Holland America Line Celebrates 150th Anniversary

150 Years of Cruising History with Holland America Line
Holland America Line, which has carried upward of 12 million passengers throughout its history, is celebrating its 150th anniversary on April 18, 2023. In its earlier days, the line carried approximately 2 million immigrants from Europe to the US. “We have guests sailing with us who remember coming to the States on a HAL ship when they were young, and others who can recall stories told by their grandparents who fled Europe for a better life across the Atlantic Ocean,” Holland America said.

Travelers interested in Holland America’s rich history can sign onto one of the line’s Heritage Cruises, which were designed for the company’s 150th anniversary. The Heritage Cruises include itineraries in Alaska, the Caribbean, Northern Europe, Mediterranean, Australia/New Zealand, Hawaii, South America and Mexico. Here’s a look at the line’s flagships, from Rotterdam I, Holland America’s first ship, to Rotterdam VII, which entered service in 2021.

Rotterdam I (1872-1883)
Although Holland America was officially founded in 1873, its first ship, Rotterdam I, embarked on its maiden voyage – a crossing from the Netherlands to New York – on October 1872. That crossing took 14 days and six hours. The 1,694-ton, 296-pasenger accommodated eight passengers in first class and 288 in steerage. The ship met its demise in September 1883 when it ran aground on the Zeehonderbank near the Dutch island of Schouwen.

Rotterdam II (1886-1895)
In 1895, the 3,300-ton Rotterdam II sailed on Holland America’s first vacation cruise. “On this voyage it became the first non-German ship to sail through the Kiel Canal when it was opened to avoid upsetting Great Britain or Germany about who would be first. The Kingdom of the Netherlands was neutral so choosing Rotterdam would not ruffle any feathers.” In all, Rotterdam II carried 87 passengers in first class, 70 in second class and 650 in third.

Rotterdam III (1897-1906)
The 8,186-passenger Rotterdam III was the first Holland America ship on record where “two Dutch emigrants eloped from their family to get married in the U.S.,” the line said. “She was rich and he drove her horse and carriage…and they fell in love. The family did not approve so they eloped to New York and got married there.” The ship accommodated 200 passengers in first class, 150 in second and 2,000 in third.

Rotterdam IV (1908-1940)
The 24,143-ton Rotterdam IV featured an array of opulent public rooms. The ship was Holland America’s first two-funnel vessel with an enclosed promenade deck with glass windows. It was also the last Holland America ship to carry sails. The vessel carried such noteworthy passengers as Albert and Elsa Einstein, and Winston and Clementine Churchill. The ship accommodated 552 passengers in first class, 555 in second and 2,232 third.

Rotterdam V (1959-1997)
In service for 38 years, the 8,186-ton Rotterdam V carried the Crown Princess of the Netherlands on its maiden voyage. “By constructing the central staircase as a double helix and alternating the class decks, [Rotterdam V] could be a one-class ship when the connecting doors were opened,” Holland America said. The ship carried 47 passengers in first class and upward of 809 in tourist class. It was converted into a one-class vessel in 1969 and now serves as a hotel and museum in Rotterdam.

Rotterdam VI (1997-2020)
The 61,849-ton 1,404-passenger Rotterdam VI was christened by Princess Margriet of the Netherlands. “In 2011, Rotterdam embarked on the line’s first standalone transatlantic crossing since 1971, making a single trip both eastbound and westbound,” Holland America said.

Rotterdam VII
The 99,500-ton, 2,688-guest Rotterdam VII is distinguished by the eclectic array of music and entertainment experiences it offers it guests. As a case in point, its Music Walk includes such venues as B.B. King’s Blues Club, Rolling Stone Rock Room, Lincoln Center Stage and Billboard Onboard venues.

The ship is equipped with 1,340 staterooms and suites in 13 categories, ranging from the interior cabins at 143 to 225 square feet to the Pinnacle Suite at 1,290 square feet. Dining venues include the Dining Room; Lido Market which features a variety of food stations; two poolside food areas; Dive-In, for burgers and Nathan’s hot dogs; the New York Pizza and Deli; Grand Dutch Café. which serves a delicious pea soup among other items. Belgian and Dutch beers are available at additional cost.

Rudi’s Sel De Mer, a French brasserie; Pinnacle Grill steakhouse; Canaletto for Italian; and Tamarind for Asian food and sushi are available at an extra cost.