Holland America Line to Host Windows 7 Launch Parties at Sea Onboard Digital Workshops Powered by Windows

SEATTLE, Oct 29, 2009 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- As Microsoft Corp. rolls out Windows 7 worldwide, Holland America Line joins in the fun with a month-long series of festive High Seas Launch Parties of its own across its entire fleet.

Holland America Line's parties - the only cruise industry events scheduled - celebrate Microsoft's new operating system, Windows 7, which powers the line's series of complimentary onboard Digital Workshops.

"Holland America Line is excited to be a part of this far-reaching global launch with on board parties in Europe, Asia, South America, Central America, North America and while crossing the Atlantic," said Richard D. Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "Our guests are already experiencing the benefits of Win7 which powers the Digital Workshops offered as part of our enrichment program." Classes and launch parties are led by the workshop "techsperts," or instructors, who are Microsoft-trained and are officially approved Windows 7 launch hosts.

All ships have Party Packs from Microsoft and will be giving away Windows 7 theme posters, luggage tags and special discounts and offers in addition to Holland America Line prizes.

Workshops are complimentary and limited to 15 participants per session so that instructors can provide personalized assistance. In addition, instructors maintain "techspert time," where guests can get their individual questions answered and work on personal program-related projects. Each ship has a dedicated space for the classes, complete with computers, printers and other necessary equipment.

For more information on Digital Workshops powered by Windows or Holland America Line, consult a travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

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Access all social media outlets via the Online Communities quick link on the home page at 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 is scheduled to join the fleet in July 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.

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EMAIL: [e-mail] SOURCE Holland America Line URL: http://www.hollandamerica.com www.prnewswire.com Copyright (C) 2009 PR Newswire. All rights reserved -0- KEYWORD: Washington INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TRA

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