SEATTLE, Feb. 6, 2002 -- Holland America Line has expanded its "shipboard romance" opportunities beyond the U.S. and Caribbean to include several European ports where couples may arrange a wedding on board an elegant Holland America cruise ship or in a romantic location ashore, including such famous ports as Santorini, Greece; Florence, Rome and Naples, Italy; and Stockholm, Sweden.

"The new European options are the latest addition to an array of wedding, honeymoon, anniversary and renewal-of-vows packages that fulfill the wishes of couples who want to celebrate special romantic moments on board one of Holland America's 11 premium cruise ships," said David A. Giersdorf, senior vice president, marketing and sales. "For our Europe cruise guests, this new wedding program opens up a whole new array of choices that will add an extra touch of magic to one of the most important occasions in a couple's life together."

Whether couples choose to tie the knot aboard ship, on an exotic Caribbean island, or in an exciting European city, Holland America can help launch a lifetime of memories with wedding packages tailored to individual needs. Couples may opt for a small ceremony and mini-reception or cruise along with family and friends for a larger celebration.

European wedding packages start at $1,900, which includes wedding planning, officiant, romantic recorded music, custom wedding ceremony, wedding site, bride's bouquet and groom's boutonniere, bottle of champagne, 10-inch wedding cake, photography service, wedding photo album, keepsake certificate and 10 announcements. Additional services, such as live music, are available to customize each wedding. European weddings may be arranged through The Wedding Experience, 1177 South America Way, Suite 200, Port of Miami, Miami Florida 33132-2017. Ph: 1-305-577-3358. Toll Free from the U.S. 1-877-580-3556; Toll Free from France, Spain, Netherlands and the United Kingdom; 800-558-03556; Toll Free from Italy 800-787-556.

On-board wedding packages are available in Ft. Lauderdale, Acapulco, Barbados, San Juan, St. Thomas, Costa Rica, Halifax, Juneau, Kona, Los Angeles, New York, San Diego and Vancouver. Other packages, including beach, garden or glacier weddings, also are available.

On-board packages start at $945, which includes wedding coordinator, on-board wedding location, wedding ceremony, officiant, romantic recorded music, bridal bouquet/groom's boutonniere, wedding cake for four on elegant table with flowers, bottle of champagne, photographer, 8x10 wedding photograph, commemorative wedding album, keepsake wedding certificate. Packages may be arranged through Royal Ocean Events Inc., Suite 205, 5000 Bridge Street, Delta, BC, V4K 2K4. Phone: (604) 940-1181 or 1-888-475-5511; fax: (604) 940-8561

Honeymooners -- All honeymooners who are noted as such on their Holland America Line booking are invited to a Honeymooners Party at sea, and receive a honeymoon certificate. In addition, honeymoon packages may be purchased, often as a gift for the newlyweds, and include a bouquet of fresh flowers, and a commemorative silver picture frame. The price of the package is $32 per couple.

Anniversaries -- Anniversary packages include flowers in the stateroom and balloons on the door the day of embarkation. A photography credit will be applied to the couple's on-board account, and the chef will accommodate a special dessert or cake request. The package is $32 per couple.

Renewal of Vows -- For couples who would like to say their wedding vows while at sea, Holland America offers an on-board renewal-of-vows package. The bride receives a corsage, and invitations are made available to invite guests to the ceremony and celebration. The couple also receives a photo and photo album, plus a celebration featuring live music. Champagne, wine and hors d'oeuvres are served by Holland America's five-star staff to ensure a romantic and memorable occasion. The price is $99 per couple and $12.50 per guest.

The on-board honeymoon, anniversary and renewal-of-vows packages may be booked through Holland America Line's Ship Services Department, (800) 541-1576.

Guests on Holland America Line Caribbean and Panama Canal cruises that visit Half Moon Cay, the company's own island paradise, may renew their wedding vows on the island in a private, traditional Bahamian chapel nestled in a garden overlooking the sea. This is a more casual ceremony than on board and participants are encouraged to wear their favorite tropical attire. Champagne and cake are served after the ceremony. Each couple is photographed on the island and the photo is delivered to their stateroom in a souvenir frame. Arrangements for renewal of vows at the chapel may be made through the Guest Relations Manager at the Front Office on board ship. Packages are $49 per couple and $6.50 per guest.

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, 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 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).