HAL Unveils New Web Site!

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.

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Ray
LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
http://www.lighthousetravel.com


Holland America Line Unveils Redesigned Consumer Web Site That
Reflects Premium Cruise Leader's Tradition of Excellence(TM)

Redesign and Enhancements Create an Online Experience as Stylish and
Elegant as Holland America Line's Five-star Fleet

SEATTLE, Dec. 16
Holland America Line, the leader in the premium cruise category, today
unveiled its newly redesigned and enhanced consumer Web site at
www.hollandamerica.com. The new Web site includes comprehensive
changes to the visual design, structure, navigation system and
content. Site visitors will experience enhanced usability, more
detailed information on destinations and activities and easy access to
innovative cruise planning tools. Designed with a more sophisticated
and elegant look and feel, the Web site provides visitors with a
glimpse into the premium cruise experience before they embark on their
cruise travels.
The redesigned Web site is part of Holland America Line's Signature of
Excellence initiative, which was announced in November and is an
unprecedented investment in enhancing Holland America Line's products
and services. One of the goals of the Web site redesign was to create
a premium online experience that is reflective of the Holland America
Line guests' experience. Holland America Line is renowned for its
distinctive ships and the most spacious accommodations in the premium
cruise category and the new Web site's evocative imagery and engaging
text make this come alive.

Visitors to the Web site will also get a feel for Holland America
Line's extraordinary five-star dining experience and its tradition of
old-world hospitality and service. They will find details on enriching
and entertaining activities such as the extensive program of shore
excursions and can explore the cruise line's compelling worldwide
itineraries including unique destinations such as Antarctica and the
Amazon.

"Holland America Line is very proud of its leadership position in the
premium cruise category," said David A. Giersdorf, executive vice
president, marketing and sales. "We've taken great measures to ensure
that the new Web site matches the excellence of our premium cruise
experience and that visitors to the site have a similar premium
experience online."

Guests have always been able find important information at the Holland
America Line Web site such as the documents necessary for cruise
travel, identification requirements and helpful packing suggestions.
The new site goes one step further to clearly demonstrate Holland
America Line's reputation for superior service with more information
and tools to help guests choose and plan their cruise vacation. For
example, enhanced sections devoted to each sailing destination will
engage site visitors with beautiful, destination-themed photography
while supplying detailed information on ports of call and excursions.
Improved navigation tools will help guests browse this information
easily and guide them toward options for making a reservation.

Special Features for Mariner Society Members

Holland America Line's past guests, the Mariner Society Members, now
enjoy expanded access to important cruise information. Using the new
web site, Mariner Society members can:

-- Look up their Mariner Society number to help plan their next
voyage
-- Find detailed information on member benefits and award
levels
-- Find out what's new with Holland America Line
-- Check pricing and availability
-- Book shore excursions
-- View ships and deck plans
-- Order a brochure


About Signature of Excellence

As the premium cruise leader, Holland America Line is investing $225
million in the Signature of Excellence initiative to provide
unparalleled product and service enhancements to its fleet of
five-star ships. Signature of Excellence will build on Holland America
Line's renowned tradition of excellence by significantly raising the
standard in premium cruising. The comprehensive enhancements will
focus on five areas central to the Holland America Line guest
experience: spacious, elegant ships and accommodations; sophisticated
five-star dining; gracious, unobtrusive service; extensive enrichment
programs and activities; and compelling worldwide itineraries.
( http://www.hollandamerica.com )

About Holland America Line

In 2004, Holland America Line's fleet of 13 five-star, premium ships
will offer nearly 500 sailings from 15 North American home ports,
including new departures from Norfolk, VA; Baltimore, MD; and Boston,
Mass. Recent additions to the fleet include the 1,848-passenger Vista
ships, ms Zuiderdam and ms Oosterdam. In April 2004, the third Vista
sister, ms Westerdam joins the fleet. The fleet will visit all seven
continents in 2004, while increasing the number of cruises to popular
destinations such as Alaska (139 cruises scheduled), the Caribbean
(191), Europe (58) and Canada/New England (26).

Holland America Line excels in service, amenities and special
programs.

Known for consistent and attentive service, its ships have one of the
highest staff-members-to-guest ratios. Spacious staterooms average 25
percent larger and verandahs twice as large as those on other lines'
ships. Menus are among the most extensive at-sea. Dining choices
include formal elegance, alternative specialty dining in the Pacific
Northwest-themed Pinnacle Grill, casual fare and complimentary 24-hour
room service.

The winner of the 10th consecutive "Best Overall Cruise Value" award
from the World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society (WOCLS), the line offers
the only trip cancellation program in the industry that provides cash
back for canceling for any reason prior to 24 hours before departure.
For more information, consult a professional travel agent.

World's Leading Cruise Lines

The highest-rated premium cruise line in the world in the 2003 Travel
& Leisure magazine "World's Best" Awards, 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,
the member 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. Conde Nast
Traveler magazine readers also ranked Holland America Line as the top
premium cruise line in the world in the much-anticipated 2003 Readers'
Choice Awards.