<p>Seattle, WA, August 26, 2009 &ndash; Holland America Line guests who purchase the line&rsquo;s Cancellation Protection Plan (CPP) can cancel their cruise for any reason whatsoever to receive a refund of up to 90 percent of the cruise fare paid. Two variations of the plan allow cancellation of a cruise up to 24 hours prior to the cruise or cruisetour departure for Standard CPP and right up to departure for CPP Platinum.</p>
<p>&ldquo;With Holland America Line&rsquo;s Cancellation Protection Plans, guests can rest assured they don&rsquo;t have to have specific reasons to be protected,&rdquo; said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. &ldquo;It provides added peace of mind in today&rsquo;s environment to know that whatever might be affecting a guest&rsquo;s travel plans, they can receive a refund if needed.&rdquo;</p>
<p>For most sailings, Holland America Line&rsquo;s standard cancellation policy allows guests to cancel in writing without penalty up to 76 days prior to the departure date.</p>
<p>Two Levels of CPP<br />Standard CPP reimburses 80% of eligible amounts paid for cancellations for any reason up to 24 hours prior to the cruise or cruisetour departure. Plus, the plan provides an additional $500 liability (for a total of $600) for lost, damaged or delayed baggage.</p>
<p>CPP Platinum features a 90% refund upon cancellation for any reason prior to departure. Other benefits for the expanded plan are increased baggage protection for lost or damaged luggage up to $1,600 total, delayed baggage coverage up to $1,100, trip interruption protection if a guest must return home unexpectedly and trip delay coverage.</p>
<p>Medical coverage under the plan provides for emergency medical expenses for illness or injury first occurring during the voyage, emergency medical evacuation and 24-hour emergency hotline assistance for legal, passport, cash transfer, medical and documentation assistance.</p>
<p>Standard CPP and CPP Platinum are available to U.S. and Canadian residents and must be purchased at the time of deposit. The cost varies by cruise fare and is non-refundable. For example, CPP pricing for a guest paying up to $1,000 per person for a seven-day Caribbean cruise would be $79 for Standard CPP and $99 for CPP Platinum. For more information and specific plan details, consult a travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit <a href="http://www.hollandamerica.com">www.hollandamerica.com</a>.</p>