Investor Relations

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Launches Three New Holland America Line ‘Ships’ in Seattle Sailing the Sound Transit Light Rail System

‘Seattle's Hometown Cruise Line' presents $5,000

to Strong Against Cancer during the event for Pediatric Cancer Research

 
Seattle, Wash., Jan. 10, 2017 — Holland America Line launched three new commuter "ships" Monday, Jan. 9, that will run on the Sound Transit Light Rail System in Seattle. The trains, which are wrapped to resemble Holland America Line's newest ship, ms Koningsdam, will cruise the tracks through April 2017, when the summer cruise season to Alaska begins from the Port of Seattle.

A special ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the University of Washington Station, with Holland America Line President Orlando Ashford and Honorary "Captain" Miles Lamb, an 11-year-old cancer survivor and patient of Seattle Children's Hospital — a local nonprofit partner of the cruise line. During the ceremony Holland America Line presented a $5,000 check to Strong Against Cancer, an effort to gain funding for a cancer immunotherapy treatment being developed at Seattle Children's Hospital with support from volunteer team captain Russell Wilson.

"As Seattle's Hometown Cruise Line, we're always looking for creative ways to increase awareness that we're headquartered here.  We sail from Seattle to Alaska all summer long, and we are a big contributor and supporter of the local community," said Ashford. "Millions of people ride Seattle's light rail each year, and we're excited to have these eye-catching trains sailing around the city and spreading the word in a fun and engaging way.

"Miles is a wonderful young man and a great honorary ‘captain' for Holland America Line's first-ever rail ‘ships,'" added Ashford. "This event also gave us a great opportunity to continue our support of Seattle Children's Hospital and Strong Against Cancer to treat cancer among children."

As Seattle's Hometown Cruise Line, Holland America Line contributes $389 million to the city's economy and $547 million across Washington state. The company employs 1,170 people at its headquarters in Seattle and works with more than 600 local vendors. The cruise line operates an extensive corporate social responsibility program benefiting the local community and Washington state, including partnering with Seattle Children's Hospital, Northwest Harvest and the Seattle Mariners Major League Baseball team. During the 2017 Alaska cruise season, more than 101,000 guests will sail on Holland America Line ships from Seattle.

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

Editor's note:  Photos are available at https://www.cruiseimagelibrary.com/c/q2tdnrk4.

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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 113-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.