Video classes on Holland America

Those taking cruises on Holland America Line ships will be able to give their holiday memories the professional touch from now on, as a result of a partnership called the Holland America Line Digital Workshop which is powered by Microsoft Windows and launches on the ms Amsterdam, expanding fleet wide within 18 months.

Free workshops led by Microsoft-trained ‘techsperts’ will show camera or computer users how to take better holiday photos, make videos and films, edit pictures and create scrapbooks using a variety of Microsoft Windows and Windows Live services. Travellers can learn how to share all their digital memories through email, blogging and social networking so friends and family can see where they've been cruising even before they return home.

The programme is free and has its own dedicated space on each ship. It kicks off with a 50-minute session called ‘Just Shoot Me’ the session provides tips and tricks on how to take the best pictures, and introduces passengers to onboard editing and movie-making resources available on the cruise, including Windows Live Photo Gallery and Windows Movie Maker.