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Seattle, December 17, 2008 — The ms Zuiderdam will become the fifth ship in Holland America Line’s fleet to use shore power when it homeports in Vancouver, British Columbia, for its 2009 Alaska cruise season. Purchasing shore power — or local electricity — reduces fuel consumption and emissions and the Zuiderdam will join the ms Oosterdam, ms Westerdam, ms Noordam and ms Amsterdam, which have employed shore power in Seattle for Alaska cruise seasons since 2006.
The Zuiderdam will use shore power, also called cold ironing, when in Vancouver during a series of seven-day Alaska cruises between May 9 and Sept. 26, 2009. As at the Port of Seattle, the Port of Vancouver will provide “plug-in” capability for the Zuiderdam, which then will use local electricity instead of diesel fuel, for power while docked between cruises.
“Holland America Line is very pleased to be able to use shore power in Vancouver next summer,” said Richard D. Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “As a company, we are dedicated to reducing air emissions as part of our commitment to responsible environmental practices. “
Meadows noted that other ports, such as San Diego, Los Angeles and Civitavecchia, Italy (gateway to Rome), are also working towards implementing a shore power system in the future. As they come on line, Holland America Line will engineer additional ships with the capability to use and purchase this power. Holland America’s newest ship, the Signature-class ms Eurodam, is partly outfitted for shore power and can have the final plug-in additions made quickly.
After docking under their own power, Holland America ships are hooked up to shore power within 20-30 minutes. Power generation is transferred back to the ship shortly before departure.
The Zuiderdam sails 20, seven-day roundtrip cruises from Vancouver to Alaska, departing Saturdays between May 9 and Sept. 19; on Sept. 26 the ship departs Vancouver for an 18-day cruise down the Pacific coast and through the Panama Canal to Fort Lauderdale.
The total cost to retrofit a Holland America ship with a shore power connection system is nearly $1.4 million. In addition, local ports must establish hook-ups and install a transformer dockside.
Westerdam and Oosterdam were the first to be retrofitted to use shore power at the Port of Seattle in 2006. In 2007 Noordam was retrofitted and joined Oosterdam. In 2008 Oosterdam, Westerdam and Amsterdam all used shore power in Seattle. In 2009 Westerdam and Amsterdam will use Seattle shore power while Zuiderdam “plugs in” at Vancouver.
For more information on Holland America Line, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.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 320 ports in more than 100 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to 108-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, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal. A 15th ship, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, is scheduled to join the fleet in 2010.
Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment 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 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.
Worlds 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.