SEATTLE, Jan. 16, 2002 -- Holland America Line-Westours will begin implementing a new onboard smoking policy on February 1, 2002. Smoking no longer will be permitted in any of the dining areas, including main dining rooms and the enclosed portion of Lido restaurants.

The new policy will be phased in as each ship embarks on a new cruise on or after February 1. Nearly all ships will have smoke-free dining areas by the middle of February with the ms Amsterdam implementing the new policy following its 100-day Grand World Voayge on April 30, 2002.

Alternative restaurants have been non-smoking since their introduction and continue to be non-smoking under the new policy. All ships will continue to have designated smoking areas.

About Holland America Line

Holland America's premium cruises feature spacious staterooms, superb dining, renowned service, casino, first-rate entertainment, duty-free on-board shops, internet centers, the Club HAL children's program, the "Passport to Fitness" activity program and complete fitness center, coupled with popular "tipping not required" and "cashless" ship policies.

Holland America Line has 11 luxury ships sailing to more than 280 ports of call and scenic cruising destinations on all seven continents, including Antarctica. The company is a member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruise Line, Costa Cruises and Windstar Cruises. Together, these member lines share a commitment to quality and value, offering cruise vacations that appeal to the widest range of lifestyles and budgets and sail to some of the world's most exciting destinations.

In 2002, Holland America Line will offer 360 sailings within a half-day's drive of 40 percent of North American households and departing from 15 North American home ports.

Affordable air arrangements are available through the Home City Air program and Holland America offers the only trip cancellation program in the industry that offers cash back for canceling for any reason prior to 24 hours before departure.

Holland America Line is the highest-rated premium cruise line in the world in the 2001 "Travel & Leisure" magazine "World's Best" Awards and one of the world's three highest rated large-ship cruise lines in the 2001 "Conde Nast Traveler" Readers' Choice Awards. The company also has won its 10th consecutive "Best Overall Cruise Value" award from the World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society (WOCLS).