Investor Relations

Holland America Line Launches New Ad Campaign that Promotes Travel’s ‘Power to Change the World’

New multi-media initiative celebrates the transformational power of travel to inspire shared humanity

Seattle, Wash., Jan. 4, 2017 – Holland America Line is unveiling an integrated communications program that promotes travel as a positive force in changing perspectives and inspiring shared humanity. The multimedia campaign invokes travel as having the "Power to Change the World" and will appear in broadcast advertising, social media, web-based media, sales initiatives and marketing collateral materials beginning in early January. This initiative is a creative representation of the broader "higher purpose" work the company has been focused on during the past year.

"Those who travel the world better understand the world, and today this kind of understanding and insight is more important than ever," said Orlando Ashford, president, Holland America Line. "I have been speaking over the past year about the transformational power of travel and firmly believe that it opens minds, builds connections and inspires shared humanity."

New Broadcast Advertising Campaign to Reach Millions

The new ads will run as part of a national television commercial campaign, featuring a powerful 60-second TV spot that opens with historical black-and-white scenes of immigration, marking the late 19th-century birth of Holland America Line as transport for European emigrants to the Americas in search of a better life. 

"These voyages changed the world," the ad states, which goes on to say that Holland America Line "is still changing the world" by introducing its guests to people and cultures in more than 100 countries. The message concludes with the assertion that travel allows us to "celebrate our differences while discovering our shared humanity."

"I'm inspired by the many letters I receive from guests who write about how their travel experiences have profoundly changed their view of the world," Ashford added. "I'm privileged to work in an industry that truly has the power to change perspectives and attitudes."

In addition to the 60-second commercial sharing the power of travel, Holland America Line is introducing two new 30-second commercials within the campaign: one focusing on the special attention Holland America Line puts into its itinerary planning and port selection and the other communicating the exciting and exclusive music entertainment found aboard a Holland America Line cruise. The latter covers Music Walk and exclusive partnerships that include Lincoln Center Stage, in partnership with Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, showcasing an ensemble performing chamber music; Billboard Onboard, in partnership with Billboard, presenting 50 years of chart-topping hits; and the wildly popular B.B. King's Blues Club, featuring the B.B. King All-Star Band — an eight-piece group featuring two vocalists backed by rhythm and horn sections.

Television ads will run through mid-April in a targeted national cable television campaign. Cable channels will include the American Heroes Channel, Cooking Channel, Food Network, Golf Channel, HGTV, History Channel, HLN, MSNBC, National Geographic, National Geographic Wild, NBC Sports, Smithsonian, Sundance, TBS and Travel Channel. Viewers can look for the commercials during a variety of shows on these networks.

‘Why We Sail' Theme Carries Through to Web and Social Media

The advertising campaign is supported by a microsite — WhyWeSail.com — that further describes the rewards of global travel and guides visitors to descriptions of the cruise line's many immersive, international journeys. Print, digital and social media communications, as well as other initiatives, will be used to further amplify the message of travel having the power to change the world, which Holland America Line will continue to invest in and evolve over the coming years.

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel professional, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

Editor's note:  Commercials can be viewed at:

"Why We Sail" 60-second spot: https://youtu.be/9txXeaSc3T8

"Carefully Crafted Journeys" 30-second spot: https://youtu.be/A1T4tTBuoHg

 "Music Walk" 30-second spot: https://youtu.be/xgUk8zWMSYw

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Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America Blog.  Access all social media outlets via the Online Communities quick link on the home page at hollandamerica.com.

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE:  CCL and CUK)]

Holland America Line's fleet of 14 ships offers more than 500 cruises to more than 400 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies around the world. From shorter getaways to 115-day itineraries, the company's cruises visit all seven continents with highlights including Antarctica explorations, South America circumnavigations and exotic Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; four annual Grand Voyages; and popular sailings to the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Bermuda, Europe and the Panama Canal. The line currently has a new 2,650-guest ship, ms Koningsdam, delivered in April 2016, as well as a second Pinnacle Class ship, ms Nieuw Statendam, due for delivery in November 2018.

The company recently announced $300 million in brand enhancements to secure its position as the leader in premium cruising. Fleetwide, the ships feature innovative initiatives and a diverse range of enriching experiences focused on destination immersion and personalized travel. Guests can expand their knowledge onboard at an America's Test Kitchen show; Explorations Café, powered by The New York Times and Digital Workshop powered by Windows. Outstanding entertainment fills each evening at venues including Lincoln Center Stage, Billboard Onboard and B.B. King's Blues Club. The dining experience can be savored at a variety of restaurants with menus that feature selections from Holland America Line's esteemed Culinary Council that comprises world-famous chefs who design dishes exclusively for our guests.