ABOUT US

Overview


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From the Executive Office


Greetings,

For more than 138 years, Holland America Line has been a recognized leader in cruising, taking our guests to exotic destinations around the world. If you are looking for some of the most spacious and comfortable ships at sea, award-winning service, five star dining, extensive activities and enrichment programs and compelling worldwide itineraries, you've come to the right place. We are committed to our mission: through excellence, we create once-in-a-lifetime experiences, every time.

Today, Holland America Line's fleet of 15 elegant, mid-size ships offers more than 500 sailings a year visiting all seven continents. Cruises include both popular and less-traveled ports in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Alaska, Europe, Mexico, South America, the Panama Canal, Australia, New Zealand and Asia - as well as unique voyages to the Amazon, Antarctica and our extended Grand Voyages. Along with enticing destinations, we offer one-of-a-kind programs such as the Culinary Arts Center cooking demonstrations, Digital Workshop powered by Windows and The Collections of Holland America Line - specially chosen shore excursions to further enhance our guests' appreciation and understanding of the places they visit.

Holland America Line has a long and proud history of delivering extraordinary vacation experiences, and with our ongoing $566-million Signature of Excellence® commitment, that experience is now better than ever. Signature of Excellence enhancements encompass virtually every area of our ships and range from new facilities and public spaces to added services and amenities.

Innovative programs and superior amenities have consistently placed us among the highest-rated premium cruise lines, earned us the prestigious Five Star Diamond Award from The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences and one of the highest rates of repeat guests in the industry. We are very proud of these achievements and look forward to exceeding guests' expectations in every aspect of our operation.

Holland America Line also continues to set new standards for environmental leadership. Through hard work and dedication, Holland America Line earned its ISO 14001 certification in June 2006. As the internationally recognized standard for environmental management, ISO 14001 encompasses virtually every aspect of our ships' operations. Our commitment to it demonstrates our belief that the safeguarding of our guests, crews, ships and the environment in which we live and operate is not only the right thing to do, it is essential to the successful conduct of our business.

As part of our collective social responsibility, the company, employees, and guests have joined together to give back to communities and organizations around the world. Through the Ship to Shelter program, Holland America Line collects valuable and reusable goods from ships for donation to charities serving people in need. And together, guests and employees have donated over $3 million through our innovative On Deck for the Cure® shipboard walks benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Whether it's donating shipboard items to an orphanage, cleaning up a neighborhood park, or donating money to disaster relief, Holland America Line and its employees share time and resources to make a difference.

Signature of Excellence is a promise from every Holland America Line employee to our guests - a commitment to provide a truly extraordinary experience and tremendous value. We invite you to experience our award-winning service, extraordinary accommodations, five star dining, entertaining onboard activities, and exotic destinations that can only be found on a cruise with Holland America Line. We look forward to welcoming you aboard.

Offering you my signature of excellence,

Stein Kruse

President and Chief Executive Officer

ABOUT US

Mission & Values


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Our Mission


Through excellence we create once-in-a-lifetime experiences, every time.


Our Values and Behaviors:


Focus on Performance and Results


  • The foundation of Holland America Line's success always has been and continues to be a focus on performance and results.


Committed to Service Excellence


  • Striving for and achieving excellence in all aspects of company operations is a key ingredient of our culture and our success.


Integrity, Honesty and Ethics


  • Integrity, honesty and ethics guide Holland America Line on all levels, from individual employees to the company as a whole. We not only do things right, we do the right things.


Team Together, Team Apart


  • As a global company, Holland America Line is challenged by the many miles that separate the parts of our team. With employees located throughout the world, we are committed to working together and sharing a common goal and vision.


Embrace Change and Improvement


  • Holland America Line must change and evolve in order to remain viable and competitive.


Maintain Optimism and Perspective


  • We strive to recognize the valuable contribution of our employees and embrace their diversity as we make every effort to strike a positive and healthy balance between personal life and professional goals.

ABOUT US

Awards & Accolades


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We are proud to share some of the organizations and publications which have honored us with awards and accolades.



#1 Preferred Cruise Line


Portrait of Affluent Travelers™ survey; Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown & Russell

Consistently Among the Highest-rated Cruise Lines


Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards
Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards

Highest-Rated Premium Cruise Line


Condé Nast Traveller UK Readers’ Travel Awards

International Five Star Diamond Award


The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences

High Deluxe Five-Star-Plus Rating


World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society

Best Overall Cruise Value (19 consecutive years)


World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society, Ocean & Cruise News

Best Alaska Itineraries, Best Northern Europe Itineraries, Best Central/South America Itineraries (including Panama Canal), Best Canada/New England Itineraries, Best Shore Excursions, Best Private Island (Half Moon Cay), Best Eco-Friendly Cruise Line, Best Medical Facilities and Best Overall Facilities for Physically Challenged Passengers


Porthole Cruise Magazine Readers' Choice Awards

Best Medium-Sized Ship for Nieuw Amsterdam, Best Private Island for Half Moon Cay, Best Alaska Itineraries, Best Central America Itineraries (including the Panama Canal), Best Canada/New England Itineraries, Best Shore Excursions, Best Computer Facilities, Best Medical Facilities and Best Facilities for Physically Challenged Passengers


Cruise Critic US Editors’ Picks Awards

Best for Aspiring Chefs – Culinary Arts Center Program


Cruise Critic UK Editors’ Picks Awards

Among the Best Cruise Ship Spas


SpaFinder Readers’ Choice Awards

Best Private Island in the Cruise Industry (seven consecutive years), Best Alternative Restaurant: Pinnacle Grill, Best Cruise Line Chef: Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, Best Onboard Art Collection


Porthole Cruise Magazine Editor-in-Chief Award

Green Planet Award


Kuoni Switzerland for outstanding environmental standards

Gold Medal: Best Premium Ship Restaurant Design: Pinnacle Grill


Gold Medal: Best Eco-Friendly “Green” Cruise Ship: ms Zuiderdam


Silver Medal: Best Premium Cruise Ship: ms Rotterdam


Travel Weekly, Magellan Awards

Responsible Tourism Award


Virgin Holidays

Marine Environmental Business of the Year, 2010


Port of Seattle

Best Cruise Operator - International, 2010


National Travel Industry Awards

ABOUT US

Company Profile


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With 137 years of experience, Holland America Line is recognized as the undisputed leader in the cruise industry’s premium segment. Holland America Line’s fleet of 15 ships offers more than 500 cruises to 350 ports in more than 100 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- 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.

As part of its social responsibility initiative, the leading premium cruise line contributes over a million dollars each year in cash, in-kind shipboard events and useable goods to a broad range of charitable organizations nationally and internationally. Additionally, the line provides over 2,000 reduced-fare cruises annually to support charitable fundraising events throughout the United States and Canada. The innovative On Deck for the Cure program has raised more than $2 million in donations to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Over the course of the company’s long history Holland America Line has carried more than 11 million passengers from Europe to the New World and to vacation destinations across the globe.

Providing Passage to the New World


Holland America Line was founded in 1873 as the Netherlands-America Steamship Company (NASM), a shipping and passenger line. Because it was headquartered in Rotterdam and provided service to the Americas, it became known as Holland America Line. The company's first ocean liner was the Rotterdam, which sailed its maiden voyage from the Netherlands to New York City on Oct. 15, 1872. The one-way voyage took 15 days. Following that first voyage, Holland America Line has seen a series of benchmark moments in its history.

  • By its 25th anniversary, Holland America Line owned a fleet of six cargo and passenger ships, and also provided service between Holland and the Dutch East Indies via the newly constructed Suez Canal.
  • The line was a principal carrier of immigrants from Europe to the United States until well after the turn of the century, carrying 850,000 to new lives in the New World.
  • In 1895, the company offered its first vacation cruise; its second leisure cruise, from New York to the Holy Land, was in 1910.
  • In 1971, Holland America Line suspended its transatlantic passenger trade and turned to offering cruise vacations full time.
  • In 1989, Holland America Line Inc. became a wholly owned subsidiary of Carnival Corp., the largest cruise company in the world.

Compelling Worldwide Itineraries


Holland America Line’s fleet of 15 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. Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, totaling more than $525 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 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.

With an ongoing commitment, the premium line continues to focus on product enhancements in accommodations, service, dining, itinerary development and enrichment programs and activities. Examples include As You Wish dining for open seating, a new Culinary Arts Center program for kids, and the expansion of shore activities to include private touring options in port.

