For music lovers, the iPod is the ultimate gadget of choice for this nifty gadget from Apple Inc. offers the best features that you will ever find in a music player. But recently, the iPod does not only serve as a music lover’s best friend but also as the companion of choice for art lovers as well.



This is because of the fact that Holland America Lines showcased their collection of arts in an iPod-based tour. So whether you got an original iPod or an iPod Click Wheel or any version for that matter and whether you got the latest iPod Click Wheel Accessories or not, you have the chance to view all of the art collection that the shipping lines has to offer. The shipping line offers iPod owners the chance to tour their thirteen premier five-star ships. What’s more, the 30 to 40 minute tours are now available as free downloads from iTunes.

In 2006, the cruise line became the first in its field to offer self-guided tours of their shipboard art collections. It is estimated that they have among their thirteen ships tens of millions worth of paintings, antiques, collectibles, and other really valuable items. This year, the company made another crucial step forward and once again, they have been able to claim such an option as the first in the industry.

They have made available their self guided tours for iPod owners for free. The reason for this is that they have realized the effect of these art tours to art aficionados. This is, of course, a strong selling point for the company. They hope to attract not only art aficionados but also those who are interested in seeing their collection for real instead of just looking at it through their iPod Nanos or whatever version of the iPod they might have.

The free podcasts are hosted by radio host Paul Lesley and Elizabeth Harryman. The presentation allows iPod owners to view selected onboard art collection. The podcast also includes interviews with the artists whose masterpieces adorn the ships of the shipping line. Background music and photo images are also part of the free podcasts.

Richard D. Meadows, CTC, Executive Vice President for Marketing, Sales and Guests Program for Holland America Line, has this to say about the innovative digital and audio tour available to iPod users: "The podcasts of our self-guided art tours offers guests – and potential guests—a deeper appreciation of the extensive collections we present on board our five-star ships. We’re very proud of our art and archive. These tours showcase of our collection livable art that gives the viewer a taste of the onboard collections".

Downloading the podcasts from the iTunes home page is very easy once you have found the home page search for "Holland America Line". A small gray arrow will appear on your computer screen. Then, you simply click the arrow, and then click again on the "Get Episode" button to get to the ship of your choice.

The podcasts begins with a welcome message from Stein Kruse, the President and CEO of Holland America Line, then some comments and general information about the ship from Frans Dingemans, the architect/designer of the ships. Artists included in the podcasts are Susanna Holt, and Stephen Card. Holt’s works includes the lifelike bronze animal sculptures which are present in the pool areas of all the thirteen ships. Meanwhile, Card’s creation can be found in the main stairwells of every ship— classic maritime paintings of Holland America Line ships.