Travel Weekly magazine announced the recipients of its 2013 Magellan Awards, and Holland America Line has received eight of the prestigious honors. The line won four gold awards in the categories of Eco-Friendly “Green” Cruise Ship — The Holland America Fleet, Premium Ship for ms Eurodam, Direct Mail Cruise Marketing for the Holland America Line Cruise Catalog and Web Marketing/Advertising for Social Media Sweepstakes. Four silver awards were earned for Suite Design — Pinnacle Suite, Entertainment and the “Dancing with the Stars: At Sea” program, Restaurant Design for Taste of De Librije and Advertising/Marketing Campaign (up to five pieces) for Holland America Line Exquisite Discovery.
The Magellan Awards honor a broad range of industry segments, including hotels and resorts, travel destinations, cruise lines, online travel services, airlines and airports, travel agents/agencies, tour operators and car rental companies. Entries are evaluated by a panel of respected travel industry professionals against standards of excellence — rather than against each other — established by Travel Weekly, which has been published since 1958.
“Holland America Line strives to be a leader in everything that we do, from introducing innovative onboard experiences to our guests to being responsible corporate citizens,” said Richard Meadows, Holland America Line’s executive vice president of marketing, sales and guest programs. “It is an honor to be recognized by an esteemed publication like Travel Weekly for excellence in such a broad range of categories.”
Holland America Line’s gold-winning Premium Ship ms Eurodam launched in July 2008 with exclusive venues, amenities and entertainment options. The newest addition is the B.B. King’s Blues Club at sea that replicates the soulful club’s namesake on land. Another exclusive experience only found on Signature-Class ships is Tamarind, a pan-Asian alternative dining venue. The ship also features the line’s signature Pinnacle Grill alternative restaurant, private cabanas available for rental, Digital Workshop powered by Windows, the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine and more.
Taking home a gold award for Eco-Friendly “Green” Cruise Ship —The Holland America Fleet is a testament to the line’s commitment to environmental excellence. The company works diligently to conserve fuel and water, employs the latest technologies for wastewater and oily bilge water treatment, and uses innovative strategies to reduce and manage its solid waste stream. The cruise line also is an industry leader in exploring new environmental initiatives such as a whale conservation and protection program, and using shore power in a growing number of ports.
Holland America Line’s marketing and advertising efforts took home two gold awards. The gold award for Direct Mail Cruise Marketing was earned for the line’s creation of personalized content inserted into the Holland America Line Cruise Catalog based on guests’ current loyalty level and past onboard spending behavior. The gold for Web Marketing/Advertising for Social Media Sweepstakes was earned by the “Dream Sweeps” Facebook contest that asked entrants to submit their dream destination for a chance to win a seven-day cruise and the Pinterest “Pin 2 Win – Caribbean” sweepstakes that asked fans to pin their favorite Caribbean cruise highlight.
The silver award-winning Taste of De Librije is an alternative dining option featuring the cuisine of Culinary Council member and Michelin Star Chef Jonnie Boer. Named after Boer’s restaurant in the Netherlands, the menu showcases a selection of starters, soups, entrees and desserts from his land-based eatery. Currently the experience is offered on ms Rotterdam and ms Eurodam.
Dancing its way to a silver award, Holland America Line’s “Dancing with the Stars: At Sea” program is a collaboration with the hit ABC television show that includes theme cruises on select sailings featuring celebrities and professional dancers from the show, as well as guest dance lessons and a dance-off competition on every cruise across the fleet.
The Pinnacle Suites earned a silver award in Suite Design for their contemporary style with bright colors, elegant furnishings, original artwork and sense of whimsy. At more than 1,300 square feet, each zig-zag teak-lined balcony has its own hot tub and an inset banquette for alfresco lounging or dining. The suite also has a butler’s pantry with fridge and microwave, and a dining table for eight. The enormous marble-clad bathroom features a full-sized whirlpool tub and separate shower stall.
A silver award was earned in the line’s Advertising/Marketing Campaign (up to five pieces) for Holland America Line Exquisite Discovery. The 2013 advertising campaign is based on cruisers valuing the opportunity to experience thrilling new discoveries while also delighting in pampering hospitality. When joined together, these seemingly contrasting offerings form a complementary experience and a compelling benefit. The campaign uses word and image pairings to tell the brand story, such as the headlines “Adventurous meet Exquisite” and “Tempting meet Unforgettable.”
Since 2008, Travel Weekly has been recognizing excellence in travel with the annual Magellan Awards, and Holland America Line has received more than 30 awards in various categories since the Magellan Awards’ inception.