Holland America Line's Five-Star Fleet


Ship Name Delivery Passenger Capacity
ms Nieuw Amsterdam 2010 2,106
ms Eurodam 2008 2,104
ms Noordam 2006 1,918
ms Westerdam 2004 1,916
ms Oosterdam 2003 1,848
ms Zuiderdam 2002 1,916
ms Prinsendam 2002 793
ms Amsterdam 2000 1,380
ms Zaandam 2000 1,432
ms Volendam 1999 1,432
ms Rotterdam 1997 1,316
ms Veendam 1996 1,266
ms Ryndam 1994 1,258
ms Maasdam 1993 1,258
ms Statendam 1993 1,258

Holland America Tours


Holland America Line offers more than 30 CruiseTour itineraries showcasing Alaska and Canada’s Yukon Territory. The CruiseTour division was founded in 1948 in Fairbanks as Arctic Alaska Tours to arrange tours and operate from Seward and Valdez by rail and bus to the interior and by air to the Arctic. Westours, as the company became known, became a subsidiary of Holland America in 1979 and is now part of Holland America Line. The company also owns Westmark Hotels, the largest hotel group in Alaska and Yukon Territory with 11 hotels in 10 communities. In May 2006, Holland America Line completed a new 135-room lodge in Denali as well as the renovation and expansion of the Westmark Fairbanks.

Holland America Line offers cruise and CruiseTour packages ranging from adventure shore excursions to full itinerary land tours of Alaska and the Yukon. All CruiseTour itineraries combine a land tour and a Holland America Line cruise. Rail tours have been offered since 1987 on board the McKinley Explorer full-domed luxury rail cars, with service between Anchorage, Denali National Park and Fairbanks. In 2007, Holland America introduced the Explorer Coaches, luxury Alaska themed motor coaches that provide space and comfort unparalleled in the industry.

In 2003, Holland America Line introduced exclusive CruiseTours to Canada's spectacular sub arctic Kluane National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, encompassing pristine wilderness and having five of the seven highest peaks in North America, and in 2005 added Tombstone Territorial Park, outside of Dawson City, Yukon as an additional wilderness experience.

Holland America Line is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

ABOUT US

Stein Kruse
President and Chief Executive Officer, Holland America Line Inc.
Chairman, Seabourn



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Stein Kruse

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Stein Kruse

President and Chief Executive Officer, Holland America Line Inc.
Chairman, Seabourn

Stein Kruse is president and chief executive officer of Holland America Line Inc. and chairman of Seabourn, both units of Carnival Corporation & plc. Holland America Line operates a fleet of 15 premium cruise ships offering more than 500 cruises annually on all seven continents. Seabourn’s fleet of six ultra-luxury ships offers 197 cruises annually throughout the world.

Stein joined Holland America Line in Seattle in 1999 as senior vice president, fleet operations with overall responsibility for operations and newbuilding. In 2003, he was named president and chief operating officer, and on December 1, 2004, chief executive officer. In January, 2011, he was named chairman of Seabourn and the corporate headquarters transitioned from Miami to Seattle.

Under Stein’s leadership, nine new Holland America Line ships and one new Seabourn ship have been introduced. He implemented the Signature of Excellence quality and service enhancement initiative and created a Health, Environmental, Safety and Security program. As well, Stein has broadened Holland America Line’s philanthropic efforts, with programs that have raised more than $3 million for Susan G. Komen for the Cure and encouraged employees to serve on nonprofit boards.

Before he joined Holland America Line, Stein was senior vice president and chief financial officer of the North American operations for global Japanese shipping company "K" Line, where he also oversaw financial activities in seven U.S. subsidiary companies and served on the company’s board of directors. Prior to that, he was executive vice president and chief operating officer for Radisson Seven Seas Cruises and president and chief executive officer for Seven Seas Cruise Line.

Stein currently serves on the boards of the Cruise Lines International Association, U.S. Coast Guard Foundation, World Trade Center Seattle, Saltchuk Resources Inc., University of Washington Foster School of Business Advisory Board and the City of Rotterdam International Advisory Board.

A native of Oslo, Norway, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University and is a graduate of Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program. Stein, his wife and two children reside in Bellevue, Wash.

ABOUT US

Stein Kruse
President and Chief Executive Officer, Holland America Line Inc.
Chairman, Seabourn



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Stein Kruse

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Stein Kruse

President and Chief Executive Officer, Holland America Line Inc.
Chairman, Seabourn

Stein Kruse is president and chief executive officer of Holland America Line Inc. and chairman of Seabourn, both units of Carnival Corporation & plc. Holland America Line operates a fleet of 15 premium cruise ships offering more than 500 cruises annually on all seven continents. Seabourn’s fleet of six ultra-luxury ships offers 197 cruises annually throughout the world.

Stein joined Holland America Line in Seattle in 1999 as senior vice president, fleet operations with overall responsibility for operations and newbuilding. In 2003, he was named president and chief operating officer, and on December 1, 2004, chief executive officer. In January, 2011, he was named chairman of Seabourn and the corporate headquarters transitioned from Miami to Seattle.

Under Stein’s leadership, nine new Holland America Line ships and one new Seabourn ship have been introduced. He implemented the Signature of Excellence quality and service enhancement initiative and created a Health, Environmental, Safety and Security program. As well, Stein has broadened Holland America Line’s philanthropic efforts, with programs that have raised more than $3 million for Susan G. Komen for the Cure and encouraged employees to serve on nonprofit boards.

Before he joined Holland America Line, Stein was senior vice president and chief financial officer of the North American operations for global Japanese shipping company "K" Line, where he also oversaw financial activities in seven U.S. subsidiary companies and served on the company’s board of directors. Prior to that, he was executive vice president and chief operating officer for Radisson Seven Seas Cruises and president and chief executive officer for Seven Seas Cruise Line.

Stein currently serves on the boards of the Cruise Lines International Association, U.S. Coast Guard Foundation, World Trade Center Seattle, Saltchuk Resources Inc., University of Washington Foster School of Business Advisory Board and the City of Rotterdam International Advisory Board.

A native of Oslo, Norway, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University and is a graduate of Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program. Stein, his wife and two children reside in Bellevue, Wash.

ABOUT US

Richard Meadows
President, Seabourn Cruise Line
Executive Vice President – Marketing, Sales and Guest Programs, Holland America Line Inc.



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Richard D. Meadows

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Richard D. Meadows, CTC

President, Seabourn Cruise Line
Executive Vice President – Marketing, Sales and Guest Programs, Holland America
Line Inc.

Richard Meadows holds dual positions with sister brands as president of Seabourn Cruise Line and executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line Inc.; both are units of Carnival Corporation & plc. Meadows’ position at Seabourn was added to his Holland America responsibilities when the award-winning luxury cruise company moved its headquarters to Seattle from Miami in spring 2011.

Meadows has overall executive responsibility for Seabourn. His Holland America responsibilities encompass global cruise revenue and oversight of all product pricing and yield management, marketing, sales, reservations, public relations and guest relations activities of Holland America Line.

With over two decades in the cruise industry, Meadows has held positions with Carnival Corporation since 1984 including vice president, corporate marketing, Carnival Corporation and director of sales, Carnival Cruise Lines. From 1994 - 2000, Meadows served as vice president, sales and marketing, with Windstar Cruises, a former subsidiary of Holland America Line.

Prior to joining Holland America Line in July 2004, Meadows served as senior vice president, sales and marketing, at Seabourn Cruise Line where he was responsible for overall brand management and product development, global strategic marketing and sales promotion.

Very active in the cruise and travel industry, Meadows is a frequent speaker at industry forums and serves on the Cruise Lines International Association's (CLIA) Marketing Committee. Meadows served on the board of directors of the Seattle Repertory Theatre and in 2007 was appointed by Governor Gregoire to a three-year term on the Washington State Tourism Commission.

ABOUT US

Dan Grausz
Executive Vice President, Fleet Operations


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Dan Grausz

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Dan Grausz

Executive Vice President - Fleet Operations

Dan Grausz is executive vice president, fleet operations for Holland America Line and Seabourn, reporting directly to Stein Kruse, chairman, president and chief executive officer.

Grausz has overall responsibility for Holland America's and Seabourn’s marine hotel, nautical, technical, security and compliance, as well as operations policy and planning, purchasing, logistics and vessel newbuilding. Holland America Line and Seabourn operate a combined fleet of 20 vessels, offering hundreds of cruises annually to all seven continents. Seabourn adds its sixth, most luxurious ship in June 2011 to make a total of 21 vessels.

Grausz served as Holland America Line’s vice president and general counsel from 1988 to 2004 and as senior vice president, fleet operations, from 2004 to 2010. During his tenure with Holland America Line, Grausz has been a key participant on the senior management team and has been integrally involved with the building and introduction of 14 ships to the fleet.

Prior to joining Holland America, Grausz was a partner at the Seattle firm of Helsell, Fetterman, Martin, Todd & Hokanson. He also practiced law in New York City. Grausz has a bachelor of science degree from Cornell University, a master of business administration from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

Active in the community, Grausz has served on the city council of Mercer Island, WA since 1999. He resides there with his wife, Clare Meeker, author of several children’s books.

