Holland America Line Marks America's 250th Anniversary With Iconic July 4 Sailing And American Heritage Brand Collaborations

In honor of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, Holland America Line is launching a once-in-a-generation celebration featuring unique programs and collaborations with American brands deeply rooted in the nation’s history. Additionally, a July 4, 2026, seven-day “America’s 250th Celebration: Stars and Stripes” cruise will bring together tradition, history and specially curated programming for a memorable way to experience the nation’s 250th birthday.

Through this one-of-a-kind anniversary voyage and strategic partnerships with heritage brands such as Pan Am® — with more planned for 2026 — Holland America is connecting the nation’s rich legacy of tradition and innovation with its own commitment to heritage, craftsmanship and meaningful experiences at sea.

“America’s 250th anniversary is a milestone that deserves to be honored with intention, and we are proud to partner with American heritage brands to help us celebrate the nation’s rich history,” said Kacy Cole, Holland America Line’s chief marketing officer. “Through these collaborations and thoughtfully curated programming, we are excited to commemorate America’s past, present and future in a way that is uniquely Holland America, reflecting our legacy of exploration and authentic experiences.”

Partnerships With Pioneering American Brands

As part of its America’s 250th celebration, Holland America Line is collaborating with American brands whose stories are woven into the nation’s cultural fabric. Through a partnership with Pan Am®, Holland America Line recently announced a “28-Day Pan Am® 100th Anniversary Legendary Voyage” that will set sail in 2027. Inspired by historic clipper routes from Pan Am®, it celebrates a golden age of global travel. The ship will visit 18 ports along the Pan Am® legendary Great Circle Route, a pioneering path that spanned the entire Caribbean and set the standard for modern travel in the region.

Additional limited-edition co-branded offerings and collaborations will be unveiled in the lead-up to the July 4, 2026, milestone, creating a meaningful tribute to America’s 250th Anniversary.

‘America’s 250th Celebration: Stars and Stripes’ Cruise

Holland America Line will anchor its America’s 250th celebration with a voyage designed to mark the moment in a way only the cruise line can deliver. Departing July 4, 2026, from Boston, Massachusetts, the commemorative seven-day “America’s 250th Celebration: Stars and Stripes” sailing will honor the nation’s 250th anniversary by showcasing its rich heritage and enduring traditions, offering guests an elevated experience through a series of curated programs:

·A late-evening departure from Boston and position in Boston Harbor gives guests a view of the historic skyline fireworks from a distance.

·A July 4 party in the Lido area will serve picnic favorites and classic American summer staples inspired by Independence Day.

·Renowned live music experiences will be tailored with The Soundtrack of America — a musical journey through iconic American genres, paired with The Great American Songbook, an evening concert celebrating legendary American composers, all performed by the ship’s talented musicians and vocalists.

·Additional activities include a specially curated American-themed scavenger hunt and a cooking demonstration highlighting classic flavors and stories from America’s culinary heritage.

To enhance the commemorative journey, the Stars and Stripes cruise also will call at cities that played an important role in U.S. history, including Norfolk, Virginia, and New York for an overnight visit.

Holland America Line Through the Years

Holland America has played a part in American history since it was founded in 1873 as an option for European immigrants to find a new life in the United States:

·From the 1880s to 1920s, Holland America carried more than 10% of all steerage passengers to the United States, setting new standards for service in the process.

·During both World Wars, the cruise line’s ships were converted for military service, carrying Allied and U.S. troops around the world.

·In the 1920s, Holland America became one of the first cruise lines to offer U.S.-based vacation cruises to the Caribbean, an experience that has grown and remains popular today.

·A pioneer in touring Alaska, Holland America has been exploring the Great Land’s glaciers and wildlife for nearly 80 years, longer than any other cruise line.

Military Appreciation Offer

In honor of those who served in the U.S. military, Holland America Line extends a “Military Appreciation Offer” to active, retired and veteran military personnel. Guests can apply for a $100 onboard credit on the Holland America Line website.

