Wow, 150 years! What a tremendous milestone. Let’s travel back to 1872, can you tell us how Holland America Line began?
Holland America Line began in 1873 as the Netherlands-America Steamship Company, a shipping and passenger line. It became known as Holland America Line because it was headquartered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and provided service to the Americas. The company’s first ocean liner was Rotterdam, which sailed its maiden 15-day voyage from Rotterdam to New York on the 15th of October 1872. By its 25th anniversary, Holland America Line owned a fleet of six cargo and passenger ships. It also provided service between Holland and the Dutch East Indies via the newly constructed Suez Canal. The line was a principal carrier of immigrants from Europe to the United States from the 1880s to the 1920s, taking 850,000 passengers to new lives in the New World.
It was in 1895 that the company offered its first vacation cruise. Its second leisure cruise - from New York to the Holy Land - was in 1910 and by 1971, Holland America Line suspended its trans-Atlantic passenger trade and offered cruise vacations/holidays full-time. In 1989, Holland America Line Inc. became a wholly owned subsidiary of Carnival Corp., the largest cruise company in the world.
With rich history comes many firsts! Which of Holland America Line’s ‘firsts’ are most memorable?
- Holland America Line survived two World Wars and transported thousands of soldiers to join the Allies in World War II;
- In North America, Holland America Line has been sailing to Alaska for more than 75 years, which is more than any other cruise line. Not only have we sailed to Alaska the longest, but we are the only cruise line to take guests into the Yukon Territory on an overland Cruisetour. We also offer more sailings to Glacier Bay National Park than any other cruise line;
- Holland America Line has 11 ships that travel to more than 300 ports across all 7 continents;
- Holland America Line is the only cruise line with a Culinary Council made up of six world-class celebrity chefs who create the incredible meals guests will enjoy onboard;
- We are the first and only cruise line to be awarded Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) certification serving fresh, certified sustainable and traceable wild Alaska seafood;
- Holland America Line has been exclusively named as the Official Cruise Line of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and is committed to expanding its pickleball experience at sea for guests.
Today, you have a fleet of 11 incredible ships, one of which, Rotterdam, has remained at the heart of Holland America Line from the beginning. Tell us more about Rotterdam’s evolution.
First of all, Holland America Line was founded in Rotterdam. From the very beginning, the namesake city has played a crucial role in everything we’ve done as a company. Throughout our history, we’ve seen seven Rotterdam’s sail. The first ship crossed from the Netherlands to Amsterdam in 1873 and was followed by Rotterdam II, which was the first non-German ship to sail the Kiel Canal in 1881. Rotterdam III sailed for 9 years and was followed by Rotterdam IV, the first two funnel ship the company had seen - and one of the most opulent vessels of her time. Among her passengers were Albert Einstein and Winston Churchill. Rotterdam V - the ‘Grand Dame’ - was again top of the line, and now sits in Rotterdam Harbour as a floating hotel.
Rotterdam, in short, has always been central to our achievements. Now, Rotterdam VII, Holland America Line’s newest ship shows just what sets Holland America Line apart. From exquisite dining to superb staterooms and entertainment, it’s no wonder she’s constantly nominated for awards like the best mid-sized cruise ship and more.
What sets Holland America Line apart from the rest?
Holland America Line is renowned for its beautiful, mid-sized ships which are perfect for accessing ports that larger ships cannot. This means our itineraries cover a wider variety of destinations and unusual ports. In fact, the fleet visits more than 400 ports in 114 countries, covering short getaways to longer world voyages and everything in between.
While onboard, guests are treated to world-renowned dining. Each ship offers a variety of restaurants with exclusive menus designed by our Culinary Council, comprised of world-famous chefs.
What about the future of Holland America Line? What’s on the horizon?
We’re excited about what’s on the horizon here at Holland America Line. From a slate of new and exciting legendary voyages that span the globe - including the Arctic Circle and the South Pole - to wonderful itineraries in South America, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean and beyond.
We’re also continuously adapting to the interests of our guests; this year, we expanded our entertainment, sports and arts programming, and plan to continue to evolve in a way that keeps us front of the line.
Congratulations on an incredible milestone, Holland America Line. Here’s to another 150 years!