ABOUT US

Larry D. Calkins
Senior Vice President, Finance and Information Technology Chief Financial Officer


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Larry Calkins

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Larry D. Calkins

Senior Vice President, Finance and Information Technology Chief Financial Officer

Larry Calkins is senior vice president, finance and information technology and chief financial officer for Seabourn and Holland America Line Inc., both units of Carnival Corporation & plc. Appointed to the position in December 2006, Calkins has overall responsibility for finance and information technology.

Calkins has been with Holland America Line since 1985, starting as controller and progressed to the position of vice president, finance, and chief financial officer in 1989. Prior to joining Holland America Line, Calkins spent nine years in public accounting, achieving audit manager status with the accounting firm KPMG.

Calkins contributes time and financial resources to numerous charitable efforts in the local community and is past chairman and current member of the executive board of the Accounting Development Fund at the University of Washington. Calkins was a finalist in the 2011 CFO of the Year award sponsored by the Puget Sound Business Journal.

A Washington native and certified public accountant, Calkins and his family live in Bellevue.

ABOUT US

Paul Goodwin
Executive Vice President, Onboard Revenue, Planning, Port Operations and Tours


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Paul Goodwin

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Paul Goodwin

Executive Vice President, Onboard Revenue, Planning, Port Operations and Tours

Paul Goodwin is the executive vice president, onboard revenue, planning, port operations and tours for Seabourn and Holland America Line Inc., both units of Carnival Corporation & plc. Goodwin directs the development and implementation of Holland America Line’s onboard revenue, including shore excursions, beverage operations, retail services, spas and salons, casino operations and other revenue outlets. Goodwin is also responsible for planning, deployment, and port and shore operations for all Holland America Line and Seabourn ships. Additionally, Goodwin holds marketing responsibility for Holland America Line’s Alaska and Yukon land and tour programs as well as oversight of Holland America Line’s Caribbean relations and award-winning private Caribbean island, Half Moon Cay. He is responsible for worldwide pre- and post-tours and has previously held responsibility for Holland America Line’s Alaska land operations including Westmark Hotels and Gray Line of Alaska as well. Goodwin also serves on the executive boards of Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA) and the North West and Canada Cruiseship Association (NWCCA).

A 30-year veteran of the cruise and travel industry, Goodwin joined Holland America Line in December 2003, having served most recently as vice president, pricing and planning at Radisson Seven Seas Cruises. In that position he was responsible for itinerary planning and development, cruise pricing, revenue/yield forecasting and management, shore excursions, land, hotel and air. Goodwin began his career with Holland America Line in the early 1980's as manager of the Vancouver operation.

Goodwin graduated from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver with a Bachelor's degree in 1983 and lives in Woodinville with his wife and three children.

ABOUT US

Kelly P.W. Clark
Vice President, General Counsel and Ethics Officer


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Kelly P.W. Clark

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Kelly P.W. Clark

Vice President, General Counsel and Ethics Officer

Kelly Clark, vice president, general counsel and chief ethics officer, oversees all legal matters for Seabourn and the Holland America Line group of companies. In that role, Clark advises the company on a broad range of issues arising from Holland America Line’s ownership and operation of a fleet of fifteen luxury cruise ships operating under the brand name Holland America Line, including the Westmark Hotel group, Gray Line of Alaska, and Worldwide Shore Services, a wholly owned shoreside services subsidiary.

Clark joined Holland America Line’s legal department in 2002 as assistant general counsel and was promoted to her current position in November 2004. Prior to joining Holland America Line, Clark was a litigation associate at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison in New York City, where she advised corporate clients on commercial and criminal litigation matters. Clark received both her Juris Doctor and Masters in business administration from New York University in 1993. From 1993 through 1999, she was associated with Rogers & Wells LLP (now known as Clifford Chance Rogers & Wells), also in New York City. Clark is a member of the bar in the states of New York and Washington.

ABOUT US

Brendan J. Vierra
Vice President, Human Resources


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Brendan Vierra

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Brendan J. Vierra

Vice President, Human Resources

Brendan Vierra is vice president of human resources for Holland America Line Inc., a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc. Appointed to this position in May 2008, he leads a team of human resources professionals responsible for providing a full range of global human resources management services and programs supporting Holland America Line's 15,000 employees worldwide. He reports directly to Stein Kruse, president and chief executive officer.

Vierra brings 31 years of experience to Holland America operations including positions held with Cunard and Norwegian America Line. Vierra began his Holland America Line career as director of reservations in December 1997 and was most recently vice president of guest programs. He also is well versed in the travel agency side of the business from his experience as a district travel manager for an American Express retail store. Vierra holds a bachelor of arts degree in English from Chaminade College in Honolulu. He serves on the board of directors of the Seattle Chamber of Commerce.

ABOUT US

History


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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Holland America Line

Holland America Line - Historical Poster

Providing Passage to the New World


Holland America was founded in 1873 as the Netherlands-American Steamship Company (NASM), a shipping and Passenger line. Because it was headquartered in Rotterdam and provided service to the Americas, it became known as Holland America Line (HAL).

Within 25 years, HAL owned a fleet of six cargo and passenger ships, and operated between Holland and the Dutch East Indies. The line was primarily a carrier of immigrants from Europe to the United States until well after the turn of the century, carrying 850,000 to new lives in the New World.

Though transportation and shipping were the primary sources of revenue, in 1895 the company offered its first vacation cruise. In 1973, the company sold its cargo shipping division. In 1989, HAL became a wholly owned subsidiary of Carnival Corp., the largest cruise company in the world. Today, the premium cruise leader operates 15 ships to seven continents and carries nearly 800,000 cruise passengers a year.

APRIL 18, 1873 The official founding date of the Nederlandsch-Amerikaansche Stoomvaart Maatschappij (NASM) in Rotterdam in 1873. The company was formed as a result of the reorganization of an earlier company, Plate, Reuchlin & Co. The company's first ship was the original Rotterdam, which sailed its 15-day maiden voyage from the Netherlands to New York City on October 15, 1872.
1882 HAL begins operations from Hoboken, N.J.
 
1883 The "dam" suffix is adopted for the names of HAL passenger liners.
 
1888 HAL initiates a short-lived service from Amsterdam to Buenos Aires.
 
1890 HAL purchases its terminal in Hoboken, N.J.
 
1895 The 3,300-ton Rotterdam II sails the first Holland America Line cruise - a short summer voyage from Rotterdam to Copenhagen and back - through the Kieler Canal.
 
JUNE 15, 1896 NASM officially becomes known as Holland Amerika Lijn.
 
1898 At its 25th anniversary, Holland America Line owns six ships and has carried 90,000 cabin passengers and 400,000 steerage passengers, along with 5 million tons of cargo, mostly flower bulbs, herring and gin.
 
1880's-1920's The company is a major carrier of immigrants from Europe to the New World during the massive emigration which takes place from the 1880s to the 1920s. HAL carries more than 10 percent of all those traveling steerage to the New World. Because of its quality and the cleanliness of its ships, HAL becomes known as "The Spotless Fleet."
 
1900 The company adopts the "dijk," or "dyk," suffix for the names of its cargo ships.
 
1908 Rotterdam IV enters service as the company's flagship.
 
1910 The second HAL cruise departs from New York to the Mediterranean and the Holy Land on board the 10,500-ton Statendam I.
 
1914-1918 World War I sees the loss of six HAL ships and 13 employees. Statendam II is taken over in its Belfast building dock by the British for use as the troopship Justicia, which was torpedoed and sunk in 1918. The company resumes business after the war with 10 ships.
 
1921 HAL builds four passenger/cargo ships - Edam IV, Leerdam II, Maasdam III and Spaarndam II - for service to Cuba.
 
1921-24 U.S. governmental restrictions reduce immigration to a trickle, adversely affecting all the transatlantic steamship companies. Though the European liners benefit from Prohibition since U.S. liners were "dry."
 
1926 The 14,450-ton Veendam II sails HAL's first Caribbean cruise. Rijndam I makes the company's first round-the-world voyage as a floating university. HAL starts to use containers for shipping furniture and other "non-bulk" cargo.
 
1930 HAL battened down the hatches to weather the Great Depression. Between 1931 and 1933, 12 ships were sold for scrap. HAL offices throughout Europe, Canada and the U.S. are either closed or consolidated with other Dutch shipping companies. Staff is reduced 34% - from 3,944 to 2,595 - with those remaining taking a 9-10% cut in salary.
 
1938 HAL's profits begin to increase again. Transatlantic business grows once more and 36 vacation cruises sailed.
The elegant Nieuw Amsterdam II is built as the company's new flagship.
 
1939-1945 At the start of World War II, HAL had 25 ships; nine remained at war's end. 264 employees lost their lives. At the beginning of the war, the Westernland, berthed at Falmouth, England, becomes the seat of the Netherlands government. The Nieuw Amsterdam sails half a million miles transporting 400,000 military personnel.
 
