In a move to further strengthen its leadership position in the premium cruise category, Holland America Line announced today that it has re-launched the spacious and elegant ms Ryndam, featuring dramatic product and service enhancements in virtually every area of the ship. Enhancements range from new state-of-the-art facilities in the ship�s public spaces to luxurious amenities in every stateroom. Highlights include the innovative new Culinary Arts Center, the new �Explorations Caf� � powered by The New York Times� and upgraded youth facilities. All of the enhancements on the Ryndam are a direct result of the line�s $225 million Signature of Excellence initiative which focuses on five areas that are central to the guests� experience: spacious, elegant ships and accommodations; sophisticated five-star dining; gracious, unobtrusive service; extensive enrichment programs and activities; and compelling worldwide destinations. Although several enhancements are already in place on other Holland America Line ships, the Ryndam is the first in a series of the premium cruise line�s five-star ships to feature the full breadth of this initiative. Work on all ships is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2006.

�We are committed to redefining premium cruising and the completion of the work on the Ryndam boldly demonstrates that passion,� said Stein Kruse, president and chief operating officer for Holland America Line. �Already a spectacular ship, we challenged ourselves to ensure that the Ryndam, and ultimately all Holland America Line ships, continues raising the bar for the industry. We�re proud to provide our guests with a ship that will exceed their every expectation.�

New Culinary Arts Center Part of Innovative, Five-Star Culinary Experience

Guests traveling onboard the Ryndam will be the first to get a taste of the comprehensive new Culinary Arts Program. The program integrates an entertaining enrichment experience with passengers� love for fine food and wine. A series of cooking demonstrations, tasting events and intimate cooking classes feature regional cuisine that highlights the ship�s itinerary. Some cruises will even offer presentations by special guest chefs to complement the expertise of the executive chef and his team on board.

The Culinary Arts Center, featuring a state-of-the-art show kitchen, serves as a hub for these interactive gourmet experiences. Guests in the audience can get an up-close view of the cooking action on large, plasma screens while broadcast capabilities provide all guests the opportunity to watch these events from the comfort of their staterooms. In addition to the onstage kitchen, each Culinary Arts Center will have portable cooking stations where groups of up to 16 guests can participate in hands-on classes.

New Explorations Caf� Serves Up Relaxation, Entertainment and a Wealth of Resources

The new �Explorations Caf� � powered by The New York Times� offers a comfortable, living room-type environment where guests can sip a cup of coffee, browse through one of the most extensive libraries at sea, spend time enjoying a wide selection of music at one of several listening stations or surf the Internet. Guests who visit the caf� can access a variety of interesting books and �TimesTalks� events, as well as the NYTimes.com website. The caf� is decorated with compelling photos from the publication�s famous archives and is furnished with tables that feature The New York Times crossword puzzles. Guests can sit at the tables and use grease pencils to complete the puzzle, or leave the difficult parts for the next guest to finish.

Holland America Line also continues to offer the Exploration Speaker Series that provides guests with an entertaining way to learn more about the cultural nuances of popular and exotic destinations.

Youth Program Adds Cool, New Facilities to the Cruise Experience

A more comprehensive Youth Program and expanded kids facilities offer age-specific activities designed to provide younger passengers with entertaining choices, and parents with peace of mind knowing their children are enjoying supervised fun. These facilities are the most elaborate of any cruise line. Club HAL�, offering fun and creative activities for kids ages 3 to 12, includes state-of-the-art facilities and will serve as the hub of the youth program. A streaming array of colors swirl on the ceiling, with paint brushes serving as pillars and enormous pencils adorning the wall. Art tables, a big screen television and a tape dispenser-styled slide inspire creativity and fun. An area for older kids, ages 8 to 12, features arcade games, air hockey, foosball, Karaoke, Internet access and Sony Playstations. Holland America Line is also introducing new areas on all its ships that will provide teens, ages 13-18, with a unique environment of their own where they can spend time and have fun. The Loft, a teens-only lounge designed to resemble a New York artist�s loft features a special passageway to a secluded, teens-only sun deck called The Oasis. The Oasis is the perfect space for teens to soak up rays and then cool off in a one-of-a-kind waterfall and cave. Unmatched anywhere in the industry, The Oasis gives teens their own space to relax and socialize.

