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Seattle, WA, June 24, 2009 – Canadian travel agents now have access to Holland America Line’s Bank Payment function in POLAR Online, the cruise industry’s most advanced online booking tool. Enabling travel agents to submit transactions directly from an agency’s bank account, this functionality will increase security, efficiency and overall convenience for a more stream-lined booking and payment process.
The time-saving Bank Payment function will enable travel sellers to condense multiple reservations into a single payment. Eliminating several steps, the agency’s bank account will be debited directly for the total amount of the transaction. Ensuring accurate information, payments will be confirmed before they are submitted for processing. Bank account numbers will be validated against stored information encrypted in POLAR for maximum security. The new function will enable travel agents to conveniently create, view and cancel a transaction prior to 4 p.m. PT within the same day.
The Bank Payment function for Canadian agencies will require a completed Pre-Authorized Debit (PAD) Agreement faxed to Operations Support before the entry of the travel agency’s bank account number. The PAD will automatically populate as soon as a travel agent is registered through POLAR Online.
Processed by Bank of America, the Bank Payment is available only through POLAR Online and will be accessible to agencies registered on the OneSource Web Portal with a bank account in the local currency of a qualifying country. Travel sellers that would like more information or to find out if they are currently registered for POLAR Online should call 800-544-9032.
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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.