Holland America Line made two key announcements this week that should captivate Holland America enthusiasts and improve the pre-cruise boarding process. The line has expanded its 2008 season to include more South America and Antarctica sailings. New itineraries include a 20-day South America Explorer and Antarctica cruise aboard the Rotterdam, a 26-day Inca Discovery cruise on the Statendam, a 22-day Americas Discovery cruise on the Amsterdam, a 26-day Amazon Explorer cruise on the Prinsendam and a 32- to 36-day Panama Canal and Amazon Explorer cruise aboard the Veendam. Meanwhile, the premium line also announced the improvement of its "Signature Preferred Online Check-In" process, which should expedite the guest-to-ship process. Now, guests can submit their credit card information for onboard purchases the day before the cruise through the Holland America web site. Richard Meadows, Holland America Line's executive vice president of marketing, sales and guest programs, said that collection of credit card information at the pier is the most time consuming portion of the check-in process. "By collecting this information online in advance with other information such as immigration details, we've significantly sped up the process for those guests who choose online check in," he said. Guests who complete online information will print out a Signature Preferred Boarding Pass, which allows them to proceed through a special line at the pier. Visit [www.hollandamerica.com].