Holland America Cruise Line Adds Fee For Second Entree In Main Dining Room #Cruise

If you’re the type of person who brings a big appetite and orders two entrees in the main dining room, you may have to fork over a little extra money to do so in the future.

Holland America is testing a program that would see passengers charged $10 for a second entree… and if there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years, it’s that when it comes to up charges, where one of the major players goes, the others tend to follow.

Why You’ll Have To Pay For That Second Entree

According to a report on Cruise Critic, Holland America is set to begin testing a policy which would see people paying $10 for a second dinner entree in the main dining rooms.

The reason behind the move? An attempt to cut back food waste. “Over the years,” a Holland America spokesperson told the site, “we have upgraded the menu, and we have experienced that guests occasionally order additional main courses they simply can’t finish. Holland America Line has made great efforts to reduce food waste, and with this, we can better determine if guests who order a second entree will truly enjoy it.”

Passengers will still be able to order multiple appetizers and desserts without an additional fee should they wish.

For the moment, the up charge is being tested on four of the cruise line’s ships: Nieuw Amsterdam, Eurodam, Oosterdam and Zuiderdam, and the line is actually running two separate experiments.

One will offer a menu each night of the sailing offering second entrees for $10; the second will only ask for the extra $10 on Gala Night.

The tests will run from now until the end of March, at which point Holland America will look at the results — and, no doubt, the passenger feedback — and decide whether or not to continue the up charge moving forward.

Will Other Cruise Lines Follow Suit?

Nieuw Statendam via Holland America Line

Early feedback on Holland America’s Facebook page has, nor surprisingly, not been positive. Noting that the menu lists several salads as main courses, one unhappy passenger said that if they ordered one of these and were then charged an extra $10 for a “real entree,” they would never sail on the line again. Another, while admitting they never actually order a second entree, said that the up charge “cheapens the brand.”

Steak served at sea.

Currently, most cruise lines have up charge items — usually lobster or a surf-and-turf option — on the menus in their main dining rooms, but this appears to be the first time a charge has been levied for a second entree off the standard menu. And of course, it begs the question of whether this might become common practice on other lines.

By https://cruiseradio.net/author/richard-simms/

After all, whether we’re talking about raising the daily gratuity rate or adding a new type of restaurant, where one goes, the others tend to follow soon after. The most noticeable exception to this rule seems to be Virgin Voyages, which will eschew the notion of for-fee specialty restaurants in favor of having all the eateries aboard their first ship, Scarlet Lady, covered by the initial cruise fare.

2016 Caribbean Cruises To Check Out

Photo courtesy of Pearl Sea Cruises

The Caribbean is one of the most popular regions to take a cruise, particularly for North American travelers. While many Caribbean cruises follow similar routes, others venture off to lesser-visited ports. These nine cruises offer a different Caribbean cruise experience, with exciting new ships, convenient departures or other highlights that set them apart from the crowd.

Royal Caribbean

The sprawling Oasis of the Seas will begin offering voyages from Port Canaveral beginning in November 2016. There will be five, seven and eight-night cruises alternating between Eastern and Western itineraries. The seven-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary visits Nassau, St. Thomas and St. Maarten. With Port Canaveral’s convenient positioning just an hour from Disney World, families can easily combine a trip to Orlando with a cruise on an incredible vessel.

Sea Cloud Cruises

Those who prefer a smaller, traditional ship should consider Sea Cloud Cruises, a company that maintains an intimate cruising experience aboard timeless sailing ships. Starting March 24, 2016, the Sea Cloud II embarks on a lesser-traveled Caribbean route from Bridgetown, Barbados to Man-O-War Bay, Tobago; St. George’s, Grenada; Soufriere, St. Lucia; and three ports of call in St. Vincent and the Grenadines including Union Island, often referred to as "the Tahiti of the West Indies."

