Holland America Line Launches 'Stateroom Direct Service' Program on All Sailings

[CruiseNews]

New initiative allows guests immediate access to their stateroom upon embarkation

Holland America Line has launched a new Stateroom Direct Service program that simplifies the boarding process by giving guests immediate access to their staterooms upon embarkation.

Under the program, staterooms will be ready as early as 11:30 a.m., and cruisers will no longer have to check their carry-on bags and wait in public areas while their staterooms are being prepared. Additionally, arriving guests will receive their luggage earlier, allowing them more time to unpack and settle into their rooms. Guests also will have the opportunity to enjoy lunch at their leisure in the line's Lido restaurant, which features a full-service buffet.

"Holland America Line is always seeking new ways to enhance our on-board cruise experience, and through this streamlined boarding process guests can now get into their staterooms earlier and begin enjoying their vacation sooner," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "Stateroom Direct Service creates the best start to a cruise for our guests and sets the precedent for top-notch service to follow."

The early embarkation initiative is in place on all of the line's 15 vessels. As part of its on-going fleetwide Signature of Excellence enhancement program, Stateroom Direct Service adds to Holland America Line's long list of exclusive offerings that allow guests to maximize their premium cruise experience and start enjoying the on-board facilities and amenities as soon as they board the ships.

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]

Holland America Line's fleet of 15 ships offers more than 500 cruises to 354 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to 110-day itineraries visit all seven continents and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $525 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine — a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes — Explorations Cafe powered by The New York Times, Digital Workshop powered by Windows, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds.

World's Leading Cruise Lines

Holland America Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World's Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.

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[DebbieandJerry]

We have never had a problem where our statement wasnt' ready. But I like that Holland America is making this a priority. I also like that they are working on getting the luggage to you faster. Nothing is more frustrating than waiting on the luggage. Why is that?

[hazelson]

Sounds good but doesn't this put a lot more pressure on the staff?