1951 HAL introduces dove gray livery to the hulls of its passenger vessels. The Ryndam II and the Maasdam III, the "Economy Twins," are the first ships to allow tourist class passengers run of the ship and restrict one upper deck to first class guests only.
 
1958 The 24,294-ton ss Statendam IV departs Hoboken, N.J., terminal on the company's first Grand World Voyage.
 
1959 ss Rotterdam V enters service as the company's new flagship.
 
1950's-1960's HAL's advertising slogan is: "It's good to be on a well-run ship."
 
1963 Company’s new terminal at Pier 40 in New York begins operation.
 
1963-66 HAL first operates the Seven Seas - owned by HAL's German subsidiary, Europa Canada Line - and then the Ryndam II on world-wide cruises for students by the California-based "University of the Seven Seas."
 
1964 HAL ships made a record 50 voyages to New York and 11 to Montreal, Quebec.
 
1966 Statendam IV turns to cruising full-time.
 
MID-1960's Freighters undergo a transition from traditional breakbulk to containerization. HAL sells most of its fleet of WWII-era freighters and, with several other lines, organizes Atlantic Container Line.
 
1967-71 The Ryndam II continues world-wide student cruises with Chapman College of Orange, CA, until the ship is sold in 1971.
 
1968 Nieuw Amsterdam II and Rotterdam V join Statendam IV in cruising nearly full-time. HAL is the first line to implement the hotel management system on board all ships. Also this year, HAL was the first line to adopt the Lido dining concept with a wide variety of dining selections.
 
LATE 1960's Holland America Line's crews become increasingly international.
 
1969 Only 13 trans-Atlantic sailings depart. The company re-names its passenger business "Holland America Cruises." The company begins recruiting dining room staff in Indonesia, later setting up a training program at a school in Bandung using actual Holland America Line dining settings.
 
1970 The first Indonesian stewards are welcomed on board the Ryndam.
 
1971 HAL replaces the original house flag of "NASM" on the green-and-white striped Rotterdam city flag with an orange flag inset with three swaths of aqua, white and aqua again.
 
FEBRUARY 1971 HAL buys 1 million shares and controlling interest of the Alaska tour company Westours, paying $1.25 per share.
 
SEPTEMBER 1971 The grand ss Nieuw Amsterdam of 1938, the "Darling of the Dutch," closes out the company's 98 years of trans-Atlantic service and is re-deployed on 10- and 11-day cruises to the West Indies from Port Everglades, FL.
 
1972 HAL enters into a freight service partnership called Combi Line. HAL introduces the current midnight-blue livery to the hulls of its passenger ships. Passenger ships’ registration changes to Dutch registry.
 
1973 HAL purchases the Brasil and Argentina from Moore McCormack and renames them the Volendam (II) and Veendam (III). By this centennial year, HAL has transported 76 million tons of freight between Europe and North America and 4.5 million passengers. During the international oil crisis, the price of marine fuel nearly triples, resulting in the Veendam III and Volendam II being laid up for a time and then chartered to Monarch Cruise Lines of Miami.
 
NOVEMBER 1973 HAL's first purpose-built cruise liner, the 8,566-ton, 452-passenger ms Prinsendam, enters service, sailing Indonesian cruises from Singapore.
 
DECEMBER 1973 The Nieuw Amsterdam II sails its last cruise.
 
1975 The Prinsendam conducts HAL’ s first Alaska cruise on the Inside Passage itinerary. The ship sails Alaska in the summer, Indonesia in the fall, winter and spring. Other HAL ships cruise to the Caribbean and Bermuda, with Rotterdam also conducting an annual world cruise. HAL sells its Transport Division — and the last of its cargo vessels. In addition to its cruise business, HAL continues to have holdings in other marine businesses including steel cables, tarpaulins, navigational instruments and ship chandlery.
 
1976 HAL begins recruiting skilled personnel from the Philippines, first to work in the deck and engine department, then in the kitchens and bars/lounges and the on-board maintenance shops.
 
1977 HAL buys out the minority shareholders in Westours and takes the company private. Prinsendam is joined by Veendam for the Alaska season.
 
1978 HAL moves its headquarters from Rotterdam to Stamford, CT.
 
1980's HAL introduces another new house flag of orange - the Dutch royalty color - and the blue Holland America Half Moon logo in the center.
 
OCTOBER 1980 As it repositions from Alaska to Indonesia, a fire breaks out in the Prinsendam's engine room. All aboard are evacuated safely. The ship sinks under tow in the Pacific Ocean west of Sitka.
 
1981 HAL's service staff training school, "ss Jakarta," is established in Jakarta, Indonesia. It is later expanded and renamed "ms Nieuw Jakarta" in 1983.
 
1983 Volendam II and Veendam III are sold while the 1,214-passenger ms Nieuw Amsterdam III joins the fleet.
 
FALL 1983 To save money, Holland America moves west to Seattle to consolidate operations with Westours and becomes known as Holland America Line-Westours Inc. Kirk Lanterman, previously president of Westours, takes the helm.
 
1984 The ms Noordam III, sister ship to the Nieuw Amsterdam III, enters service and joins the ss Rotterdam V cruising Alaska in the summer.
 
1987 The first Filipino stewardesses join the fleet with six sailing on the ss Rotterdam for the World Cruise.
 
JANUARY 17, 1989 Carnival purchases Holland America Line-Westours Inc.
 
JANUARY 1989 Kirk Lanterman becomes CEO.
 
SUMMER 1989 The addition of the Westerdam (1,000 passengers; expanded to 1,494 in the winter of 1989-90) brings HAL's Alaska fleet to four luxury liners.
 
1990 HAL announces a new building program, ordering three (later expanded to four) 1,266-passenger sister ships from Fincantieri shipyards in Italy.
 
JANUARY 1993 The new ms Statendam V enters service and that summer conducts HAL's first European cruise season in approximately 20 years.
 
DECEMBER 1993 The new ms Maasdam IV enters service.
 
SUMMER 1994 Holland America Line's Alaska fleet grows to five ships, with the new 1,266-passenger Maasdam.
 
OCTOBER 1994 ms Ryndam III delivered.
 
MAY 1996 ms Veendam IV enters service and HAL’s fleet grows to 8.
 
SUMMER 1996 Addition of Veendam permits HAL to deploy Westerdam nearly year-round in the Caribbean with fall Canada and New England cruises. HAL’s Alaska fleet grows to six ships. Maasdam is deployed in Europe.
 
MARCH 1997 Kirk Lanterman also named chairman.
 
SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 The ss Rotterdam V retires.
 
NOVEMBER 11, 1997 Company’s new flagship, ms Rotterdam VI, enters service. During inaugural activities, HAL introduces its award-winning private island, Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas. In December 1996, HAL purchased the uninhabited 2,400-acre island of Little San Salvador from several Bahamian owners for $6 million.
 
1998 Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Statendam, Maasdam, Ryndam and Westerdam operate a record 120 cruises to Alaska. HAL also expands operations to include a longer European cruising season on board the ms Rotterdam VI and Explorer Cruises on board the Nieuw Amsterdam in South America and Asia/South Pacific.
 
AUGUST 1999 HAL sells Nieuw Amsterdam for $114.5 million to be transferred in fall 2000.
 
NOVEMBER 1999 HAL signs a contract with Italian shipyard Fincantieri Cantieri Navali S.p.A. for the construction of two (later expanded to four) new Vista-class 81,769-ton vessels expected to enter service in the fall of 2002 and summer of 2003.
 
NOVEMBER 12, 1999 The 63,000-gross-ton, 1,440 passenger ship, ms Volendam, enters service.
 
JANUARY 28, 2000 The ms Rotterdam makes its first ever visit by HAL to Antarctica on Grand World Voyage.
 
MAY 6, 2000 The ms Zaandam, sister ship to the Volendam, enters service in Caribbean.
 
SUMMER 2000 For the first time, HAL deploys three ships in Europe: the Noordam, Maasdam and Rotterdam.
 
OCTOBER 30, 2000 The Amsterdam, sister ship to the Rotterdam, sails her maiden voyage. With the Amsterdam, HAL introduces its present house flag with three blue and white strips with the Holland America Half Moon logo.
 
JUNE 3, 2002 The new ms Prinsendam, the "Elegant Explorer," joins the HAL fleet, now numbering 10.
 
SEPTEMBER 30, 2002 Holland America Line-Westours officially changes its name to Holland America Line Inc.
 
OCTOBER 5, 2002 The alternative restaurant concept, Pinnacle Grill, is introduced on the Statendam and Ryndam. The concept will be added to all Vista class ships and other ships in the fleet by early 2004. The Pinnacle Grill features Pacific Northwest cuisine and style and includes fine wines and elegant presentations.
 
DECEMBER 14, 2002 First Vista-class ship, ms Zuiderdam, enters service. The 1,848-guest, 81,769-ton ship is designed to provide a new standard of space, convenience and premium amenities.
 