Celebrity Summit

In late winter 2016, Celebrity Summit will be sailing a Southern Caribbean itinerary round-trip from San Juan. Fresh off a makeover, the ship will feature the new rooftop terrace for dining and movies on an outdoor screen, as well as the Tuscan Grille, a signature restaurant on other vessels. The cruise includes St. Croix, Martinique, Dominica, St. Kitts and St. Thomas.

Ponant

What better way to explore the French West Indies than on a luxurious French vessel? In Guadeloupe, while mainstream ships call on the city of Pointe-a-Pitre, the Le Ponant visits quiet Deshaies and Les Saintes. On the January 9 departure from Fort de France, (Martinique), the ship also calls in Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua, a historical area away from the major port, as well as Sandy Island, Anguilla, a tiny slice of paradise surrounded by sugary white sand. During the seven-night voyage, Le Ponant overnights in St. Barts and also visits Pigeon Island Beach, St. Lucia for postcard-perfect scenery.

Holland America

Holland America’s 10-day Southern Caribbean cruise on the brand new, MS Koningsdam in November 2016 heads to the ABC Islands, as well as the new port of Amber Cove, Dominican Republic. This cruise also calls in Grand Turk and a private island in the Bahamas, and spends three full days at sea — allowing time to experience the musically-inspired ship. The “Music Walk” features three stages, and a partnership with the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts introduces classically trained artists.

Pearl Sea

During the cooler months, Pearl Sea, a small-ship company, will go to its newest destination: Cuba. The 10-night voyage embarks from (and returns to) Miami, before spending an overnight in the sizzling city of Havana. The Cuban cultural cruise visits several UNESCO World Heritage sites and gives American and international passengers a chance to meet local tradespeople, artists, musicians and historians. Other stops include Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Santiago de Cuba, and Holguin as well as two ecological areas: Alejandro de Humboldt National Park and Maria la Gorda. Cruises are available beginning in March 2016.

Star Clippers

Another tall ship company, Star Clippers, is offering a rare, two-week, Southern Caribbean itinerary that hugs the coast of South America. The Royal Clipper embarks from Bridgetown, Barbados on December 3, 2016, and visits four islands off coastal Venezuela with a sublime setting: Isla Margarita, Testigo Grande, Isla de Coche and La Blanquilla. The ship spends a day in each of the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao), before calling on the Grenadines, Grenada, and St. Lucia. 

Fathom

The new impact travel cruise, Fathom (part of Carnival Corporation) has a weeklong program that includes three full days in the port of Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, to help with sustainable tourism efforts. During this time, passengers will participate in activities to benefit economic development, local education and environmental issues. Travelers may work with women’s cooperatives to improve their standard of living, work with community members to help improve their English skills or organizations to deliver potable water to families. The first Fathom cruise aboard the Adonia begins April 10.

Sail Windjammer

The interest in barefoot cruises on smaller windjammers has been reignited in the Caribbean and Sail Windjammers has a 13-night cruise from Grenada to St. Lucia with a wealth of islands packed into the itinerary. This free-spirited sailing cruise includes places like Mayreau, the smallest inhabited island in the Grenadines, or Tobago Cays, home to a stunning marine park. Cabins are traditional, no frills (but comfortable) and the galley serves up fresh, local cuisines. Sailing dates are available in April 2016.

By AMBER NOLAN,www.travelpulse.com , 

Cunard Offers The Ultimate Upgrade on Select 2016 Voyages, Only From October 1st Through November 30th

Limited Time Only 1 October – 30 November 2015

 Cunard launches The Ultimate Upgrade, an

 offer including free stateroom upgrades, free gratuities and a $150 deposit per person on select 2016

 voyages on board Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth. In addition to the standard

 list of elite offerings such as private restaurants, terraces, lounges and concierge service available to all 

Grills guests and Butler service for Queens Grill guests, The Ultimate Upgrade promotion will add

 complimentary drinks.

This limited time offer applies to new bookings made from 1 October to 30 November 2015, and will

 apply to Transatlantic Crossings;Mediterranean; Northern Europe; Iberia and Canary Island voyages

 sailing from 10 May through 22 December 2016.

