HAL Wins 9 Porthole Readers' Choice Awards!
Ray Goldenberg
I received this press release from Holland America and thought it
would be of interest.
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Ray Goldenberg 800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
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Holland America Line Wins Nine Porthole Readers' Choice Awards
Premium Cruise Line Attracts Top Itineraries, Best Private Island &
Most Eco-Friendly Honors
SEATTLE, Nov. 19
Among the nine 2009 Readers' Choice Awards that Holland America Line
has received from Porthole Cruise Magazine are five that recognize the
line's varied and port-intensive cruise itineraries. Readers of
Porthole conferred awards for Best Central America/Panama Canal, Best
Northern Europe, Best Alaska, Best Australia/New Zealand Itineraries
and Best Private Island for Half Moon Cay, the line's exclusive
Bahamian port call that appears on most Caribbean cruise itineraries.
In the 11th annual awards, the line also took top honors as most
Eco-Friendly Cruise Line and for having the Best Spa Facilities, as
well as a pair for Best Overall Facilities for Physically Challenged
Passengers and Best Medical Facilities.
"Being recognized for five cruise itinerary regions is a true
testament to our goal of delivering unique and in-depth cruise
itineraries for our guests," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive
vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "We are also very
proud to be recognized for our commitment to environmental stewardship
and the three additional awards for access, medical facilities and our
luxurious spas are a great acknowledgement of the services we provide
to our guests. We are delighted."
"Porthole Cruise Magazine is the top source of cruise and destination
content for savvy travelers," said Bill Panoff, publisher and
editor-in-chief of the magazine. "Our readers appreciate the quality
and overall cruise experience that a premium line such as Holland
America Line delivers every day."
Artful Itineraries Blend World Sights with New Discoveries
Known for its longer, port-heavy cruise itineraries, Holland America
Line picked up its five cruise itinerary-themed awards for
destinations spanning the globe. In Alaska, the line operates three
major cruising itineraries -- Glacier Bay Inside Passage Cruises,
Glacier Discovery, and Alaskan Explorer Cruise -- that showcase the
highlights of Alaska with distinctive options to suit the various
wishes of Alaskan-bound travelers. Northern Europe cruises combine the
best of the Baltic with British Isles and Norwegian Fjord exploration.
Departure ports now include Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Dover or Greenwich
(London) and Copenhagen.
Australia/New Zealand sailings offer a mix of 14-day Sydney roundtrip
and Sydney to Auckland adventures as well as the new 34-day
circumnavigation of Australia with five days in the Great Barrier
Reef. Among its most popular itineraries, Panama Canal cruises sail
the engineering marvel on five ships or guests can opt for a day visit
to the canal on a 10-day roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale that includes
several Caribbean ports.
In 2009, Half Moon Cay received its ninth Best Private Island
acknowledgement from Porthole readers. Built as a sustainable port of
call, the island's offerings provide private beach cabanas, an
exclusive over-water bungalow, a full beachside water park for
children, and an array of shore excursions that include horseback
riding by land and sea, personal watercraft adventures and an
opportunity to swim with stingrays.
Top Awards for Environment and Spa, Too
Holland America Line won the Most Eco-Friendly Cruise Line award for
their commitment to responsible environmental practices through
comprehensive and innovative fleet-wide programs. The program
emphasizes waste reduction and recycling, use of cleaner-burning
propulsion technology and cutting-edge technologies. Holland America
Line's ships currently meet or exceed all provisions of the
international regulations governing the environmental management of
marine operations.
Holland America Line also has a history of embracing new environmental
technologies such as shore power while ships are in port -- one of two
cruise lines to utilize this eco-friendly power -- and being the first
cruise line to install state-of-the-art, level-four water treatment
systems and implement a whale strike avoidance program.
According to Meadows, the nod for Best Spa comes from the line's focus
on unique offerings in the Greenhouse Spa and Salon offered as a part
of the $525 million Signature of Excellence enhancement program. The
Greenhouse Spa and Salon with fitness center offers guests relaxation
and rejuvenation as well as beauty and wellness rituals ranging from
tai chi to hot stone couples massages.
Completing the awards, Holland America Line received recognition for
its accessibility and medical facilities. Holland America Line ships
accommodate guests with a variety of special needs including those
requiring wheelchairs, scooters or service animals; those who have
sight or hearing impairments; and those using oxygen.
And each Holland America Line ship has a medical center carrying much
of the standard equipment found in North American hospital emergency
departments. The onboard medical center accommodates most emergencies
and routine medical procedures and is staffed by two to four
registered nurses, a crew physician and the ship's doctor -- all
certified in advanced cardiac life support.
For additional information, consult a professional travel agent.
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 is scheduled to join the fleet in July 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 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.