Holland America Line Prepares for Biggest Event in Its History

On 18 April 2023, Holland America Line will mark its 150th anniversary with a series of historical events in Rotterdam, where it was founded.

The cruise line’s newest ship, Rotterdam, will arrive on 18 April in its namesake city of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and will be welcomed by government dignitaries, port officials, and guests.

Meanwhile, the Zuiderdam, another Holland America Line cruise ship, will be stationed in Amsterdam to hold a grand evening celebration for Grand World Voyage guests.

After months of planning and several events, Holland America Line will formally commemorate its 150th anniversary in Rotterdam, the cruise line’s official home in the Netherlands. On 18 April, the company’s newest cruise ship, Rotterdam, will be at the forefront.

Holland America Line President Gus Antorcha will lead the celebrations, including Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, Rotterdam’s godmother; Ahmed Aboutaleb, Rotterdam’s mayor; and descendants of Holland America Line’s two founding families.

“Holland America Line is a company that takes deep pride in its past and respects the role that played in history,” said Gus Antorcha, President of Holland America Line, “so our 150th-anniversary events honour our tradition while recognising the brand we are today.”

“All of the events we’ve planned have special meaning for us, and we’re excited to celebrate with so many people who have been a part of our story over the years, as well as our guests, team members, and the people of the Netherlands.”

The 150th-anniversary celebrations will be held at the historic Hotel New York, previously the headquarters of Holland America Line. The hotel will receive a ship bell to commemorate the company’s maritime past. Princess Margriet will bless the bell before it is delivered to the hotel, as is customary for Holland America Line.

A one-of-a-kind Holland America Line share will also be presented to the city archives in Rotterdam. In honour of the 150th anniversary, the Dutch postal agency, PostNL, will release a limited edition 24-carat gold-foil collectable stamp, with just 1,000 copies available throughout the Netherlands.

The Holland America Line cruise ship Zuiderdam will conduct an evening gala reception for Grand World Voyage passengers in Amsterdam.

Following a Gala Dinner on board the Rotterdam and Zuiderdam, the festivities will continue to the Lido pool area, with live music and tributes to the memorable occasion. Anniversary celebrations will also take place aboard Holland America Line’s other nine ships.

Holland America Line has created an unforgettable journey for guests on the special Anniversary Transatlantic Crossing onboard the Rotterdam to commemorate its 150th anniversary and Dutch heritage.

The voyage departs from New York City on 7 April and arrives in Rotterdam on 18 April, celebrating the company’s rich history and tradition.

Guests will be offered meals from previous Holland America Line journeys dating back to the 1920s, a “Throwback Happy Hour” with drink prices as low as 75 cents and a classic Dutch High Tea.

A Rijsttafel pop-up will also be presented at the Tamarind restaurant, providing guests with a one-of-a-kind gourmet experience. Rijsttafel, which translates as “rice table” in Dutch, is a typical Indonesian supper with an extensive array of Indonesian foods.

Holland America Line is celebrating in various ways, including a unique look back into its history and the events in Rotterdam and Amsterdam and onboard Rotterdam.

The cruise line has digitised passenger list archives, including information on passengers who travelled with the company between 1900 and 1969. Each guest’s name, port of departure, and departure date are all included in the digitised archives. The archives contain information about early Holland America Line passengers like Albert Einstein and Winston Churchill.

From summer 2023 until spring 2024, an Anniversary Sale will be available for specific sailings. Guests who book eligible sailings can save up to 45% off cruise prices, receive up to $150 in onboard spending money per person, pay lower deposits, and much more.