As Holland America Line prepares for its 150th Anniversary in 2023, the cruise line is kicking off a year of celebrations with a special transatlantic crossing. Saturday, October 15 the Rotterdam V11 departs Rotterdam and Holland America Line is organizing an official send-off moment on Wilhelminapier for the residents of Rotterdam.
No city has such strong ties to the Holland America Line as the city of Rotterdam. Hundreds of residents worked for the shipping company themselves or have family members who were employed by HAL. In addition, numerous residents also have family ties in the United States. With descendants of individuals who once made the crossing on a Holland America Line ship to settle there.
To celebrate this historic 150-year connection, the cruise line is organizing a number of festive activities on Saturday, October 15. Interested parties can attend presentations on Holland America Line’s history at Hotel New York, HAL’s former executive building. There will also be the opportunity to visit a photo studio with a historical touch. In collaboration with 150 years of Vooruit Nieuwe Waterweg, a song will be performed by a choir at the Caland monument. The song was composed by composer Mike Boddé.
Send-off moment Rotterdam VII
From 5:15 PM, Frank in Person will perform as part of the 150th-anniversary celebrations. Residents are invited to wave the ship goodbye as it heads for New York. 5 historic ships of the Maritime Museum and several crafts of the Royal Rowing and Sailing Association ‘De Maas’ will accompany the ship Rotterdam VII during her departure on the New Waterway. Rotterdam VII will arrive in New York on October 26 and will receive a festive welcome there as well. Next year there will be another 150th Anniversary Transatlantic trip. Departing on April 6, 2023, from New York and ending at Rotterdam on April 18, the cruise line’s 150th birthday.
