(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080926/AQF026)

The high traffic numbers can be attributed to compelling and entertainingpostings such as the recent "Surf's Up - Catch a Bulb!" showing correspondentPam Kern hangin' ten on the bulbous bow of Eurodam and providing anexplanation for the function of the ship's protrusion.

"Eurodam News Blog has been an innovative new way for Holland America Lineto engage guests and others in learning about Eurodam and how all our shipsoperate," said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales andguest programs. "As an interactive forum, we've received countless questionsand requests for specific information and have responded with photos and posts.It's been a great project to engage guests, crew, travel agents, journalists,employees and cruise enthusiasts."

Live since June 2007, Eurodam News Blog provides unique insights intoevery aspect of the new ship. Regular posts cover a wide variety of topics,from interior decor to new public rooms to entertainment and dining venues andmenu developments. In addition, it features profiles of the officers andshipboard staff. The site averages 6,000 a week and has topped 400,000 visitsand 175,000 unique visitors.

Since the ship's inaugural in July and its entry into service, the bloghas featured content submitted by guests -- some while they were still onboard. Such categories as "Postcard from . . . ." enable guests andcrewmembers to submit photos and stories from Eurodam's ports of call.

The site has a blog board composed of top Holland America Line executivesfrom various departments who are involved in the shipbuilding process andserve as sources of site content. Visitors are encouraged to register and postcomments and questions for responses.

Built at Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard, the2,104-guest Eurodam was first of the Signature Class series. The shipfeatures 11 guest decks and new dining venues Tamarind, a pan-Asian restaurant,Canaletto, an Italian restaurant in the Lido, and the Slice pizzaria.

Other features are the addition of spa staterooms, an Explorer's LoungeBar, atrium bar area, Culinary Arts Center presented by Food and Wine magazinefor food demos, The Explorations Cafe -- powered by The New York Times and areconfigured show lounge with theater-style seating. Sister, ms NieuwAmsterdam, is to be delivered in 2010.

- http://www.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 nearly 500 cruises to 314ports in more than 100 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to 108-day itineraries visit all seven continents, and highlights include Antarctica,South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage;and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/NewEngland, Europe and Panama Canal. A 15th ship, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, isscheduled to join the fleet in 2010.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, acommitment totaling more than $525 million, that showcase the Culinary ArtsCenter presented by Food & Wine magazine -- a state-of-the-art onboard showkitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts providecooking demonstrations and classes -- Explorations Cafe powered by The NewYork Times, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenitieshighlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds.

World's Leading Cruise Lines

The highest-rated premium cruise line in the world, Holland America Lineis a member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which alsoincludes Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Seabourn CruiseLine and Costa Cruises. Sharing a passion to please each guest and acommitment to quality and value, these lines appeal to a wide range oflifestyles and budgets. The World's Leading Cruise Lines offer exciting andenriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.

CONTACT: Rose Abello PHONE: 800-637-5029 FAX: 206-262-5934 EMAIL: pr@hollandamerica.comSOURCE Holland America Line