On 18APR 2023, Holland America Line is celebrating its 150th Anniversary — making it one of the longest-operating travel companies in the world. To commemorate the milestone, the cruise line is planning special events and activities, including two commemorative transatlantic crossings. As of 14JUL 2022, the 04APR 2023 crossing opens for booking, while the 15OCT 2022 departure has limited space remaining, according to the cruise line.
During the OCT and APR 150th Anniversary Transatlantic crossings, Holland America Line is planning experiences that will weave the company’s history into the menus, activities, entertainment, special guest speakers and more.
“A milestone like a 150th Anniversary doesn’t come around often for most companies, and our celebrations will bring to life our century-and-a-half of amazing history,” said Gus Antorcha, Holland America Line’s president. “Holland America Line has touched the lives of millions of people throughout the years — whether by bringing them to a new life in America or providing a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. We have some really special experiences planned over the next several months to honor our heritage.”
150th Anniversary Commemorative Celebrations:
- 15OCT 2022 crossing, 15 nights: Rotterdam VII will depart Rotterdam, the Netherlands, exactly 150 years to the date of the departure of Rotterdam I’s maiden voyage, which took place before the company was incorporated. The crossing will recreate Holland America Line’s first sailing, leaving from Rotterdam and visiting Plymouth, England, and Le Havre (Paris), France, before crossing the Atlantic Ocean to New York City for an overnight call; then it sails on to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
- 04APR 2023 crossing, 16 nights: Departing Fort Lauderdale, Rotterdam heads to New York City for an overnight call; it will then spend eight days at sea crossing the Atlantic Ocean, calling at Plymouth and Dover (London), England, before arriving 18APR — Holland America Line’s 150th anniversary — at Rotterdam for an overnight with festivities.
During the crossings, guests can be treated to a host of experiences, including commemorative historic menus and cocktails offering a taste of the brand’s history, live music with special performances by guest artists, presentations reliving the history and roots of Holland America Line, and an "Olympic-style" event with classic cruise sporting activities and games.
- New York City Anniversary Event: Holland America Line will kick off its 150th anniversary year with a special ceremony aboard Rotterdam when the ship overnights at New York City 26OCT 2022, including a stage performance to mark the historic night.
- Rotterdam Welcome: When Rotterdam arrives at Rotterdam in the Netherlands on 18APR 2023 the ship will receive a grand welcome on its 150th birthday in the city of the company’s founding. During the overnight call, guests and city of Rotterdam can help mark this historic milestone at an evening event on board.
- Additional Special Anniversary Themed Cruises: The anniversary year will include specially marketed cruises that help relive Holland America Line’s history of exploration through ports visited. The cruise dates will be announced "in the coming months" and will include special programming for each voyage.
- Retail Merchandise: Limited-edition, specially designed 150th Anniversary retail items will be available in the shipboard shops.
According to the cruise line, additional celebratory details will be revealed "in the near future."
For more information on Holland America Line, visit its web site.
