Holland America Line's ms Eurodam Maiden Voyage to Feature Fjords and Kilts

SEATTLE, Dec. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Norway's famed fjords and Scotland's Highlands are highlights of the ms Eurodam's 10-day maiden voyage of northern Europe, set for July 5, 2008. The 2,104-guest Eurodam, under construction at Fincantieri's Marghera, Italy, shipyard, will be Holland America Line's newest ship and the first in the Signature Class series.

Holland America Line also is offering two short introductory cruises during Eurodam's inaugural season. A three-day prelude cruise will sail July 2 from Rotterdam to Copenhagen, calling at Hamburg, Germany, prior to the maiden voyage. President and chief executive officer Stein Kruse is scheduled to sail aboard the prelude cruise. Prior to the start of its Canada/New England season, the ship also will operate a new three-day round-trip New York City preview cruise, departing on Aug. 29, 2008.

"We are pleased to offer two new opportunities for cruisers to experience Eurodam next year," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "Both can be combined with a 10-day port-intensive cruise in Europe or Canada, or they can be booked separately for an introductory experience aboard our first Signature-class vessel."

The 10-day round-trip maiden sailing departs from Copenhagen, Denmark, and calls at Oslo, Alesund, Vik, Flam and Stavanger, Norway; Newcastle Upon Tyne, England; and Edinburgh (via South Queensbury) -- the premium line's second highest rated port of call -- and Invergordon, Scotland. Newcastle -- a maiden call for Holland America Line -- offers 2,000 years of history and a picturesque backdrop with its location on the left bank of the River Tyne.

Eurodam Expands Premium Offerings

With one more deck than Holland America Line's 10-deck Vista-class ships, the Signature-class Eurodam will feature three alternative dining venues, including a new pan-Asian restaurant with panoramic views. The Explorations Cafe -- powered by The New York Times -- will be located on deck 11 on the starboard side of the Crow's Nest. Other additions are an Explorer's Lounge Bar, a new specialty restaurant adjacent to the Lido offering fine Italian food, new atrium bar area, and an enhanced and reconfigured show lounge with theater-style seating.

Following its inaugural Europe season, the ship will sail its first trans-Atlantic cruise, followed by a series of Canada/New England sailings in the fall before deploying on Caribbean itineraries for the remainder of 2008.

Cruise fares for the maiden voyage begin at $2,474 per person, double occupancy. The prelude cruise starts at $599 per person. Guests combining both the maiden voyage with the prelude cruise receive a $100 per person discount. The round-trip New York cruise starts at $499 per person. Fares start at $1,899 for guests combining this departure with the Canada/New England cruise on Sept. 1. For more information, consult a travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit http://www.hollandamerica.com.

- www.hollandamerica.com -

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL) (NYSE: 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.

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 Cafe 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.

    Rose Abello
    800-637-5029
    206-262-5934
    pr@hollandamerica.com