Three Holland America Line Ships Earn Kuoni's Coveted 2006 Green Planet Award

SEATTLE, Dec. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Three of Holland America Line's Vista- class ships -- ms Noordam, ms Westerdam and ms Oosterdam -- have been honored with the 2006 Green Planet Award, bestowed by Kuoni Switzerland for outstanding environmental standards.

The Green Planet Award was established six years ago by Kuoni to recognize eco-minded hotels and resorts; it was extended to cruise ships in 2003. The award has become the Swiss travel industry's best-known seal of approval in the environmental field. It recognizes exemplary handling of environmental issues such as energy use, water consumption and waste disposal, plus staff training and guest education regarding environmental concerns.

"Everyone at Holland America Line is proud to receive this award for our three newest Vista-class ships," said Stein Kruse, president and chief executive officer. "For years, our company has been committed to protecting the waters we cruise and the ports we visit to achieve outstanding environmental results. The Green Planet Award recognizes Holland America Line's commitment to the environment, which is part of our larger Signature of Excellence in everything the company does."

Kruse noted in June 2006 Holland America Line's Environmental Management System was certified to conform to the ISO 14001 standard by an independent registrar -- Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance. The Environmental Management System encompasses all environmental policies, training and procedures for every shipboard aspect.

"Earning the ISO 14001 certification was a major verification of Holland America Line's strong commitment to responsible environmental stewardship," said Matthias Leisinger, project manager, corporate responsibility, Kuoni Travel Ltd. "That, and the fact that most of Holland America Line's ships are equipped with an advanced waste water treatment system, made Holland America Line ships qualify for 2006 Green Planet Awards. Since Kuoni had to choose the 'best in class,' we selected the Vista-class Westerdam and Oosterdam because they have -- and the Noordam will shortly have -- shore power plug-in systems that significantly reduce fuel consumption and green house gas emissions."

Holland America Line demonstrates its commitment to responsible environmental practices through a comprehensive fleetwide program that emphasizes waste reduction and recycling, compliance with all international environmental guidelines and a decision to incorporate cleaner-burning propulsion technology into the line's new ships. Holland America Line's ships currently meet or exceed all provisions of the international regulations governing the environmental management of marine operations. An environmental officer serves on each ship to oversee shipboard compliance and procedures.

Each ship in the Holland America Line fleet undergoes a strict port- and flag-state inspection annually and a mandatory environmental audit conducted both by an outside environmental auditing firm and by internal staff. Ships also are subject to flag and port state review.

- 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.

In the 2006 Portrait of Affluent Travelers survey by Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown and Russell, Holland America Line topped the list of cruise lines sought after by affluent leisure travelers. Its recently completed $225 million fleetwide Signature of Excellence enhancements added features such as 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 Café 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. 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, Costa Cruises and Windstar 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.

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Holland America Line Contact: Rose Abello Phone: 206/301-5318; 206-313-7673 cell phone Fax: 206/262-5934 E-mail: pr@hollandamerica.com