Rotterdam departs on its historic voyage

HAL’s Rotterdam departs on historic sailing

The ship departed from the city it is named after 150 years to the day since its namesake set off for New York

By Cruise Adviser On Oct 18, 2022

Holland America Line’s ship Rotterdam departed from the city it is named after on Saturday (October 15) on its historic 150th anniversary transatlantic crossing.

The 15-day journey recreates the maiden voyage of the line’s original Rotterdam, which departed from the Netherlands on October 15, 1872 sailing to New York, with calls at Le Havre and Plymouth.

Holland America Line hosted a shoreside sailaway party at Cruiseport Rotterdam, with fireboats spraying water and a flotilla from a local yacht club.

“Saturday was historic for our brand as we departed 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.

“In that time, we’ve carried immigrants and cruising vacationers, soldiers and refugees and earned a reputation for extraordinary care and welcoming all those guests as if into our own homes.

“As we sail into our next 150 years, that environment of service will be our hallmark as we create exceptional experiences for guests around the world.”

During the crossing, guests will journey through Holland America Line’s history with onboard enrichment programming, culinary recreations of dishes from a bygone era and exclusive entertainment.

The festivities continue during an overnight call in New York on October 26 and there is another 150th anniversary cruise from New York back to Rotterdam which departs on April 6, 2023.