Sail Down Under With Holland America Line in 2009

SEATTLE, Nov. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland America Line returns to the lands of kiwis and koalas in 2009 when ms Amsterdam sails a majestic 67-day voyage to the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand. The cruise is highlighted in a new 2009 Grand Voyage brochure currently available from the premium cruise line, and also will be featured in the 2009 Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii and Asia brochure to be released next month.

Guests begin their 67-day voyage aboard Amsterdam Sept. 26, 2009, from Seattle, Wash., and sail westward toward the South Pacific where island jewels beckon. They can explore the region both on land and by sea in the Society and Cook Islands. Relish the discovery of remote ports of call including Pago Pago, Samoa; and Port-Vila, Vanuatu, where cascading waterfalls and tropical rain forests abound.

Amsterdam continues on to Cairns, Australia, the gateway to the 1,600-mile-long Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system. Then, after spending three full days in bustling Sydney, the 1,380-passenger ship heads to New Zealand for calls at popular ports including Christchurch, Napier and Tauranga. The ship returns to Los Angeles via Hawaii Dec. 2, 2009.

Overnight stays in Bora Bora and Sydney, along with an extended stay in Papeete, Tahiti, enhance the itinerary. Additional highlights include scenic cruising through New Zealand's Milford Sound, a 12-mile long incision through 5,000-foot hillsides, and Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The voyage also offers more than 20 relaxing days at sea with plenty of opportunities to rejuvenate in the Greenhouse Spa, participate in a cooking class at the Culinary Arts Center or learn more about various ports in one of the many Explorations Speaker Series presentations.

Holland America Line also offers departures from Seattle, Vancouver or Los Angeles, and segments from 31 to 36 days are available for those seeking a shorter cruise.

Grand Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific Voyage reservations can now be booked

Reservations are now available for the Grand Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Voyage. Early-booking bonus amenities for full-cruise guests include airfare, prepaid hotel service charges, shipboard credit, luggage delivery service and limousine transfers when booking select stateroom categories; amenities vary by cruise and booking date.

Amsterdam's Grand Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Voyage is available to book for the full cruise or in segments as short as 31 days. Cruise fares are per person, double occupancy and rates start at $11,399 for the entire 67-day cruise departing Sept. 26, 2009. Taxes and fuel supplement are additional; please see a travel agent for details.

The Holland America Line premium cruise experience

At the heart of every Holland America Line cruise is a warm and award- winning style of service that is never in the way and never out of reach. Sophisticated and savory menus enhance every culinary experience, with options to suit every taste. Whether it's a five-course meal in the Main Dining Room, an intimate table at the elegant Pinnacle Grill or fare while relaxing poolside, the crew of Holland America Line know how to orchestrate a truly memorable dining affair.

Culinary staff and guest chefs will lead cooking classes and demonstrations in the onboard Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine, and, as part of the Explorations Speaker Series, special guest lecturers will sail on segments of the Grand Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Voyage to offer unique and enriching perspectives on regional art, history and culture. The Explorations Café - powered by the New York Times - enables guests to stay connected to loved ones. To rest up for the next day, guests are assured a good night's sleep with the Mariner's Dream stateroom amenities, including luxurious beds and linens.

When in port, guests can choose from a multitude of diverse shore excursions including the exclusive Medallion Collection featuring Overland Adventures; Signature Collection private-car touring; visits to natural, architectural and technical masterpieces from the Wonders of the World Collection; and rare and unusual experiences with the Encore Collection excursions.

For a 2009 Grand Voyages cruise brochure or for more information, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-800-522-3399 or visit http://www.hollandamerica.com/.

- http://www.hollandamerica.com/ -

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc ]

Holland America Line's fleet of 13 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to more than 320 ports. 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.

In the 2006 Portrait of Affluent Travelers survey by Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown and Russell, Holland America Line topped the list of cruise lines sought after by affluent leisure travelers. Its recently completed $225 million fleetwide Signature of Excellence enhancements added features such as 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. For more information, consult a travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit http://www.hollandamerica.com/.

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.

CONTACT: Mary Schimmelman, Rose Abello PHONE: 800-637-5029, 206-301-5318 FAX: 206-262-5934 EMAIL: pr@hollandamerica.com