Holland America Line's ms Prinsendam Receives Enhancements to Staterooms and Public Areas

SEATTLE, Jan. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland America Line has completed a significant upgrade to its "Elegant Explorer," ms Prinsendam. Totaling more than $20 million, the enhancements include new luxury bathrooms in all staterooms, the addition of the Explorations Cafe powered by the New York Times, expanded and refurbished shopping promenade, and new carpets and stone flooring.

"These renovations are yet another example of how Holland America Line continues to provide an unparalleled experience for today's premium cruise guests," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "Our guests are very pleased with the changes to our staterooms and public areas. Many sail on this ship regularly and have let us know how much they appreciate the enhancements."

Stateroom upgrades included remodeling bathrooms and redesigning closet space. New carpet, desks, chairs and other furniture were also installed. New carpeting was laid throughout the dining room and lounges aboard ship while the Lido restaurant was resurfaced with stone and carpeting. Serving counter and seating areas were upgraded. Some outside decks were recovered, too.

On the sports deck, new croquet and bocce courts and two new putting greens were installed. A new Stuyvesant Room also was created to serve as a meeting room (that doubles as Club HAL space for children) and the library near the Explorations Cafe was expanded with more space and books.

All balconies received the final improvements to meet recently adopted International Maritime Organization regulations. And additional technical improvements were made with upgrades to radar systems, lifeboats and other nautical equipment.

Prinsendam travels on voyages from 14- to 73-days to exotic destinations worldwide. With a passenger count of 793, ms Prinsendam is the smallest ship in the Holland America Line fleet and is very popular among guests. For more information about ms Prinsendam, please visit http://www.hollandamerica.com/.

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About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc ]

Holland America Line's fleet of 13 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to 314 ports of call in 97 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to 108-day itineraries visit all seven continents, including 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.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, totaling more than $425 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, 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

The highest-rated premium cruise line in the world, Holland America Line is a member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, 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.

CONTACT: Rose Abello PHONE: 800-637-5029 FAX: 206-262-5934 EMAIL: pr@hollandamerica.com