Unprecedented achievement is a first in Holland America Line’s history

SEATTLE, Nov. 18, 2015 /CNW/ — Holland America Line’s ms Eurodam earned its ninth consecutive perfect score of 100 on a recent routine United States Public Health inspection conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is the first time in the company’s history that a ship achieved this distinction.

Eurodam‘s unannounced U.S.P.H. inspection was held Oct. 25 during a turn-around call at Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at the start of a seven-day Caribbean cruise. Prior to that inspection, Eurodam had received a perfect score of 100 in February 2015 during a call at Fort Lauderdale.

“We’re always proud when our ships achieve perfect U.S.P.H. scores, but to get 100 nine times in a row is an exemplary accomplishment for everyone involved,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “Eurodam‘s hard working and dedicated staff are to be commended for their success.”

Also this year, ms Statendam received its third consecutive 100, and ms Nieuw Amsterdam, ms Noordam, ms Ryndam and ms Veendam also earned perfect scores. In 2015, six Holland America Line ships have received a total of nine perfect scores.

CDC inspections are part of the Vessel Sanitation Program, which was introduced in the early 1970s and is required for all passenger ships that call at a U.S. port. The inspections are unannounced and are carried out by officials from the United States Public Health Service twice a year for every cruise ship. Health Canada’s Cruise Ship Inspection Program is harmonized with the United States’ CDC Vessel Sanitation Program, and inspections are conducted once a year when cruise ships visit Canadian ports.

The score, on a scale from one to 100, is assigned on the basis of a checklist involving dozens of areas of assessment, encompassing hygiene and sanitation of food (from storage to preparation), overall galley cleanliness, water, shipboard personnel and the ship as a whole.

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

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About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE:   CCL and CUK)]Holland America Line’s fleet of 13 ships offers more than 500 cruises to more than 400 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies around the world. From shorter getaways to 115-day itineraries, the company’s cruises visit all seven continents with highlights including Antarctica explorations, South America circumnavigations, exotic Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; four annual Grand Voyages; and popular sailings to the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Bermuda, Europe and the Panama Canal. The line currently has a new 2,650-guest ship, ms Koningsdam, on order for delivery in April 2016, as well as a second Pinnacle Class ship due for delivery in November 2018.

The company recently announced $300 million in brand enhancements to secure its position as the leader in premium cruising. Fleetwide, the ships feature innovative initiatives and a diverse range of enriching experiences focused on destination immersion and personalized travel. Guests can expand their knowledge on board at the Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine magazine; Explorations Café, powered by The New York Times; and Digital Workshops, powered by Windows. Outstanding entertainment fills each evening at venues including Lincoln Center Stage, Billboard Onboard and B.B. King’s Blues Clubs. The dining experience can be savored at a variety of restaurants with menus that feature selections from Holland America Line’s esteemed Culinary Council that comprises world-famous chefs who design dishes exclusively for our guests.

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