Holland America is very excited to announce its recent $225-million investment in unparalleled product and service enhancements on their fleet of five-star ships. Called "Signature of Excellence:' this comprehensive initiative is building upon their position as the premium cruise leader and centers around five main components of Holland America's cruise experience:

• Dining
• Accommodations
• Service
• Activities
• Destinations

This nearly quarter-of-a-billion-dollar commitment is the most significant product investment in the cruise industry and is clearly cementing Holland America's leadership position in the Premium Cruise Category. It is also helping ensure that they continue to deliver on their promise of offering guests the finest premium cruise experience available.

Holland America evaluated and assessed nearly every aspect of their operation to ensure that they provide their guests with a truly extraordinary experience and tremendous value. Because Holland America Line clearly sets the industry standard in premium cruising, this process of self-evaluation continues today, and will forever be a part of how Holland America does business. With "Signature of Excellence," Holland America is ensuring that their premium product is well-suited to meet the expectations of tomorrow's sophisticated travelers.

Enhanced Dining Experience.

Long known for the most extensive menus at sea, Holland America Line has further differentiated its dining experience with improvements such as:

• Two additional dinner seatings
• One-to-One service in the main dining room
• Northwest-inspired alternative restaurant, Pinnacle Grill.
• Enhanced Lido Grill
• Groundbreaking new Culinary Arts Program

Pinnacle Grill
The Pinnacle Grill is now available on all ships. It serves Pacific Northwest specialties including Sterling Silver premium hand-selected cuts of beef and fresh seafood dishes and select fine wines, in a romantic, upscale atmosphere. Distinctive Bvlgari china, elegant Riedel stemware, and Frette linens take the Pinnacle Grill to a level of elegant sophistication unmatched anywhere in the premium cruise category.

Enhanced Lido
The Lido, a casual alternative dining experience featuring breakfast, lunch and dinner has been further enhanced to provide guests with a relaxed, sit-down dinner option featuring new, made-to-order entrees and tableside waiter service at dinner.

Culinary Arts Program
The Culinary Arts Program is an interactive experience that appeals to gourmet food and wine lovers and will be conducted in specially designed "Culinary Arts Theaters" on board the ships. The Culinary Arts Program debuted on the ms Ryndam in October 2004 and will be added to other ship as well.

More Luxurious Accommodations.

Already offering the most spacious and elegant accommodations in premium cruising, Holland America Line has enhanced its staterooms with even more luxurious items. Currently available on several ships, staterooms have been further upgraded with details such as:

• Premium plush Euro- Top mattresses
• High quality 250-thread-count cotton bed linens
• Deluxe waffle and terry cloth bathrobes
• Large extra-fluffy Egyptian cotton towels.

New elegant touches also include:

• Complimentary fresh fruit basket to welcome every guest
• Massage showerheads in all bathrooms
• Stainless-steel ice buckets and serving trays for use with in-cabin beverages.
• Stylish new hair dryers
• 5x magnifying mirrors with halo lighting will also soon be added across the fleet.

Suites
Holland America Line is the industry leader in suites, with the highest percentage of suite accommodations among major cruise lines. With "Signature of Excellence;' all their suites either now - or soon will- come equipped with additional amenities including:

• Comfortable off-white duvets on beds (in categories PS & S)
• Fully stocked mini-bars
• VCRs or DVD players, access to a well-stocked video/DVD library
• Personalized stationery.
• Access to a new one-touch 24-hour concierge service.

"Signature of Excellence" has further enhanced "suite life" with the expansion of the Neptune Lounge on nearly all of our ships . This exclusive private retreat for Deluxe Verandah Suite and Penthouse Suite guests provides a place where they can relax, read, and socialize, as well as take advantage of personalized concierge service.

Continued Superb Service Levels.

Holland America Line, renowned for its superb service, has enhanced its service level even further with many additional touches, including Early Embarkation and a state-of-the-art Greenhouse Spa and Salon.

Early Embarkation and Disembarkation
Onboard service now includes an Early Embarkation program that allows guests to board as early as 11:30 a.m. and a leisurely disembarkation process at the end of each voyage. Deluxe Verandah Suite and Penthouse Suite guests who choose to participate in this program are now able to take advantage of the amenities and services available in the exclusive Neptune Lounge before being escorted to their accommodations.

Greenhouse Spa and Salon
Holland America is adding the famed land-based Greenhouse Spa and Salon to its five-star fleet, as well. Currently available on the ms Zuiderdam, ms Oosterdam and ms Westerdam, Greenhouse Spas and Salons will be added to all ships within the next 24 months. Each spa comes equipped with treatment rooms, a thermal suite and hydro-pool.

Exciting and Unique Activities.

In order to provide guests with new and unique enrichment Experiences, Holland America Line is introducing a number of enhancements to its activities program, including the aforementioned Culinary Arts Theater, Explorations Enrichment Program and an upgraded Kids Center and Youth Program.

Explorations Center
The new Explorations Center will serve as the hub of the enrichment program and provide guests with an opportunity to learn more about the history, culture and traditions of Holland America's worldwide destinations. Upgraded offerings include an expanded library, new Internet center and an Explorations Guest Speaker Series on cruises 10 days and longer.

Expanded Youth Program
A more comprehensive Youth Program and expanded facilities will offer age-specific activities designed to provide kids with entertaining choices and parents with peace of mind knowing their children are enjoying supervised fun. All activity enhancements debtuted on the ms Ryndam in October 2004 with other ships
following suit in 2005 and early 2006. For more information about Club Hal, Holland America's Kid's Program, click here.

Unmatched Destinations.

Holland America Line is staying true to its tradition of exploration by offering the best itineraries in the industry and enhancing its robust shore excursion program to include more Medallion Shore Excursions. These one-of-a-kind experiences are available in many ports and range from private tours of estates in the Caribbean,
to big-game photo tours in Africa to private helicopter tours over Hong Kong.

Half Moon Cay Enhancements
New activities are also nearing completion at Holland America's award-winning private island, Half Moon Cay. The highest-rated private island in the Caribbean, Half Moon Cay will feature new options such as horseback riding and swimming tours, a stingray adventure program, a Wave Runner Park and an aqua park. These new features will appeal to a broad cross-section of guests. For more information about Half Moon Cay, click here.

With "Signature of Excellence;' Holland America Line has significantly raised the bar in the premium cruising industry and further elevates their already renowned tradition of excellence. As Holland America guests witness first-hand the enhancements they have and will continue to make with this initiative, they will agree that sailing with Holland America is an unforgettable and unparalleled experience.

How to Book a Holland America Cruise

For more information about a Holland America Cruise Vacation, please speak with a CruiseCheap.com Cruise Specialist at 1-800-543-1915.