Seattle, Aug. 30, 2002 - Holland America Line is introducing a new concept alternative restaurant on three of its premium cruise ships: The Pinnacle Grill, featuring fine Pacific Northwest specialties and wines.
The new Pinnacle Grill will debut this October on the sister ships ms Statendam and ms Ryndam.
The 66-seat Pinnacle Grill will be installed during the regularly scheduled dry-docks of the Statendam in Seattle from Sept. 23-Oct. 2 and on the Ryndam in Seattle Sept. 27-Oct. 5. The new 1,800-square-foot restaurant will be constructed in space formerly occupied by a portion of the Explorers Lounge and the Kings Room private dining area adjacent to the Rotterdam Dining Room on Upper Promenade Deck.
"The Pinnacle Grill represents the best -- literally, the pinnacle -- of Pacific Northwest cuisine and style, in its seafood and steak menu, the high-quality ingredients, fine wines and elegant presentation," said David A. Giersdorf, senior vice president, marketing and sales. "We are excited about this new addition to our S-class ships. The new concept will offer our guests even more options in Holland America's premium cruise experience."
The décor of the Pinnacle Grills will feature rich warm fabrics in reds and golds, complemented by fine wood accents, representing the ambiance of the great Northwest. There will be many window tables for two, which will create a memorable and romantic dining experience afloat. A cozy Pinnacle Wine Bar, located within the restaurant, will offer carefully selected wines at its granite-topped bar from renowned pacific Northwest vineyards such as Chateau Ste. Michelle, Canoe Ridge, Willamette Valley Vineyards and Tualatin Estates. In addition, guests may sample specially created drinks such as a Northwest Apple Martini.
"The Pinnacle Grill will offer a special dining venue with a contemporary design, while remaining true to the classic style of service,"said Giersdorf. "Whenever possible, Northwest items will be used in preparation and noted on the menu, with all fruits and vegetables selected based on the season."
Guests will be greeted by a host, who will guide them to their table, where a waiter, wearing a crisp starched white Pinnacle logo jacket and tie, will seat them. At each setting will be a large Bvlgari "show plate." Other select china patterns have been chosen from Rosenthal in various shapes and sizes, with some representative of the Pacific Rim region. Additional tableware includes quality glassware from Reidel, tasteful white Frette linen, and an iron breadbasket, specially designed by Seattle artist Mary Gioia. A signature orchid in bud vase is centered on each table.
To commence the culinary experience, guests will immediately be served a sampling hors d'oeuvre - possibly a pastry puff of Salmon Caviar and Crème Fraiche or a spoonful of Black Sesame Tuna Tartare with Soy-Ginger - presented in an Asian porcelain spoon.
A typical evening's menu provides a wide selection of choices. For starters, guests may choose from dishes that may include an array of Cold Smoked Northwest Seafood and Cranberry Marmalade, Dungeness Crab Cakes in Brown Butter with Haystack-Fried Onions, Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon or Venison Carpaccio.
Two signature soups will be offered, one a tomato-based Smoked Salmon Chowder and the other a Washington Baked Potato Soup with Applewood Smoked Bacon.
The salad course features a Pinnacle Salad of mesclun greens, candied pecans and roasted Washington apples in an Oregon bleu cheese vinaigrette that is tossed at tableside.
Before the entrée is served, guests will be offered a palette-refreshing Northwest Wild Berry Sorbet.
The entrees may include Sesame Crusted Halibut with Ginger Miso, Roasted Salmon with three sauces, Peking Duck Breast with Blackberry Sauce, a special Northwest Cioppino, or Northwest Rack of Lamb, in addition to premium "Sterling Silver" hand-selected cuts of beef, including bone-in Delmonico rib-eye steak, center-cut T-bone steak and two sizes of filet mignon.
Side dishes will feature such choices as Washington Spuds au Gratin, Grilled Asparagus, Sauteed Button Mushrooms or a Honey Maple Three-Bean Stew.
Delectable desserts, featuring Pacific Northwest ingredients, will be offered, such as Washington-grown Bing Cherry Fritters with Vanilla-Ginger Ice Cream, a Warm Rhubarb Flan, and Not-so-Classic Baked Alaska. In addition, an array of cheeses will be presented tableside, with choices including Oregon bleu cheese, local chevres, Washington aged cheddar and traditional French cheeses, with Ports and Northwest Rieslings suggested as accompaniments.
To conclude their memorable evening at the Pinnacle Grill, guest will be presented with an assortment of mini-cookies.
Guests who wish to dine in the Pinnacle Grill for dinner may do so with an advance reservation; there is a modest charge of $15 per person.
Seattle, August 29, 2002 - Holland America Line announces its 2003 May through October Canada/New England cruise schedule of 12 departures that combine destination rich ports with renowned cultural and historical diversity with cruise departures from convenient gateways in Boston, New York and Montreal. Passengers will experience a world close to home with French culture and cuisine, Scottish immigrant history, British tradition, Northeast hospitality, and Canadian and American history. Itineraries range from seven to 16 days and cruises depart from Boston, New York and Montreal. They include two new sailings aboard the 794-passenger ms Prinsendam, Holland America Line's new elegant explorer, and ten sailings aboard the 1,380-passenger ms Rotterdam. "For guests who want to experience as many ports as possible with incredible options, these are the cruises for them," said David A. Giersdorf, senior vice president, marketing and sales. "They appeal to history buffs, families, active travelers and experienced cruisers and all will enjoy the outstanding service and value offered by Holland America cruises."
