Holland America Line's Prinsendam Sails Two Grand Voyages in Early 2009

SEATTLE, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Prinsendam, Holland America Line's most intimate ship carrying just 793 guests, will sail two Grand Voyages in 2009 enveloping a third of the year from Jan. through April. Guests will cruise around the Latin lands of South America and discover mysteries and wonders of Antarctica on the Grand South America and Antarctic Voyage, as well as explore European favorites and uncover lesser-visited ports on the Grand Mediterranean and Black Sea Voyage.

Grand South America and Antarctic Voyage

For those seeking a true journey of exploration, the ship first departs Jan. 2, 2009, on a 68-day South America and Antarctica cruise round-trip from Fort Lauderdale. During the circumnavigation of the continent, Prinsendam will journey more than 17,700 nautical miles and visit 32 ports of call in 14 countries, including overnight stays in Manaus and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Callao (Lima), Peru, and Fuerte Amador, Panama. Prinsendam visits an impressive total of 13 different ports in Brazil, including maiden calls at Maceio, Ilhabela (Sao Sabastiao) and Itajai.

Prinsendam will sail from the tip to toe of South America and spend seven days exploring the Amazon River, cruising all the way to Manaus -- the farthest upriver navigable point for ocean-going vessels. On the other end of the continent, the ship calls at Ushuaia, the southernmost town in the world. Scenic cruising features the infamous Darwin and Beagle channels, Chilean fjords, Strait of Magellan and Cape Horn. Spectacular landscapes and colossal glaciers greet guests as the ship sails farther south to spend three days cruising in Antarctica, a rare journey for most travelers.

Additional highlights of the Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage include daylight passage through the Panama Canal, a call at the mysterious Devil's Island and four Equator crossings. For those with less time, shorter cruise segments of 11 to 57 days are available between Fort Lauderdale, Buenos Aires and Callao.

Grand Mediterranean and Black Sea Voyage

For guests who always have wanted to explore Europe without flying, Prinsendam departs Fort Lauderdale March 11, 2009, for a 50-day round-trip cruise to the Mediterranean and Black Sea. After calls at unique Caribbean ports, the ship sails eastbound across the Atlantic where 25 centuries of history, art and culture await. During the voyage, Prinsendam will sail more than 14,400 nautical miles and visit 25 ports of call in 15 countries, including favorites such as Spain, Italy and France, as well as the more unusual ports of call in Bulgaria and Ukraine.

After sailing westward back across the Atlantic, the ship calls at Bermuda before ending in either New York or Fort Lauderdale. Overnight stays in Barcelona, Spain, and Istanbul, Turkey, as well as late-night departures in Arrecife, Canary Islands; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Kusadasi, Turkey; Santorini, Greece, and Lisbon, Portugal, allow ample time for shopping and exploration of some of the world's most interesting and historic ports.

Reservations are now available for 2009 Prinsendam Grand Voyages

Reservations are now available for Prinsendam's 2009 Grand Voyages. Early-booking bonus amenities for full-cruise guests include airfare, prepaid hotel service charges, shipboard credit, luggage delivery service and limousine transfers when booking select stateroom categories; amenities vary by cruise and booking date.

The two Grand Voyages are available to book for the full cruise or in segments as short as 11 days. Cruise fares are per person, double occupancy and rates start at $13,599 for the 68-day Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage departing Jan. 2, 2009, and $8,749 for the Grand Mediterranean and Black Sea Voyage departing March 11, 2009.

For those with more time, the back-to back 2009 Prinsendam Grand Voyages can be combined for an epic 118-day adventure sailing round-trip from Fort Lauderdale on Jan. 2, returning April 30, 2009 with additional savings available.

Holland America Line premium cruise experience onboard the "Elegant Explorer"

Acquired by Holland America Line in 2002 and with a guest count of 793, Prinsendam has earned the moniker "Elegant Explorer" traveling on longer voyages to exotic destinations worldwide. In late 2007, the ship is scheduled for a significant 21-day, $20 million upgrade including installation of the latest technology and premium amenities.

At the heart of every Holland America Line cruise is a warm and award- winning style of service that is never in the way and never out of reach. Sophisticated and savory menus enhance every culinary experience, with options to suit every taste. Whether it's a five-course meal in the Main Dining Room, an intimate table at the elegant Pinnacle Grill or fare while relaxing poolside, the crew of Holland America Line know how to orchestrate a truly memorable dining affair.

Culinary staff and guest chefs will lead cooking classes and demonstrations in the onboard Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine, and, as part of the Explorations Speaker Series, special guest lecturers will sail on segments of the Grand South America and Antarctic Voyage and Grand Mediterranean and Black Sea Voyage to offer unique and enriching perspectives on regional art, history and culture. The Explorations Cafe -- powered by the New York Times -- enables guests to stay connected to loved ones. To rest up for the next day, guests are assured a good night's sleep with the Mariner's Dream stateroom amenities, including luxurious beds and linens.

When in port, guests can choose from a multitude of diverse shore excursions including the exclusive Medallion Collection featuring Overland Adventures; Signature Collection private-car touring; visits to natural, architectural and technical masterpieces from the Wonders of the World Collection; and rare and unusual experiences with the Encore Collection excursions.

Hot off the press, the new 2009 Grand Voyages cruise brochure is filled with stunning images, itinerary details and in-depth information about ports of call. For a brochure or more information, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-800-522-3399 or visit http://www.hollandamerica.com/.

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

Holland America Line's fleet of 13 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to more than 320 ports. 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. For more information, consult a travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit http://www.hollandamerica.com/.

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: Mary Schimmelman, Rose Abello PHONE: 800-637-5029, 206-301-5318 FAX: 206-262-5934 EMAIL: pr@hollandamerica.com