Press Release: Holland America Line
March 7, 2001
SEATTLE, WA -- Holland America Line has announced that the first two ships of its next series of five new 85,000-ton
cruise ships will be named the ms Zuiderdam and ms Oosterdam, respectively taking their names from the south and
east ``Vista'' points of the compass. The names follow the ``-dam'' naming tradition used for the company's passenger
ships since the late 19th century.
The five ships collectively are named ``Vista Series,'' to represent both the ships' forward-looking design and
the future direction of the company in expanding its leadership as the highest-rated premium cruise line.
``This new class of ships will be the most advanced and most luxurious ever built for Holland America Line,'' said
A. Kirk Lanterman, chairman and CEO. ``'Vista,' selected from names proposed by employees in a contest, is a fitting
name for this new series of ships that will carry our company forward into the 21st century. These ships will help
Holland America meet the future requirements of our discriminating guests by providing extensive on-board amenities
and a larger percentage of verandah staterooms than ever before.''
The 1,848-passenger ships, under construction by Italian shipyard Fincantieri Cantieri Navali S.p.A, are scheduled
to be delivered in September 2002, July 2003, January 2004, September 2004 and May 2005. The five ships will increase
Holland America's lower berth capacity by 9,240, or 70 percent, to a total of 22,588.
The first ship, the Zuiderdam, will be deployed first on seven-day Caribbean cruises, then on seven-day cruises
in Alaska.
The Vista-class ships feature innovative ``exterior elevators,'' located on both sides of the vessel and vertically
transversing 10 decks, providing guests with panoramic sea views. The ships also include a wide range of spacious
accommodation categories. Fully 85 percent of the staterooms feature an ocean view, with 80 percent of those offering
private verandahs.
The 951-foot-long ships build upon the hallmarks of the Holland America brand, displaying extensive multi-million-dollar
art collections and including numerous dining options, from elegant full-service meals to casual Lido Restaurant
service. The ships also will continue other trademark features of Holland America ships, including the Explorers
Lounge, Ocean Bar, an exterior covered promenade deck encircling the entire ship, a large Lido pool with a retractable
dome, and Holland America's signature ``Crow's Nest'' observation lounge.
The ship also will offer a new ``cabaret-style'' show lounge complementing a new three-deck main show lounge. Other
new features include a disco, a casual ``round-the-clock'' cafe, an Internet cafe, the largest spa facilities in
the fleet, Internet/e-mail data ports in all staterooms, an extensive Club HAL children's facility with inside
and outside play areas, a concierge lounge for the exclusive use of Penthouse and Deluxe Verandah Suite guests
and two interior promenade decks.
The new vessels' propulsion system includes a full-scale diesel-electric power plant, backed up by a gas turbine
as an additional power source, giving the vessel the capability to operate on either diesel or gas turbine power.
The ships also will use the Azipod propulsion system, allowing for greater maneuverability, enhanced operating
efficiencies and environmental benefits.
About Holland America Line
Holland America Line, with a fleet of 10 cruise ships sailing to more than 250 worldwide destinations, is a member
of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard Line,
Seabourn Cruise Line, Costa Cruises and Windstar Cruises. Together, these member lines share a commitment to quality
and value, offering cruise vacations that appeal to the widest range of lifestyles and budgets and sail to some
of the world's most exciting destinations.
Holland America Line is the highest-rated premium cruise line in the world in both the 2000 ``Travel & Leisure''
magazine ``World's Best'' Awards and the ``Conde Nast Traveler'' Readers' Choice Awards. The company also has won
its ninth consecutive ``Best Overall Cruise Value'' award from the World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society (WOCLS).
For more information, consult a professional travel agent, call 877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.
CONTACT: Erik Elvejord, CTC, or Julianne Chase, APR, 800-637-5029, or 206-281-3535, or fax, 206-281-0351, both
of Holland America Line.
SOURCE: Holland America Line