Holland America Line Selects Trans-Atlantic Essay Contest Winner
Story of determination and fate takes top prize
SEATTLE, April 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland America Line announced today that it has selected Maria Henderson's essay as winner of the contest held to commemorate the line's 40th anniversary of its transition from offering scheduled trans-Atlantic crossings to becoming entirely dedicated to pleasure cruising. A panel of judges chose the winning essay from more than 400 entries.
For her literary winning story, Henderson will receive a cruise for two on ms Rotterdam's July 12, 2011, celebratory trans-Atlantic voyage from New York to Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
"We were touched by how many wonderful and moving essays we received from people who were so greatly affected by Holland America Line and our historic crossings," said Richard Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. "Maria's story was especially emotional with the many twists of fate she encountered."
The "Your Trans-Atlantic Story" contest focused on classic Holland America Line crossing experiences during the line's nearly 140-year history, whether told firsthand or through a family member or friend.
Henderson's essay told the story of her family's crossing from Rotterdam to New York City in 1956 aboard ss Groote Beer, a Holland America Line ship at the time. She, her four sisters and her parents made the journey to America to fulfill her father's desire to become a U.S. citizen after being liberated from Buchenwald concentration camp in 1945. Throughout the years Henderson and her family continued to take Holland America Line cruises, including one in December 2010 where she met two American men who served in Gen. George S. Patton's army that liberated her father in 1945. Making the tale even more incredible was that she also met a fellow guest who, she discovered after a chance encounter in the dining room, was on the same trans-Atlantic crossing aboard ss Groote Beer in 1956.
Upon hearing that her essay had won, Henderson said the news was yet another emotional twist of fate in her relationship with Holland America Line.
"It was on April 13, exactly 55 years ago, that my family and I sailed past the Statue of Liberty and into our American life," she recalled. "I am excited to cruise back, hopefully with my siblings, to greet our cousins in Holland that as children waved good-bye to us from the banks of Rotterdam's River Maas those many years ago. I feel I have come full circle, this is a dream come true!" added Henderson.
A winner from the Netherlands, Hendrik Verbree, also was selected and won passage on the July 3, 2011, Rotterdam to New York crossing.
Honorable mentions went to Johanna VanGeloof and Yvonne Garcia. Holland America Line received so many interesting and compelling stories that the top 30 entries will be published in a book that will be available for purchase on the two July crossings.
The trans-Atlantic sailings on ms Rotterdam will feature enriching activities, guest lecturers and chefs, giveaway items and plenty of opportunities to celebrate the line's heritage. Special entertainers and events will ensure that both crossings create memories to last a lifetime. A commemorative keepsake poster — harkening back to classic Holland America Line posters — will be given to guests as a memento of the crossing. Guests seeking to learn more about the company's history can visit the Crow's Nest, which will be set up as a temporary "Museum at Sea" during both crossings, or attend a lecture by a renowned maritime historian.
For more information and cruise fares, contact a professional travel seller, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.
Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America Blog. Access all social media outlets via the Online Communities quick link 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 15 ships offers more than 500 cruises to 354 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to 110-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, Bermuda, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal.
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, Digital Workshop powered by Windows, 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 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.
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SOURCE Holland America Line
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