Signature of Excellence upgrades completed by Holland America

Holland America Line, known for its gracious mid-size liners, has completed its "Signature of Excellence" upgrade initiative. The new features include even more luxurious accommodations, new destinations, additional dining experiences, and even higher levels of service. New facilities on the Holland America fleet include:

Culinary Arts Center – sponsored by Food & Wine Magazine, this kitchen theater hosts cooking demonstrations, guest lecturers, book signings, and wine and food tastings.

Explorations Café – sponsored by the New York Times Company, this "café" is a combination Internet center, library, and coffee shop. The library boasts 27,000 new titles and the computer equipment is the latest available. Of course, there are a few copies of the Times around, also.

Pinnacle Grill Restaurant – an intimate, reservations-only dining room, with fine china, silver, and crystal; many tables for two; table-side service; and excellent Pacific Northwest cuisine. Meals here carry a surcharge (currently $30 per person for dinner and $15 for lunch), but I heartily recommend it. I've dined here on two HAL ships and enjoyed the experience both times. The Pinnacle Grill is also a nice escape from the more boisterous public rooms.

Holland America Line operates 13 ships that sail throughout the globe. The line is particularly noted for its Alaska and Caribbean sailings.