JULY 28-30, 2003 HAL celebrates its 130th anniversary year in Rotterdam. The festivities include the launch and naming of the new Vista-class ms Oosterdam by Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of The Netherlands. Rotterdam joins Oosterdam for events that include past employees, World War II veterans, local dignitaries, and past guests.
 
AUGUST 3, 2003 The Oosterdam sails on her maiden voyage in Europe.
 
NOVEMBER 5, 2003 Holland America Line appoints Stein Kruse as President and Chief Operating Officer.
 
NOVEMBER 10, 2003 HAL announces a $225-million Signature of Excellence® initiative to provide unparalleled product and service enhancements to its fleet of five-star ships. Signature of Excellence® raises the standard in premium cruising with enhancements such as plush Euro-top mattresses and large fluffy towels in staterooms, Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine magazine, and Explorations Café powered by The New York Times. The initiative expands and to date tops enhancements of more than $425 million.
 
APRIL 25, 2004 The Vista-class ms Westerdam embarks on her maiden voyage from Venice. The 81,769-ton, 1,848-passenger vessel is the third in Holland America Line's history to bear the Westerdam name.
 
NOVEMBER 20, 2004 ms Prinsendam cruises up the Amazon River on the first-ever cruise by HAL on the world's second longest river.
 
DECEMBER 1, 2004 Stein Kruse named president and chief executive officer for Holland America Line. Kruse succeeds Kirk Lanterman, who, after 30 years at the helm, retires and serves as Chairman Emeritus.
 
DECEMBER 2, 2004 ms Westerdam sails on her inaugural Caribbean cruise, a 3-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary.
 
DECEMBER 4, 2004 Signature of Excellence® additions are completed on Half Moon Cay. Enhancements include a horseback riding and swimming tour, a stingray adventure program, an AquaTrax personal water craft course and a family aqua park.
 
MAY 20, 2005 HAL partners with Food & Wine magazine to launch an ambitious on-board culinary program. The multi-year partnership will provide HAL guests an opportunity to experience demonstrations and seminars conducted by top chefs, wine experts and leading cookbook authors.
 
JUNE 2005 HAL breaks ground in Denali to build a new 135 room lodge to service CruiseTour, Gray Line of Alaska guests and others. The property is scheduled to open in May 2006.
 
DECEMBER 19, 2005 ms Volendam becomes latest ship to receive Signature of Excellence® amenities and enhancements.
 
DECEMBER 14, 2005 HAL announces a new building plan to deliver an 86,000-ton, 2,104-guest ship in the summer of 2008 called ms Eurodam.
 
JANUARY 31, 2006 The 81,769-ton, 1918-passenger ms Noordam, the fourth ship to bear the name in the line’s history, is officially handed over from Fincantieri Shipyard in Marghera, Italy, to HAL.
 
FEBRUARY 22, 2006 Actress Marlee Matlin dedicates the new ms Noordam. It then sets sail on its maiden voyage roundtrip from homeport New York City to the Caribbean.
 
MARCH 22, 2006 For 3rd time, Rotterdam is named Ship of the Year in the World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society annual cruise ship survey by its members.
 
APRIL 1, 2006 On Deck for the Cure - to raise money for breast cancer research through the Susan G. Komen Foundation - will officially begin rolling out across the entire Holland America Line fleet. Approximately 500 On Deck for the Cure walks around the ships' decks will take place each year on cruises worldwide.
 
JUNE 6, 2006 Noordam rescues 22 refugees found in waters between Turkey and Greece. The efforts earned the crew recognition from the United Nations, United States Coast Guard, United States Navy and several international refugee organizations.
 
JUNE 6, 2006 In cooperation with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service and the National Parks Service, HAL develops and launches the interactive computer-based “Avoiding Whale Strikes” training program. All fleetwide deck officers have taken the award-winning course.
 
JULY 29, 2006 Vista-class cruise ships ms Westerdam and ms Oosterdam are retrofitted to use shore power at the Port of Seattle to reduce both fuel consumption and emissions when in Seattle. ms Noordam has since also been retrofitted.
 
JULY 30, 2006 Fine art goes high tech on the high seas as HAL debuts self-guided art tours using handheld iPod devices. Available fleetwide, tours cover the unique art and antique collections — together valued at tens of millions of dollars.
 
DECEMBER 19, 2006 Three Vista-class ships – ms Noordam, ms Westerdam and ms Oosterdam – have been honored with the 2006 Green Planet Environmental Award, bestowed by Kuoni Switzerland.
 
FEBRUARY 28, 2007 HAL opens new Rotterdam office near the original line’s headquarters on Wilhelmina Pier. The new 30-person office will house seagoing hiring, purchasing and sales and marketing divisions.
 
APRIL 22, 2007 ms Zaandam sails from Vancouver, B.C., featuring new cutting-edge emission reduction technology recently installed. In cooperation with several United States and Canadian government and regulatory agencies, HAL launches a technology demonstration project to research the feasibility of using sea water to “scrub,” or reduce, engine emissions on oceangoing vessels.
 
MAY 10, 2007 ms Westerdam completes enhancements, including 34 additional staterooms, locating the Explorations Café, powered by The New York Times, in the Crow’s Nest, adding a Pinnacle Bar and new signature shops. Capacity is now 1916.
 
JUNE 11, 2007 Carnival Corporation & plc announces that it has exercised its option for a new 86,000-ton, 2,106-guest vessel for its HAL brand to be built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri at its Marghera shipyard. Scheduled for fall 2010, the new €425-million ship will be the second Signature-class ship.
 
JUNE 15, 2007 HAL launches a kids’ and teens’ Culinary Arts Center activity program to teach kids and teens how to make dishes from breakfast to dinner.
 
JULY 16, 2007 HAL launches As You Wish dining, a program that allows guests to choose from either traditional pre-set seating and dining times or a completely flexible dining schedule.
 
AUGUST 1, 2007 HAL publishes The Art of Cruising: Fine Art and Antiques of Holland America Line, a 176-page full-color hardcover coffee-table book about the art in the fleet. It highlights pieces such as Andy Warhol’s famed Queen Beatrix series and Susanna Holt’s life-size bronze sculptures of wildlife.
 
DECEMBER 12, 2007 HAL marks the 10th anniversary of award-winning Half Moon Cay, the line’s highest-rated Caribbean port call. The line initially invested $16 million in the facility — which today is situated on approximately 50 acres — and developed it according to the guidelines of the International Chamber of Commerce Business Charter for Sustainable Development.
 
DECEMBER 17, 2007 HAL completes a significant $20 million upgrade to ms Prinsendam to remodel stateroom bathrooms and add the Explorations Café powered by the New York Times.
 
JANUARY 4, 2008 Amsterdam sails on HAL’s 50th Anniversary World Cruise. The 114-day voyage features 39 ports in 29 countries on six continents and circumnavigates the globe.
 
MAY 28, 2008 Zuiderdam emerges after three weeks of extensive renovations with 34 new guest staterooms, the addition of an Explorations Café – powered by The New York Times, a larger Pinnacle Grill restaurant, the addition of a new Pinnacle Bar, increased seating in the Lido Restaurant, and an environmentally friendly, state-of-the-art “wet cleaning machine” for dry cleaning.
 
JULY 1, 2008 Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands names the 2,104-guest ms Eurodam in a ceremony in Rotterdam in front of the company’s original headquarters at Wilhelminakade. The ship sails its maiden voyage on July 5.
 
OCTOBER 2008 Holland America Line opens a new Culinary Training Program, designed in cooperation with the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), in Manila, the Philippines. Programs train shipboard culinary staff in meal preparation and mixology and service staff for the front desk/concierge duties for its expanding fleet of premium cruise ships. More than 5,000 Filipinos work in more than 100 shipboard positions in the fleet of 14.
 
APRIL 25, 2009 Oosterdam sails its first cruise after a Signature of Excellence drydock with the additions of new staterooms, a larger Pinnacle Grill restaurant and new Pinnacle Bar, the complimentary Canaletto restaurant and expansions to the Lido restaurant and the Explorations Cafe – powered by The New York Times.
 
MAY 1, 2009 Veendam’s significant transformation is completed for the most recent phase of Signature of Excellence enhancements. The ship now features upgraded staterooms, bathrooms and fixtures along with additional verandah staterooms and a new category called the Lanai Stateroom; an exclusive pool feature — the Retreat; a Mix lounge concept including three specialty theme bars; a Showroom at Sea; and the new Canaletto Italian restaurant.
 
DECEMBER 16, 2009 ms Rotterdam sails with new Signature of Excellence enhancements including the Retreat, Mix, Showroom at Sea, Canaletto restaurant, Lanai staterooms and additional verandah staterooms.
 
JANUARY 13, 2010 ms Prinsendam completes a dry dock to add new staterooms, an expanded aft pool deck, new Sea View Bar and other Signature of Excellence enhancements.
 
