Holland America Line's flagship, the Rotterdam, arrived this morning in the port of Rotterdam, Netherlands, following its 150th anniversary voyage, which departed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on April 3. The ship's arrival on the exact date of Holland America Line's 150th anniversary kicked off all-day celebrations attended by royalty, local dignitaries, port officials, and other guests who commemorated this special day.
Holland America Line Chairman Gus Antorcha was joined by Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, Rotterdam Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb, and descendants of the original founders of Holland America Line for a celebration at the New York Hotel, Holland America Line's original headquarters from 1901 to 1977.
“Celebrating our 150th anniversary is more than just our history; it’s about how we’re building on the legacy of a great brand to make it relevant for the next 150 years,” said Antorcha. “I’m sure there are still many chapters to be written. And I hope that decades from now, those who come after us will gather in this very spot at the New York Hotel to share them.”.
Inside a room that once received immigrants' luggage in the early 20th century, Holland America Line unveiled a commemorative 150th-anniversary bell that will be on permanent display at the New York Hotel. Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet poured champagne over the bell, a Holland America Line tradition usually reserved for the launch of a new ship.
Holland America Line collaborated closely with PostNL, the Netherlands Post Office, to design a collectible 150th Anniversary stamp on gold paper.
In addition, members of one of the founding families of Holland America Line presented an original share of the company that will be preserved as part of a special collection in the Rotterdam City Archives.
Following a gala dinner aboard the Rotterdam VII, Antorcha invited the ship's guests to a party around the Lido pool, where she toasted Holland America Line's anniversary alongside the ship's captain, Bas van Dreumel, and Mai Elmar, CEO of Cruise Port Rotterdam and godmother of the ship.
As the grand finale to the evening's events, Rotterdam's Erasmus Bridge was illuminated with a special light show in honor of Holland America Line's 150th anniversary. The other nine ships in the Holland America Line fleet also held anniversary celebrations on board for their guests.
