Holland America Line's 2015 Grand World Voyage Aboard ms Amsterdam visits 45 ports in 25 Countries on Six Continents

Highlights of 114-day cruise include 11 overnight calls, Panama and Suez canal transits

SEATTLE, June 23, 2014 /CNW/ - When ms Amsterdam departs Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Jan. 5, 2015, the cruise will span 114 days and call at 45 ports in 25 countries on six continents. Offering a refined and elegant "home away from home," Amsterdam guests will enjoy gracious service, superior amenities and many special Grand Voyage experiences.

For guests who have less time on their hands, eight segments ranging in length from 22 to 57 days are available from departure ports along the route. Highlights of the roundtrip Fort Lauderdale journey include 11 overnight calls in some of the world's most exciting cities, transits of the Panama and Suez canals, crossing the equator and International Date Line, visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, evening theme balls, local entertainment and a host of other activities.

"A Grand World Voyage with Holland America Line is an experience of a lifetime with a
unique way of showcasing each region both onboard and ashore," said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. "For any destination collector, a journey around the world is the pinnacle in travel, and this cruise truly is the grandest of the Grand Voyages."

Following Amsterdam's departure from Fort Lauderdale, the ship will take a westerly course from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean via a daylight transit of the Panama Canal. Once the ship reaches the South Pacific, guests will enjoy an overnight call at Papeete, French Polynesia. Amsterdam will explore six Polynesian islands before heading to New Zealand for an overnight call at Auckland.

Amsterdam then sails west along the southern coast of Australia after an overnight call at Sydney. Extra time in one of the most popular ports on the journey allows for an evening at the famed Sydney Opera House, the opportunity to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge or an overland tour to Ayers Rock. Guests also will have extra time Down Under with overnights at Adelaide and Perth (Fremantle). The Australia exploration is enhanced with additional calls at Melbourne, Albany and Geraldton.

The ship makes its way to Asia with an overnight call at Bali, Indonesia, before touching the island of Java. Blending Asian traditions with a western cityscape, Singapore is the next overnight call, as well as the departure point for an overland tour to Cambodia and Angkor Wat, one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia.

Amsterdam continues its northwesterly course with calls at Malaysia and Thailand before an overnight call at Thilawa (Rangoon), Myanmar. The ship visits Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Cochin, India, before overnight calls at Mumbai (Bombay), India, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. From Mumbai, guests can go overland to visit the Taj Mahal.

Following calls in Oman, Egypt and Jordan, Amsterdam transits the Suez Canal on its way to the Mediterranean. Guests explore 13 ports in Turkey, Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal, including an overnight call at Piraeus (Athens), Greece, before a leisurely Atlantic crossing and return to Fort Lauderdale.

A Grand Onboard Experience
Sailing on Holland America Line's Grand World Voyage is a cruise experience unlike any other. Onboard amenities are elevated to the highest level. With nearly one crewmember for every two guests, the finest service is always nearby. A different dining experience is offered every day, with the opportunity to enjoy a variety of food and fine wines from around the world.

Through the line's "On Location" enrichment program, local traditions and culinary and cultural experiences come to life both onboard and ashore to deepen guests' appreciation of the destinations. During the Grand World Voyage, that might mean illuminating speakers, special guest headliners, galas and local cultural and folkloric shows such as enjoying a didgeridoo player on deck while in Australia or belly dancing lessons in the Mediterranean.

Book by July 31, 2014, and Receive Early Booking Amenities and Savings
Reservations are open for Amsterdam's 2015 Grand World Voyage, and guests who pay in full by July 31, 2014, receive a three-percent discount off the cruise fare.

Early Booking Amenities for full Grand World Voyage guests who book by July 31 include prepaid hotel service charges, shipboard credit, luggage delivery service and a complimentary shore excursion or champagne for select stateroom categories. Guests booking a segment of the Grand World Voyage by July 31 receive a shipboard credit that varies depending on stateroom category.

The Grand World Voyage is available to book for the full cruise or in segments starting at 22 days. Cruise fares are per person, double occupancy. Rates start at $19,999 for Amsterdam's 114-day Grand World Voyage departing Jan. 5; $5,299 for the 30-day segment from Fort Lauderdale to Auckland departing Jan. 5; $6,499 for the 35-day segment from Fort Lauderdale to Sydney departing Jan. 5; $5,199 for the 27-day segment from Auckland to Singapore departing Feb. 5; $8,899 for the 46-day segment from Auckland to Dubai departing Feb. 5; $4,199 for the 22-day segment from Sydney to Singapore departing Feb. 10; $7,899 for the 41-day segment from Sydney to Dubai departing Feb. 10; $10,599 for the 57-day segment from Singapore to Fort Lauderdale departing March 4; and $6,699 for the 38-day segment from Dubai to Fort Lauderdale departing March 23.

For more information, visit Holland America Line's website, contact a travel professional or call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425).

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; four annual Grand Voyages; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal. The line currently has a new ship on order from Fincantieri shipyard for delivery in February 2016.

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 Café 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.

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SOURCE: Holland America Line

http://www.hollandamerica.com

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