Holland America Line Named ms Nieuw Amsterdam in Venice on Sunday, July 4

    


    
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<p><span class="xn-location">SEATTLE</span>, <span class="xn-chron">July 6</span> /CNW/ -- In a gala ceremony rich with Dutch heritage, Holland <span class="xn-person">America Line</span> named ms Nieuw <span class="xn-location">Amsterdam</span> in <span class="xn-location">Venice</span>, <span class="xn-location">Italy</span>, on <span class="xn-chron">July 4</span>.  Her Royal Highness <span class="xn-person">Princess Maxima</span> of the <span class="xn-location">Netherlands</span> officially named the premium line's 15th ship in front of invited dignitaries, cruise guests and media during the special celebration before the ship embarked on its maiden cruise.</p>
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<p>"We are exceptionally honored to have Her Royal Highness <span class="xn-person">Princess Maxima</span> as the godmother of this beautiful ship and to continue a long and proud tradition of having members of the <span class="xn-person">Dutch Royal Family</span> name our ships," said Stein Kruse, president and chief executive officer, Holland <span class="xn-person">America Line</span>.  "The second Signature-class ship in our fleet is elegant and the largest passenger ship to sail under the Dutch flag."</p>
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<p>Fifteen fleet captains representing Holland America Line's ships participated in the festivities, welcoming Her Royal Highness as she arrived to the pier.  Following the ship's blessing and traditional breaking of a champagne bottle across the ship's bow as the finale, company executives and senior staff officers led attendees in a toast of the occasion.</p>
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<p>Built at Fincantieri's Marghera yard near <span class="xn-location">Venice</span>, the 2,106-guest Nieuw <span class="xn-location">Amsterdam</span> is the fourth to carry that name for the line and departed on its maiden voyage roundtrip from <span class="xn-location">Venice</span> to nearby Mediterranean ports following the naming.  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 14 ships offers almost 500 cruises to 354 ports in nearly 100 countries, territories or dependencies.  Two- to 108-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, Alaska, <span class="xn-location">Mexico</span>, Canada/New England, <span class="xn-location">Europe</span> and <span class="xn-location">Panama</span> Canal.  A 15th ship, ms Nieuw <span class="xn-location">Amsterdam</span>, is scheduled to join the fleet on <span class="xn-chron">July 4, 2010</span>.</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, 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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    CONTACT:      Sally Andrews
    PHONE:        [phone]
    FAX:          [phone]
    EMAIL:        [email protected]







    

For further information: Sally Andrews of Holland America Line, 1-800-637-5029, fax, [phone], [email protected]