Guests can choose to cast off on Cunard's storied Transatlantic Crossing, a journey made by

 millions of immigrants, World War troops, war brides, and the celebrities of the golden age of 

travel, including Elizabeth Taylor, Alfred Hitchcock, Cary Grant, and The Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

Guests in search of glamorous, old world charm and distinctive shore excursions can book one

 of Cunard's Mediterranean or Europe cruises. Whether it's hiking Mount Fløien in Norway, visiting

 Monaco's famous Formula One circuit and the Prince of Monaco's classic car collection, or touring

 the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ephesus, travelers will always find exciting alternatives available

 at each port call.

To view the full-range of itineraries, offer details and full restrictions please click here.

For more information about Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth or to book 

a voyage, contact your Travel Agent, call Cunard Line at 1-800-728-6273, or visit www.cunard.com.

About CunardDefining true excellence at sea with over 175 years of legendary voyages, Cunard is the operator

 of luxury ocean liners Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth that are renowned

 for impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining and world-class entertainment. Cunard has long

 been synonymous with the quest for new discoveries since the company's first paddle-wheeled

 steamer, Britannia, crossed the Atlantic in 1840.Today Cunard offers the only regularly scheduled

 Transatlantic liner service and continues the legacy of world cruising which it began in 1922.

World's Leading Cruise Lines Cunard is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes

 Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises, Seabourn and fathom.

 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 at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com.

Cunard is also here:
Facebook:www.facebook.com/cunard | Twitter:www.twitter.com/cunardline
YouTube: www.youtube.com/wearecunard | Blog:www.WeAreCunard.com

Amazing Free Perks You Can Get On Cruises, The Benefits Of Being Loyal.

Brand loyalty among cruisers is a funny thing. Each enjoyable cruise you take on one cruise line entrenches you more firmly in your comfort zone. You feel good about your vacation choice, knowing in advance what you are getting. You love that it feels like home when you step onboard. You practically have the menus memorized. What if you switch and Brand X doesn’t have that soufflé you love? Or the right pillows? Once you settle in, it feels like you could sail to the ends of the earth fearlessly with your chosen cruise line.

But you want recognition, too! The cruise line should treat you like royalty for all that loyalty. In some cases they do. Yahoo Travel went in search of the best cruise perks available on the major lines, digging deep into the muddled fine print to find what each loyalty program is best at. Which cruise lines have the best plans for new cruisers looking to begin the loyalty game? And which cater more to serious cruisers whose crowns need a little polishing?

Loyalty programs often make big deals out of things that do not matter for most cruisers, so we attempted to cut through the clutter of “perks” like newsletters and magazines. Those are not benefits; that’s marketing. The same holds true for password-protected areas of websites. We also see limited benefit in dedicated help desks, a single soft drink or bottle of water, or tiny discounts on already high-priced things like minibars and spa treatments.

If a line can make you feel better about giving them all of your vacay money by handing out color-coded key cards and lapel pins, that’s great, but what we were looking for were perks with real value — in other words, free stuff! Onboard credits, free laundry, free Internet, cabin upgrades (that are easily attainable), and yes, even free cruises.

Here is what we found.  

Carnival Cruises

Frequent cruisers will love the bonuses from they rack up from all their Carnival rides. (Photo: Carnival Cruises)

The Lowdown: Even though you can join the VIFP Club (that stands for “Very Important Fun Person”) before your first cruise begins, the benefits are less than spectacular until you have cruised 75 nights and reach the platinum level. At that point (roughly 10-15 cruises), you start getting things like cabin upgrades and free laundry. Hit 200 nights (25-30 cruises average) and you can add a free specialty dining opportunity. 

Related: Cruising for Charity: Carnival Launches New Cruise Line for ‘Voluntourists’

A separate Milestone Cruise Program adds a bonus: an onboard credit on your 25th, 50th, and 75th cruises and a free eight-day cruise after your 100th booking.

