Cruisers on all Holland America Line ships bound for Alaska in 2008 will see and hear about their surroundings from an expert - an Alaskan Travel Guide. New this year are Alaska Native Travel Guides on Glacier Bay-bound ships.

Through a partnership with Alaska Native Heritage Center, Alaska Native guides will be on board the majority of Alaska cruises on ships cruising in Glacier Bay-114 sailings in 2008.

“We are very pleased at how this program has evolved,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest relations. “Our guests visiting Glacier Bay will enjoy having an Alaska Native guide on board the full cruise to provide another perspective on the land they’re visiting.”

Alaska Native Travel Guides will bring their knowledge and personal experience of local culture, history, art and flora and fauna to guests on Alaskan cruises. They will give six to seven presentations over the course of the weeklong cruise. Topics include wildlife, gold rush dreams, volcanoes and glaciers, Alaska’s early explorers and native people. They will provide narration throughout the trip, sell artwork by  Alaska Natives, be on hand to answer questions and interact with guests one-on-one.

In addition to the Alaska Travel Guides, a Tlingit cultural interpreter from Hoonah will board ships at Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier and explain the origins of the Huna people. They will give presentations on native life and culture in the region and be available for discussions with guests.

National Park Rangers are also an important part of the Alaska interpretive program and will continue to board all ships in Glacier Bay National Park and Hubbard Glacier for narration and presentations.

The leader in Alaska tourism for 60 years, Holland America Line  has eight premium cruise ships and twenty-nine cruise tours offering an incredible variety of vacation options in Alaska  in 2008.

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line ’s fleet of 13 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to 314 ports of call in 97 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to 108-day itineraries visit all seven continents, including Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal. A 14th ship, ms Eurodam, will launch in July 2008. For more information, contact a travel agent at 1-877-325-7522.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, totaling more than $425 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine - a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes - Explorations Café powered by The New York Times, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner’s Dream Beds.

World’s Leading Cruise Lines
The highest-rated premium cruise line in the world, Holland America Line  is a member of the exclusive World’s Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruise Line and Costa Cruises. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, these lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. The World’s Leading Cruise Lines offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world’s most desirable destinations.

There has never been a better time to enjoy one of Trafalgar’s 2008 and 2009 expertly designed European travel experiences. With hotel, food, transportation and attraction costs at an all time high due to the exchange rate, Trafalgar’s significant buying power and long-standing supplier relationships has allowed us to negotiate rates that will always save travelers up to 40% off the cost of going it alone.

Trafalgar offers the widest array of different touring styles, choices of itineraries and departure dates - and additional savings programs for Past Passengers, Early Payment, Young Travelers (ages 5 to 17), and groups of friends and family members traveling together. If you are planning to travel to Europe in 2008 or 2009, now is the best time to book a European vacation with Trafalgar.

2008 Summer European Vacations
If you are planning to travel to Europe this summer, terrific prices and a great selection of departures are still available. WhileTrafalgar  always offers tremendous value, savings and discounts regardless of when you travel, our 2008 Europe vacations were negotiated at 2007 exchange rates, and Trafalgar  is not adding any currency fluctuation surcharges. Prices will never be this low again, so book now and experience Trafalgar’s expertly designed vacations including transportation, accommodations, most meals and sightseeing for as little as $125 per day!

2008/2009 Value Season
Book a First Class European vacation this autumn, winter and spring, and experience all of the hassle-free fun of vacationing with Trafalgar at a time of year when there are fewer crowds, pleasant weather and even greater savings. Enjoy your choice of casual City Breaks and Free & Easy tours, multi-country Discoveries and in-depth Regional itineraries at savings up to 20% less than a summer vacation. Plus, book your air-inclusive Value Season vacation by July 31, 2008, and receive a FREE pre-tour night.

2009 Europe & Britain Summer Preview
Earlier than ever before, Trafalgar has just released a 2009 Preview brochure detailing their Europe & Britain First Class summer vacations. For a $500 deposit, savvy travelers can lock in Trafalgar’s “Best Price Guarantee”- a new program that ensures the prices listed in the 2009 Summer Preview Brochure will be guaranteed, even if the prices in Trafalgar’s full 2009 Summer Europe & Britain brochure (when released in October of 2009) are higher. Plus, book and pay in full now for an Early Payment discount of up to 10%.

On a Trafalgar vacation all the organizational hassles are taken care of, so you can truly relax and delight in the journey with friendly fellow travelers. . You will enjoy accommodations in first class, well-located hotels; the services of a Trafalgar professional Tour Director and driver throughout; and fascinating sightseeing with expert local guides. The Trafalgar experience is steeped in the history, customs and culture of each exciting destination, ensuring no one misses out on any hidden treasures. It really is a case of “Dream. Pack. And leave. the rest to us.”

Trafalgar was established in 1947 and has 61 years of experience providing exceptional worldwide vacations to Europe, Britain, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South America and China.  Phone us today at 1 877 325-7522 to book your Trafalgar vacation.