Holland America Line is prepping for its landmark 150th anniversary celebrations.
Birthday events will take place in its birthplace Rotterdam on April 18, 2023.
Rotterdam VII will arrive in Rotterdam, while Zuiderdam will be at Amsterdam which hosts an evening gala party on board for Grand World Voyage guests.
Holland America Line President Gus Antorcha will lead the celebrations.
Also scheduled to attend the events are HRH Princess Margriet of the Netherlands; the mayor of Rotterdam; and descendants from two families of HAL’s original founders.
Upon Rotterdam’s arrival at Rotterdam the 150th Anniversary celebrations begin at Hotel New York, home to HAL’s historic headquarters.
The cruise line will present a commemorative 150th Anniversary bell — in the style of a traditional ship bell — to be permanently displayed at the hotel.
At the event, Princess Margriet will follow Holland America Line’s ritual of blessing the bell.
Following gala dinners on Rotterdam and Zuiderdam, the celebrations move to the Lido pool area with live music.
Anniversary-themed parties also will be held on the nine other ships in the fleet.
