If you use a Travel Agent, try to pick an honest one.
...
> Hi Everyone,
> I received this press release from Holland America and thought it
> would be of interest. If you have missed any of my news' postings,
> they are available on my web site.
> Best regards,
> Ray
> LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
> 800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
> http://www.lighthousetravel.com
> HOLLAND AMERICA LINE HONORED WITH TWO AWARDS BY PRESIDENT ARROYO OF
> THE PHILIPPINES
> Seattle,
> As a result of its long-standing commitment to employing and training
> Filipino mariners, Holland America Line was honored with two major
> awards at the First International Employers Awards (FIEA) in Manila by
> the Republic of the Philippines government.
> Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo presented the awards to
> Jeff Beattie, Holland America director of seagoing human resources, in
> a ceremony in Manila. The top-rated premium cruise line won the
> Presidential Award of Distinction and the International Employers
> Award, given by the Department of Labor and Employment.
> Both awards recognize Holland America for "being one of the top
> providers of employment to Filipinos with exemplary conditions for
> workers and for contributing to the well-being of Filipino seafarers."
> The Presidential Award of Distinction also specifically recognizes the
> contributions of a foreign employer that has employed Filipino
> seafarers aboard ships for the longest period.
> "Holland America has a great tradition of hiring the best seafarers
> and hotel personnel in the world," said A. Kirk Lanterman, Chairman
> and CEO, Holland America Line. "We've been very fortunate to work with
> the people of the Philippines, which has a stellar reputation in the
> maritime industry, to hire qualified craftsmen and service staff. I'm
> proud to accept these two awards on behalf of Holland America Line."
> Holland America employs more than 9,000 shipboard staff, with nearly
> 3,000 coming from the Philippines. The premium cruise leader has hired
> seafarers from the Philippines since 1971 and currently operates
> training programs in the country to recruit and retain qualified staff
> as the line grows with the addition of four new ships by 2006.
> About Holland America Line
> In 2003, Holland America's fleet of twelve, five-star, premium ships
> will offer 447 premium cruises on industry-leading itineraries to all
> seven continents and will sail from 15 North American home ports. By
> 2006 Holland America will increase its capacity by 34 percent -- and
> its fleet to a total of 15 ships -- with the introduction of three
> additional 85,000-ton, 1,848-passenger Vista Class ships, the largest
> ever built for Holland America Line. The line offers the only trip
> cancellation program in the industry that offers cash back for
> canceling for any reason prior to 24 hours before departure.
> In 2002, for a second consecutive year, Holland America Line won four
> Readers' Choice Awards from the prestigious Porthole Cruise Magazine
> and the company also won its 10th consecutive "Best Overall Cruise
> Value" award from the World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society (WOCLS).
> For more information, consult a professional travel agent.
> World's Leading Cruise Lines The highest-rated premium cruise line in
> the world in the 2002 "Travel & Leisure" magazine "World's Best"
> Awards, Holland America is a member of the exclusive World's Leading
> Cruise Lines alliance, which also includes Carnival Cruise Lines,
> Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruise Line, Costa Cruises and Windstar Cruises.
> Together, these member lines share a commitment to quality and value,
> offering cruise vacations that appeal to a wide range of lifestyles
> and budgets and sail to some of the world's most exciting
> destinations. Conde Nast Traveler magazine readers also ranked Holland
> America Line as the top premium cruise line in the world in the
> much-anticipated 2002 Readers' Choice Awards.
