by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 10:30 AM ET, Mon April 21, 2025
Holland America Line is kicking off its 2025 season in Rotterdam.
The company has two ships based at its historic home port, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam.
On Sunday, Nieuw Statendam also became the first Holland America Line ship to plug into the Port of Rotterdam’s newly unveiled shore power system.
“It’s always a festive moment welcoming Holland America Line’s ships home for the season,” says Nick Hoogeweij, general manager for Cruise Port Rotterdam. “For 152 years, Holland America Line has been a frontrunner on service, safety and sustainability, and is truly part of Rotterdam’s genes. We are so proud to be part of the Holland America Line family; welcome home.”
This is the first time since 2012 that Holland America Line has had two ships homeporting at Rotterdam. Together, the vessels will make 29 voyages and transport nearly 77,000 guests around Europe. Destinations include Scandinavia, Iceland, the Baltics, Central Europe, the British Isles, the Canary Isles and the Mediterranean.
The anticipated economic impact of the cruise line’s presence this year is nearly $21 million, according to the company. Holland America Line will also continue to work with Dutch vendors and suppliers, including DeKuyper, B + S, Meeder, Ferwerda, 4 Cruise, Double Dutch and Luiten Foods and Schmidt Zeevis.
Because of the shore power capability, the cruise line also expects to be able to save up to 294 tons of fuel, which will result in a reduction of 914 tons of carbon dioxide.
Rotterdam is also continuing to use low carbon intensity biofuel this year, after a successful test last year. During the test, the ship saw an 86 percent decrease in lifecycle carbon dioxide emissions while operating on one engine.
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