All cruises are highlighted by scenic cruising in Saguenay Fjord and St. Lawrence River, where guests may watch for Beluga whales. In addition, the 12- and 10-day cruises include a two-day visit to historic Quebec City, allowing guests to fully explore the 400-year-old "heart of French Canada" with cobbled streets and quaint cafes.
With shore activities that include cycling Acadia National Park or across Prince Edward Island and kayaking the coves of Maine or Nova Scotia, Canada/New England cruises appeal to travelers who enjoy outdoor activities.
A special Medallion Shore Excursion program by Holland America also offers unique quality experiences such as becoming a soldier for a day at the Halifax Citadel. Passengers dress in the uniform of a 1870s Highland regiment, complete with kilt and redcoat, and spend the day learning first hand about a soldier's life, drills, activities and meals. Participants will end up in other visitors' travel photos as they become a part of the fort's attraction when performing in drill exercises with other "soldiers" in the Citadel's permanent reenactment garrison.
Other Medallion excursions include a horse-drawn carriage tour of Quebec and gourmet dinner at the famous Chateau Frontenac and a day with a lobster lunch at Dalvay by the Sea, the 19th-century summer home built by then Standard Oil chief Alexander MacDonald.
New 12-day Cruise Added to Favorites on ms Rotterdam
The Rotterdam begins its spring and summer cruise program with a 12-day cruise to Montreal on May 23. This voyage calls at Newport, R.I., where guests may visit the lavish 19th century summer homes of the Vanderbilts, Astors and Morgans; Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard, and its eclectic assortment of frilly, multicolored gingerbread cottages; and Boston, Mass., combining America's colonial past with its thriving present and featuring such attractions as the Freedom Trail with Paul Revere's House and Old North. The last stops in the U.S. are historic Portland, Maine, birthplace of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and Bar Harbor, also in Maine.
The Rotterdam then spends a day in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where guests have the opportunity to see quaint Lunenburg fishing village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Sydney, Nova Scotia, offering optional tours of the ruggedly scenic Cabot Trail and the meticulously restored 18th century French fortress of Louisbourg; and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, with an optional Anne of Green Gables tour, before arriving for the stay in Quebec City.
Double occupancy fares start at just $1,989 per person, double occupancy.
10-Day Cruises Link East Coast and Montreal & Showcase Fall Foliage
The summer 10-day cruise departs Montreal June 4, arriving in Boston June 14. Ports of call include Quebec City; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; St.-Pierre, St.-Pierre & Miquelon; St. John's, Newfoundland; Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Bar Harbor, Maine. Fall Foliage 10-day cruises depart New York Sept. 17 and Oct. 7, and depart Montreal Sept. 27 and Oct. 17. Ports of call, which are identical in either direction, include Newport; Boston; Bar Harbor; Halifax and Sydney; Charlottetown; and Quebec City.
Fares for these exciting cruises start at just $1,769 per person.
Summer Seven-Day Cruises Visit Five Enticing Ports
Ideal for family summer vacations, seven-day cruises run between Boston and Montreal. They depart Boston on June 14 and June 28; and leave Montreal June 21 and July 5. Stops include Quebec City; Charlottetown; Sydney; Halifax; and Bar Harbor. Fares start at $1,329 per person.
Elegant Explorer Comes to Canada/New England in 2003
In 2003, the Prinsendam sails two new cruise programs during the fall foliage time frame. The first, a 10-day exploration of the region, departs October 2 from Boston and visits Bar Harbor, Halifax, St. John's, St. Pierre & Miquelon, Charlottetown, Quebec and Montreal.
The second, a 16-day cruise, sails on October 12 from Montreal and calls in Quebec; Charlottetown; Sydney and Halifax, Nova Scotia; Bar Harbor and Portland, Maine; Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts; Newport, Rhode Island; New York; Norfolk, Virginia; Savannah, Georgia; Charleston, South Carolina; and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Passengers have an option to end the voyage in New York (10 days) or Norfolk (11 days), too. Prices for the Prinsendam voyages start at $2,769 per person.
About Holland America Line
Holland America's premium cruises feature spacious staterooms, superb dining, renowned service, first-rate entertainment, duty-free on-board shops, internet centers, the Club HAL Kid's program, complete fitness centers and popular "tipping not required" ship policies.
To ensure confidence when making vacation plans, Holland America's Early Saving Price Protection Policy allows guests to enjoy any future fare savings for their cabin booked. Within the final payment period, savings must exceed 10 percent of the original fare. Holland America also offers the only trip cancellation program in the industry that offers cash back for canceling for any reason prior to 24 hours before departure.
Beginning with the ms Zuiderdam in the fall of 2002 through 2006, the company will increase its capacity by 73 percent -- and its fleet to a total of 15 ships -- with the introduction of five new 85,000-ton, 1,848-passenger ships, the largest built for Holland America Line. In 2003, Holland America Line will offer 447 premium cruises, visiting all seven continents. And, Holland America Line will sail from 14 North American home ports.
The company is a member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruise Line, Costa Cruises and Windstar Cruises. Holland America Line is the highest-rated premium cruise line in the world in the 2001 "Travel & Leisure" magazine "World's Best" Awards.
For more information, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.
Additional information can be obtained via Holland America's Web site at www.hollandamerica.com or Carnival Corporation's Web site at www.carnivalcorp.com.