SEATTLE, Aug. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- The ms Amsterdam will circle the globe and the ms Prinsendam will explore select regions when Holland America Line expands its prestigious Grand Voyage program to two ships and three epic cruises in 2007. This will commemorate the company's 43rd year of featuring globe-spanning sailings and mark the return of the popular 1,380-guest flagship Amsterdam to world cruising.

Offering three distinctive ways to enjoy in-depth cruising, the Amsterdam will make a true circumnavigation of the globe in 105 days, while the 793-guest Prinsendam reveals beguiling icescapes and cities on a circumnavigation of South America and Antarctica for 66 days followed by a 56-day sojourn traversing the Atlantic to the classic and provocative ports of Europe and North Africa. The two ships will chart different courses to city and island destinations, and will cross paths docking the same day in picturesque Dubrovnik, Croatia, on April 11, with a special celebration planned for guests on both ships.

"As the leaders in world voyages, we at Holland America Line are consistently listening to past guests and building innovative itineraries," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, senior vice president, marketing and sales. "With two different ships and more extended port stays than ever, these epic cruises feature diversity, luxury and a sophisticated experience that is in a class-by-itself."

Around the World in a Leisurely 105 Days.

Returning to sailing the Grand World Voyage itineraries, the Amsterdam will chart a westward course through 17 oceans, encompassing three maiden ports, daylight passing through the Panama and Suez canals as well as two- and three-day stays in Callao (Lima), Peru; Sydney, Australia; Hong Kong, China; Mumbai, India; and Dubai, U.A.E. On her third world voyage, the Amsterdam will make three maiden visits to the resort town of Nha Trang, Vietnam; the vast, pearl-rich harbor of Tuticorin, India; and chic Salalah, Oman, with its lingering aromas of Frankincense.

The Amsterdam will depart Ft. Lauderdale Jan. 15, 2007, on a 33,400-nautical-mile journey to 38 ports in 26 countries and six continents. Onboard, staff will help guests celebrate the Panama Canal transit with an evening deck party, and the crossing of the Equator with a charming King Neptune Ceremony initiating guests into south-seas sailing. An overnight in Callao (Lima) provides an opportunity to visit the mystifying Incan world of Machu Picchu. Two days become one when the Amsterdam crosses the International Date Line and glides toward the fascinating worlds of Australia, Indonesia and Southeast Asia.

More overnights, including two in Hong Kong and Mumbai, add time for enjoying a range of beaches and famous temples of the world's religions. Other highlights include "center-of-the-world" Easter Island, Cairns, Australia, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef; Singapore; Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt, home of Mount Sinai; transit of the 101-mile Suez Canal; Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey and the great marble Temple of Artemis; Piraeus (Athens), Greece; and Livorno, Italy, providing options to visit Florence or Pisa.

Circle South America & Antarctica Highlights

On her first of two region-specific voyages, the Prinsendam will cruise 17,400 nautical miles to 33 ports in 14 countries. This 66-day roundtrip sailing, departing Jan. 5 from Ft. Lauderdale, combines travel down the captivating Amazon River with four days of scenic cruising around the white wonders of Antarctica. The ship calls at nine ports in Brazil -- including tropical Recife, culturally diverse Salvador and three nights in Rio de Janeiro -- and seven Chilean ports, featuring the beautiful Bavarian lake district of Puerto Montt, the Emerald forests of Puerto Chacabuco, and fascinating Antofagasta, with its myriad lakes, geysers, deserts and volcanoes. The cruise also offers overnights in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Callao (Lima), Peru; and Manaus, Brazil. Other highlights include Devil's Island, known for the expansive prison where Napoleon banished political prisoners, Caribbean Turks and Caicos, and the charming San Blas Islands, inhabited by the Cuna Native Americans.

Grand Mediterranean & North Africa Voyage

Opulent cathedrals, ancient ruins, world wonders, colorful souks, amber deserts and legendary art underscore travels on the Prinsendam's second 56-day roundtrip journey, departing Ft. Lauderdale, March 12. The ship lingers in the Caribbean, calling at French-chic St. Barts and lush Dominica before crossing the Atlantic and visiting the volcanic archipelago of the Cape Verde Islands, Dakar, Senegal, boasting fashionable cafes and markets, and Banjul, Gambia, where guests may take a camel safari. They may select the high-speed train excursion in Marseille, whisking them to Paris, and tour options in Livorno, Italy, leading to Tuscan countryside and Florence grandeur. Additional highlights feature the Moroccan cities of Rabat and Casablanca; Tarabulus (Tripoli), Libya, home to Roman ruins and the colossal Red Castle; millionaire playground Santorini, Greece; Valletta, Malta, full of Baroque architecture; and idyllic Palma de Majorca, Spain.

Guests who prefer a longer voyage can combine both cruises for a 122-day journey around South America and across the Atlantic to Europe and back. Guests sailing on the combined journey will receive additional savings on cruise fares. Holland America Line affords guests the opportunity to book the full voyage, or abbreviated segments of these sailings. Guests may experience a diversity of shore excursions, including the company's Off-the-Beaten-Path adventures, luxury private-car touring and exclusive Medallion Collection excursions. Culinary staff will lead cooking classes and demonstrations in the onboard Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine. For information and bookings, contact a travel agent or 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425).

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc
NYSE: CCL and CUK

With the introduction of the 1,848-passenger ms Noordam in early 2006, Holland America Line's fleet grows to 13 ships, offering nearly 500 cruises from more than 25 home ports. Itineraries range from two to 108 days long and visit all seven continents, including new Australia/New Zealand and Asia sailings, a world cruise and popular sailings to several ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico and Europe. The ms Noordam also will offer Caribbean sailings in the winter from new homeport New York City.

Holland America Line's $225 million, fleetwide Signature of Excellence enhancements feature new programs and amenities including 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 will provide cooking demonstrations and classes -- Explorations Cafe powered by the New York Times, teens-only activity areas and all new cabin amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush-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, 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; Mary Schimmelman
+1-206-301-5318
cell phone, +1-206-313-7673
Fax, +1-206-281-0351
pr@hollandamerica.com

SOURCE Holland America Line
Web Site: http://www.hollandamerica.com

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