Esteemed local dignitaries, port officials, and even Dutch Royalty will be celebrating Holland America Line’s 150th anniversary in Rotterdam this week!
The much-loved cruise line’s sesquicentennial birthday is April 18, 2023, and on that date, Rotterdam VII will arrive at its namesake city of Rotterdam, in the Netherlands, its final destination after completing a special 150th-anniversary Transatlantic crossing. In Rotterdam itself, Holland America Line will be commemorating the anniversary with a special event at Hotel New York, the cruise line’s original headquarters.
Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, Godmother of Rotterdam, will be in attendance, as well as Ahmed Aboutaleb, mayor of Rotterdam, descendants from two families of Holland America Line’s original founders, plus Holland America Line executives, such as President Gus Antorcha who will lead the celebrations.
During the event, Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of The Netherlands will bless a special commemorative bell, designed in the style of a traditional ship bell, which will be donated and permanently displayed at the hotel. Additionally, an original share of the very first Holland America Line stock shares will be presented to the city of Rotterdam archives as well as the unveiling of a 24-carat gold-foil stamp, by the postal office of the Netherlands, to mark the anniversary.
Holland America Line is a company that takes deep pride in our heritage and respects the role we played in history, so our 150th anniversary events honour our tradition while recognizing the brand we are today.
All of the festivities we have planned carry special meaning, and we’re excited to celebrate with so many individuals who have been a part of our story throughout the years, alongside our guests, team members and the people of the Netherlands.
President Gus Antorcha
The celebrations don’t just stop on dry land though!
Zuiderdam will be docked in Amsterdam, and host an evening gala dinner and party for Grand World Voyage passengers. All other nine ships in the Holland America Line fleet will be marking the grand occasion with a number of anniversary-themed parties on board too.
