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Holland America Line’s 2017-18 Mexico Cruise Season to Feature a Second Vista-Class Ship Visiting Three Iconic Ports

ms Oosterdam andms Westerdam tooffer seven-day cruises from San Diego

Seattle, Wash., May 18, 2017 —For the 2017-18 Mexico cruise season, Holland America Line's ms Oosterdam isjoining ms Westerdam onroundtrip itineraries from San Diego, California. From September 2017 throughFebruary 2018, the 1,964-guest ships will sail 11 seven-day cruises calling atMazatlán, Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Boasting sun-kissed skies, golden beaches and azure seas, the Mexican Rivierais an ideal getaway for travelers looking to visit a vibrant destination that'srich in culture, color and cuisine. On board, Explorations Central programmingbrings the country to life through local entertainment, regional dishes,destination presentations and more.

"Holland America Line's last season in Mexico was very popular so we are addingcapacity for the next season so that more of our guests can enjoy theseitineraries that truly showcase the allure of the destination," said OrlandoAshford, president of Holland America Line. "Our Mexico cruises offerconvenience and ease, especially for a multigenerational family looking for aunique vacation. By calling at three ports, we're able to fully immerse ourguests in the culture, history, entertainment, recreation and cuisine of thecountry."

Seven-Day MexicanRiviera Sailings Roundtrip from San Diego
During the Mexican Riviera cruises both ships will call at Cabo San Lucas,Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta, giving guests a great feel for the country andall it has to offer. Three days at sea provide plenty of time to relax andexplore the abundance of amenities offered on board.

To kick off the season, Oosterdamdeparts on Sept. 30 with two back-to-back seven-day sailings. Westerdam departs Nov.24, 2017, on the first of two seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises. The ship'sother cruise departs Dec. 1. Oosterdamfollows up with two similar Holiday sailings Dec. 20 and 27 andthen departs on the same Mexican Riviera itinerary Jan. 3 and 10 and Feb. 4, 11and 25.

Popular PortsHighlight the Itinerary
During the sail into San Diego, guests are treated to scenic cruising pastCoronado Island, Cabrillo National Monument and Point Loma. The shipsconveniently dock near downtown, so guests can walk on Coronado Island's sandybeach, take in the Old Town or have a wild time at the famous San Diego Zoo,time permitting.

At the tip of the Baja Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas is one of Mexico's mostrecognizable ports of call thanks to its unique rock arch formation. Whetherlounging on a golden beach, exploring on a four-wheel-drive adventure or takingto the sea in search of gray whales, guests will find Cabo offers something forevery type of traveler.

Mazatlán, known as the "Pearl of the Pacific," is where the Sea of Cortez andthe Pacific Ocean meet, making it an alluring coastal city. It's a haven forwater sports, historic sites and nature, as well as incredible sport-fishing.

Puerto Vallarta has it all — from gorgeous beaches and activities galore tochic shops and stylish restaurants. The quaint Old Town greets visitors with anenticing mix of red-tiled buildings, cobbled streets and bustling open markets,while eco-adventures show off Mexico's flora and fauna in this paradise onEarth.

Explorations CentralBrings Mexican Culture On Board
Throughout the voyages, EXC programming brings Mexico's local traditions,culinary tastes and cultural experiences to life onboard. Through EXCEncounters, local cultural ambassadors teach local crafts, language and dancelessons throughout the voyage and a mariachi band performs for guests at one ofthe ports of call. Guests who want to learn more about the country can attendan EXC Talk by an EXC Guide or head to America's Test Kitchen for a cookingdemonstration, cooking class or themed mixology class featuring local fare.

The main dining room and Lido Market also will showcase the flavors of Mexico,while bars will offer a variety of Mexican liquors and ingredients. The ships'ambiance will be enhanced by Mexican floral varieties, and guests will bedelighted in their staterooms with Mexican towel creations.

The EXC Team will provide further customized guidance for the Mexican calls,and online EXC Port Planners using tips and information from AFAR Media provideexclusive handbooks for each destination. For guests who enjoy exploring ontheir own, on-line and printable EXC Maps present a simple view of the best eachport has to offer. The in-stateroom EXC Channel will feature a selection ofcurated films, documentaries and TV shows exploring destinations on the ship'sitinerary.

For more information, contact a travel professional, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425)or visit hollandamerica.com.

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AboutHolland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE:CCL and CUK)]
HollandAmerica Line's fleet of 14 ships offers more than 500 cruises to more than 400ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies around the world. Fromshorter getaways to 115-day itineraries, the company's cruises visit all sevencontinents with highlights including Antarctica explorations, South Americacircumnavigations and exotic Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; fourannual Grand Voyages; and popular sailings to the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico,Canada/New England, Bermuda, Europe and the Panama Canal. The line currentlyhas a new 2,650-guest ship, msKoningsdam, delivered in April 2016, as well as a second PinnacleClass ship, ms NieuwStatendam, due for delivery in December2018.A thirdPinnacle Class ship, due for delivery in 2021, recently was announced.

The company recently announced $300 million in brand enhancements to secure itsposition as the leader in premium cruising. Fleetwide, the ships featureinnovative initiatives and a diverse range of enriching experiences focused ondestination immersion and personalized travel. Guests can expand theirknowledge onboard at an America's Test Kitchen show; Explorations Café, poweredby The New York Times and Digital Workshop powered by Windows. Outstandingentertainment fills each evening at venues including Lincoln Center Stage,Billboard Onboard and B.B. King's Blues Club. The dining experience can besavored at a variety of restaurants with menus that feature selections fromHolland America Line's esteemed Culinary Council that comprises world-famouschefs who design dishes exclusively for our guests.

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