Update April 2005 - Holland America Cruises, Signature of Excellence Program

Holland America Cruise Lines has initiated a program of up-scaling their cruise ships, cruise line image and passenger cruise experience. This initiative is called the Signature of Excellence program and will soon be experienced by cruise passengers on all Holland America cruises.

The award winning Holland America five star fleet of cruise ships will all have the unparalleled enhancements by the end of 2006. Included in the program are enhancements to the impeccable service Holland America guests have become accustomed to as well.

Premium cruising aboard Holland America's fleet will be enhanced by state-of-the-art facilities and public areas. Included are stateroom amenities, luxury beds and bed linens. All Holland America cruise ships will include the Neptune Lounge, Pinnacle Grill, Explorations Caf?, the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, and a Culinary Arts Center.

Changes will be made for children and teens cruising with Holland America as well. The program includes newly expanded youth facilities with the "Club HAL" program. For teens, Holland America has included The Loft and The Oasis.

To date, Holland America has completed the program on six of their premium cruise ships - Prinsendam, Rotterdam, Ryndam, Statendam, Westerdam, and Zaandam. Holland America's cruise ship Amsterdam is due to have the program implemented by early October 2005. Volendam will see her program initiated in mid December 2005. HAL's Zuiderdam will see her program implemented in time for her holiday Caribbean cruise at the end of December 2005. Veendam will initiate her program on a western Caribbean cruise in late January 2006. Late April will see Maasdam initiate her completed program on a Canada/New England cruise. Rounding out the Holland America Signature of Excellence initiative will be Oosterdam early in November 2006 on a short 4 day cruise from Vancouver to San Fransisco.

For more information on Holland America cruises and tours, check out some of our other interesting cruise articles. To find the best deals on Holland American cruises and tours check out the merchant links on our cruise discount page. Then all there is to do is to book your fantastic cruise on-line and get excited!

Brian A Schmidt is the author and web publisher of a1-discount-cruises. This site is your #1 source for cruise information, discounts and deals! Visit http://www.a1-discount-cruises.com to check out the best cruise values.

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