<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Holland <span class="xn-person">America Line</span>'s ms Statendam departed <span class="xn-location">Fort Lauderdale, Fla.</span>, <span class="xn-chron">April 11</span> for a 14-day southern <span class="xn-location">Caribbean</span> voyage, fresh from a stem-to-stern, multi-million dollar Signature of Excellence dry dock at <span class="xn-location">Freeport, Bahamas</span>. &nbsp;The 1,260-guest ship received a host of new facilities and features including new stateroom furnishings and bathroom upgrades; Canaletto, a complimentary Italian eatery; the sophisticated Showroom at Sea; and the stylish lounge called Mix, which combines three distinct bars into one area. &nbsp;The refurbishment enhances Holland America Line's premium vacation experience for guests as part of the company's <span class="xn-money">$525 million</span> Signature of Excellence fleet-wide program.</span><!-- Article Related Media --></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">"With Statendam completed, we now have four ships sailing with these exciting enhancements," said <span class="xn-person">Richard D. Meadows</span>, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. &nbsp;"Our on-going commitment through Signature of Excellence means that our guests enjoy the finest amenities and the latest in programming, technology, activities and trends that premium cruisers seek today."</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Statendam is the fourth ship in a series of five to receive extensive Signature of Excellence upgrades; the ms Veendam, ms <span class="xn-location">Rotterdam</span> and ms Ryndam refits are now complete. &nbsp;Maasdam is scheduled to receive upgrades in <span class="xn-chron">April 2011</span>.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Public Areas Feature Latest Innovations During the Dry Dock</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Canaletto, a complimentary, casual Italian restaurant, was added to ms Statendam and comes to life for dinner when a section of the Lido is transformed with glass partitions and an Italian ambiance with dishes such as putanesca and penne alla vodka. &nbsp;Although there is no charge to dine in the alternative venue, reservations are suggested. &nbsp;To create a more open, engaging environment for guests during evenings, Statendam underwent the reconfiguration of the existing Casino and Piano bars into Mix, a multi-themed area with three separate bars: Martinis, Champagne and Spirits &amp; Ales, serving their namesakes. &nbsp;The high-energy Casino was redesigned and the main show lounge was transformed into the Showroom at Sea with the ambiance of a glamorous nightclub and several new shows. &nbsp;An upscale luxury jewelry shop called Merabella was added mid-ship to the completely renovated main shopping area with its Signature jewelry and watch boutiques. &nbsp;Other public areas around the ship also were refurbished and received new carpeting.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Staterooms Receive New Look and New Spa Category Added</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Completing the enhancements, Statendam's staterooms received new carpeting, soft goods and completely renovated bathrooms with new vanities and cabinetry. &nbsp;Sixteen staterooms near the Greenhouse Spa (on Verandah Deck) became "spa staterooms" featuring a variety of enhanced amenities. &nbsp;Each offers exclusive items such as organic cotton bathrobes and slippers, a yoga mat, a soothing water feature, special room service menus and treatments, and more.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Explorations Team Expands the Exclusive Activities</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Today's premium cruiser seeks enriching experiences and engaging activities. &nbsp;Ever responsive to guests' needs, Holland America Line broadened its onboard programming aboard Statendam and all ships with the Explorations Team &mdash; staff with specific, niche expertise ranging from technology to travel, who offer guests a range of programs to educate and entertain guests. &nbsp;The onboard Party Planner will host Explore Food &amp; Entertaining events in the Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food &amp; Wine Magazine, significantly expanding the innovative program which brings more than 70 culinary experts on board each year in addition to classes and demonstrations on every sailing. &nbsp;As the destination expert on board under Explore Our World, the Travel Guide will give dynamic multimedia presentations about the ship's itinerary and be a one-stop source for port-of-call information. &nbsp;The Techspert will offer Explore Technology classes and Digital Workshops powered by Windows, where guests can learn how to blog, work with digital photos, arrange a digital scrapbook, create a slideshow or edit a movie. &nbsp;Leading Explore Wellbeing, the LifeStylist will offer new entertainment, fitness and sport activities. &nbsp;On cruises lasting 14 days or more, the Librarian also leads a book club.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Signature of Excellence tops <span class="xn-money">$525 Million</span></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">The industry-leading Signature of Excellence initiative is an on-going and comprehensive program that touches every aspect of the Holland America Line experience and the investment now exceeds <span class="xn-money">$525 million</span>. Signature of Excellence features and amenities offer guests more luxurious accommodations, enhanced dining experiences, more enriching activities and exceptional levels of service.</span></p>