Today, the city of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, witnessed a historic moment as Holland America Line’s Rotterdam VII set sail on its 150th Anniversary Transatlantic Crossing. The 15-day journey is a reenactment of the maiden voyage of Rotterdam I, which departed the city 150 years ago to the day, and follows the same path to New York, with stops at Le Havre, France, and Plymouth, England.
To commemorate this momentous occasion, Holland America Line invited fans to the Cruise Port Rotterdam and Wilhelminapier for a festive sail away party, complete with a flotilla from a local yacht club, fireboats spraying water, and revelers waving souvenir handkerchiefs.
“Today marks a historic moment for our brand as we depart 150 years to the day that Holland America Line’s very first ship began its journey to New York,” said Holland America Line President Gus Antorcha. “Over the years, we have carried immigrants, soldiers, refugees, and vacationers, earning a reputation for exceptional care and welcoming all guests as if they were in our own homes.”
During the crossing, guests will be taken on a journey through the history of Holland America Line, with onboard enrichment programs, recreated dishes from a bygone era, and exclusive entertainment. The festivities will continue with a specially commissioned performance at New York on October 26 by past and present Lincoln Center Stage performers.
For those who missed the October 15th departure, there’s another chance to book the 150th Anniversary Transatlantic Crossing, departing from New York on April 6, 2023, and ending in Rotterdam on April 18, the cruise line’s 150th birthday.
Join Holland America Line as they celebrate 150 years of history and sail into their next 150 years of exceptional experiences for guests around the world.