Extraordinary Fares & Outstanding Values for Cruisers in 2010

Seattle, Wash., December 15, 2009 – Holland America Line has launched a View and Verandah Sale that features extraordinary fares on ocean-view and verandah staterooms for hundreds of departures in the coming year. Travel sellers making cruise bookings with the premium line during the promotional period also receive chances for prizes from high definition LCD flat screen televisions to a ten-day cruise.

“We have some great values for cruise travelers that can really help travel agents with a wonderful way to close a sale, especially at this important time in the vacation-planning cycle,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest relations. “And when they do close that cruise sale, they have a chance for some exciting prizes with our booking contest.”

From December 15, 2009, travel agents will have several incentives to help close cruise sales: reduced deposits; third and fourth guest savings; 25 percent savings on select hotels for pre- or post-cruise stays; and special fares for ocean-view and verandah category staterooms on many 2010 cruises – for example save up to 45 percent on ocean-view and verandah staterooms in Europe.

The travel seller contest is valid for all bookings made by February 28, 2010. Each booking counts as one entry.

Prizes for the travel seller component feature Elemis Spa Retreat Traveler gift sets; Mix lounge glassware sets of four martini, champagne and pilsner glasses; a $300 collection of jewelry from Lustre, Holland America Line’s new high-end jewelry shop on Half Moon Cay; and 37-inch high definition LCD flat-screen televisions. Grand prizes are a seven-day Alaska cruise for two plus a Well-Being Package; a seven-day Bermuda cruise for two with Suite Elite Package; and a 10-day Europe cruise for two on ms Noordam with a Suite Amenity Package, a value of more than $11,000.

Travel sellers should visit http://www.hollandamerica.com/vandv to register for the booking contest. Here, travel sellers also are encouraged to take advantage of a wide range of sales tools online including the line’s new customized e-mails and direct marketing tools. Other tools to be found are e-postcards, pre-printed postcards, downloadable videos, PDF flyers, group information and web ad banners. For more information travel sellers can call 1-800-544-0443.

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