ms Rotterdam's 2010 Alaskan Explorer Cruises Highlight Hubbard Glacier

    
    Ship sails roundtrip from Seattle and features the latest Signature of
    Excellence Enhancements




    
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<p><location>SEATTLE</location>, <chron>Oct. 27</chron> /CNW/ -- For the first time, Holland America Line's flagship ms <location>Rotterdam</location> will sail from <location>Seattle</location> to Alaska in 2010, featuring convenient, seven-day, roundtrip cruises. The <location>Rotterdam</location> will offer a total of 18 Alaskan Explorer sailings departing Saturdays from <chron>May 15</chron> through <chron>September 11</chron>.</p>
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<p>The Alaskan Explorer itinerary highlights the scenic Inside Passage and immense Hubbard Glacier in Yakutat Bay, North America's largest tidewater glacier. Hubbard Glacier is one of only eight glaciers in Alaska that is currently advancing instead of retreating. First mapped in 1895, the Hubbard's huge open face is more than five miles wide and actively calves icebergs as large as 10-story buildings.</p>
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<p>"Next May the <location>Rotterdam</location> will have Holland America's latest Signature of Excellence enhancements, including a new category of lanai staterooms," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales, and guest programs. "These and the ship's verandah suites increase guests' opportunities for viewing Hubbard Glacier and Inside Passage as they cruise."</p>
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<p>Under Holland America's <money>$525-million</money> Signature of Excellence program, the <location>Rotterdam</location> gains 39 new lanai staterooms, created by replacing existing stateroom windows (on Lower Promenade Deck 6) with lanai doors that open directly onto the walk-around promenade. The ship also adds 23 new spa staterooms, featuring a variety of enhanced spa amenities, on its Verandah Deck. All staterooms and bathrooms will receive complete new decor and furnishings.</p>
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<p>Public areas will add The Retreat, a resort pool feature; the Showroom at Sea, a glamorous nightclub; and Mix, a new concept with three separate bars: Martinis, Champagne and Spirits & Ales. Canaletto, Holland America Line's popular and complimentary casual Italian restaurant, will also be added to the ship.</p>
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<p>The Rotterdam's Alaskan Explorer cruises call at the historic ports of <location>Juneau</location>, Sitka and Ketchikan, plus Victoria, BC, and feature scenic cruising of the Inside Passage and <location>Vancouver</location> Island. In Alaska's capital of <location>Juneau</location>, guests can visit the Alaska State Museum or opt for an active adventure such as kayaking, rafting, whale-watching or flight-seeing over the Mendenhall Glacier.</p>
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<p>In Sitka guests can learn about Alaska's Russian heritage at onion-domed St. Michael's Cathedral, visit the renowned Raptor Center, or see otters, whales and seabird rookeries up close by day boat or kayak. In Ketchikan they can enjoy its colorful Creek Street, Totem Bight State Park and Saxman Native Village or opt for a floatplane flightseeing trip to Misty Fjords National Monument. Cruise-only fares start at US <money>$649</money>, per person, double occupancy, for a seven-day Alaskan Explorer cruise on the <location>Rotterdam</location>.</p>
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    The Leader in Alaska Cruises and CruiseTours
    
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<p>Holland <person>America Line</person> has been Alaska's leading tour operator for more than 60 years. The line has eight premium ships, offering 148 Alaska cruises and more than 30 different CruiseTour programs in 2010. For more information, 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 <person>America Line</person> on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America Blog.  Access all social media outlets via the Online Communities quick link on the home page at <a href="http://www.hollandamerica.com">www.hollandamerica.com</a>.</p>
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<p>About Holland <person>America Line</person> [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE:  CCL and CUK)]</p>
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<p>Holland America Line's fleet of 14 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to 320 ports in more than 100 countries, territories or dependencies.  Two- to 108-day itineraries visit all seven continents, and highlights include Antarctica, <location>South America</location>, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, <location>Mexico</location>, Canada/New England, <location>Europe</location> and <location>Panama</location> Canal.  A 15th ship, ms Nieuw <location>Amsterdam</location>, is scheduled to join the fleet in 2010.</p>
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    World's Leading Cruise Lines
    
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<p>The highest-rated premium cruise line in the world, Holland <person>America Line</person> is a member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, <person>Princess Cruises</person>, Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruise Line and Costa Cruises.  Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, these lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets.  The World's Leading Cruise Lines offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.</p>
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    CONTACT:    Sally Andrews / Sarah Scoltock
    PHONE:      [phone]
    FAX:        [phone]
    EMAIL:      [email protected]




    

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