FEBRUARY 25, 2010 ms Ryndam completes Signature of Excellence enhancements, including stateroom amenities and the addition of the Mix, Showroom at Sea and Canaletto restaurant.
 
APRIL 11, 2010 ms Statendam completes Signature of Excellence enhancements, including stateroom amenities and the addition of the Mix, Showroom at Sea and Canaletto restaurant.
 
APRIL 22, 2010 HAL and Marine Conservation Institute announce a new partnership to protect the world’s marine ecosystems. Called “Our Marvelous Oceans,” the new program starts with a three-year commitment that includes adopting sustainable seafood purchasing onboard, new programming for guests and support for the MCI education program.
 
APRIL 25, 2010 HAL returns to Bermuda with regular seven-day ms Veendam cruises. The line last sailed regularly to Bermuda in 1983.
 
MAY 14, 2010 In recognition of its measurable efforts to reduce its environmental footprint both at sea and in port, HAL is selected as the 2010 Marine Environmental Business of the Year by the Port of Seattle and the Seattle Propeller Club.
 
JULY 4, 2010 Her Royal Highness Princess Máxima of the Netherlands names the 2,106-guest ms Nieuw Amsterdam in a ceremony in Venice, Italy. The fourth HAL ship to bear the name, Nieuw Amsterdam sails its maiden voyage on a 10-day Mediterranean cruise.
 
JULY 6, 2010 HAL surpasses the $2 million mark in funds raised for Susan G. Komen for the Cure through its On Deck for the Cure program. A special walk takes place on the ms Nieuw Amsterdam with Stein Kruse, president and CEO, HAL, and Nancy Brinker, founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
 
OCTOBER 12, 2010 HAL creates a Culinary Council to enrich HAL’s culinary initiatives and present signature recipes to be featured on all 15 ships. Culinary Council members include Council Chairman and Holland America Line’s Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, along with renowned international chefs Jonnie Boer, David Burke, Marcus Samuelsson, Jacques Torres and Charlie Trotter.
 
OCTOBER 25, 2010 HAL creates “An Evening at Le Cirque” in the Pinnacle Grill aboard its ships. Working with Le Cirque’s Executive Chef Craig Hopson, HAL recreates the legendary eatery’s whimsical ambiance and award-winning dining experience on board — from serving the cuisine on fanciful orange Le Cirque china to featuring the restaurant’s famous crème brûlée.
 
DECEMBER 8, 2010 U.S. Coast Guard gives Benkert Award to HAL for the line’s comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship. The award is given to members of the marine industry and recognizes outstanding achievements in marine environmental protection that go beyond mere compliance with regulatory standards.
 
JANUARY 5, 2011 World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society members name Holland America Line as the Best Overall Cruise Value for the 18th consecutive year for its premium cruise experience.
 
MARCH 2, 2011 HAL launches an industry-first with Stateroom Direct Service that provides guests immediate access to their staterooms without waiting upon embarkation at 11:30 a.m.
 
APRIL 18, 2011 Holland America Line celebrates the 138th anniversary of its founding, marking more than a century of evolution from the once cargo and passenger line to the full-fledged modern cruse company of today.
 
APRIL 21, 2011 HAL rolls out of its new sustainable seafood program that implements environmentally responsible purchasing practices and features menus that showcase sustainable seafood. The trend-setting program is first launched on ships in Alaska and Europe.
 
APRIL 24, 2011 Maasdam completes stem-to-stern Signature of Excellence enhancements, including the Mix, Showroom at Sea, Canaletto restaurant, Lanai staterooms and additional verandah staterooms. Those enhancements bring the total investment in Signature of Excellence to $540 million.
 
SEPTEMBER 1, 2011 HAL opens a dedicated sales office in Sydney, Australia, to focus on this growing international market.
 

Holland America Line has carried more than 11 million passengers throughout its history.

ABOUT US

Recent Beneficiaries


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Following is a partial list of organizations that have recently received contributions from Holland America Line.

Please note, with the exception of the Reduced-Fare Cruise Policy, contributions are made by invitation only and unsolicited requests are not accepted.

    NATIONAL



  • National Parks Conservation Association
  • Susan G. Komen for the Cure


    SEATTLE



  • Academy of Hospitality & Tourism
  • Alliance for Education
  • American Diabetes Association
  • ArtsFund
  • Ballard Maritime Academy
  • Bellevue Philharmonic
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of King County
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of King County
  • Center for Wooden Boats
  • INTIMAN
  • Lake Washington Council Navy League of the United States
  • Museum of Flight
  • Northwest Women's Law Center
  • Pacific Science Center
  • Pike Place Market Foundation
  • PONCHO
  • Puget Sound Maritime Historical Society
  • Ronald McDonald House
  • Seafair
  • Seattle Aquarium
  • Seattle Chinese Garden Society
  • Seattle International Film Festival
  • Seattle Maritime Festival
  • Seattle Men's Chorus
  • Seattle Repertory Theatre
  • Seattle Symphony
  • Seattle Theatre Group
  • United Way of King County
  • University of Washington Business School
  • Washington State Mentors
  • Women's Funding Alliance


    FORT LAUDERDALE



  • ALS Foundation
  • American Cancer Society
  • Broward Education Foundation
  • Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami
  • Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale
  • Red Cross of Broward County
  • Seafarers' House
  • Symphony of the Americas Society
  • United Way of Broward County


    TAMPA



  • American Cancer Society
  • American Heart Association
  • Florida Orchestra
  • Florida Suncoast Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure
  • Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute Foundation
  • St. Joseph's Children's Hospital of Tampa
  • Tampa Mayor's Beautification Program


    SAN DIEGO



  • Girl Scouts, San Diego-Imperial Council
  • Las Patronas
  • LEAD San Diego
  • The San Diego Foundation
  • San Diego Grantmakers
  • San Diego Maritime Museum
  • San Diego Opera
  • San Diego Performing Arts League
  • San Diego Symphony
  • San Diego Zoo
  • YMCA San Diego


    ALASKA



  • Alaska Bird Observatory
  • Alaska Native Heritage Center
  • Alaska Natural History Association
  • Alaska Raptor Center
  • Fairbanks Community Food Bank
  • Greater Sitka Arts Council
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • Hospice of the Tanana Valley
  • Juneau Arts & Humanities Council
  • Junior Achievement of Alaska
  • Sealaska Heritage Institute
  • Seward Senior Center
  • Sitka Trail Works
  • SYANA Performing Arts
  • United Way of Anchorage
  • University of Alaska Museum of the North


    VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA



  • Arts Club Theatre Company
  • BC Lions Society for Children
  • Canuck Place Children's Hospice
  • University of British Columbia Hospital Foundation
  • Vancouver General Hospital
  • Vancouver Symphony Orchestra


    YUKON, CANADA



  • Alsek Music Festival
  • Canadian Cancer Society
  • Dawson City Music Festival
  • Dawson City Ski Association
  • Freedom Trails Therapeutic Riding Association
  • Yukon Arts Centre


    OTHER LOCATIONS



  • United Way of St. Thomas-St. John

ABOUT US

Recent Beneficiaries


Print page shown

Following is a partial list of organizations that have recently received contributions from Holland America Line.

Please note, with the exception of the Reduced-Fare Cruise Policy, contributions are made by invitation only and unsolicited requests are not accepted.

    NATIONAL



  • National Parks Conservation Association
  • Susan G. Komen for the Cure


    SEATTLE



  • Academy of Hospitality & Tourism
  • Alliance for Education
  • American Diabetes Association
  • ArtsFund
  • Ballard Maritime Academy
  • Bellevue Philharmonic
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of King County
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of King County
  • Center for Wooden Boats
  • INTIMAN
  • Lake Washington Council Navy League of the United States
  • Museum of Flight
  • Northwest Women's Law Center
  • Pacific Science Center
  • Pike Place Market Foundation
  • PONCHO
  • Puget Sound Maritime Historical Society
  • Ronald McDonald House
  • Seafair
  • Seattle Aquarium
  • Seattle Chinese Garden Society
  • Seattle International Film Festival
  • Seattle Maritime Festival
  • Seattle Men's Chorus
  • Seattle Repertory Theatre
  • Seattle Symphony
  • Seattle Theatre Group
  • United Way of King County
  • University of Washington Business School
  • Washington State Mentors
  • Women's Funding Alliance


    FORT LAUDERDALE



  • ALS Foundation
  • American Cancer Society
  • Broward Education Foundation
  • Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami
  • Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale
  • Red Cross of Broward County
  • Seafarers' House
  • Symphony of the Americas Society
  • United Way of Broward County


    TAMPA



  • American Cancer Society
  • American Heart Association
  • Florida Orchestra
  • Florida Suncoast Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure
  • Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute Foundation
  • St. Joseph's Children's Hospital of Tampa
  • Tampa Mayor's Beautification Program