Best for: Frequent cruisers. 

Celebrity Cruises

Like upgrades? Celebrity will swap your standard veranda room for a better veranda room just for being a repeat cruiser. (Photo: Celebrity Cruises/Facebook)

The Lowdown: Most cruises have the standard array of inside, outside, veranda, and suite classes. Celebrity excels by offering higher cabin classes like Concierge and AquaClass, which include experiences and special cabin locations. Celebrity’s Captain’s Club loyalty program dolls out free one-category upgrades within a “superclass” to even the lowest tier of past guests. So book a veranda class cabin and you’ll get upgraded to a better veranda cabin just for having cruised with Celebrity in the past. 

The rewards gradually escalate to include access to special lounges, Persian Garden access, and priority theater seating. See the experience trend? 

An added bonus is that anyone who has achieved platinum level or higher with Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor club enter Celebrity’s Captain’s Club with the same status.

Best For: Upgrade lovers, particularly those who frequently opt for upgraded cabin classes. 

Disney Cruise Line

Ten Disney cruises will earn you a free dinner at onboard specialty restaurant Palo. (Photo: Disney)

The Lowdown: Castaway Club members receive recognition, a tote bag or backpack, and not much more. Of course, if you love Disney, having a tote bag that not everyone else can get is cool. 

Related: Disney Announces a “Star Wars” Cruise

After 10 cruises, members receive a complimentary dinner at the onboard specialty restaurant Palo.

Best For: Disney lovers. 

Holland America Line

Cruise Holland or any of its sister lines for discounts and special treats. (Photo: Holland America Cruises/Facebook)

The Lowdown: You can join Holland America Line’s Mariner Society following just one cruise with HAL or one of its sister lines (Carnival, Princess, Cunard, Seaborne, or Costa). Points accrue on nights sailed, with double points for sailing in a suite, plus you earn one bonus point for every $300 you spend on most things onboard. 

Special treats like a Mariner Brunch and embarkation lunch in the dining room (as opposed to the buffet with the masses) begin in the first tier. The discounts and free stuff begin after 30 cruise points.

Best For: Previous guests of other Carnival Corporation cruise lines and those who spend extra onboard. 

MSC Cruises

MSC Voyagers Club will hook you up with great perks and benefits simply for being a loyal member of another cruise line. (Photo: MSC Cruise USA)

The Lowdown: MSC’s new reciprocal status program, MSC Voyagers Club, is perfect for anyone with accumulated status in any other travel loyalty program, particularly when it comes to moderately priced European lines. But it’s not just cruising: that airline membership will also qualify you. 

To take advantage of the program you must fill out a form providing the details of your status with another program and wait for MSC’s determination of your reciprocal status. The program is too new to have much feedback at this point, but it certainly has potential, as this European giant is setting its sights on attracting North American cruisers.

Best For: Travelers with existing upper-level status in any travel loyalty program — including non-cruise programs. 

Norwegian Cruise Lines

Start earning points automatically and working your way toward cool perks like a members-only cocktail party and great discounts. (Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line)

The Lowdown: After completing just one NCL cruise, members of the Latitudes loyalty program are eligible for bonus points on select cruises, as well as the usual assortment of discounts on Internet minutes and onboard purchases. The best thing: it is automatic. You never need to sign up to start receiving insider specials. Free stuff doesn’t begin until you have sailed 75 nights with NCL, and unfortunately never goes beyond complimentary dinners and tours.

Related: A-ha! The Ultimate All-Norwegian Playlist for Exploring Norway

Best For: New cruisers just testing the waters. 

Princess

Get great discounts simply by sharing your love of cruising with others. (Photo: Princess Cruises)

The Lowdown: As soon as you complete your first cruise you are eligible for Captain’s Circle, a referral program that lets you earn discounts when you refer (or bring) friends. You are also eligible immediately for both early and late booking discounts. With your fourth cruise, you become eligible for an upgrade on your purchase of Princess’ vacation insurance program. Free stuff starts with Internet access on your sixth cruise and laundry on your sixteenth.

