SEATTLE, March 14, 2012 /CNW/ - Holland America Line is making an Alaska CruiseTour or European cruise a more affordable vacation option this summer with limited-time savings and special offers.

Guests who book select 2012 Alaska CruiseTours or European itineraries by March 31, 2012, are eligible to receive up to a $500 air credit per stateroom or a shipboard credit of up to $200 per suite, as well as complimentary stateroom upgrades from an inside stateroom to an oceanview or from an oceanview stateroom to a verandah. Families looking to take a summer vacation can take advantage of an exclusive offer that lets kids between the ages of two and 17 cruise free on select Europe itineraries when sailing as a third or fourth guest in a stateroom.

"Savvy travelers know that cruising is an incredible value when it comes to vacation options," said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. "But when you add these extra incentives it makes it possible for more guests and families on summer holiday to enjoy an unforgettable cruise experience."

For the summer Europe season, seven Holland America Line ships sail 44 unique itineraries that span from the northern tip of Norway to the Black Sea and eastern and western Mediterranean. Five new maiden ports of call and four new itineraries make their debut, and guests can enjoy overnight visits in 17 cities, including Hamburg, Germany; Istanbul, Turkey; St. Petersburg, Russia; Stockholm, Sweden; Dublin, Ireland; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Venice, Italy; and Bordeaux, France.

Families with less time who are looking for a cultural and scenic adventure can opt for a seven-day sailing to the fjords of Norway or a Mediterranean adventure. Roundtrip cruises sail from Dover (London), England; Barcelona, Spain; Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; and Rotterdam and Amsterdam, Netherlands. Additional Holland America Line Europe itineraries enable guests to be among the few to cross the Arctic Circle, transit Germany's Kiel Canal, explore the ancient pyramids of Giza, and take a dip in the famous "Blue Lagoon," Iceland's unique geothermal seawater.

In summer 2012, the line will have seven ships sailing three different Alaska itineraries, as well as nine CruiseTours that combine a three-, four- or seven-day Inside Passage Holland America Line cruise with in-depth overland tours. Ranging in total length from 10 to 20 days. CruiseTours are designed to highlight the best of Alaska's wilderness, wildlife, native culture and history.

New for 2012, three new CruiseTours highlight Denali National Park with the only three-night Denali experience available; the line's first-ever round-trip Seattle, Wash., CruiseTour departures; and one-night Denali adventures. Six tours also feature Canada's Yukon Territory with its Klondike Gold Rush heritage and pristine national parks such as Kluane National Park and Tombstone Park.

Europe cruise fares begin at $699 per person, double occupancy. Alaska CruiseTours start at $999 per person.

For cruise brochures or for more information on the Alaska CruiseTours and European itineraries, consult a travel professional, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

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 350 ports in more than 100 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- 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 $525 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