Holland America's Newest Vista-Class Ship

[Jason]

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE PINNACLE GRILL ON BOARD MS WESTERDAM

The Pinnacle Grill, an alternative restaurant serving Northwest cuisine and fine wines in a romantic upscale atmosphere, is just one of the many elegant features on board the ms Westerdam.

The Westerdam Provides Guests With a First Look at Some of the New Enhancements Part of the Cruise Line's Signature of Excellence Initiative

SEATTLE, April 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland America Line announced today

that its newest Vista-class ship, the ms Westerdam, will set a new standard in

the premium cruise category and deliver a cruise experience in the grand

tradition of classic ocean voyaging when it embarks on its inaugural cruise on

April 25, 2004. Guests on the Westerdam will notice the many bold improvements

the cruise line is making as part of the Signature of Excellence initiative

focusing on five areas that are central to Holland America Line guests'

experience: spacious, elegant ships and accommodations; sophisticated

five-star dining; gracious, unobtrusive service; extensive enrichment programs

and activities; and compelling worldwide itineraries.

"Starting with the inaugural cruise, the Westerdam will provide more ways

than ever to find luxury and elegance at sea," said David A. Giersdorf,

executive vice president, marketing and sales for Holland America Line.

"Designed to showcase Signature of Excellence enhancements, the Westerdam is a

jewel in our five-star fleet that demonstrates our commitment to delivering a

superior premium cruise experience for our guests."

Holland America ships combine traditional nautical elements into an

unmistakable elegance that is unmatched in the industry. Details like the

expansive teak promenade decks and multi-million dollar collections of fine

art and antiques help to evoke the romance of the Golden Age of ocean travel.

More Luxury and Comfort in Every Stateroom:

Nearly 85 percent of the staterooms feature breathtaking ocean views and

two-thirds have large, private verandahs. All staterooms will be outfitted

with luxurious appointments such as premium plush Euro-top mattresses and

triple-sheeted beds with high-quality white cotton bed linens. In the

bathroom, guests will enjoy 100 percent Egyptian cotton towels and deluxe

bathrobes. Other amenities will include premium massage showerheads,

magnifying make-up mirrors with halo lighting and salon-quality hair dryers.

In addition, all Penthouse and Deluxe Verandah suite guests will enjoy

comfortable duvets on the beds; fully-stocked mini-bars; VCRs or DVD players

and access to a well-stocked video/DVD library; and personalized stationery.

The Westerdam will also feature the industry-leading Neptune Lounge, a

private retreat for Penthouse and Deluxe Verandah suite guests where they can

take advantage of the personalized services from the Neptune Lounge's

concierge.

Extraordinary Dining with a Stunning Ocean View:

Guests traveling aboard the Westerdam can choose to dine at the popular

reservations-only Pinnacle Grill, one of the most notable additions to the

Holland America dining experience. The alternative restaurant features

Sterling Silver hand-selected cuts of premium beef and fresh seafood, complete

with Bulgari china, Riedel stemware and Frette linens.

Those who dine in the main dining room will enjoy new one-on-one service

which will allow one steward to stay with their assigned tables while an

assistant steward delivers each course from the kitchen. This one-on-one

service concept ensures quicker delivery time for the delectable cuisine and

provides even fresher meals. In addition, guests will be able to choose from

four dinner seating times in the main dining room, allowing them greater

flexibility to dine early or later in the evening and still have the

opportunity to take advantage of Holland America's celebrated evening

entertainment.

For guests who are interested in a more casual dining experience, the

Westerdam will feature enhanced Lido dining with a relaxed, sit-down dinner

option, new made-to-order dinner entrees and table-side waiter service at

dinner.

The Ultimate in Pampering and Relaxation at Sea:

Guests on the Westerdam will be able to relax and rejuvenate at the world-

renowned Greenhouse Spa and Salon. They can choose from a variety of

traditional treatments or Signature Treatments designed especially for Holland

America Line including: aroma stone therapy using heated volcanic basalt

stones with warm, spicy oils; therapeutic water treatments; exotic coconut rub

and milk ritual wraps; and exfoliating lime and ginger salt glows. The

Greenhouse Spa and Salon also features a large, well-appointed fitness

facility with the very latest exercise equipment.

Another way guests can ensure they start the journey off on a relaxing

note is to take advantage of the recently announced Early Embarkation program

which allows guests to take their time and board the ship as early as

11:30 a.m.

More Choices for Interesting Activities and Programs:

A groundbreaking Culinary Arts Program will debut on the Westerdam next

spring, providing interactive gourmet experiences such as guest chef

presentations, demonstration events and small cooking classes that take place

in the ships' specially designed Culinary Arts Theaters.

A Passage to Exotic Global Destinations:

The Westerdam's maiden voyage is a 12-day cruise departing from Venice and

winding its way through the Mediterranean. The ship will spend the summer

exploring the ports and destinations of the Mediterranean, Baltic Sea and

North Cape before setting off for winter in the Caribbean in mid-November.

Holland America Line offers something for everyone with the Westerdam's

compelling shore excursions including even more "Medallion Shore Excursions."

These one-of-a-kind, exclusive experiences include a trip through the

beautiful French countryside with wine and cheese tasting in Old Nice or a

visit to the ruined city of ancient Ephesus to view the breathtaking frescoes

adorning the "Terrace Houses" which are accessible only with special

permission.

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 guest experience: spacious, elegant ships and accommodations;

sophisticated five-star dining; gracious, unobtrusive service; extensive

enrichment programs and activities; and compelling worldwide itineraries.

Enhancements have been started and are expected to be completed by the end of

2006.