Holland America Line Unveils Vacation Stimulus Plan to Rally Cruise Bookings (expanded reporting)
John Sisker
We received this information/press release from the trades/Holland American
Line and thought it may be of interest to this newsgroup as well.
Happy sailing...
John Sisker - SHIP-TO-SHORE CRUISE AGENCY®
(714) 536-3850 or toll-free at (800) 724-6644 & (Agency ID: 714.536.3850)
www.shiptoshorecruise.com
SEATTLE, Dec. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Looking at novel ways to encourage a
commitment to cruising during the coming year, Holland America Line unveiled
its Vacation Stimulus Plan. "There's never been a better time to get more,
pay less and sail away from it all," says Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive
vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "And the return on
investment is guaranteed."
To boost cruise sales, the four-point plan encompasses (1) unprecedented low
fares, (2) deposits reduced by 50% on cruises and cruisetours departing on
or after May 1, 2009, (3) a 25% savings on standard Cancellation Protection
Plan on cruises and cruisetours departing on or after May 1, 2009, and (4)
suspended fuel supplements for cruises departing on or after Dec. 17, 2008.
"Our message is to buy low and live high. With great fares, reduced deposits
and a lower fee to protect the cost of a vacation, there really has never
been a better time to cruise with Holland America Line," added Meadows.
"Vacationers are increasingly looking for best values, and Holland America
Line's Vacation Stimulus Plan provides a number of extra features and
benefits."
Vacation Stimulus Plan Elements
Unprecedented Low Fares: Tremendous values are available on most itineraries
worldwide, including the current View and Verandah Cruise sale Promotion
that offers outside and verandah staterooms at terrific values. Guests can
enjoy an upgrade from an inside stateroom to an outside stateroom for as
little as $50 or upgrade from an outside stateroom to verandah
accommodations from just $100.
Lead fares for the View and Verandah promotion start at $499 for 7-day
Alaska cruises, $549 for 7-day Caribbean sailing, and $999 for 12-day Europe
and Panama Canal voyages. There are savings to exotic destinations, too,
like $999 for 16-day South America cruises, $899 for 14-day Australia/New
Zealand cruises, and $1,299 for 16-day Southeast Asia sailings. On select
sailings, third and fourths in staterooms are as little as $99 per person.
Taxes are additional on all per person cruise fares.
Reduced Deposit: For a limited time, Holland America Line has reduced the
deposit requirements by 50% on all cruises and Alaska cruisetours departing
on or after May 1, 2009. For example a $350 per-person deposit required on
most seven-day cruises is reduced to $175. Reduced deposits apply to group
bookings as well.
Cancellation Protection Savings: The Vacation Stimulus Plan also offers a
25% savings on the popular standard Cancellation Protection Plan when
purchased with a new booking for departures on or after May 1, 2009.
Cancellation Protection Plan covers a portion of the cost of a cruise fare
in the event of cancellation by the guest for any reason.
Fuel Supplement Suspended: In addition, Holland America Line has suspended
the $9 per guest per day fuel supplement for departures on or after Dec. 17,
2008.
For more information, consult a travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL
(877-724-5425) or visit http://www.hollandamerica.com.
About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc ]
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, ms Nieuw
Amsterdam, is scheduled to join the fleet in 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.