MIAMI, Jan. 9, 1989 -- Carnival Cruise Lines, Inc. (AMEX: CCL) announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement for the previously announced purchase of Holland America Line's travel and tourism activities, consisting of its cruise operations, Westours, Westmark Hotels and Windstar Sail Cruises for approximately $625 million. The closing of the transaction is scheduled to occur during the week of January 16, 1989.

The transaction is subject to the approval of the shareholders of Holland America Line's parent and other customary closing conditions.

Holland America Line operates four ships in the Caribbean and Alaska, representing approximately 4,500 berths. Westmark Hotels owns a chain of 18 properties in Alaska and Western Canada while Westours is the largest wholesale tour operator in those areas. Windstar Sail Cruises operates the largest passenger sailing ships in the world. Its three vessels, carrying 150 passengers each, sail in the South Pacific, Mediterranean and Caribbean.

Carnival operates seven ships sailing on three-, four- and seven-day cruises to the Bahamas, Caribbean and Mexican Riviera. The company operates Carnival's Crystal Palace Resort & Casino, a 950-room property in the Bahamas with an additional 617 rooms scheduled to open in the fall.