Best For: Brand ambassadors and discount lovers. 

Royal Caribbean

Balcony lovers, rejoice! The Royal Caribbean loyalty program gets you great discounts on balcony rooms and suites. (Photo: Royal Caribbean Cruises)

The Lowdown: The massive Crown & Anchor Society has five tiers, beginning after your first cruise. There are small perks that start with the first tier, but good stuff like discounts on balcony cabins and suites begin at just 30 points, or roughly five cruises. No discounts to unravel, just a flat $75-225 per stateroom knocked off your final booking, depending on the length of cruise and how far in advance you reserve your cabin. Royal Caribbean is good at doling out feel-good perks and discounts onboard as members progress through the tiers, and if you stick it out with them for 700 nights, the reward is that ever-elusive free seven-night cruise.

Best For: Balcony and suite lovers. 

By Melinda Crow

Holland America Line's New MS Koningsdam To Homeport At Port Everglades

Following its inaugural Europe season in 2016, Holland America Line's new ms Koningsdam will homeport at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The ship will sail a series of Caribbean voyages and one cruise to the Bahamas from November 2016 through March 2017. Koningsdam's Caribbean itineraries will be available for booking in late spring.

The seven-day cruises visit popular ports in the region, while the longer nine-, 10- and 11-day itineraries provide more time for exploring and include a diverse array of islands with exciting, off-the-beaten-path calls. A four-day cruise to the Bahamas kicks off the Caribbean season. All voyages are roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale.
"We are excited to sail Holland America Line's newest ship from Port Everglades on the most varied and robust Caribbean itineraries of any of our ships," said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. "The Caribbean remains among the most popular cruise destinations in the world, and by having itineraries that range from four to 11 days guests will be able to enjoy a vacation that fits their schedule."

Four-day Bahamas Cruise

Koningsdam begins its inaugural season in the Caribbean with a four-day cruise to the Bahamas departing Nov. 9, 2016. Following an overnight in Fort Lauderdale, the ship calls at Nassau followed by Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line's award-winning private island. The voyage is the perfect way to sample Holland America Line's new Pinnacle-class ship.

Seven-day Caribbean Cruises & Holiday Sailing

Two different seven-day itineraries provide an ideal getaway in winter, when the balmy breezes of the Caribbean beckon. The first itinerary sails Jan. 8 and 29 and Feb. 12, 2017, calling at Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Half Moon Cay. The second itinerary departs Jan. 15 and Feb. 5, 2017, and visits Half Moon Cay; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico; and Key West, Fla. The two itineraries can be combined to create a nonrepeating 14-day Caribbean Collectors' Voyage.
For the holidays, the Dec. 23, 2016, departure falls over Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, making it the most festive of voyages. The seven-day cruise will visit Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Thomas and Half Moon Cay.

Nine-day Caribbean Cruises Include a New Year's Option

Guests looking for a slightly longer Caribbean vacation can embark Dec. 14, 2016, for a nine-day voyage that showcases six popular ports. The ship calls at Half Moon Cay; Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Basseterre, St. Kitts; San Juan; and Grand Turk.

Another nine-day voyage departing Dec. 30 rings in the New Year with fun, sun, sand and surf. The ship will call at Falmouth, Jamaica; Half Moon Cay; Grand Turk; Georgetown, Cayman Islands; Cozumel and Key West.
10-day Caribbean Cruises Feature Southern Caribbean

From the turquoise waters of the Dominican Republic to the powdery beaches of the ABC Islands, Koningsdam's 10-day itinerary highlights some of the most beautiful ports in the region. Departing Nov. 13 and Dec. 4, 2015, and Feb. 19 and March 12, 2016, the cruises call at Half Moon Cay; Grand Turk; the exclusive cruise port of Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; Kralendijk, Bonaire; Willemstand, Curacao; and Oranjestad, Aruba.

