Holland America Line's Fall And Winter Cruises Call At Diverse Regions At An Ideal Time Of Year

Premium cruise getaways are great values for fall and winter vacations

SEATTLE, Sept. 30, 2013 /CNW/ - As fall arrives, Holland America Line is featuring a diverse range of itineraries around the world. Come fall and winter, Holland America Line ships will sail to the tropical climates of the Caribbean and Panama Canal, make an October trans-Atlantic crossing, and spend time in South America, Australia and New Zealand during the Southern Hemisphere's spring and summer months.

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During this time of year, Holland America Line offers exceptional rates on select cruises so vacationers can take advantage of special savings and set sail on an exciting and affordable getaway.

"With our great fall and winter fares, it's the ideal time to join us for a premium cruise vacation to some of the most beautiful places in the world," said Richard Meadows, executive vice president of marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. "From the warm beaches and breezes of the Caribbean and Mexico to the exotic ports of South America and New Zealand, couples and families will find a cruise vacation to suit their wishes."

Vacationers looking for a tropical getaway in the fall can take one of Holland America Line's many eastern and western Caribbean cruises. The itineraries call at island jewels such as the Turks and Caicos, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten and Half Moon Cay, the line's award-winning private Bahamian island. Cruise fares begin at just $449 per person, double occupancy, for seven-day itineraries from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., aboard ms Eurodam, ms Nieuw Amsterdam and ms Westerdam.

Guests wanting to experience one of the greatest man-made marvels in the world can join one of several full or partial transits of the Panama Canal, including ms Zuiderdam on a 10-day partial transit departing Nov. 8, 2013. The ship sails roundtrip Fort Lauderdale and calls at Half Moon Cay; Aruba; Curacao; Colon, Panama, and Puerto Limon, Costa Rica. Cruise fares begin at $749 per person, double occupancy.

ms Zaandam heads to South America during the continent's warmer months. The 13-day South America Passage voyage sails from Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Santiago, Chile, with days of scenic cruising among Chile's glaciers and close encounters with Magellan penguins and sea lions. Cruise fares for the Nov. 17, 2013, departure start at $1,399 per person, double occupancy.

Travelers looking to head Down Under can join ms Oosterdam on a 14-day Australia and New Zealand voyage that departs Auckland, New Zealand, Nov. 10, 2013, and heads for Sydney, Australia. Along the way, the ship calls at six ports in New Zealand and two in Australia, with scenic cruising in Fiordland National Park. Cruise fares begin at $1,299 per person, double occupancy.

For the ultimate cruising experience that combines exciting ports of call with relaxing days at sea, guests can embark Nieuw Amsterdam at Barcelona, Spain, on Oct. 13 for a 14-day trans-Atlantic crossing to Fort Lauderdale. The ship will call at Cartagena, Malaga and Cadiz, Spain, and Ponta Delgada, Azores, then spend six days at sea before making landfall in the States. During sea days, guests can take advantage of Holland America Line's extensive onboard amenities and enrichment program, including the Culinary Arts Centers sponsored by Food & Wine magazine, Greenhouse Spa and Salon, Digital Workshops powered by Windows and more. Cruise fares being at $599 per person, double occupancy.

Destination Brought to Life through On Location Onboard Program

During all sailings, guests can enjoy all of the onboard experiences that are exclusive to the premium cruise line. For example, with the new and engaging On Location program, guests can enjoy steel drum lessons or learn to weave and craft with palm leaves during Caribbean cruise days, learn to tango with a professional in Argentina, or play a didgeridoo in Australia. In the Panama Canal, an expert historian recounts the history and drama of constructing the famous waterway. The itinerary sets the scene for guests to indulge in localized experiences that make time onboard as enriching as visiting the ports of call through lectures, demonstrations and performances.

For more information about Holland America Line's cruises, consult a professional travel seller, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) 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, 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 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

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