MEDIA RELEASE

Holland America Line’s ms Zaandam is set to discover the Hawaiian Island chain in 2010 with Circle Hawaii itineraries that offer guests the best of both worlds: relaxing days at sea and exotic islands to explore. 

The 1,432-passenger ship will sail five 14-day roundtrip San Diego, Calif., cruises and one 15-day voyage from Vancouver, B.C., to San Diego. The sailings are from October through December.  

Nestled between two stretches of sea days are back-to-back calls at Hawaii, Oahu, Kauai and Maui — plus a call at Ensenada, Mexico — before returning to San Diego. 

Included in the Hawaii cruise roster is a holiday sailing departing Dec. 19.

“Our Hawaiian itineraries combine the appeal of warm-water cruising and a port-intensive Pacific island experience,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, Holland America Line. “Guests will have time to enjoy our shipboard amenities and activities, and the convenience of visiting four ports in four days without multiple flights or the packing and unpacking associated with island hopping.”

Departing Sundays from San Diego, guests will have several relaxing days at sea before arriving at Hawaii. 

During this time, voyagers can enjoy a day at the Greenhouse Spa, channel their inner chef at the Culinary Arts Center for a hands-on cooking class or attend a Digital Workshop to learn how to share memorable photos taken on the voyage. The Speaker Series offers exciting insights into upcoming ports and includes destination-related topics such as Polynesian music and dance traditions. 

For more of the cruises, the first port call is Hilo, then on to Honolulu, Nawiliwili and Lahaina.

Those sailing on the 15-day voyage departing Oct. 2 have an added call at Kona. Another highlight of this longer voyage is an evening cruise past Kilauea.  

Cruise fares begin at $1,499 per person for the full 14-day Circle Hawaii and $1,699 per person for the 15-day voyage.

Holland America Line’s fleet of 14 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to 320 ports in more than 100 countries, territories or dependencies.  

Two- to 108-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, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal.  

A 15th ship, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, is scheduled to join the fleet in July 2010.

For a cruise brochure or for more information on Holland America Line’s Grand Voyages, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-800-522-3399 or visit www.hollandamerica.com.