Holland America Line Celebrates 150th Anniversary

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.