Lucky Number 13 for Holland America
April 25, 2005
Holland America Cruise Lines has once again been named the Best Overall Cruise Value in the industry by the prestigious World Ocean and Cruise Liner Society (WOCLS), for an unprecedented 13th year in a row. The honor was recently announced in "Ocean and Cruise News," which is the society's highly respected monthly news publication. Known for its well-appointed ships, elegant onboard features, and special little touches that help to distinguish it from other leading premium cruise lines, Holland America has always set itself apart as a true leader and innovator in the cruise industry, offering what it claims to be the most extraordinary cruise vacation experience available at sea today.
Stein Kruse, president and CEO of Holland America Line, attributes the continued success of his company to its continuous commitment to offer passengers the very best onboard experience possible, at the most outstanding value available in the cruise industry today. "It's an honor to receive the recognition of the World Ocean and Cruise Liner Society for the 13th year in a row," said Kruse. "It speaks to the consistency of our product as the best premium cruise experience and recognizes our efforts to continually enhance Holland America Line in ways that offer even greater guest satisfaction and value."
The World Ocean and Cruise Liner Society is a highly revered, 24-year-old cruise industry organization comprised of more than 7,000 experienced cruisers and other industry professionals who all take an average of two cruises per year. The society reviews all major cruise lines on an annual basis, and noted this year that "Holland America Line has consistently offered their passengers more than any other comparable cruise line, though often priced much less than comparable lines."
George Devol, publisher of "Ocean and Cruise News," also stated that, "Some of the elements that combine to make Holland America Line the best overall cruise value include its efforts to continually improve the impeccable appearance of its ships, its friendly Indonesian and Filipino crew, the more extensive choice of dinner menus in its restaurant, alternative restaurant and lido options, and all the little extras such as canvas tote bags, hot hors d-oeuvres at cocktail time, chilled beer glasses, a no-charge ice cream bar, and later lunch hours when in port."
Other recent honors bestowed on Holland America Line include having the ms Zaandam voted as the top cruise ship in the "Overall Experience" category at the World Ocean and Cruise Liner Society's Ship of the Year Awards in February of this year. The ship received a total score of 9.9 out of 10. The Family Travel Forum also named Holland America as one of the Top 10 getaways for family travelers. More specifically, Holland America was recognized for its Alaska cruises to Glacier Bay as one of the top family reunion opportunities available in the travel industry today.
Holland America also received the International Five Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences, as well as the Best Private Island in the Cruise Industry award from Porthole Cruise Magazine. Holland America Line is also consistently ranked among the highest overall rated cruise lines in the "Conde Nast Traveler" Readers' Choice Awards and "Travel & Leisure's" World's Best Awards.
Holland America is set to debut its latest and greatest ship, the ms Noordam, in February of 2006. The ms Noordam will be the fourth addition to the line's Vista-Class family of ships, providing state-of-the-art facilities and public areas, and a wide variety of unrivaled new services and amenities. ms Noordam will initially be offering an array of 10 and 11 night Eastern and Western Caribbean Cruise itineraries sailing from New York, New York. Give your friendly Cruise Network Cruise Specialist a call today to reserve your space on this spectacular vessel, or on any one of Holland America's other 12 other magnificent ships.
Brian Reitter
