Holland America Line Introduces Three New Alaska CruiseTours for 2012 Program

Program to feature first-ever 'Triple Denali' overnight stay, round-trip Seattle and one-night Denali tour options

SEATTLE, March 19, 2012 /CNW/ - As part of its 2012 Alaska CruiseTour program, Holland America Line has introduced three new options, including the industry's only three-night Denali experience and CruiseTour departures featuring one-night Denali adventures.

Ranging in total length from 10 to 20 days, all CruiseTours combine a three-, four- or seven-day Inside Passage Holland America Line cruise with in-depth overland tours. CruiseTours are designed to highlight the best of Alaska's wilderness, wildlife, native culture and history. While nearly all offer a choice of one, two, or three nights at Denali, six tours also feature Canada's Yukon Territory with its Klondike Gold Rush heritage and pristine national parks such as Kluane National Park and Tombstone Park. Departures range from May through September.

"By expanding our CruiseTour program with three new experiences, we can now meet the desires of guests who want more time to see all that Denali has to offer, as well as guests who just want a quick visit," said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. "Our CruiseTours continue to be a popular vacation choice because they merge the best of both worlds for guests who want to see Alaska by both land and sea."

The new tours provide unique opportunities to explore Denali with an emphasis on both value and convenience – including a direct, same-day connection between Denali and the ship and luxury travel aboard Holland America Line's McKinley Explorer dome train.

Express Tours U1 & U2
Holland America Line's first-ever round-trip Seattle CruiseTour offers guests a choice of one or two nights at Denali. The tours feature scenic cruising throughout Prince William Sound and Alaska's famed Inside Passage. Additionally, this itinerary includes sailing through the ice-studded fjords of Glacier Bay National Park for a full eight hours as a Park Service Ranger narrates. Guests also have the option to stay in Haines for a more intimate experience or travel to Skagway for a day of shopping or a shore excursion. Rates start at $1,399 per person based on double occupancy.

Express Tour U3
The line's first ever Triple Denali CruiseTour includes three nights and two full days in one of Alaska's top attractions. Guests board the McKinley Explorer train to Denali where they can spend the evening exploring the area on their own. On the second day in Denali, guests travel deep into Denali National Park during the Tundra Wilderness Tour. The tour, narrated by a naturalist, ventures 53 miles into Denali National Park to the Toklat River. Guest also will visit Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan – famous for its rich native culture, salmon fishing and scenic fjords – before returning to Vancouver, B.C., Canada. Rates start at $1,299 per person, double occupancy.

Denali Sampler Tour U4
The Denali Sampler Tour is the line's first ever one-night Direct to Denali Adventure, with just enough time to have the essential Denali experience. During this tour guests will sail from Vancouver and enjoy scenic cruising throughout Alaska's Inside Passage before calling at Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Glacier Bay. Park Service Rangers narrate for a full eight hours as guests enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Glacier Bay. While in Denali, guests can spend the day exploring Denali National Park before boarding the McKinley Explorer train bound for Anchorage. Rates start at $899 per person based on double occupancy.

Unique to the Holland America Line cruise experience, highly trained and knowledgeable interpreters, Tour Concierges and Alaska travel guides are present on most CruiseTours and Alaska sailings, and National Park Rangers provide extensive commentary and guided programs at Glacier Bay National Park. Tour Concierges travel throughout the land portion on longer CruiseTour itineraries.

For more information on Holland America Line's cruises and CruiseTours, consult a professional travel seller, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com or the Plan a Cruise tab at www.Facebook.com/HALcruises.

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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 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. Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com.

SOURCE Holland America Line

http://www.hollandamerica.com