Holland America Line's 2011 Canada/New England Cruises Feature Historic Seaports, Fall Foliage

SEATTLE, June 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Next year two Holland America Line ships –– ms Maasdam and ms Eurodam –– will explore the historic seaports and scenic beauty of Canada and New England, offering guests the opportunity to sample some famous Maine lobster, walk Boston's Freedom Trail and sail along the St. Lawrence River.

The 2011 itineraries range from seven to 13 days and will feature 24 sailings between May and October. The region's beautiful jewel-toned foliage will be on display as summer turns to autumn, a favorite time of year to cruise Canada and New England.

"Holland America Line's extensive sailings in Canada and New England are perfect for families, nature lovers and history buffs," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "Whether enjoying a summer vacation or one of several special fall foliage cruises, our in-depth itineraries highlight the unique history, stunning beauty and diverse cultures of this exceptionally interesting and diverse part of the world."

Maasdam kicks off the 2011 season on April 24 with a special 13-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to Montreal, Quebec, Canada. During this longer voyage, guests will visit Newport, R.I.; Gloucester (Boston), Mass.; Bar Harbor, Maine; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; and Gaspe and Baie-Comeau, Quebec, before arriving at Montreal.

From May 7 to Oct. 8, Maasdam offers 18 seven-day sailings between Boston and Montreal, with calls at Bar Harbor; Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown; Quebec City, Quebec; and scenic cruising along the St. Lawrence River. Guests can combine two sailings for an extended 14-day roundtrip journey, allowing extra time ashore to hunt for antiques, explore the charming fishing towns, learn about the history and sample the region's fresh seafood.

Maasdam concludes the season with a 13-day sailing Oct. 15 from Montreal to Fort Lauderdale. Ports of call include Quebec City, Saguenay, Baie-Comeau and Gaspe, Quebec; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Sydney and Halifax, Nova Scotia; Bar Harbor, Maine; and Saint John, New Brunswick.

During the height of the fall foliage season, Eurodam will sail three 10-day cruises in September 2011 between New York and Quebec City, with calls at Newport, Boston, Bar Harbor, Halifax, Sydney and Charlottetown. That itinerary also features an overnight stay at Quebec City and scenic cruising along Saguenay Fjord.

On Oct. 10 Eurodam will depart on a 12-day itinerary from Quebec City to Fort Lauderdale.  Ports of call include Saguenay, Gaspe, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax, Bar Harbor, Gloucester (Boston) and Newport.

Canada/New England cruise fares start at $799 per person, double occupancy, plus taxes.  For more information, consult a travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

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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

Holland America Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World's Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.  Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com

SOURCE Holland America Line