HAL's Ryndam's re-launch

[Jason]

Madeleine Arison, Godmother of the ms Ryndam, to Participate in Ship's Dramatic Re-Launch

Ryndam is the First in a Series of Holland America Line's Fleet to Sail With Full Breadth of Signature of Excellence Enhancements

SEATTLE, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland America Line is embarking on a new chapter in its Tradition of Excellence with the re-launch of the ms Ryndam. To reintroduce the vessel, Madeleine Arison, the ship's Godmother and wife of Carnival Corp chairman and chief executive officer, Micky Arison, will rededicate the ship in a ceremony in San Diego on October 20, 2004. The ceremony will be broadcast live via satellite to a press conference in New York on board Holland America Line's flagship ms Rotterdam. The Ryndam is the first ship in the premium cruise line's five-star fleet to showcase the dramatic product and service enhancements that are a direct result of Holland America Line's unprecedented $225 million Signature of Excellence initiative.

The Ryndam, known as the Worldwide Explorer, was christened to the fleet by Mrs. Arison in 1994. The third vessel in Holland America Line's fleet to bare the name Ryndam, this spacious, elegant ship was named the "Ship of the Year" in 1996 by the World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society.

"We are honored that Mrs. Arison is with us to participate in this special celebration as we rededicate the ms Ryndam," said Stein Kruse, president and chief operating officer of Holland America Line. "As we unveil this first ship with all of the exciting Signature of Excellence enhancements in place, we are confirming our full commitment to redefining premium cruising."

The Ryndam will feature bold new product and service enhancements in virtually every area of the ship, ranging from new state-of-the-art facilities in the ship's public spaces to luxurious amenities in every stateroom. Highlights include the innovative new Culinary Arts Center, the new Explorations Cafe and upgraded youth facilities.

"This is a significant achievement for Holland America Line and I am proud to be part of this event marking the next chapter of the Ryndam's history," said Mrs. Arison. "The new enhancements are remarkable and will raise the bar for what guests expect from their premium cruise experience."

In 2005, Holland America Line's fleet of 12, five-star, premium ships are offering nearly 500 cruises from 27 home ports -- 17 in North America. Itineraries range in length from two to 116 days, visit all seven continents and offer the most extensive selection of ports the line has ever visited on cruises to the Caribbean and Panama Canal (175), Alaska (134), Canada/New England (18), and longer, exotic voyages to Europe (45), Mexico (43), Hawaii/Asia/Pacific (20), South America (17), and Transatlantic (8), as well as one Grand World Voyage.

Press Release Source: Holland America Line