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Seattle (April 17, 2008) - With the U.S. dollar continuing to weaken abroad, Holland America Line has developed a series of 27 Europe Collectors' Voyages in 2008 that caters to those guests who want to take an extended vacation while getting the most out of their money. The cruises combine intriguing ports with non-repeating itineraries and offer special pricing, making them all the more enticing to those who want a unique adventure without breaking the bank.
While the appeal of a longer voyage attracts many guests to book a Collectors' Voyage, the itinerary is the ultimate hook for most travelers. Holland America Line recently won Best Cruise Line in Europe in "Travel Weekly's" 2007 Readers Choice Awards, solidifying their spot at the top of the cruise industry.
"Europe continues to grow in popularity as a vacation destination as more travelers realize the unparalleled value of a European cruise paid for in American dollars," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. "We pride ourselves on offering the most diverse and unique cruises in the industry, and the "Travel Weekly" award reaffirms our position as the leader in Europe cruising and longer voyages."
More time, sights with Collectors' Voyages
Guests wishing to capitalize on the Collectors' Voyage can take advantage of 27 departure dates on 10 different itineraries aboard ms Eurodam, ms Noordam, ms Zuiderdam and ms Prinsendam. These special sailings range from 20 to 30 days and enable guests to visit as many as 16 ports on a 30-day voyage. The extended cruises also allow for convenient, one-time unpacking, leaving guests free to enjoy the sights of a new port each day without the hassle or expense of relocating to a new hotel and catching a motorcoach, train or flight.
Unique perspectives on Europe Itineraries
Noordam sails to Europe arriving on April 22 for the first of 11 departures on the 20-day Collectors' Voyages, "Mediterranean Adventure" or "Mediterranean Mosaic." Both combine the 10-day "Roman Empire" and "Mediterranean Enchantment" cruises that cover the eastern and western Mediterranean and visit an impressive nine countries, including Croatia, Greece, Tunisia and Italy.
Zuiderdam spends its first season in Europe with a series of three new 12-day Mediterranean itineraries beginning April 26 that combine into two 24-day Collectors' Voyages: "Classical Worlds" and "Magic of the Mediterranean." Departing from Venice, Italy, or Barcelona, Spain, each of the nine available sailings features at least two overnight stays: one in Venice and another in either Istanbul or Barcelona, depending on the itinerary.
Guests looking for a different take on Europe may wish to board Prinsendam for three Collectors' Voyages, including the longest of the season - the 30-day "Ultimate Northern Europe" cruise June 17 from Amsterdam to London that takes the ship to 13 countries throughout Scandinavia and Great Britain. "Gironde Estuary and Kiel Canal: is a 25-day journey departing May 23 from Lisbon to Amsterdam and features the best of the Baltic, Spain and France.
Eurodam, the newest ship in the Holland America fleet, officially kicks off its inaugural Europe season July 5 with four Collectors' Voyages. "Dazzling Debut" and "Signature Sojourn" offer three departures on a 20-day odyssey round-trip from Copenhagen, Denmark. During the cruise, guests discover the stunning natural landscapes of northern Europe, as well as cover port favorites from Invergordon, Scotland, to St. Petersburg, Russia. "Viking Worlds" is a 25-day adventure from Copenhagen to New York and follows a northern route from Norway to Iceland and on to Canada before hitting the States.
Maiden ports explored on Collectors' Voyages
A highlight of the Collectors' Voyages is the opportunity to be aboard for the first visit to a new port of call. Nine maiden ports of call are offered by the premium line during the 2008 Europe cruise season. Over half of the 2008 Collector's Voyages will visit one or more of seven of those maiden ports including first season visits to: Luleå, Hudiksvall and Kariskrona in Sweden; Aalborg, Denmark; Split, Croatia; Newcastle upon Tyne and Barrrow in Furness in England.
Cruise fares for the 2008 Europe Collectors' Voyages start at $2,199 per person, double occupancy.
For a 2008 Europe cruise brochure that includes the Collectors' Voyages or for more information, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-724-5425 or visit www.hollandamerica.com.
Editor's Note: Photos can be downloaded at http://www.cleanpix.com/cleanpix/portal/W10pg:PeS:wXY.
About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line's fleet of 13 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to 314 ports of call in 97 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to 108-day itineraries visit all seven continents, including Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal. A 14th ship, ms Eurodam, will launch in July 2008. For more information, contact a travel agent or call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.
Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, totaling more than $425 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine - a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes - Explorations 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.
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.