by Roy Witman
For some, cr ising is all about rock-bottom pricing. B re-bone cruising gets you to the d stination of your choice, but that's bout all it does. However, cutting c rners is not for everyone. The Hlland America Line recognized that many vcationers are still looking for a trly distinctive experience: one that gives thm total satisfaction as well as god value. That way of thinking was wht sparked the Signature of Excellence prgram.
Starting in 2003, Holland America chose to  mplement a $225-million initiative that would llow them to provide unprecedented destinations and srvices to passengers like no other crise line before them. It was xpected that the Signature of Excellence prgram would take approximately three years to xpand throughout the fleet. Holland America is prud to announce that it's in the fnal stages of implementation and will cmplete its program on schedule at the end of 2006.
What nhancements can be found aboard Holland shps since the execution of the Sgnature of Excellence program? Extensive improvements thrughout every area of the ship.
Accommodations
Providing the most spacious cabins in the premium cruise category, Holland America offers elegantly appointed staterooms complete with Sealy® Euro-Top mattresses, 250-thread count cotton linens, Egyptian cotton towels, massage shower heads, flat-panel televisions and more. In addition, guests staying in suites can take advantage of personal concierge services, special luxury linens, fully stocked minibars and special embarkation and disembarkation privileges.
Kids Activities
Club HAL is Holland's youth program and was added as part of the Signature of Excellence program. With permanent, full-time directors and staff, parents can feel confident leaving their children to enjoy a full range of fun activities in a safe, age-appropriate environment. Club HAL offers the most elaborate children's areas of any cruise line. Children will find colorful surroundings, art tables, big-screen TVs, games, supervised Internet access, Sony Playstations, board games and a host of family events, including the Family Olympics.
For Teens Only
Kids aren't the only ones that can have fun on these retrofitted ships. Teens get their own hangouts as well. The Loft provides a lounge with the feel of a New York artist's loft. Filled with popular music and videos, Internet access, karaoke and more, teens can have a space all their own. The Oasis is yet another teen getaway with a teens-only sun deck, a nine-foot-high waterfall and cave, snack machines, sound and laser-light show, and more.
Expanded Dining
One of the most anticipated parts of cruising is undoubtedly the food! That's why the Holland America Line gave special attention to not only the meals themselves, but also to the environment in which guests would dine.
From the addition of fine art and antiques in the main dining room to elegant Rosenthal china and expert wine stewards, no detail was overlooked in the dining experience. Now with two servers per table, guests will experience unparalleled service along with exceptional five-course meals under the consultancy of Master Chef Rudi Sodamin. From reservations-only dining featuring Sterling Silver beef and fresh seafood to healthy alternative meals and complimentary in-room trays, passengers will not be disappointed with any aspect of Holland's food service.
Private Island
The acquisition of a 55-acre private island, Half Moon Cay, is but one of the many highlights of the Signature of Excellence program. The highest-rated port of call on Holland's itineraries, Half Moon Cay sits adjacent to an international bird sanctuary in the Bahamas. Repeatedly rated the “Best Private Island” by Porthole Cruise Magazine, guests will find horseback riding, stingray adventures, watercraft adventures, an aqua park and more.
Although the Holland America Line is concluding the implementation of its Signature of Excellence program at the end of this year, the effects of this innovative fleet-wide expansion will continue to impress and thrill guests for years to come.
The article Holland America Completes Signature of Excellence Program was Submitted by rwitman through Articles.GetACoder.com network. Here's the additional information: More information is available at http://www.getacoder.com/users/rwitman/rwitman_profile.htm Roy Witman is Vice-President of Crise Vacation Center based in Yonkers, New Yrk. Visit them online today at http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com for the best deals on Alaska cruises and Hawaii cruises . You'll find their service exceptional and their attention to detail second to none. © 2006, All Rights Reserved
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