Holland America Line has been exploring the world for 150 years with expertly crafted itineraries, extraordinary service and genuine connections to each destination. It originated in Rotterdam and from 2024 Rotterdam is once again a departure city. This was celebrated with many festivities.
On April 18 Holland America Line‘s flagship Rotterdam VII arrived at the Port of Rotterdam, on the exact date of Holland America Line’s 150th birthday. It was welcomed by Holland America Line President Gus Antorcha. He was joined by Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, Rotterdam Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb and descendants of Holland America Line’s original founders for a celebration at Hotel New York, home to Holland America Line’s original headquarters from 1901 to 1977.
Millions of stories
“The celebration of 150 years is about more than our history, it’s about how we are building on the legacy of a great brand to make it relevant for the next 150 years,” said Antorcha. “From those first early days, we built our reputation on the care we provided to every person who stepped on board. And through the decades, whether that person was an immigrant, a titan of industry, a soldier, or a vacationer, each of them was treated as though they were a guest in our own home. It is still a hallmark of our brand.
“The fabric of history is woven from the threads of millions of stories, and at the heart of each of those stories is a person,” Antorcha continued. “I am certain that there are many chapters still to be written. And I hope that decades from now, those who come after us will gather on this very spot at Hotel New York to share them.”
From the ship’s arrival through an overnight stay, memorable moments marked the milestone. Inside a room that once collected luggage for immigrants in the early 1900s, Holland America Line presented a commemorative 150th Anniversary bell to be permanently displayed at Hotel New York. Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet poured champagne over the bell, which is a Holland America Line tradition usually reserved for a new ship launch.
150th Anniversary gold-foil stamp
Holland America Line worked closely with PostNL, the postal office of the Netherlands, to design a collectible 150th Anniversary gold-foil stamp that was revealed by Bob van Ierland, director of mail, Netherlands, at the ceremony. The stamp, designed by Frank Janse, features an illustration of two iconic ships from the company’s long history: Rotterdam VII, Holland America Line’s newest ship, and Rotterdam I, its first ship. The limited-edition stamp is available for purchase throughout the Netherlands.
In addition, members of one of Holland America Line’s founding families presented an original company share that will be kept as part of a special collection in the Rotterdam City Archives. Attendees at the Hotel New York ceremony included Holland America Line team members and more than 60 of the line’s top Mariners, guests who have sailed at least 1,400 days on the line’s ships.
Following a Gala dinner on board Rotterdam VII, Antorcha invited the ship’s guests to a party around the Lido Pool where he toasted to Holland America Line’s anniversary alongside ship’s Captain Bas van Dreumel and Mai Elmar, executive director of Cruise Port Rotterdam and the ship’s madrina.
Sailings roundtrips
“To the builders, architects, visionaries and explorers who have brought us to today. To our generations of crew who have seen our guests from shore to shore. And most importantly, to all of the passengers and guests who have trusted us along the way. Cheers to 150 years and many more to come,” toasted Antorcha. Finally the Erasmus Bridge was illuminated with a special light display honoring Holland America Line’s 150th Anniversary.
Rotterdam returns to Northern Europe in 2024 with a season offering several new itineraries. The ship returns to its namesake city with sailings roundtrip from Rotterdam. Nieuw Statendam also offers Northern Europe cruises between Rotterdam and Copenhagen.
