Holland America Line Wins Eight 2012 Readers' Choice Awards From Porthole Cruise Magazine

Premium Cruise Line Earns Accolades for Top Alaska Itineraries, Best Private Island and Best Shore Excursions

SEATTLE, Dec. 5, 2012 /CNW/ - Holland America Line, a leader in premium cruising, has earned top honors with eight 2012 Readers' Choice Awards from Porthole Cruise Magazine, one of the world's leading consumer cruise travel publications. The awards include Best Alaska Itineraries, Best Shore Excursions and Best Private Island for Half Moon Cay, the line's exclusive island in the Bahamas.

Porthole Cruise Magazine's Readers' Choice Awards are determined by thousands of the publication's readers who vote on their favorite cruise lines in a variety of categories.

"The readers of Porthole are discerning and well-traveled," said Bill Panoff, publisher and editor-in-chief of the magazine, "and they appreciate the exceptional cruise experience both on board and ashore that Holland America Line continues to deliver on a consistent basis."

Holland America Line's 2012 Readers Choice Awards include:

• Best Private Island for Half Moon Cay
• Best Alaska Itineraries
• Best Canada/New England Itineraries
• Best Central America Itineraries
• Best Shore Excursions
• Best Computer Facilities
• Best Medical Facilities
• Best Facilities for Physically Challenged Passengers

"Holland America Line is honored to be recognized by the readers of Porthole Cruise Magazine for our specially crafted itineraries, shore excursions and overall cruising experience," said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. "We are committed to delivering the ultimate premium cruise experience and these awards validate our efforts and dedication to continued excellence."

Half Moon Cay Receives Best Private Island Honors
For the past 12 years, Porthole Cruise Magazine's readers have named Half Moon Cay the industry's Best Private Island. Celebrating its 15^th anniversary this winter cruise season, Half Moon Cay features 15 beach-front, air-conditioned private cabanas, a natural 700-acre lagoon, a new Captain Morgan on the Rocks Island Bar and fun-filled excursions for nature lovers and adventurous travelers alike.

Top Itineraries Earn Top Honors
In addition to winning the Best Shore Excursions award for its diverse and enriching selection of tours, Holland America Line maintained its leading position as the cruise line with the Best Alaska Itineraries. In 2013, the line will sail seven ships on unique itineraries highlighted by scenic cruising in Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier and Alaska's famed Inside Passage.

Holland America Line also received top honors from Porthole for its Canada/New England voyages, which explore the historic seaports and stunning fall foliage of the region. In 2012, Holland America Line offered 27 cruises on three ships — ms Maasdam, ms Eurodam and ms Veendam — to ports along the eastern coast of North America.

Rounding out the honors garnered for top itineraries are the line's Central America voyages, a series of sailings that explore the region's natural beauty, indigenous cultures and full transits of the Panama Canal.

Computer Facilities, State-of-the-Art Medical Facilities
Holland America Line won Best Computer Facilities for its Digital Workshop powered by Windows. The enrichment program offers complimentary sessions that are led by a Microsoft-trained "techspert" on a variety of topics such as photo editing, making a slideshow, photo enhancing and security.

Completing the awards, Holland America Line received recognition for its accessibility and medical facilities. Holland America ships accommodate guests with a variety of special needs and feature state-of-the-art shipboard medical equipment.

For cruise brochures or for more information, 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 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.

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.

PortholeAwards12

SOURCE: Holland America Line

http://www.hollandamerica.com

http://www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com