For the first time in company history, Holland America will utilize Virginia`s historic seaport at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay as a home port for 16 cruises in 2004, including a full slate of Caribbean cruises on board the ms Maasdam. By offering 10- and 11-day sailings to the Caribbean from Norfolk`s Nauticus International Pier, HAL leads the industry in expanding the scope of cruise travel available to its mid-Atlantic guests.

While many cruises originating from Norfolk head to the Bahamas, we`ll go even deeper into the Caribbean with unique voyages that visit nine different Caribbean islands, said David A. Giersdorf, senior vice president, marketing and sales. By offering more days and exploring less-visited islands such as Tortola, Barbados and Guadeloupe, we are able to bring more value to guests cruising in the Caribbean.

Norfolk is conveniently situated within a few hours` drive of millions of people who will be able to drive to the Maasdam and spend more time cruising and less time traveling to and from a port, added Giersdorf.

In total, the Maasdam will have eight departures in 2004 from Norfolk for 11-day cruises of the southern Caribbean and seven departures for 10-day tours of the eastern Caribbean islands. In addition, Norfolk will be the final stop on the ship`s 14-day eastern Canada sailing that originates in Montreal on October 16th.

Southern Caribbean Itineraries

The Maasdam`s 11-day cruises of the southern Caribbean islands will depart Norfolk at 5 p.m. and spend a day at sea before arriving at Half Moon Cay, Holland America`s award-winning private Bahamian island, for a day of tropical island fun. Following another day at sea, the ship calls on successive days at Road Town on Tortola of the British Virgin Islands; Dominica (where guests who enjoy shore excursions can depart the ship at 8 a.m. in Cabrits and reboard in the afternoon at Roseau); Bridgetown on Barbados; Pointe-a-Pitre on Guadeloupe; and St. Thomas of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The ship spends two final days at sea before returning to Norfolk on the morning of the 11th day.

Departures for the southern Caribbean are scheduled for January 20, February 10, March 2, March 23, November 9, November 30, December 11 and a holiday sailing that departs on December 22nd.

Eastern Caribbean Itineraries,

For 10-day tours of the eastern islands of the Caribbean, the Maasdam will depart Norfolk at 5 p.m. and spend a day at sea before stopping for a day at Half Moon Cay. Following another day at sea, the ship will call on successive days at San Juan, Puerto Rico; Phillipsburg, St. Maarten; St. John`s, Antigua; and St. Thomas of the U.S. Virgin Islands before spending two days at sea on the return to Norfolk.

Sailing dates for 2004 for this itinerary are January 31, February 21, March 13, April 3, April 13, October 30, and November 20.