Holland America Line celebrates 150th anniversary

Holland America Line has marked its 150th anniversary with a special event onboard Rotterdam following its transatlantic crossing from For Lauderdale.

The event included commemorations from royalty as well as local dignitaries and Holland America Line executives.

Holland America Line President Gus Antorcha was joined by Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, Ahmed Aboutaleb, mayor of Rotterdam and descendants of Holland America Line’s original 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 first 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, each of them was treated as though they were a guest in our own home. It is still a hallmark of our brand.

“The fabric of history is woven from the threads of millions of stories, and at the heart of each of those stories is a person,” Antorcha continued. “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.”

To mark the occasion, Holland America Line presented a commemorative bell which will be displayed at the Hotel New York. Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet poured champagne over the bell, which is a Holland America Line tradition usually reserved for a new ship launch.