Greenhouse Spa and Salon Deliver Unparalled Service

Guests on the Ryndam will also be able to take advantage of the exclusive Greenhouse Spa and Salon, which provides guests with a wide range of exotic skin, body and hair treatments. The spa features new treatment rooms, a thermal suite and hydro-pool as well as access to a spacious, well-appointed fitness facility.

Attention to Luxurious Detail in Accommodations

Known for the intimacy and elegance upon which Holland America Line has built its reputation, the Ryndam has furnished each stateroom with amenities that help ensure each guest is pampered during their voyage. From the complimentary fresh fruit welcome to the premium plush Euro-top mattresses to the deluxe waffle and terry cloth bathrobes, guests who travel onboard the Ryndam will find some of the most spacious, luxuriously appointed staterooms as well as the best bathrooms at sea.

Onboard Dining Reaches New Heights

Holland America Line has elevated the dining experience on board the Ryndam with exciting additions such as the Pinnacle Grill restaurant, featuring Pacific Northwest fare and fine wines, and two additional dining times in the main dining room. Guests aboard the Ryndam will also enjoy enhanced Lido dining and expanded selection from the complimentary 24-hour room service.

An Elegant Leader in Worldly Destinations

Guests on the October 20 voyage will depart from San Diego for the stunning blue waters of the Mexican Riviera and Sea of Cortez, visiting a compelling mix of ports. Popular ports such as Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlan as well as those less traveled including Topolobampo and Pichilingue/La Paz will provide guests with a rich cruise experience that offers something for everyone. After a series of voyages to Mexico for the duration of 2004, the Ryndam will kick off 2005 with a breathtaking passage through the Panama Canal. During 2005, the ship will call on the Pacific Northwest, Alaska and, at the year�s end, make a return to Mexico.

About Holland America Line In 2004, Holland America's fleet of 13, five-star, premium ships will offer nearly 500 sailings from 15 North American home ports, including new departures from Norfolk, VA; Baltimore, MD; and Boston, Mass. Recent additions to the fleet include the 1,848-passenger Vista ships, ms Zuiderdam and ms Oosterdam. In April 2004, the third Vista sister, ms Westerdam joins the fleet. The fleet will visit all seven continents in 2004, while increasing the number of cruises to popular destinations such as Alaska (139 cruises scheduled), the Caribbean (191), Europe (58) and Canada/New England (26).

Holland America excels in service, amenities and special programs. Known for consistent and attentive service, its ships have one of the highest staff-members-to-guest ratios. Spacious staterooms average 25 percent larger and verandahs twice as large as those on other lines' ships. Menus are among the most extensive at-sea. Dining choices include formal elegance, alternative specialty dining in the Pacific Northwest-themed Pinnacle Grill, casual fare and complimentary 24-hour room service.

The winner of the 10th consecutive "Best Overall Cruise Value" award from the World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society (WOCLS), the line offers the only trip cancellation program in the industry that provides cash back for canceling for any reason prior to 24 hours before departure. For more information, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

World's Leading Cruise Lines The highest-rated premium cruise line in the world in the 2003 Travel & Leisure magazine "World's Best" Awards, Holland America is a member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruise Line, Costa Cruises and Windstar Cruises. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, the member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. The World's Leading Cruise Lines offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. Conde Nast Traveler magazine readers also ranked Holland America Line as the top premium cruise line in the world in the much-anticipated 2003 Readers' Choice Awards.

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Media Contact: Mary Schimmelman +1 206-301-5318 mschimmelman@hollandamerica.com