Holland America Line Wins Nine 2011 Readers’ Choice Awards from Porthole Cruise Magazine
Premium Cruise Line Earns Accolades for Top Itineraries, Best Private Island and ms Nieuw Amsterdam
Holland America Line, a leader in premium cruising, has earned top honors with nine 2011 Readers’ Choice Awards from Porthole Cruise Magazine, one of the world’s leading cruise travel publications. The awards included Best Alaska Itineraries, Best Medium-Sized Ship for ms Nieuw Amsterdam and Best Private Island for Half Moon Cay, its exclusive island in the Bahamas.
Porthole Cruise Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards are determined by thousands of the publication’s readers who vote on their favorite cruise lines in a variety of categories.
“The readers of Porthole are knowledgeable and well-traveled, having extensively experienced first-hand the voting categories,” said Bill Panoff, publisher and editor-in-chief of the magazine. “Our readers appreciate the quality cruise experience both on board and ashore that Holland America Line continues to deliver year after year.”
Holland America Line’s 2011 Readers Choice Awards include:
• Best Medium-Sized Ship for Nieuw Amsterdam
• Best Private Island for Half Moon Cay
• Best Alaska Itineraries
• Best Central America Itineraries
• Best Canada/New England Itineraries
• Best Shore Excursions
• Best Computer Facilities
• Best Medical Facilities
• Best Facilities for Physically Challenged Passengers
• Best Medium-Sized Ship for Nieuw Amsterdam
• Best Private Island for Half Moon Cay
• Best Alaska Itineraries
• Best Central America Itineraries
• Best Canada/New England Itineraries
• Best Shore Excursions
• Best Computer Facilities
• Best Medical Facilities
• Best Facilities for Physically Challenged Passengers
“Holland America Line is honored to be recognized by the discerning readers of Porthole Cruise Magazine once again,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “We continually strive to deliver the ultimate premium cruise experience and these awards validate our efforts and dedication to excellence.”
Nieuw Amsterdam Named Best Medium-Sized Ship
Holland America Line’s newest ship, Nieuw Amsterdam, received top accolades from Porthole readers as the Best Medium-Sized Ship. The 2,106-guest Nieuw Amsterdam features décor highlighting the historic glamour of New York City and multiple five-star dining venues including the award-winning Pinnacle Grill, Tamarind and Canaletto. Extensive social and entertainment settings enhance the on-board experience with the intimate Silk Den, the Crow’s Nest lounge with sweeping ocean views, the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine, plus a variety of luxurious getaways including the private Cabana Club and the Greenhouse Spa and Salon. Each evening, award-winning performers entertain in the Showroom at Sea, a modern-day version of the classic nightclub.
Holland America Line’s newest ship, Nieuw Amsterdam, received top accolades from Porthole readers as the Best Medium-Sized Ship. The 2,106-guest Nieuw Amsterdam features décor highlighting the historic glamour of New York City and multiple five-star dining venues including the award-winning Pinnacle Grill, Tamarind and Canaletto. Extensive social and entertainment settings enhance the on-board experience with the intimate Silk Den, the Crow’s Nest lounge with sweeping ocean views, the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine, plus a variety of luxurious getaways including the private Cabana Club and the Greenhouse Spa and Salon. Each evening, award-winning performers entertain in the Showroom at Sea, a modern-day version of the classic nightclub.
Half Moon Cay Receives Best Private Island Honors
For the past 11 years, Porthole Cruise Magazine has recognized Half Moon Cay as the industry’s Best Private Island. Half Moon Cay features 15 beach-front, air-conditioned private cabanas, a natural 700-acre lagoon, a new Captain Morgan on the Rocks Island Bar and fun-filled excursions for nature lovers and adventurous travelers alike. Here guests can enjoy fascinating tours on the island including horseback riding by land and sea, snorkeling and swimming with stingrays in a secluded cove, biking tours, the AquaTrax watercraft adventure tour and parasailing.
For the past 11 years, Porthole Cruise Magazine has recognized Half Moon Cay as the industry’s Best Private Island. Half Moon Cay features 15 beach-front, air-conditioned private cabanas, a natural 700-acre lagoon, a new Captain Morgan on the Rocks Island Bar and fun-filled excursions for nature lovers and adventurous travelers alike. Here guests can enjoy fascinating tours on the island including horseback riding by land and sea, snorkeling and swimming with stingrays in a secluded cove, biking tours, the AquaTrax watercraft adventure tour and parasailing.
Top Itineraries Garner Top Honors
In addition to winning the Best Shore Excursions award for its diverse and expansive selection of tours, Holland America Line maintained its leading position as the cruise line with the Best Alaskan Itineraries. In 2012, the line will sail seven ships on six unique itineraries, highlighted by scenic cruising in Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier in Yakutat Bay and Alaska’s renowned Inside Passage.
In addition to winning the Best Shore Excursions award for its diverse and expansive selection of tours, Holland America Line maintained its leading position as the cruise line with the Best Alaskan Itineraries. In 2012, the line will sail seven ships on six unique itineraries, highlighted by scenic cruising in Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier in Yakutat Bay and Alaska’s renowned Inside Passage.
Holland America Line also received top honors from Porthole Cruise Magazine recognizing its Canada/New England voyages, which explore the historic seaports and stunning fall foliage of the region. The line’s 2012 itineraries range from seven to 15 days and will feature 27 sailings between April and October.
Rounding out the honors garnered for top itineraries are the line’s Central America voyages, a series of sailings that explore the region’s natural beauty, indigenous cultures and full transits of the Panama Canal.
Computer Facilities, State-of-the-Art Medical Facilities
Holland America Line won Best Computer Facilities for its Digital Workshop powered by Windows. The enrichment program offers complimentary sessions that are led by a Microsoft-trained “techspert” on a variety of relevant topics such as photo editing, making a slideshow, photo enhancing and sharing, and PC buying and security.
Holland America Line won Best Computer Facilities for its Digital Workshop powered by Windows. The enrichment program offers complimentary sessions that are led by a Microsoft-trained “techspert” on a variety of relevant topics such as photo editing, making a slideshow, photo enhancing and sharing, and PC buying and security.
Completing the awards, Holland America Line received recognition for its accessibility and medical facilities. Holland America Line ships accommodate guests with a variety of special needs.