SEATTLE, April 9, 2007 -- Holland America Line is expanding its Australia and New Zealand itineraries with sailings that include more time in New Zealand, Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, Mercury Islands and Queen Charlotte Sound. The line's ships Zaandam and Statendam will also call at less- visited ports such as Burnie, Australia.

Holland America Lines' Australia and New Zealand itineraries also offer more time spent in New Zealand than other cruise lines. "With more time spent in New Zealand, including calls at Napier and Picton, we offer one of the best itineraries in the industry," said Richard D Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "In addition to the classic ports of Auckland and Sydney, we offer guests a chance to see more of the Australian continent with pre- or post-cruise options that can take guests to the Great Barrier Reef, Alice Springs and Ayers Rock, or both. With visits to marquee cities and unique ports, Holland America provides a more comprehensive cruise experience."

Cruise highlights include convenient 14-day sailings from Auckland to Sydney or vice versa, extensive explorations of both the northern and southern islands of New Zealand with six ports of call including Christchurch, Tauranga, Dunedin, Wellington, Picton and Napier. Extensive Australian explorations include Brisbane, Whitsunday Island, Cairns and Darwin.

Holland America's optional shore excursions spotlight distinctive activities to satisfy every sense of adventure. Guests can delve deeper into the countryside of New Zealand by swimming with dolphins in the Bay of Islands, kayaking in Queen Charlotte Sound, or taking a guided tour through the wine country in Auckland or visit Mount Cook National Park in the heart of New Zealand's Southern Alps. Guest can also spend more time in Sydney and Brisbane on shopping excursions, walking tours, a cruise along the Sydney Harbor or perhaps a visit to Bondi, the world famous surfing beach. Explorations of historic sites and botanical gardens, food and wine tours and beach excursions are just a few of the activities that allow guests to experience a tailor-made Australia and New Zealand vacation.

The itineraries also offer three relaxing days at sea, larger staterooms and verandahs, and more overall space than other premium cruise lines sailing to Australia and New Zealand. With more than $2 million worth of art and artifacts, the Statendam features a theme of Dutch life and exploration. The Van Gogh Theater is a work of art in itself. Themed to Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh's paintings "The Starry Night" and "Irises," the room features computerized fiber optic lighting as well as a state-of-the-art sound system. The Volendam has a beautiful garden theme including an artful floral motif throughout the ship's spacious public rooms and elegant staterooms (149 which have private verandahs). This beautiful ship accommodates 1,440 guests.

Both ships showcase the Culinary Arts Center, the Explorations Cafe, powered by The New York Times featuring the largest library at sea as well as comfortable music listening stations and Internet access, The Crows Nest where sweeping views make this observation lounge a top choice for relaxation. The Greenhouse Spa features thermal suites, a hydrotherapy and thalassotherapy pool, and the show lounges -- Statendam's Van Gogh and Volendam's Frans Hals -- feature Las Vegas style productions, talented vocalists, illusionists, comedians and variety acts.

Australia/New Zealand 2007-2008 fares start at $1,849 per person, double occupancy for a 14-day cruise.

Holland America Line describes itself as follows:

In 2005 [sic], Holland America Line's fleet of 12, five-star, premium ships are offering nearly 500 cruises from 27 home ports -- 17 in North America. Itineraries range in length from two to 116 days, visit all seven continents and offer the most extensive selection of ports the line has ever visited on cruises to the Caribbean and Panama Canal (175), Alaska (134), Canada/New England (18), and longer, exotic voyages to Europe (45), Mexico (43), Hawaii/Asia/Pacific (20), South America (17), and Transatlantic (8), as well as one Grand World Voyage. Recipient of the prestigious International Five Star Diamond Award from The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences and the Best Cruise Value Award from the World Ocean and Cruise Liner Society, Holland America Line excels at providing consistent [sic] gracious and attentive service.