HOLLAND America Line has marked its 150th anniversary in Rotterdam with royalty, citywide fanfare, and dual-ship events. Holland America’s flagship Rotterdam arrived at her namesake port on the exact date of the 150th anniversary (18 Apr), after a sesquicentennial crossing which departed Fort Lauderdale on 03 Apr. Rotterdam’s arrival kicked...
HOLLAND America Line has marked its 150th anniversary in Rotterdam with royalty, citywide fanfare, and dual-ship events.
Holland America’s flagship Rotterdam arrived at her namesake port on the exact date of the 150th anniversary (18 Apr), after a sesquicentennial crossing which departed Fort Lauderdale on 03 Apr.
Rotterdam’s arrival kicked off all-day celebrations which included royalty, local dignitaries, port officials, and other VIP guests.
Princess Margriet of the Netherlands joined the festivities with President Gus Antorcha, Rotterdam Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb, and descendants of the cruise line’s original founders for a celebration at Hotel New York, home to the brand’s original headquarters from 1901 to 1977.
Attendees included Holland America team members, and more than 60 of the cruise line’s top Mariners, guests who have sailed at least 1,400 days on its ships.
It was here Holland America presented a commemorative 150th anniversary bell (pictured), to be permanently displayed at the hotel.
Princess Margriet poured champagne over the bell, which is a Holland America tradition usually reserved for a new ship launch.
Holland America also worked closely with PostNL to design a collectable 150th anniversary gold-foil stamp featuring an illustration of two of the cruise line’s iconic ships: Rotterdam VII, its newest ship, and Rotterdam I, its first ship.
In addition, members of one of Holland America’s founding families presented an original company stock, which will be kept as part of a special collection in the Rotterdam City Archives.
Following a Gala dinner on board Rotterdam, Antorcha invited the ship’s guests to a party around the Lido Pool, where he toasted Holland America’s anniversary, alongside Captain Bas van Dreumel and Cruise Port Rotterdam Executive Director Mai Elmar.
The evening concluded with the city’s Erasmusbrug bascule bridge illuminated with a special light display honouring Holland America’s 150th anniversary.