11-day Caribbean Cruises Offer Blend of Several Ports

The eastern Caribbean takes center stage on the 11-day voyages that depart Nov. 23, 2016, and March 1 and 22, 2017. Koningsdam will visit the ports of Philipsburg; Castries, St. Lucia; Bridgetown, Barbados; Fort-de-France, Martinique; Basseterre; St. Thomas; and Half Moon Cay. Guests aboard also will enjoy scenic cruising in Soufriere Bay and past the famed Mount Pelee volcano.

The inaugural Caribbean season of Koningsdam will be open for booking in April 2015.

Holland America Line's MS Koningsdam To Showcase The World Stage Concept

 On Holland America Line's new MS Koningsdam, entertainment meets innovation with a new main theater design that surrounds the audience with a 270-degree LED screen. Breaking from the line's traditionally styled theaters, The World Stage is a flexible space that can have multiple stage configurations, ranging from in-the-round to the more conventional proscenium staging. The theater will initially host five new productions performed in repertory by a cast sourced from around the world.

At two stories high and 250 feet long, the high-definition LED screens will make The World Stage a trend-setting theater at sea capable of showcasing an exciting array of performances and productions. Enhanced by state-of-the-art lighting, projection and sound systems, the screens enable the environment of The World Stage to change throughout the day to present anything the designers can imagine. For example, the room can evolve effortlessly from an Italian palazzo for a concert performance to an imaginary world for innovative production numbers.

"The World Stage on Koningsdam will enable us to debut new entertainment concepts to delight our guests with shows they've never seen before," said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. "Having the flexibility to configure the room into many different and vibrant settings enables us to set new heights for cruise entertainment in this extraordinary theater at sea."

About ms Koningsdam

Currently under construction at Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard in Italy, Koningsdam represents a new Pinnacle Class of ship for Holland America Line. When it sets sail on its Premier Voyage April 8, 2016, the vessel will debut several innovative concepts and new public venues while still featuring popular amenities guests associate with Holland America Line.

Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy fine dining in several alternative restaurants including Sel de Mer, a new French seafood brasserie; a new immersive farm-to-table dinner experience in the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine; a re-designed casual Lido Market with themed serving stations; a stunning main dining room; and favorites such as Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto Italian restaurant and pan-Asian Tamarind. The ship also will feature Holland America Line's first purpose-built staterooms for families as well as single staterooms among its 1,331 guest accommodations.

Entertainment is taken to a new level with the energetic Music Walk area featuring all genres of music showcased in venues including Lincoln Center Stage performing chamber music nightly; Billboard Onboard where live musicians rock the crowd with chart-topping hits; and the popular B.B. King's Blues Club in the Queen's Lounge bringing the best of Memphis music to sea. World Stage brings 270-degree LED projection to the main showroom, enabling new concepts for showtime performances and immersing the audience in a panorama of sight and sound.

To bring a fresh vision to Koningsdam, Holland America Line tapped Adam D. Tihany, one of the world's pre-eminent hospitality designers. Tihany joins distinguished maritime designer and architect Bjorn Storbraaten, who worked with the cruise line on Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam. The two firms will create an interior that blends a fresh, contemporary styling in perfect harmony with the line's renowned classic elegance.

Music Legends Crosby, Stills & Nash Announced As Headline Act Aboard Queen Mary 2 On Transatlantic Crossing 4 September 2015

 Cunard is proud to announce that

Crosby, Stills & Nash will perform a series of exclusive concerts on board the company's

 Flagship, Queen Mary 2, during her 4-11 September Transatlantic Crossing.

The Grammy^® Award winning trio, who first performed together at the now legendary Woodstock

 Festival over four decades ago, will perform three exclusive concerts for passengers on board

 Queen Mary 2 during the seven-night Transatlantic Crossing from New York to Southampton.

"We are excited to welcome Crosby, Stills & Nash onboard Queen Mary 2 during Cunard's 175th

 anniversary year. Having these music legends perform will be nothing less than thrilling for our

 passengers," said Richard Meadows, president of Cunard Line North America.  "The band's presence

 onboard demonstrates Cunard's continued commitment to providing unique access to some of the world's

 most legendary artists, resulting in a truly unforgettable ocean travel experience for our guests."

