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Readers Select Holland America as Top Premium Cruise Line

Seattle, November 21, 2003 – Further cementing its position as the world's top premium cruise line, Holland America Line recently was named the best Premium Cruise Line by readers of Recommend magazine in the monthly publications' annual reader travel survey.

“We are very proud to be named the top Premium Cruise Line by the readers of a Recommend,” said David A. Giersdorf, senior vice president, marketing and sales. “This is the third national travel magazine that has honored Holland America in the past four months, confirming that we not only claim we are the best, we prove it every day by exceeding expectations and delivering exceptional service, the most diverse cruise itineraries and five-star dining on more than 500 sailings every year.”

In addition to recognition by Recommend, Holland America also tops the rankings as best premium cruise line in the Conde Nast Traveler 2003 Readers' Choice Awards and the 2003 Travel & Leisure “World's Best” Awards.

About Signature Of Excellence
As the premium cruise leader, Holland America Line is investing $225 million in the Signature of Excellence initiative to provide unparalleled product and service enhancements to its fleet of five-star ships. Signature of Excellence will build on Holland America Line's renowned tradition of excellence by significantly raising the standard in premium cruising. The comprehensive enhancements will focus on five areas central to the Holland America Line guest experience: spacious, elegant ships and accommodations; sophisticated five-star dining; gracious, unobtrusive service; extensive enrichment programs and activities; and compelling worldwide itineraries. Enhancements, and in some cases construction build-outs, have been started and are expected to be completed by the end of 2005.

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).

The winner of the 12th 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.

With a circulation of 55,000, Recommend is the most circulated travel industry publication and is published monthly by Worth International Communications Corporation. More than 1,200 travel agents responded to the reader survey on travel preferences and destinations.

Source: Holland America Line, November 2003