Holland America Line Embraces Hawaii
Exploration Speaker Series Enhances Polynesian Activities and Amenities
SEATTLE, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland America Line's Hawaii cruise
vacations offer cultural immersion with recently enhanced onboard programming
that reflects the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands.
"Our Hawaii sailings are in a class by themselves. Holland America Line's
advantage is our expert presentation of the sights, sounds and flavors of
Polynesia," stated Richard D. Meadows, CTC, senior vice president of marketing
and sales. "Our Exploration Speaker Series features specialists on Polynesian
music, dance, cuisine and culture to enrich our guest's vacation experience." Holland America Line combines cultural programming, island port calls and
leisurely days at sea. From fall 2004 through winter 2005, the premium line
offers 16 Circle Hawaii sailings with departures from San Diego, Seattle, and
Vancouver, B.C. All sailings are 15 to 17 days in length and visit the islands
of Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and spend two days on Hawaii's namesake, the big island.
San Diego is the popular homeport for fourteen roundtrip sailings; each
features a call to Ensenada, Mexico. Four 2004 departures are scheduled for
Nov. 5 and 20, and Dec. 6 and 21. In 2005, cruises are set to depart on Feb. 4
and 19, Mar. 6 and 21, Apr. 5, Oct. 3 and 18, Nov. 2, Dec. 7 and 22.
The Pacific Northwest is the start point for two Hawaii cruises in 2005. The
first, roundtrip from Seattle, departs May 5 and also embarks guests in
Vancouver on May 6. The second embarks guests in Vancouver on Sept. 16,
features a port visit to Astoria, Oregon, cruises the Hawaiian Islands and then
disembarks in San Diego.
Hawaiian Style Activities and Amenities The Holland America Line Explorations Speaker Series offers instruction from
experts providing information on the history of Hawaii and Pearl Harbor,
astronomy of the Pacific skies, and the biological diversity of this fertile
region, its wildlife and landscapes; as well as insights on Polynesian music,
dance and food traditions. Featured speakers include: -- Allan Seiden, a travel journalist, writer, photographer, Hawaiian
archivist and historian. Seiden has lived in Honolulu since 1974 and
imparts his witty experiences and imagery of this fascinating region. -- James Ho, a Hawaiian Historian, retired from the University of Hawaii
and Department of Education shares his research and writings with
cruise guests. Ho helped start Hawaii's first history and heritage
educational program, "Knowing Hawaii."
-- David Dodge, chief astronomer at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre in
Vancouver, Canada for 30 years, has extensive experience in astronomy
as an educator, communicator and lecturer. -- John Palmisano, marine biologist, a successful researcher, teacher and
consultant, began lecturing at sea in 1999 informing and delighting
with his knowledge of the world's ocean and its creatures.
Polynesian cuisine is provided throughout the cruise featuring a grand Luau
barbecue one evening with local specialties such as Lomi Lomi-marinated salmon,
papaya salad, Maori-style lamb chops, sesame and soy marinated chicken and Maui
Kalbi beef ribs. Hawaiian-inspired dinner selections include manoa lettuce
with crushed pineapple, caramelized macadamia nuts and ginger sesame dressing,
and fish such as ono, and opakapaka (snapper), bought fresh daily on the
islands.
Expert narrations from the Navigational Bridge provide cruise guests with an
in-depth look at the Kilauea Volcano, the most active volcano in the world, as
well as Kauai's Na Pali Coast. Located on the "Garden Isle's" remote northwest
coast, "Na Pali" or, "the cliffs" rise 2,000 to 3,000 feet from the sea and
embrace a series of deep jungle valleys, a rare viewing experience for even
seasoned travelers.
And did you know that each of the major Hawaiian Islands have their own
traditional leis? Some are made of flowers while others are made of berries,
leaves, stems and seashells. The link between the islands and their leis
evolved over time. In 1923, the Hawaiian Territorial Legislature officially
adopted the concept of the giving and receiving of leis as an overall Hawaiian
tradition. Cruise guests receive leis and learn about the lei ceremony
including when the kiss became a part of that famous tradition.
Prices for the 15-day Circle Hawaii cruises start at $1,799 per person,
double-occupancy, and taxes are additional. For a copy of the Hawaii, Asia &
Pacific Cruises brochure and for more information contact a professional travel
agent, call 877-724-5425 or visit online at http://www.hollandamerica.com/.
About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc
(NYSE:CCLNYSE:andNYSE:CUK)] As a part of its renowned Tradition of Excellence, Holland America Line is
investing $225 million in the Signature of Excellence initiative providing
unparalleled product and service enhancements to its fleet. The comprehensive
enhancements focus on five areas vital to Holland America's guest experience:
spacious, elegant ships and accommodations; sophisticated five-star dining;
gracious, unobtrusive service; extensive enrichment programs and activities;
and compelling worldwide itineraries. Enhancements have been started on all
ships and will be completed by the end of 2006. For more information, consult a
travel agent, call 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, Costa Cruises and Windstar 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: Rose Abello or Mary Schimmelman, both of Holland America,
800-637-5029 (Not for publication), or +1-206-301-5318, or cell,
+1-206-313-7673, or fax, +1-206-281-0351, or DATASOURCE: Holland America Line CONTACT: Rose Abello or Mary Schimmelman, both of Holland America, 800-637-5029 (Not for publication), or +1-206-301-5318, or cell, +1-206-313-7673, or fax, +1-206-281-0351, or Web site: http://www.hollandamerica.com/
|