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Seattle, WA, August 18, 2008 - Condé Nast Traveler has named Holland America Line a finalist in the magazine's 2008 World Savers Awards. Holland America Line is one of 38 companies selected worldwide as a leader in social responsibility in the September issue.
Holland America Line won an honorable mention in the health category based on its ongoing donations to organizations in need. The company recently donated dental equipment after dismantling its shipboard dental offices on 13 ships - each office worth approximately $90,000. Donated equipment included dental chairs, digital x-rays, and dental supplies.
"As one of the world's major cruise lines, we recognize our important role in protecting and contributing to the well-being of the communities we visit, both environmentally and socially," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "This is one piece of our larger corporate social responsibility initiative, and we are grateful to be recognized by Condé Nast Traveler."
Equipment from five ships went to Indian Health Services, responsible for providing federal health services to American Indians and Alaska natives. Four ships donated supplies to Loma Linda for its worldwide dental programs for children. One ship donated supplies to an orphanage in Pichilingue, Mexico. Equipment also was donated in Indonesia and Manila.
Previous donations from the medical department benefited two dental programs in Vietnam that specialize in children with cleft palettes, as well as programs in South America, and Mexico.
Another successful initiative addressing health issues is the line's On Deck for the Cure program. Holland America Line recently announced it has surpassed the million-dollar mark in contributions raised for Susan G. Komen for the Cure® via its On Deck for the Cure program, earning it a place on Komen's prestigious Million Dollar Council. Holland America estimates that more than 80,000 guests have participated in more than 1,000 walks on Holland America Line cruises worldwide since the program began in 2006.
The line also donates supplies through Ship to Shelter, an innovative new community-giving program that is the first of its kind in the nation. Reusable goods are collected from Holland America Line ships sailing from Seattle and donated to local charities serving people in need. Donated items include individual-sized toiletries, towels, linens, dishes, cookware, silverware, televisions and mattresses. Ships sailing around the world also donate valuable and reusable items to communities in need and the ship's crew also donate their own money, time, and often toys, to organizations of need in ports of call.
Seventeen judges reviewed 142 applications and rated how applicants exercise social responsibility in five key areas: poverty alleviation, cultural and/or environmental preservation, education, wildlife conservation, and health.
About Condé Nast Traveler
Travel publications often accept free travel and accommodations. Condé Nast Traveler does not, and its correspondents, as far as possible, travel anonymously. They experience travel the way consumers do, both the good and the bad, and report on it fairly and honestly. Condé Nast Traveler has a circulation of over 800,000 and is published by Condé Nast Publications, Inc. Condé Nast Traveler's website is cntraveler.com.
About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line's fleet of 14 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.