On April 18, 2023, Holland America Line will celebrate its 150th anniversary, making it one of the world's oldest cruise lines. To commemorate the milestone, the cruise line is planning special events and activities, including two commemorative transatlantic voyages. The April 4, 2023, sailing is now open for bookings, while the October 15, 2022, sailing has limited availability.
October 15th Voyage, 15 nights: The Rotterdam VII will depart from Rotterdam, Netherlands, exactly 150 years after the departure of the Rotterdam I's maiden voyage, which took place before the company was even founded. The voyage will recreate Holland America Line's first journey, departing from Rotterdam and visiting Plymouth (England) and Le Havre (France), before crossing the Atlantic Ocean to New York City for a rare overnight stop; it will then sail for Fort Lauderdale (Florida).
April 4th voyage, 16 nights: Departing from Fort Lauderdale, the Rotterdam heads to New York City for an overnight stop; then it will spend eight calm days at sea crossing the Atlantic Ocean, stopping in Plymouth and Dover (London), England, before arriving on April 18th - the 150th anniversary of Holland America Line - in Rotterdam for a festive evening.
During its 150th anniversary transatlantic voyages in October and April, Holland America Line is planning memorable experiences that will intertwine the company's history with menus, activities, entertainment, special guest speakers, and much more.
“A milestone like our 150th anniversary doesn’t happen often for most companies, and our celebrations will bring to life our century and a half of incredible history,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line.
In addition, the anniversary will be celebrated in New York City: Holland America Line will kick off its 150th anniversary year with a special ceremony aboard the Rotterdam when the ship makes an overnight stay in New York City on October 26, 2022, including a memorable stage performance to commemorate the historic evening. And when the Rotterdam arrives in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, on April 18, 2023, the ship will receive a grand welcome for its 150th anniversary in the city where the company was founded. During the overnight stop, guests and the city of Rotterdam will help mark this historic milestone with an evening event on board.
The anniversary year will include celebratory cruises. Cruise dates will be announced in the coming months and will feature special programming for each voyage. More details about the celebration will be revealed in the near future.
