Holland America Line guests now have the option of purchasing an enhanced version of its Cancellation Protection Plan (CPP), which covers the cost of a cruise fare in the event of cancellation by the guest. While the former plan required an approved covered medical reason to cancel within 24 hours of departure, the new CPP Platinum will feature a 90% refund upon cancellation for any reason up to departure, as well as increased baggage protection and relaxed rules related to recovering expenses for a trip delay. The new plan is effective for cruises departing September 1, 2009, and beyond.

Extension of Cancellation Period

Eliminating a previous one-day notice clause, the updated CPP Platinum offers a “cancel-for-any-reason” refund at 90% of the of the eligible amounts paid (excluding the protection plan cost) up to the point of departure. The extension of time allows for any circumstance that might prevent travel within 24 hours prior to departure, regardless of the reason.

Standard CPP reimburses 80% of eligible amounts paid for cancellations for any reason up to 24 hours prior to departure. For most sailings, Holland America Line’s standard cancellation policy allows guests to cancel in writing without penalty up to 76 days prior to the departure date.

Trip Delay Benefits

Compensation up to US$500 per person for accommodation and travel expense is provided with the enhanced CPP Platinum for any length of trip delay. Previous per diem limits and minimum trip delay length restrictions have been eliminated.

Baggage Protection Increased

In addition to the reimbursement of US$600 for baggage delays, liability for baggage loss or damage has increased from US$600 to a total of US$1600 under the CPP Platinum Plan.

The non-refundable CPP Platinum is available to U.S. and Canadian residents and must be purchased at the time of deposit. Pricing varies by cruise fare. For example, CPP pricing for a guest paying $1,200 per person for a seven-day Caribbean cruise would be $99 for Standard CPP and $129 for CPP Platinum. For more information, consult a travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit http://www.hollandamerica.com.

- 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 320 ports 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/New England, Europe and Panama Canal. A 15th ship, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, is scheduled to join the fleet in 2010.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $525 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine — a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes — Explorations Cafe powered by The New York Times, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted 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 Line is a member of the exclusive World’s Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruise Line and Costa Cruises. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, these lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. The World’s Leading Cruise Lines offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world’s most desirable
destinations.

SOURCE Holland America Line / PRNewswire