26 Holland America Line celebrates 150th anniversary Holland America Line (HAL) will mark 150 years of operations on 18 April 2023. HAL began as Nederlandsch-Amerikaansche Stoomvaart Maatschappij (DutchAmerican Steamship Company) in 18 April 1873, transporting people from the Netherlands to ‘The New World’ in North America. Its first ship, Rotterdam, departed on its maiden voyage from Rotterdam to New York on 15 October 1872 and the brand started offering vocational cruises in 1895. It now operates 11 ships that visit nearly 400 ports a year. To commemorate the milestone, HAL hosted a transatlantic voyage on 15 October 2022, where Rotterdam sailed from the Netherlands to Florida. Onboard, guests enjoyed a gala menu featuring Dutch dishes and a programme of curated entertainment including a performance of a musical piece written by Steven Schoenberg, which was accompanied by a short film and 25 former HAL musicians. “HAL has evolved from a shipping company to a brand synonymous with exceptional cruise vacations, and this anniversary crossing was a tribute to the voyage millions of immigrants took to the New World,” said Gus Antorcha, president of HAL. “We had guests who were sailing in October because their grandparents immigrated to the USA on a HAL ship or because they’ve been fans for years, and we filled the voyage with special moments that will create wonderful memories for everyone onboard.” HAL will operate a second transatlantic voyage from Florida on 4 April 2023, which will include a call to New York City, an eight-day the Atlantic Ocean crossing and a ‘grand The cruise brand has expanded since its maiden voyage in 1873 and now operates 11 ships that visit nearly 400 ports per year MARKETWATCH Holland America Line was founded in 1873 and carried out its maiden voyage in 1872 Photo: Holland America Line
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