Holland America Line to Sail 27 Cruises to Canada and New England in 2012

ms Veendam repositions to the growing cruising region, increasing the line's capacity by 17 percent

SEATTLE, Jan. 12, 2012 /CNW/ - Canada and New England itineraries are known for their historic seaports, stunning scenery and culinary delights, and in 2012 Holland America Line will offer 27 cruises on three ships — ms Maasdam, ms Eurodam and ms Veendam — to ports along the eastern coast of North America.

Scheduled May through October, the itineraries range from seven to 15 days and also visit the region during the height of the fall foliage display as summer turns to autumn and leaves change to vibrant hues of red, orange and gold. Veendam repositions to the region in 2012, increasing Holland America Line's capacity and making it possible for more travelers to experience one of nature's most impressive showings.   

"Our Canada/New England itineraries are always popular, and by adding Veendam to the area during the fall foliage season more travelers are able to see this beautiful region during this special time of year," said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "Maasdam is there throughout the summer as well, making it the perfect cruise for friends, couples, solo travelers and families looking to explore an interesting travel destination that's close to home."

Maasdam begins the season with a 15-day northbound cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to Montreal, Quebec, Canada. During the voyage, guests will visit Charleston, S.C.; Newport, R.I.; Bar Harbor, Maine; Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Gaspe and Sept-Iles, Saguenay; and Quebec City, Quebec, before arriving at Montreal. Highlights include an overnight call at Quebec City, Holland America Line's highest rated port of call, and the premium line's only call at Sept-Iles this season.

From May 12 through the Sept. 29 departure, Maasdam offers 15 seven-day sailings between Montreal and Boston, with calls at Quebec City, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax and Bar Harbor. The itineraries feature scenic cruising along the St. Lawrence River and make an ideal option for families looking to take a summer cruise without traveling abroad.

Maasdam concludes the season with a 13-day sailing Oct. 6 from Montreal to Fort Lauderdale. Ports of call include Quebec City, Saguenay, Baie-Comeau, Gaspe, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax and Port Canaveral, Florida.

During the height of the 2012 fall foliage season, Eurodam will sail three 10-day cruises in September and October between New York and Quebec City. The ship will call at Newport, Rhode Island; Gloucester (Boston), Mass.; Bar Harbor, Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown and Saguenay. The itinerary also features an overnight call at Quebec City and scenic cruising along Saguenay Fjord.

On Oct. 14 Eurodam will depart on a 13-day cruise from Quebec City to Fort Lauderdale.  The cruise begins with an overnight aboard ship in Quebec City and then sails for Saguenay, Baie-Comeau, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax, Bar Harbor, Gloucester (Boston) and Newport.

Veendam begins its Canada/New England season with a 13-day cruise from New York to Montreal Sept. 2. The ship will call at Gloucester, Bar Harbor, St. John, Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown, Gaspe, Saguenay and Quebec City along the way. Guests on this itinerary will enjoy an overnight call at Quebec City before arriving at Montreal.

In September and October, Veendam will sail five seven-day itineraries between Montreal and Boston. Ports of call include Quebec City, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax and Bar Harbor, with scenic cruising along the St. Lawrence River.

Engaging Experiences On Board and On Shore
Guests can maximize their experience in Canada/New England with optional shore excursions, from history and culture to wilderness and cuisine.  While onboard, guests can enjoy enriching activities such as cooking demonstrations at the Culinary Arts Center, pampering at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon or learning the latest online techniques in the Digital Workshop powered by Windows.

For seven-day Maasdam and Veendam itineraries, guests can combine two seven-day sailings for an extended 14-day roundtrip journey, allowing extra time ashore to hunt for antiques, explore charming fishing towns, learn about local history and sample the region's fresh seafood.  Fares on 14-day Collectors Cruises reflect up to 10 percent savings. 

Fares for Maasdam's Canada and New England cruises begin at $749; Eurodam's cruise fares begin at $1,499 and Veendam's fares start from $1,349. Guests looking for a family-friendly vacation can book a seven-day cruise date with reduced third and fourth fares. All fares are per person, double occupancy.

For more information and cruise fares, contact a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

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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 350 ports in more than 100 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.

Worlds 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