    SAN DIEGO



  • Girl Scouts, San Diego-Imperial Council
  • Las Patronas
  • LEAD San Diego
  • The San Diego Foundation
  • San Diego Grantmakers
  • San Diego Maritime Museum
  • San Diego Opera
  • San Diego Performing Arts League
  • San Diego Symphony
  • San Diego Zoo
  • YMCA San Diego


    ALASKA



  • Alaska Bird Observatory
  • Alaska Native Heritage Center
  • Alaska Natural History Association
  • Alaska Raptor Center
  • Fairbanks Community Food Bank
  • Greater Sitka Arts Council
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • Hospice of the Tanana Valley
  • Juneau Arts & Humanities Council
  • Junior Achievement of Alaska
  • Sealaska Heritage Institute
  • Seward Senior Center
  • Sitka Trail Works
  • SYANA Performing Arts
  • United Way of Anchorage
  • University of Alaska Museum of the North


    VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA



  • Arts Club Theatre Company
  • BC Lions Society for Children
  • Canuck Place Children's Hospice
  • University of British Columbia Hospital Foundation
  • Vancouver General Hospital
  • Vancouver Symphony Orchestra


    YUKON, CANADA



  • Alsek Music Festival
  • Canadian Cancer Society
  • Dawson City Music Festival
  • Dawson City Ski Association
  • Freedom Trails Therapeutic Riding Association
  • Yukon Arts Centre


    OTHER LOCATIONS



  • United Way of St. Thomas-St. John

ABOUT US

Board Participation


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Holland America Line recognizes its executives for their contributions of time, talent and resources through their service on nonprofit and community boards.

  • Academy of Hospitality & Tourism Advisory Board
    Bremerton
    - Joshua Krohn
  • Academy of Hospitality & Tourism Advisory Board
    Broward County
    - Marion Zolluccio-Carey
  • Alaska Raptor Center
    - Linda Huston
  • Alaska Regional Hospital
    - Ralph Samuels
  • Alaska State Chamber of Commerce
    - Ralph Samuels
  • Ballard Maritime Academy Steering Committee
    - Bob Diaz
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters
    - Kelly Clark
  • Catholic Seamen's Club Advisory Board
    - Johan Groothuizen
  • Center for Wooden Boats
    - Mark Barnard
  • Families of Early Autism Treatment
    - Paul Goodwin
  • Friends of Maritime
    - Bill Sharp
  • Greater Seattle Business Association
    - Janet Engle
  • International Advisory Board Rotterdam
    - Stein Kruse
  • Museum of Flight
    - Steve Leonard
  • Pike Place Market Foundation
    - Joe Slattery
  • Puget Sound Maritime Historical Society
    - Leon Gessula
  • Resource Development Council
    - Ralph Samuels
  • Seattle Aquarium
    - Linda Springmann
  • Seattle Chamber of Commerce
    - Brendan Vierra
  • Seattle Convention & Visitors Bureau
    - Paul Allen
  • Seattle Repertory Theatre
    - Christine Stevens
  • Seattle Symphony
    - John Delaney
  • Seattle Theatre Group
    - Sally Andrews
  • South Seattle Community College Advisory Board
    - Steve Kirsch
  • The Nature Conservancy – Alaska
    - Ralph Samuels
  • The Steamer Virginia V Foundation
    - Doug Weeks
  • University of WA Accounting Development Fund Executive Committee
    - Larry Calkins
  • UW Foster School of Business Advisory Board
    - Stein Kruse
  • US Coast Guard Foundation
    - Stein Kruse
  • WA State Bar Association's Law Clerk Board
    - Kelly Clark
  • Washington State University Alumni Association Executive Committee
    - Sally Van Boheemen
  • Washington State University Audit Committee
    - Sally Van Boheemen
  • Washington State University School of Hospitality Business Management Advisory Board
    - Steve Kirsch
  • World Affairs Council
    - Paul Allen
  • World Trade Center Seattle
    - Stein Kruse

ABOUT US

Sharing Resources


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Supporting Our Communities, Sharing Our Resources


Holland America Line's legacy of cruise travel is one of expanding minds and hearts with experiences of the many cultures that enrich our world. Both at home and abroad, we've been touched by people and places in ways that affirm our interconnectedness as a global community. And today, we're both pleased and honored to provide assistance to those in need around the world, as well as to give back to our neighbors.

Building on the extraordinary efforts of individual employees within our Holland America Line family, we've developed programs to reach a variety of organizations with aid, donations and service. From employee fundraising drives to cash and cruise donations to innovative philanthropic programs that each year invite the participation of 700,000 guests, we're working together to make a difference. And it's made our company stronger along the way.

Please read on for highlights of our charitable activities. We're excited about what we've accomplished and look forward to further developing our commitment to our communities-both near and far-in the years
to come.

Stein Kruse

President & Chief Executive Officer


Please take a moment and watch Sharing Our World.

ABOUT US

Reduced-Fare Cruise Policy


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Reduced-Fare Cruise Policy for
Nonprofit Fundraising Events

Holland America Line supports nonprofit organizations in a variety of ways, including cash donations, reduced-fare cruises, in-kind shipboard events, fundraising drives that involve our employees and guests, and the promotion of employee volunteer efforts. Through our Reduced-Fare Cruise Policy, we are pleased to offer a limited number of cruise certificates for two at a significantly reduced cost to nonprofit organizations in support of their fundraising events. A Holland America Line cruise is a valuable item that offers auction guests or raffle ticket buyers the opportunity to experience a luxurious cruise while supporting your charitable mission.

If approved, your organization will be offered the option to purchase one of the following reduced-fare cruise certificates for a minimum Ocean-view cabin for two guests:

  • Option A: Any Caribbean or Mexico cruise for two of up to 7 days at a reduced rate of $700, no expiration date; some restrictions apply (brochure prices range from $799 - $1,049 per person).
  • Option B: Any cruise for two of up to 7 days to Alaska, the Caribbean, Mexico or Canada/New England at a reduced rate of $1,000, no expiration date; some restrictions apply (brochure prices range from $799 - $1,649 per person).
  • Option C: Any cruise for two of up to 10 days at a reduced rate of $1,300, no expiration date; some restrictions apply (brochure prices range from $1,199 to $ 2,649 per person).

Please note, brochure prices vary depending on destination and time of travel.

Holland America Line reserves the right to determine whether the organization will be offered cruise option A, B, or C, if any. Please note, the individuals who purchase the certificate from you via your fundraiser are responsible for all taxes, onboard charges and hotel service charges.

To apply for a reduced-fare cruise certificate, requesting nonprofits must meet the following minimum qualifications:

  • The organization must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or non-US equivalent.
  • The organization must support environmental, health-related, cultural, arts, or maritime causes.

The following organizations and events are not eligible for a reduced-fare cruise certificate:

  • Schools, colleges, and universities
  • Religious organizations
  • Golf tournaments

Priority is given, but not limited, to organizations serving key port communities from which Holland America Line sails: Seattle, San Diego, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and Vancouver, BC.

If your organization meets the above criteria, please e-mail a written request, including the following information, to Cruise Donation Program, giving@hollandamerica.com, Holland America Line, 300 Elliott Avenue West, Seattle, WA 98119, Phone: 206-298-3043, Fax: 206-262-5934.

1. Complete contact information for the organization and individual making the request.
2. Brief statement of your organization's mission.
3. Name, date, and brief description of the fundraising event for which the cruise certificate will be used.
4. Estimated number and demographics of the event audience and guests.
5. Total amount that the event is expected to raise.
6. Description of any benefits available to event contributors, such as auction program ads, logo recognition on event collateral, etc.
7. The cruise certificate you would prefer.
8. If you have received a cruise certificate from us in the past, please let us know the date it was sold and how much money your organization raised from that certificate.
9. A copy of your IRS 501(c)(3) letter, if a U.S. organization..

To allow time for processing, your request must be made at least 60 days in advance of your event/drawing, and we encourage even earlier submissions. All inquiries will receive a response.

Due to the large number of requests we receive, we regret that we are unable to fulfill all requests. Also, nonprofits must re-apply each year and may not be approved every year, even if they have received a certificate in the past.

Thank you for your interest in Holland America Line. We wish you the very best of luck with your fundraising efforts.

ABOUT US

Disaster Relief


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Disaster Relief at Home and Abroad

Aided by the generous contributions of our employees and guests, Holland America Line has responded to international communities affected by natural disasters. In response to the devastating tsunami of December 2004 and August 2005's Hurricane Katrina, Holland America Line provided an opportunity for our employees and guests to assist the victims of those disasters, and those donations were matched by the company, resulting in contributions of $170,000 to the Indonesian Red Cross and $210,000 to the American Red Cross.

For years, Holland America Line has also been a strong supporter of the heroic work of the U.S. Coast Guard Foundation.

