SEATTLE, Jan. 30, 2002 -- With more than four decades of experience delivering luxury world cruises, Holland America Line has created the ms Amsterdam's 2003 Grand World Voyage to represent the ultimate in global travel: a 108-day odyssey to five continents, capturing the mythical wonders of South America and the majesty of Antarctica, the mystery of isolated islands and the idyllic romance of the South Seas, the wonders of the "Land Down Under," the exotic delights of the Far East and the sunny charms of the Hawaiian Islands.

"The 2003 Grand World Voyage features many highlights requested by our Mariner Society -- our loyal alumni," said David A. Giersdorf, senior vice president, marketing and sales. "We carefully crafted the 2003 Grand World Voyage to feature the most attractive destinations, such as Antarctica, which was a huge hit on our maiden visit during the 2000 world cruise, plus extended stays of up to 2 1/2 days in 19 ports. This itinerary, combined with a broad range of stateroom categories and on-board features, makes for an unbeatable travel experience.

"We expect high demand for this exceptional Grand World Voyage and that bookings will proceed rapidly," Giersdorf said.

The 1,380-passenger Amsterdam, the World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society's "Ship of the Year for 2002" and the largest and most spacious ship in the world cruise market, departs on the company's 38th grand world cruise from Ft. Lauderdale on Jan. 4, 2003. The cruise will visit 38 ports -- repeating just eight ports from the 2002 world cruise -- including "collector" ports like Guam and Saipan (both maiden calls for HAL), plus many "marquis" ports such as Sydney, Australia, and Osaka, Japan.

Sailing southward, the Amsterdam first visits the Southern Caribbean, conducts a daylight cruise on the fabled Orinoco River, and then traces the coastline of South America, with a visit to Antarctica at the height of its summer. Next, the ship sets its course westward to some of the most remote regions of the world -- fascinating Easter and Pitcairn islands -- before exploring French Polynesia, New Zealand and Australia. Turning north, the odyssey takes the Amsterdam to sample the Far Eastern delights of China, South Korea and Japan. A leisurely voyage back across the Pacific features idyllic visits to the Hawaiian Islands before the adventure ends in Los Angeles on April 22.

Since its first world cruise in 1958, Holland America has earned a stellar reputation for providing the utmost in personal service and amenities to its discriminating world cruise guests. Crews for these very special voyages are individually selected from the entire fleet to create a staff of unmatched excellence and experience. An array of special world cruise events, services, surprise gifts, culinary delights and entertainment add extra luster to Holland America's premium cruise experience.

Grand Voyage Service Makes the World Cruise the Trip of a Lifetime

In addition to the line's exemplary service and traditional elegant touches, such as fresh flower arrangements throughout the public rooms, fine Rosenthal china and silver dining service, Holland America Line's Grand Voyage Service takes the cruise experience to the highest levels of luxury. Holland America's attention to detail creates the trip of a lifetime, with culinary and entertainment enhancements to tempt the tastes of every traveler, including the following:

Holland America does not repeat any meal during the entire world voyage. In addition to featuring favorite treats like fresh berries and fois gras, the expanded menu allows the introduction of cuisines and specialties from the regions visited, such as pia fish from Tahiti or rock lobsters in Australia. All full-cruise guests have the opportunity to have dinner with the captain during the voyage. In addition to the grand La Fontaine Dining Room, the Amsterdam's other dining venues include the alternative Odyssey Restaurant, featuring fine international cuisine; the casual Lido Restaurant; and 24-hour complimentary stateroom service.

Grand World Voyage entertainment is a cut above. A new Broadway-style revue debuts aboard each world cruise, and the best shows from across the fleet, including "Barry Manilow's Copacabana," are featured. Each segment of the cruise offers different celebrity entertainers, who may include stars such as pianist/songwriter Marvin Hamlisch, and luminaries Jim Nabors, John Davidson and Debbie Reynolds. Local folkloric shows in various ports of call, add a touch of the exotic to the playbill.

Holland America also offers guests opportunities to broaden their knowledge with a series of on-board cultural and lifestyle lectures. World- renowned experts lecture on a variety of topics including art, history, literature, politics and wildlife of the various countries visited on the cruise. Lifestyle topics may include health, fitness and personal finance. Additional Grand Voyage embellishments include: -- deluxe gifts like high-quality bathrobes embroidered with the Grand World Voyage logo, a commemorative blue Delft plate, tiles, handicrafts and travel bag; -- additional special amenities, such as a portfolio of personalized stationery and travel guides for each port of call; -- a slate of theme parties and formal balls; -- clerical staff on board throughout the cruise to minister to the spiritual needs of Catholic, Protestant and Jewish guests; -- and a complement of eight social hosts for conversational fun and dancing.

All of these extra services and amenities, coupled with the Amsterdam's upscale decor and luxurious accommodations, create the perfect milieu in which to experience the world in the grand Holland America Line style. Extended Port Stays, Overland Tours Add Extra Cultural Depth

With its advanced technology and a cruising speed of 25 knots -- among the fastest ships in the world -- the Amsterdam can offer more ports of call and more time in the ports for shopping, tours, deck parties, folkloric shows, and simply enjoying favorite places. The 2003 Grand World Voyage features extended stays of a day or longer at 19 ports, including 2 1/2 days in Hong Kong -- time enough to purchase custom tailored clothing.

In addition to a multitude of optional shore excursions in the ports of call, the world cruise features many additional opportunities for in-depth multi-day overland tours that add an extra dimension of interest, such as a tour from Arica, Chile, to Macchu Picchu, fabled city of the Incas, or a tour to Beijing to view cultural treasures such as the Great Wall of China, the Ming Tombs and the Temple of Heaven.

Cruise fares for the full Grand World Voyage start at US$34,539 per person, double occupancy, including first class air and limousine transfers between airport and ship and port charges. Governmental taxes are additional at US$491.27 per person. Segments, which offer the opportunity for extended pre- or post-cruise tours in the ports of embarkation/disembarkation, start at US$6,289 per person, double occupancy, including port charges. Taxes start at $68.32 per person.

All guests who book the full cruise or a segment by April 30, 2002, will receive 20 percent early savings; Mariner's Society members receive 24 percent early savings. In addition, Holland America is offering "Pay in Full" discounts: Guests who pay in full by March 31, 2002, save an additional 6% on stateroom categories PS-E; 4% on categories F-M.

Guests booking suites receive priority disembarkation, exclusive receptions and luncheons, and complimentary laundry and dry-cleaning.

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, complete fitness center 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. 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 offers 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 word'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).