Holland America Line releases details of 150th anniversary cruise

Guests will sail from the Netherlands to New York and enjoy specially curated onboard entertainment

Holland America Line releases details of 150th anniversary cruise

Holland America Line

The trip will retrace HAL’s first voyage in 1872

By Alice Chambers |


Holland America Line (HAL) is hosting a transatlantic crossing to begin its 150th Anniversary celebrations in 2023.

HAL’s ship, Rotterdam, will depart on 15 October from Rotterdam, the Netherlands, to New York City, USA, and will retrace the cruise line’s first voyage in 1872.

Onboard entertainment will reflect the memorable culinary experiences and exclusive entertainment that the brand has provided over the years.

One highlight will be the performance of a musical piece written by Emmy Award-winning producer and Emmy-nominated composer Steven Schoenberg, which will accompany a short film that will commemorate the occasion. The piece will be performed by 25 former HAL musicians on 26 October when the ship arrives in New York.

During the cruise, HAL will offer a 150th Gala Menu, which will feature a special collection of dishes to evoke a feeling of the past. There will also be a ‘Throwback Happy Hour’ with 25 cent drinks to reflect the prices when the brand debuted, as well as wine-tasting opportunities.

“HAL has evolved from a shipping company to a brand synonymous with exceptional cruise vacations, and this anniversary crossing is a tribute to the voyage millions of immigrants took to the New World,” said Gus Antorcha, president of HAL. “We have guests who are sailing in October because their grandparents immigrated to the USA on a HAL ship or because they've been fans for years, and we've filled the voyage with special moments that will create wonderful memories for everyone onboard.”

In addition, maritime historian Bill Miller and Dutch historian Dr. Jennifer Foray will give presentations on the company’s history.

All guests will be presented with a 150th Anniversary Royal Goedewaagen tile in a nod to the line’s Dutch heritage. In addition, they will be able to purchase specially designed anniversary items in the onboard retail store.

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