Holland America Line's ms Oosterdam Explores the Gulf and ms Amsterdam Sails 14-Day Cruises for 2014 Alaska Season

More verandah staterooms in Gulf of Alaska create more opportunities for scenic cruising

SEATTLE, March 19, 2013 /CNW/ - For the 2014 Alaska cruise season, Holland America Line will feature seven ships sailing exciting seven- or 14-day itineraries that stretch from the Inside Passage up to Glacier Bay and beyond. The line is shifting the 1,916-guest ms Oosterdam to the Glacier Discovery itinerary — between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seward, Alaska — alongside the 1,260-guest ms Statendam, which will increase verandah and guest capacity in the Gulf of Alaska.

Also new for the 2014 season, ms Amsterdam will sail seven- and 14-day cruises featuring unique ports and incredible scenic sailing that includes both Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm Fjord.

"From its natural beauty, unique culture and interesting history, Alaska is a region that can shine on both weeklong and two-week voyages, which is why Amsterdam will sail both itineraries again in 2014," said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. "We're continuously thinking about ways to enhance our offerings, and moving the Oosterdam to the Gulf gives more guests the chance to admire one of the most scenic parts of the world from their private verandah."

In 2014, Holland America Line will feature Amsterdam on four 14-day Alaskan Explorer itineraries that sail roundtrip from Seattle, Wash. In addition, Amsterdam will sail 10 seven-day Alaska Explorer cruises, while ms Westerdam sails 21 roundtrip Seattle voyages.

Starting in May, Oosterdam and Statendam each sail 18 seven-day Glacier Discovery itineraries to the Gulf of Alaska from Vancouver, British Columbia. Statendam and Oosterdam also will sail three seven-day Inside Passage routes along with ms Volendam, ms Zaandam and ms Zuiderdam.

14-day Alaskan Explorer Voyages Roundtrip from Seattle

When the 1,380-guest Amsterdam begins its Alaska season May 18, the ship will sail the first of four nonconsecutive 14-day Alaskan Explorer voyages. The round-trip Seattle, Wash., sailings feature calls at Icy Straight Point, Homer, Kodiak and a full-day call at Anchorage, all in Alaska. The longer voyages enable a double-glacier experience with scenic cruising to Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm Fjord.

Seven-day Alaskan Explorer Voyages Roundtrip from Seattle

Starting May 3 and June 1, respectively, the 1,916-guest Westerdam (21 Saturday departures) and Amsterdam (10 Sunday departures) will offer seven-day Alaskan Explorer voyages departing roundtrip from Seattle. The itinerary features calls at Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan, Alaska; Victoria, British Columbia; and a scenic cruising experience at Tracy Arm Fjord/Twin Sawyer Glaciers or Glacier Bay National Park.

Seven-day Inside Passage Voyages Roundtrip from Vancouver

Five Holland America Line ships will sail roundtrip from Vancouver on a series of seven-day Inside Passage voyages. In addition to the three Sunday departures offered by Oosterdam (two) and Statendam (one), the 1,432-guest Volendam (21 Wednesday departures), 1,432-guest Zaandam (20 Friday departures) and 1,916-guest Zuiderdam (20 Saturday departures) sail from April 30 to September 20. During those voyages guests will visit Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Glacier Bay National Park, while Zaandam's itinerary highlights Tracy Arm Fjord and Twin Sawyer Glaciers.

Seven-day Glacier Discovery Voyages between Vancouver and Seward

With Oosterdam and Statendam sailing the Gulf of Alaska together, more guests will be able to enjoy a verandah, enabling them to take in the stunning scenery from the privacy of their stateroom. Glacier Discovery cruises between Vancouver and Seward (Anchorage) depart Sundays May 11 through September 14. The itinerary features calls at Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway/Haines, a day at sea in the Gulf of Alaska and scenic cruising through the Inside Passage. Each ship will sail 18 voyages and include a visit to Glacier Bay National Park.

During embarkation for the Seattle voyages, a ranger from the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park will be available to talk to guests about the Klondike parks and other national parks located throughout the Inside Passage. On all Glacier Bay sailings, a park ranger and native interpreters from the Huna people board the ships to explain the origins of their tribe and cultural traditions.

CruiseTours and Exclusive Shore Adventures Provide More Alaska Discoveries

Holland America Line's award-winning CruiseTours combine a three-, four- or seven-day Inside Passage cruise with in-depth tours to the Yukon and Alaska's interior. Offering up to three days at Denali National Park for wildlife viewing and spectacular scenery, CruiseTours are designed to highlight the best of Alaska's wilderness, wildlife, native culture and history.

Holland America Line offers more than 250 optional shore excursions in conjunction with its Alaska cruises. While in port, guests can optimize their Alaskan experience with excursions that involve everything from adventure and wildlife watching to history, art and cuisine. Exclusive Cruise with Purpose shore excursions combine traditional tour content with a chance to make a difference to society, the environment, animal welfare or economic growth.

Guests also can enjoy active excursions such as sea kayaking, fly or sport fishing, dog sledding and viewing eagles, sea otters and whales. Other exciting excursions feature such attractions as the White Pass Summit Scenic Railway from Skagway, Russian heritage in Sitka, a photography tour in Haines and crab fishing on the Aleutian Ballad from Discovery Channel's award-winning TV series "Deadliest Catch."

Popular seven-day Alaska Inside Passage cruises from Seattle, Wash., or Vancouver, British Columbia, start at $749 per person; the 14-day Alaskan Explorer voyages begin at $1,999 per person, double occupancy.

For more information, consult a professional travel seller; call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425); or visit www.hollandamerica.com or the Plan a Cruise tab at www.Facebook.com/HALcruises.

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. 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