Holland America Line Is Celebrating Its 150th Anniversary With Two Special Sailings
by Daniel McCarthy
Photo: Holland America Line
Next year will mark 150 years in the life of Holland America Line, one of the longest-operating travel companies in the world.
To honor that, Holland America is planning two commemorative sailings that will welcome guests into its celebration.
One is a 15-night transatlantic crossing that departs Rotterdam on Oct. 15, exactly 150 years to the date of the departure of Rotterdam I’d maiden voyage. This sailing will recreate that first original sailing, leaving Rotterdam and visiting Plymouth, England, and Le Havre, France before crossing to New York for an overnight call and then on to Ft. Lauderdale.
This sailing, according to Holland America, only has some limited space remaining.
The other is an April 4 16-night crossing from Ft. Lauderdale, with Rotterdam first heading to New York City and then on to Plymouth and Dover before arriving in the city of Rotterdam on April 18, the date of the line’s official 150th anniversary, for an overnight full of festivities. That sailing is now open for booking.
Each of those sailings will have special events during the cruise, including a New York City Anniversary event during the overnight in October and a Rotterdam Welcome event during the April 18 call.
Holland America is also incorporating some other specially marketed cruises during the anniversary year that will be revealed in the coming months. Some specially designed 150th Anniversary retail items will be available in the shipboard shops.
“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.”
