WHAT: The 55,451-gross-ton, 720-foot-long ms Statendam, first

of Holland America Line's new generation of cruise ships,

will make its first port call at Seattle on Monday,

May 15, 1995, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the company announced.

WHERE: Port of Seattle, Pier 90

WHEN: The ship will be available for media tours and live

broadcasts from about 10:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. To make prior

arrangements for interviews, a tour or broadcast, call Juli

Chase at 206-281-0538 or Sydney Blank at 206-281-0647.

The Statendam, which entered service in January 1993, is just completing a
trans-Panama Canal cruise as it repositions from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., to
Vancouver, B.C., for its first Alaska cruise season. The ship will be
deployed on Holland America Line's seven-day round-trip Inside Passage cruise
itinerary from May 16-Sept. 19 -- for a total of 19 cruises.

A floating masterpiece of the shipbuilder's art, the Statendam combines the
best of Holland America Line tradition with state-of-the-art modern
technology. The ship features include:

* 1,266 passenger capacity

* 10 passenger decks

* A three-deck atrium highlighted by the ornate 26-foot-high

"Fountain of the Sirens"

* A $2 million collection of art and antiques, including original

works created especially for the Statendam

* The Rotterdam Dining Room, which seats 700 on two levels connected by a
pair of grand, curved staircases

* The two-deck, 600-seat Van Gogh Show Lounge, which features

elaborate revue entertainment

* An elegant, 1,100-square-foot penthouse suite and 28 suites, each with a
private verandah, VCR whirlpool bath and minibar

* A combined spa/fitness center, featuring a juice bar with a view

over the bow