Holland America Line launches 'Flight Ease' program offering more choices for air travel

Guests can choose flexible or restricted fares for cruise bookings

SEATTLE -- Holland America Line has launched the "Flight Ease" air program that allows cruise guests to easily and affordably select from two competitive airfare pricing options depending on their travel needs: Flexible Fares to fit any schedule or Restricted Fares that are generally more cost-effective for those sure of their travel plans.

Guests who book air with the new Flight Ease program enjoy more options, more flexibility and competitive fares along with Holland America Line's assurances on air travel versus booking through another travel website.

Flight Ease is available for departures from fall 2013 and beyond.

"With one-stop shopping, Flight Ease provides convenience, competitive pricing and peace of mind to our guests," said Richard Meadows, Holland America Line's executive vice president of sales, marketing and guest relations. "Our goal is to make reserving all aspects of a cruise vacation an easy experience for guests, and Flight Ease makes booking the air travel component a simple process."

Flight Ease features up-to-the-minute fight schedules that only include those flights that arrive and depart in time for the specific cruise booked; competitive pricing and availability from multiple carriers is presented.

All flights booked through Flight Ease feature 24-hour assistance for questions and "Next Port Protection," which means that in case of an airline delay or cancellation en route to a cruise, Holland America Line will take care of any flight changes necessary to join the ship at the next available port of call.

Flexible Fares provide the greatest leeway for changes with no fees to adjust a flight schedule and airfare payment is due with the final cruise payment. Similar to other low-fare tickets, Restricted Fares are generally a lower price, have cancellation fees and require full payment for the air reservation at the time of booking.

For more information on Holland America Line's cruises and CruiseTours, consult a professional travel seller, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America Blog.  Access all social media outlets via the Online Communities quick link on the home page at www.hollandamerica.com.

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc. (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line's fleet of 15 ships offers more than 500 cruises to 415 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies. One- to 110-day itineraries visit all seven continents and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal. The line currently has a new ship on order from Fincantieri shipyard for delivery in February 2016.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $500 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine — a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes — Explorations Cafe powered by The New York Times, Digital Workshop powered by Windows, teens-only activity areas and stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds.

World's Leading Cruise Lines
Holland America Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World's Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com