Holland Americal Line is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, accompanied by various celebrations and special occasions. The newest initiative from the Seattle-based cruise line is a series of heritage cruises celebrating its illustrious history as one of the most famous cruise lines in the world.
During the heritage cruises, of which there will be 48, Holland America Line will visit famous destinations which played an important role in the last 150 years, such as the Netherlands and Alaska, a celebration of food, and even a happy hour with prices from times past.
48 Heritage Cruises Celebrating Holland America’s History
Holland America Line started in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, 150 years ago as a way for people to make their way to the New World. Since then, the cruise line has developed into one of the most famous cruise lines in the world. Now based in Seattle, Washington, the cruise line revealed a new series of 48 cruises today that will celebrate that history.
Heritage Cruises will focus on ports rich in the brand’s history and feature unique onboard and shoreside experiences. Including visits to Rotterdam, the Netherlands, which shares a connection to the company’s beginnings to meaningful ports like Skagway and Juneau that introduced the world to Alaska cruising, guests will be immersed in Holland America Line’s Dutch seafaring heritage.
“As a beloved company that’s been around for 150 years, these special Heritage Cruises allow us to continue celebrating Holland America Line with our guests in a meaningful way,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “We have a deep connection to ports around the world, and we’re excited to show how each highlighted destination has shaped our brand.”
Destinations on the heritage cruises include Alaska, the Caribbean, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Australia/New Zealand, Hawaii, South America, and Mexico, onboard a variety of the cruise line’s ships.
In total, 56 ports of call will be highlighted. In Alaska, this includes Sitka, Skagway, Juneau, and more. Amsterdam and Rotterdam will be featured in Europe, and in the Caribbean, Curacao, Aruba, St. Maarten, and many more.
Other interesting ports which will feature on the Heritage cruises include Santiago, Chile; Wellington, New Zealand; the Panama Canal; Rome; and Dubrovnik.
Throwback to Traditional Food, Drinks, and Games
The Dutch heritage of Holland America Line will be celebrated in many more ways during the Heritage Cruises. Dinner menus in the dining rooms will showcase Holland America’s rich history of showcasing regional foods. There will also be a special Dutch High Tea that offers sweets like Oliebollen, Speculaas, mini Bossche bollen, and Tompouce.
A Throwback Happy Hour rolls back time and features select drinks priced as low as 75 cents, and guests will have the chance to try their luck at old-fashioned Dutch games such as Sjoelen, along with anniversary-themed trivia.
It’s not just guests on the Heritage Cruises that will be able to celebrate the cruise line’s rich history. On each voyage, one Captain’s Gala Menu in the Dining Room is a collection of classic dishes, with every option coming from a previous Holland America Line menu.
The cruise line also developed a unique Gin and an anniversary beer, and Mariner Society members receive a 150th Anniversary Royal Goedewaagen tile.
The anniversary celebrations culminate with the 150th Anniversary Transatlantic Crossing onboard the 99,935 gross ton Rotterdam, departing on April 6, 2023, from New York, ending in Rotterdam on April 18, the cruise line’s 150th birthday.
