Holland America's Line's flagship Rotterdam arrived at the Port of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, yesterday morning following a 150th Anniversary crossing that departed Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on April third. The ship's arrival on the date of Holland America Line's 150th birthday kicked off all-day celebrations that included royalty, local dignitaries, port officials and guests who commemorated the special day.
Holland America Line President Gus Antorcha was joined by Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, Rotterdam Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb and descendants of Holland America Line's founders for a celebration at Hotel New York, home to Holland America Line's original headquarters from 1901 to 1977.
"The celebration of 150 years is about more than our history; it's about how we are building on the legacy of a great brand to make it relevant for the next 150 years," said Antorcha.
"From those early days, we built our reputation on the care we provided to every person who stepped on board. And through the decades, whether that person was an immigrant, a titan of industry, a soldier or a vacationer, they were treated like guests in our home. It is still a hallmark of our brand," Antorcha said.
Anorcha continued, "The fabric of history is woven from the threads of millions of stories, and at the heart of each is a person. I am certain that there are many chapters still to be written. And I hope that decades from now, those who come after us will gather on this very spot at Hotel New York to share them."
From the ship's arrival through an overnight stay, memorable moments marked the milestone. Inside a room that once collected luggage for immigrants in the early 1900s, Holland America Line presented a commemorative 150th Anniversary bell to be permanently displayed at Hotel New York. Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet poured champagne over the bell, a Holland America Line tradition usually reserved for a new ship launch.
Holland America Line worked closely with PostNL, the postal office of the Netherlands, to design a collectable 150th Anniversary gold-foil stamp that was revealed by Bob van Ierland, director of mail, Netherlands, at the ceremony. The stamp, designed by Frank Janse, illustrates two iconic ships from the company's long history: Rotterdam VII, Holland America Line's newest ship, and Rotterdam I, its first ship. The limited-edition stamp is available for purchase throughout the Netherlands.
In addition, members of one of Holland America Line's founding families presented an original company share that will be kept as part of a unique collection in the Rotterdam City Archives. Attendees at the Hotel New York ceremony included Holland America Line team members and more than 60 of the line's top Mariners, guests who have sailed at least 1,400 days on the line's ships.
Following a Gala dinner on board Rotterdam VII, Antorcha invited the ship's guests to a party around the Lido Pool, where he toasted Holland America Line's Anniversary alongside ship's Captain Bas van Dreumel and Mai Elmar, executive director of Cruise Port Rotterdam and the ship's madrina.
"To the builders, architects, visionaries and explorers who have brought us to today. To our generations of the crew who have seen our guests from shore to shore. And most importantly, to all the passengers and guests who have trusted us along the way. Cheers to 150 years and many more to come," toasted Antorcha.
As a finale to the evening's events, the city of Rotterdam's Erasmus Bridge was illuminated with a unique light display honouring Holland America Line's 150th Anniversary. Following the bridge's lighting, Antorcha went to Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and joined Zuiderdam and Grand World Voyage guests around the Lido Pool to commemorate Holland America Line's birthday. The additional nine ships in Holland America Line's fleet also held anniversary parties on board for guests.
