Spending the Holidays at Sea with Holland America
July 08, 2005
From the picturesque beaches of the Caribbean, to the thundering volcanoes of Hawaii, to the icy tundra of Antarctica, Holland America cordially invites you to celebrate the 2005 holiday season this December in style aboard one of 20 incredible winter escapes. From December 17 through 30, 2005, Holland America will be offering a number of different itineraries to these and more amazing destinations. These special holiday sailings, ranging in length from 7 to 20 nights, are especially aimed at accommodating the varied schedules of busy business professionals, school kids, and grandparents, giving them the opportunity to vacation together and experience all the fun, excitement, and relaxation that a Holland America cruise vacation has to offer.
"The gift of travel is an ideal present made all the more special when shared with loved ones and extended family," says Richard D. Meadows, senior vice president of marketing and sales for Holland America Cruise Lines. "From enriching activities ashore to special onboard festivities celebrating the season, our holiday cruises provide tremendous value and extensive options for travelers of all ages."
Destinations for these exclusive holiday cruises include the Caribbean, the Bahamas, South America, the Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica, and more!
The warm blue waters and serene white-sand beaches of the Caribbean and the Bahamas can be experienced on any of 13 separate holiday itineraries, ranging in length from 7-15 nights. Travel round-trip from Ft. Lauderdale or Tampa, Florida, and Norfolk, Virginia, and visit a host of beautiful destinations throughout the Caribbean Islands, including Holland America's own exclusive private island paradise of Half Moon Cay.
Half Moon cay offers a family water park, personal water craft tours, the sting ray adventure program, horseback riding, and so much more! One Caribbean itinerary also visits the remarkable Orinoco River in South America.
Explore the mystery and incredible natural beauty of the Mexican Riviera with four offered itineraries ranging from 8 to 10 nights in length. Sail round-trip from San Diego California and experience first hand the festive Mexican celebration of Las Posadas, the nine days of vibrant festivities leading up to Christmas Day.
The 15 night Hawaiian itinerary also sails round-trip from San Diego, and will feature the talents of Ying Chang Compenstine, an internationally recognized Asian healthy cuisine author traveling as part of the Holland America's Culinary Arts Program. There is also a 16 night New Zealand/Australia adventure from Auckland to Sydney, and a 20 night exploration of South America & Antarctica traveling from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to Valpara'o, Chile to choose from.
Families choosing any one of these very special holiday itineraries will also be able to enjoy the spirit of the season with Holland America's exclusive family reunion cruise program, rewarding those who book five staterooms or more with special pricing options and extra amenity upgrades, only enhancing the already unbeatable value and luxurious onboard features and amenities that Holland America provides each of its guests on a daily basis. This special family program features extras such as unlimited soft drinks, family photos, and dinner in Holland America's exclusive specialty dining facility, the Pinnacle Grill Restaurant. Caribbean-bound families might also enjoy free rentals of snorkel gear and swim mats or banana boat rides in Half Moon Cay. Holland America's on-board festivities for the entire family on these special sailings include holiday decorations, special holiday movie showings, traditional dinner selections, religious services for a variety of denominations, a visit from Santa for the kids, activities and crafts for the Club HAL kids program, and a very special Christmas show by the ship's crew on Christmas Eve. The line also holds a festive New Year's Eve Gala and arranges to broadcast some college bowl games on board the ship, so you don't have to miss out on anything!
For more information on these exclusive Holland America holiday cruises, give your friendly Cruise Network cruise specialist a call today.
