Holland America Opens Center in Williston

HOLLAND AMERICA OPENS CENTER IN WILLISTON 12/3/2004 � Holland America Line today announced that it has entered into an agreement to purchase a reservations center in Williston, North Dakota. When the transaction is completed, Holland America Line will take over the facility, currently operated by American Express Travel Related Services Company, and it will become a satellite reservations office for the premium cruise leader. �For several years, we have been looking to create a satellite reservations center for redundant capabilities,� said A. Kirk Lanterman, Chairman, Holland America Line. �The ability to take over an existing center, along with a stable, trained workforce, made this opportunity very attractive.� Holland America Line will offer all current Williston-based American Express Business Travel Office employees the opportunity to participate in Holland America Line�s month-long reservations training program commencing December 1, 2004. All completing the program in good standing will be offered positions at their current salary levels. The Williston office will begin taking reservations for Holland America Line on January 3, 2005. In the coming months, Holland America Line will recruit additional personnel and expand operations. "Holland America Line's expansion to Williston is a success story for our state and our ambassador program," said Gov. John Hoeven. "Our Department of Commerce connected with Kirk Lanterman and he agreed to be an ambassador for North Dakota. He has a solid commitment to his North Dakota roots and is now investing in our state through his business. We welcome Kirk Lanterman and Holland America Line to Williston." Holland America Line will begin operating from the facility on December 1, 2004. On December 3, 2004 Holland America Line Chairman, A. Kirk Lanterman, will officially open the facility in Williston. Holland America Line currently employs 14,000 employees globally. �This should be a win-win for employees in Williston and for Holland America Line. We are excited for this opportunity for local employees to find good reliable employment with an industry leader such as Holland America Line,� said Williston Mayor Ward Koeser. �While the travel agency business has changed dramatically over recent years, the cruise line reservation segment of the industry seems to be a stable area for employment, where most of their business is dealing directly with other travel agents.� �Holland America Line is an exceptional employer and is providing exciting opportunities for our current Williston employees,� said Steve Power, Senior Vice President of Service Delivery, North America, American Express. �American Express is committed to North Dakota and looks forward to ongoing operations in the state.� Partners on this project include Holland America Line, American Express, Williston Area Development Foundation, City of Williston Star Fund, Job Service North Dakota and the North Dakota Department of Commerce Economic Development and Finance Division. About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corp. & plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)] In 2005, Holland America Line, 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, Holland America Line excels at providing consistent gracious and attentive service. As a part of its renowned Tradition of Excellence, Holland America Line is investing $225 million in the Signature of Excellence initiative providing unparalleled product and service enhancements to its fleet. The comprehensive enhancements focus on five areas vital to Holland America�s guest experience: spacious, elegant ships and accommodations; sophisticated five-star dining; gracious, unobtrusive service; extensive enrichment programs and activities; and compelling worldwide itineraries. Enhancements have been started on all ships and will be completed by the end of 2006. For more information, consult a travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com. World�s Leading Cruise Lines The highest-rated premium cruise line in the world, Holland America Line is a member of the exclusive World�s Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruise Line, Costa Cruises and Windstar Cruises. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, these lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. The World�s Leading Cruise Lines offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world�s most desirable destinations. BACK TO HOME PAGE