Crosby, Stills & Nash (CS&N) burst onto the music scene in 1969 with their self-titled debut LP, now one

 of Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums of All Time." The band members are among the few to have

 been inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, once with Crosby, Stills & Nash, and a second

 time with The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield and the Hollies.  They have also been inducted into the

 Songwriter's Hall of fame, with the honour recognizing both CS&N as a group and each member

 as individual solo artists. 

During the Queen Mary 2 Crossing from New York (M519A), the trio will perform some of their

 greatest hits including "Teach Your Children," "Southern Cross" and "Wooden Ships" in the Royal

 Court Theatre. They will also participate in a Q&A session and special autograph opportunity for

 passengers on board.

"This will be a unique experience for us," said Graham Nash. "We're really looking forward to making

 music, bringing back memories and creating new ones—and this journey from New York to Southampton, 

on this beautiful vessel, will do just that."

For more information about Queen Mary 2 and to book a voyage, contact your Travel Consultant, call

 Cunard toll-free at 1-800-728-6273, or visit www.cunard.com

About Queen Mary 2 Christened by Her Majesty The Queen in 2004, Cunard Line's flagship Queen Mary 2 defines luxury

 travel for the 21st Century and continues a 175-year legacy of transatlantic travel.  Queen Mary 2 

achieved her 200th Transatlantic Crossing in July 2013.  Famous names who have experienced this iconic

 voyage since 2004 include President George H.W. Bush, Desmond Tutu, James Taylor, Wes Anderson,

 Tilda Swinton, George Takei, Kim Novak, Uma Thurman, Richard Dreyfuss, John Cleese and Angela Bassett.

About Cunard Line Cunard Line, operator of the luxury ocean liners Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth,

 has long been synonymous with the quest for new discoveries and the epitome of British refinement since

 the company's first paddle-wheeled steamer, Britannia, crossed the Atlantic in 1840. Cunard voyages

 bring together like-minded travelers who seek a civilized adventure and relish the Cunard hallmarks of

 impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining and world-class entertainment. Today, Cunard offers the

 only regularly scheduled trans-Atlantic liner service and continues the legacy of world cruising which

 it began in 1922.

World's Leading Cruise Lines  Cunard is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes

 Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America 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.

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Travelore News: Two Holland America's Ships Score Perfect 100 On US Public Health Inspections

Holland America Lines' ms Noordam

Holland America Line's ms Noordam and ms Zuiderdam achieved perfect scores of 100 on recent routine United States Public Health inspections conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The unannounced inspection for ms Noordam was held Jan. 5, 2015, during a call at Fort Lauderdale, Fla., at the start of a 10-day Caribbean cruise. Zuiderdam was inspected Dec. 19, 2014, during a call at Fort Lauderdale at the start of a seven-night Caribbean cruise.

"Our shipboard and shoreside teams work hard to achieve a perfect score on CDC inspections, and to have two more ships get 100 is a testament to their hard work and dedication," said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. "Congratulations to both ships for this well-deserved achievement."

During a U.S.P.H. inspection Oct. 22 at Boston, Mass., ms Eurodam also earned a perfect score of 100, the seventh top mark in a row received by the vessel since 2011. In June and July 2014, ms Statendam and ms Westerdam also earned perfect scores of 100, respectively.

CDC inspections are part of the Vessel Sanitation Program, which was introduced in the early 1970s and is required for all passenger ships that call at a U.S. port. The inspections are unannounced and are carried out by officials from the United States Public Health Service twice a year for every cruise ship. The score, on a scale from one to 100, is assigned on the basis of a checklist involving dozens of areas of assessment, encompassing hygiene and sanitation of food (from storage to preparation), overall galley cleanliness, water, shipboard personnel and the ship as a whole. The ships received perfect scores in all of those areas.