Good morning, Yesterday my company released the below press release. We are 149 years young with 1 year remaining to our mile stone of 150 years. Also the naming ceremony of the Rotterdam VII is coming up in May.
Holland America Line Celebrates 149th Anniversary and Prepares for May Naming Ceremony in Rotterdam
Premium brand is getting ready to sail into its 150th year and prepares celebrations for Rotterdam, along with four more ships returning to service
Seattle, Wash., April 18, 2022 — Holland America Line is commemorating its 149th anniversary today as it moves closer to its 150th milestone next year. To mark the occasion, the day will be celebrated on board with grand desserts, special champagne toasts and festivities for guests and team members.
This is as far as I know the earliest poster which HAL published. Sometime between 1877 and 1880
In addition to the 149th anniversary, the cruise line will continue the celebrations through early June with the restart of Noordam (April 24), Oosterdam (May 8), Zaandam (May 12) and Westerdam (June 12) — bringing the entire fleet of 11 ships back in service — as well as the official naming ceremony for Rotterdam, which will be held May 30 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. In 2022, Holland America Line also celebrates 75 years of Alaska exploration.
ms Eurodam in Rotterdam
“As Holland America Line moves closer to the 150th anniversary of our founding, these past couple of years have shown us the importance of celebrating our milestones,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “This April is an important month with Holland America Line leading the return to Canadian cruising, the restart of Noordam and our anniversaries of our founding and travel to Alaska. We are grateful to be moving along a positive path, not only as a brand, but as an industry.”
The ms Rotterdam VII arriving in Rotterdam as seen from the Northbank of the river Maas.
The ss Rotterdam (I) sailing for the new World. In size she would fit 62 times inside the newest namesake,
Sailing Toward Holland America Line’s 150th Anniversary
As one of the longest-serving and most experienced cruise lines in the world, Holland America Line has become known for its award-winning ships and service. Though transportation and shipping were the mainstays of its business in the 19th century, the company began to offer cruise vacations in 1895. Today, Holland America Line operates 11 ships that visit nearly 400 ports across all seven continents.
Rotterdam’s Official Naming in Rotterdam
Holland America Line’s newest ship, Rotterdam, was delivered in July 2021, but the official naming ceremony will be held May 30. Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands will be the ship’s godmother, carrying on a tradition that began in the 1920s.
Rotterdam will depart Amsterdam, the Netherlands, May 29 on a seven-day “Rotterdam Naming Celebration” cruise that explores the gorgeous landscapes of Norway. When the ship arrives at Rotterdam May 30, a private ceremony will be held for invited guests that will be broadcast throughout the ship. During the voyage, guests will enjoy special events exclusive to the naming sailing, including a celebratory Gala Dinner and an opportunity to participate in the blessing of the ship’s bell, along with surprises and commemorative gifts.
For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.
April 19, 2022 at 11:15 pm
Thank you Captain, I look forward to your regular posts as you set sail again.
With luck we will meet again. I am booked on Noordam November through to March 2023.
April 19, 2022 at 11:33 pm
I would luv to be on 150 anniversary but I can’t afford it it’s over4000 for solo that’s just too
Much especially since I’m 5star
Platinum
April 20, 2022 at 4:55 am
Find 3 friends and share a inside cabin..then share the savings!
April 19, 2022 at 11:37 pm
Welcome back !!
April 19, 2022 at 11:38 pm
Thank you for your periodic posts and updates. We look forward to having you back on a regular basis as soon as possible.
You are missed by many.
Don
April 20, 2022 at 12:01 am
We still enjoy your Blog Capt. Thank you so much for all the work you put into it. While I have not sailed with you since 2009 I still love the sea and your blog keeps me connected in a pleasing way. Cherrs !
April 20, 2022 at 7:23 am
Leider ist ja meine Fahrt der neuen Rotterdam von Triest nach Civitaveccia damals gecancelt worden. Ich bin Diamant Club Mitglied und hoffe das ich bald an Bord gehen kann
April 20, 2022 at 6:58 pm
So the question of the day is this: Will Captain Albert be aboard Rotterdam VII as a guest lecturer on the October 2nd trans Atlantic 150th anniversary commemorative voyage? We certainly hope so.
April 20, 2022 at 10:04 pm
Selamat 149 tahun berlayar…
April 21, 2022 at 11:02 am
Do they invite again Dutch mariners 4/5* like the other ships again?
We do hope so!