SEATTLE, Jan. 31, 2002 -- Holland America Line's 1,316-passenger newest flagship, the ms Amsterdam was voted "Ship of the Year" for 2002 by the members of the World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society. This is the eighth year that a Holland America Line ship has taken top honors in this annual survey.

The World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society is a 21-year-old organization with more than 8,000 members, most of whom are very experienced cruisers who typically have taken 14 or more cruises.

The award was announced in the February issue of Ocean & Cruise News, the monthly publication of the society. All major cruise lines were rated in the survey, which is based on passenger satisfaction in the 14 categories: itinerary, food, alternative dining (breakfast and lunch), alternative dining (dinner), entertainment, stateroom comfort, appearance, housekeeping service, dining room service, bar, ship activities, spa/gym facilities, shore excursions and overall categories.

"We are delighted to have the Amsterdam named 'Ship of the Year.' It is an exceptional honor to be recognized by so many experienced and discerning cruisers with this award," said David A. Giersdorf, Holland America's senior vice president, marketing and sales. "Holland America Line continually strives to provide outstanding service and added value to our guests and to maintain our position and reputation as the world's highest rated premium cruise line."

The society requires that members actually have experienced the ships on which they are voting.

"For a ship to become our 'Ship of the Year,'" said George Devol, publisher of Ocean & Cruise News, "it takes an exceptional consistency of high marks in each of the categories. The award is based on passenger satisfaction and the Amsterdam certainly lived up the high expectations of Holland America guests."

The scores on the ballots are tabulated and the "Ship of the Year" is recognized as the ship having the highest combined score. The Amsterdam was rated first in six categories: food, alternative dining (breakfast and lunch), appearance, shore excursions, housekeeping and overall.

Seven other Holland America Line ships also were rated among the top 12 ships in the world: the ms Rotterdam (1999 and 2000 Ship of the Year) was third; the ms Volendam was sixth; the ms Maasdam was seventh; the ms Zaandam was eight; the ms Veendam (1998 Ship of the Year) was ninth; the ms Ryndam (1996 Ship of the Year) was tenth; and the ms Statendam (1995 Ship of the Year) was 12th.

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, complete fitness centers and 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 describes itself as follows:

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).