ABOUT US

Employee Giving and Volunteerism


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Our employees provide a vital "helping hand" that enhances our community impact. For many Holland America Line staff, giving and volunteering is a way of life. Employee generosity and initiative continue to create positive change in our headquarters community of Seattle, and we gratefully acknowledge their contributions.

Many of our executives and employees serve on nonprofit boards, contributing their time, expertise and resources to a broad range of charitable causes. In addition, through company-sponsored events managed by an employee-run Community Service Committee, members of the Holland America Line family:

  • prepare and serve dinners to children and their families dealing with life-threatening illnesses (Ronald McDonald House);
  • conduct and participate in blood drives (Puget Sound Blood Center);
  • raise money by forming teams for bowling (Big Brothers Big Sisters), hiking (American Lung Association), and running (Susan G. Komen for the Cure);
  • organize and donate to coat and blanket collections for the homeless (Union Gospel Mission);
  • "adopt" families in need by providing holiday gifts and food (New Beginnings); and
  • collect toys for underprivileged children (Toys for Tots), among other endeavors.

Workplace giving by employees plus Holland America Line's corporate match places us among the top 25 companies that give to the United Way of King County.

ABOUT US

On Deck for the Cure


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On Deck for the Cure logo

  Travel Article logo


Holland America Line has taken the fight against breast cancer to the high seas through On Deck for the Cure®, a non-competitive 5K fundraising walk held on over 500 cruises each year. These walks have raised more than $3 million for Susan G. Komen for the Cure in less than four years and earned Holland America Line a place on Komen's Million Dollar Council.

Our valued guests are the key to this success. On every sailing, guests are invited to register for the onboard walk, which takes place on a day that the ship is at sea. On the 15 ships of the Holland America Line fleet, a 5K walk is 9 to 12 laps around the deck. Guests exercise and enjoy a great walk in the fresh sea air while helping others at the same time.

"This partnership was the first of its kind in the cruise industry and one of the best ways that Holland America Line and our guests can collectively combine resources to support a great organization and an extremely worthy cause," says Stein Kruse, president and chief executive officer of Holland America Line.

Guests donate $15 or more to participate. The donations are administered through the Holland America Line Foundation, which distributes $11.25 of each registration (plus any additional gifts) to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. (The remaining $3.75 of each $15 covers administrative costs incurred by The Holland America Line Foundation in connection with the On Deck for the Cure program, including the wristband and t-shirt that each participant receives.) Holland America Line has committed to raising a minimum of $250,000 per year via this program.

Biography Nancy Brinker, Founder
Biography Stein Kruse
On Deck for the Cure Fact Sheet
Komen for the Cure Fact Sheet

Play Video


On Deck for the Cure Press Releases:
Holland America Line's On Deck for the Cure Program Surpasses $2 Million Mark Raised for Breast Cancer Research and Awareness

ABOUT US

Giving Back to Our Communities


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The charitable activities of Holland America Line and the Holland America Line Foundation, particularly in our home port communities, are flourishing. Holland America Line contributes hundreds of thousands of dollars each year in cash and in-kind shipboard events to a broad range of charitable organizations internationally, nationally, in our key home ports of Seattle, San Diego, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and Vancouver, B.C, and via our six Community Advisory Boards in Canada's Yukon Territory and Alaska. We also provide hundreds of reduced-fare cruises annually to support charitable fundraising events throughout the U.S. and Canada. In 2009, Holland America Line was ranked by the Puget Sound Business Journal as one of the 25 largest corporate philanthropists in the Puget Sound area.











ABOUT US

Sustainability


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Sustainability


Holland America Line's mission guides our business to deliver once-in-a-lifetime experiences for our guests, care for our employees, remain stewards of the environment and operate in partnership with the people and organizations in the communities in which we do business. Like many other companies today, we are adapting to the current economy and will continue to manage our resources carefully while enhancing our product in ways which delight our guests and sustain our business.

Our first sustainability report provides baseline information for our performance during the years 2007 to 2009. The report covers all of Holland America Line's operations, using the Global Reporting Initiative’s (GRI) G3 Guidelines as a framework.

Click on the icon below to view our 2009 Sustainability Report

Sustainability Cover

Introduction

Employees

Health and Safety

Environment

Product Responsibility

Community

Westmark

Half Moon Cay

GRI Index and Glossary

ABOUT US

Alliances


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Holland America Line, the highest-rated premium cruise line in the world in the 2002 and 2003 Travel & Leisure magazine "World Best" awards, is a member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines alliance. This alliance 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, the member 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.

Learn more about the program at: http://www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com

World's Leading Cruise Lines logo

ABOUT US

Shipboard Employment


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Welcome On Board

Every day, thousands of Holland America Line guests hear this warm greeting as they board our ships. This phrase represents the spirit that inspires our entire company, Holland America Line. There may be more than one thousand job titles at Holland America Line, but all of us have the same goal - to be the world's best hosts.

Thank you for your interest in shipboard employment with Holland America Line.

Hotel Officers


We are currently recruiting the following positions in the Hotel Department:

Deck and Engine Officers


Persons desiring employment in the Deck and Engine Departments on board the ships should visit http://www.holland-america.nl or www.vikingrecruitment.com for more information.

Entertainment


Persons desiring employment in the Entertainment Department on board the ships should visit www.hollandamerica.com/entertainment. Entertainment positions include Cast, Guest Entertainer, Technician, Musician, Clergy, Cruise Director, Youth Staff, Guest Speaker and more. Other Positions
For employment within the Gift Shops, Photography Department, Casino or Beauty Salon / Spa, please contact the following companies:

Gift Shops


Starboard Cruise Services, Inc.
Doral Concourse 8400 NW 36th St. Suite 600
Miami, FL 33126
Ph: 786-845-7300
Fax: 786-845-1119
www.starboardcruise.com


Casino


Carnival Corporation
Ph: 305-406-4830
www.oceancasinojobs.com

Port & Shopping Ambassadors


The PPI Group
Attn: Recruiter
4517 NW 31st Ave
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309
Phone: 954-377-7777
Fax: 954-377-7000
shipboardemployment@ppigroup.com
www.ppigroup.com

Salon / Spa


Steiner Training Ltd. (UK Office)
Attn: Jan Green, Administration Mgr.
The Lodge
92 Uxbridge Road
Harrow Weald
Middix HA3 6BZ
United Kingdom
Ph: +44 2089 095016
JanG@onespaworld.com
www.onespaworld.com

Photography:


Ocean Images Photography
Recruiting for Ocean Images: Shipboard Services
12-14 David Place
St. Helier, Jersey, British Channel Islands, JE2 4TD.
Tel: +44 (0)1794 341818
www.ocean-images.com
jobs@shipboard-services.com




































ABOUT US

Shipboard Employment


Print page shown

Welcome On Board

Every day, thousands of Holland America Line guests hear this warm greeting as they board our ships. This phrase represents the spirit that inspires our entire company, Holland America Line. There may be more than one thousand job titles at Holland America Line, but all of us have the same goal - to be the world's best hosts.

Thank you for your interest in shipboard employment with Holland America Line.

Hotel Officers


We are currently recruiting the following positions in the Hotel Department:

Deck and Engine Officers


Persons desiring employment in the Deck and Engine Departments on board the ships should visit http://www.holland-america.nl or www.vikingrecruitment.com for more information.

Entertainment


Persons desiring employment in the Entertainment Department on board the ships should visit www.hollandamerica.com/entertainment. Entertainment positions include Cast, Guest Entertainer, Technician, Musician, Clergy, Cruise Director, Youth Staff, Guest Speaker and more. Other Positions
For employment within the Gift Shops, Photography Department, Casino or Beauty Salon / Spa, please contact the following companies:

Gift Shops


Starboard Cruise Services, Inc.
Doral Concourse 8400 NW 36th St. Suite 600
Miami, FL 33126
Ph: 786-845-7300
Fax: 786-845-1119
www.starboardcruise.com


Casino


Carnival Corporation
Ph: 305-406-4830
www.oceancasinojobs.com

Port & Shopping Ambassadors


The PPI Group
Attn: Recruiter
4517 NW 31st Ave
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309
Phone: 954-377-7777
Fax: 954-377-7000
shipboardemployment@ppigroup.com
www.ppigroup.com

Salon / Spa


Steiner Training Ltd. (UK Office)
Attn: Jan Green, Administration Mgr.
The Lodge
92 Uxbridge Road
Harrow Weald
Middix HA3 6BZ
United Kingdom
Ph: +44 2089 095016
JanG@onespaworld.com
www.onespaworld.com

Photography:


Ocean Images Photography
Recruiting for Ocean Images: Shipboard Services
12-14 David Place
St. Helier, Jersey, British Channel Islands, JE2 4TD.
Tel: +44 (0)1794 341818
www.ocean-images.com
jobs@shipboard-services.com




































ABOUT US

Land-Based Employment


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View land-based openings at: https://www.hollandamerica.apply2jobs.com/

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