HAL Expands Wedding Program!
Ray Goldenberg
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 Expands Wedding Program To Include European Ports for
Cruising Couples To Tie the Knot
SEATTLE, Feb. 6
Holland America Line has expanded its ``shipboard romance''
opportunities beyond the U.S. and Caribbean to include several
European ports where couples may arrange a wedding on board an elegant
Holland America cruise ship or in a romantic location ashore,
including such famous ports as Santorini, Greece; Florence, Rome and
Naples, Italy; and Stockholm, Sweden.
``The new European options are the latest addition to an array of
wedding, honeymoon, anniversary and renewal-of-vows packages that
fulfill the wishes of couples who want to celebrate special romantic
moments on board one of Holland America's 11 premium cruise ships,''
said David A. Giersdorf, senior vice president, marketing and sales.
``For our Europe cruise guests, this new wedding program opens up a
whole new array of choices that will add an extra touch of magic to
one of the most important occasions in a couple's life together.''
Whether couples choose to tie the knot aboard ship, on an exotic
Caribbean island, or in an exciting European city, Holland America can
help launch a lifetime of memories with wedding packages tailored to
individual needs. Couples may opt for a small ceremony and
mini-reception or cruise along with family and friends for a larger
celebration.
European wedding packages start at $1,900, which includes wedding
planning, officiant, romantic recorded music, custom wedding ceremony,
wedding site, bride's bouquet and groom's boutonniere, bottle of
champagne, 10-inch wedding cake, photography service, wedding photo
album, keepsake certificate and 10 announcements. Additional services,
such as live music, are available to customize each wedding. European
weddings may be arranged through The Wedding Experience, 1177 South
America Way, Suite 200, Port of Miami, Miami Florida 33132-2017. Ph:
1-305-577-3358. Toll Free from the U.S. 1-877-580-3556; Toll Free from
France, Spain, Netherlands and the United Kingdom; 800-558-03556; Toll
Free from Italy 800-787-556.
On-board wedding packages are available in Ft. Lauderdale, Acapulco,
Barbados, San Juan, St. Thomas, Costa Rica, Halifax, Juneau, Kona, Los
Angeles, New York, San Diego and Vancouver. Other packages, including
beach, garden or glacier weddings, also are available.
On-board packages start at $945, which includes wedding coordinator,
on-board wedding location, wedding ceremony, officiant, romantic
recorded music, bridal bouquet/groom's boutonniere, wedding cake for
four on elegant table with flowers, bottle of champagne, photographer,
8x10 wedding photograph, commemorative wedding album, keepsake wedding
certificate. Packages may be arranged through Royal Ocean Events Inc.,
Suite 205, 5000 Bridge Street, Delta, BC, V4K 2K4. Phone: (604)
940-1181 or 1-888-475-5511; fax: (604) 940-8561
Honeymooners -- All honeymooners who are noted as such on their
Holland America Line booking are invited to a Honeymooners Party at
sea, and receive a honeymoon certificate. In addition, honeymoon
packages may be purchased, often as a gift for the newlyweds, and
include a bouquet of fresh flowers, and a commemorative silver picture
frame. The price of the package is $32 per couple.
Anniversaries -- Anniversary packages include flowers in the stateroom
and balloons on the door the day of embarkation. A photography credit
will be applied to the couple's on-board account, and the chef will
accommodate a special dessert or cake request. The package is $32 per
couple.
Renewal of Vows -- For couples who would like to say their wedding
vows while at sea, Holland America offers an on-board renewal-of-vows
package. The bride receives a corsage, and invitations are made
available to invite guests to the ceremony and celebration. The couple
also receives a photo and photo album, plus a celebration featuring
live music. Champagne, wine and hors d'oeuvres are served by Holland
America's five-star staff to ensure a romantic and memorable occasion.
The price is $99 per couple and $12.50 per guest.
The on-board honeymoon, anniversary and renewal-of-vows packages may
be booked through Holland America Line's Ship Services Department,
(800) 541-1576.
Guests on Holland America Line Caribbean and Panama Canal cruises that
visit Half Moon Cay, the company's own island paradise, may renew
their wedding vows on the island in a private, traditional Bahamian
chapel nestled in a garden overlooking the sea. This is a more casual
ceremony than on board and participants are encouraged to wear their
favorite tropical attire. Champagne and cake are served after the
ceremony. Each couple is photographed on the island and the photo is
delivered to their stateroom in a souvenir frame. Arrangements for
renewal of vows at the chapel may be made through the Guest Relations
Manager at the Front Office on board ship. Packages are $49 per couple
and $6.50 per guest.
About Holland America Line
Holland America's premium cruises feature spacious staterooms, superb
dining, renowned service, casino, first-rate entertainment, duty-free
on-board shops, internet centers, the Club HAL children's program,
complete fitness centers and popular ``tipping not required'' and
``cashless'' ship policies.
Holland America Line has 11 luxury ships sailing to more than 280
ports of call and scenic cruising destinations on all seven
continents, including Antarctica. The company 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 the widest range of lifestyles and budgets and sail to some of the
world's most exciting destinations.
In 2002, Holland America Line offers 360 sailings within a half-day's
drive of 40 percent of North American households and departing from 15
North American home ports.
Affordable air arrangements are available through the Home City Air
program and Holland America offers the only trip cancellation program
in the industry that offers cash back for canceling for any reason
prior to 24 hours before departure.
Holland America Line is the highest-rated premium cruise line in the
world in the 2001 ``Travel & Leisure'' magazine ``World's Best''
Awards and one of the word's three highest rated large-ship cruise
lines in the 2001 ``Conde Nast Traveler'' Readers' Choice Awards. The
company also has 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.