As Holland America Line gets ready to sail into its 150th year, the cruise line is preparing celebrations for Rotterdam, along with four more ships returning to service.

Holland America marked its 149th anniversary yesterday, April 18, with an eye on its 150th next year. The day was celebrated onboard Holland America ships with grand desserts, special champagne toasts and festivities for passengers and team members.

Meanwhile the cruise line is continuing the celebrations through early June with the restart of Noordam (April 24), Oosterdam (May 8), Zaandam (May 12) and Westerdam (June 12). With these ships coming back into service, Holland America’s entire fleet of 11 ships will be sailing again.

There’s also the official naming ceremony for Rotterdam coming up on May 30 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands will be the ship’s godmother, carrying on a tradition that began in the 1920s. Rotterdam will depart Amsterdam on May 29 on a seven-day Rotterdam Naming Celebration cruise.

And here’s another landmark: in 2022, Holland America Line also celebrates 75 years of Alaska exploration.

“As Holland America Line moves closer to the 150th anniversary of our founding, these past couple of years have shown us the importance of celebrating our milestones,” said Gus Antorcha, President, Holland America Line. “This April is an important month with Holland America Line leading the return to Canadian cruising, the restart of Noordam and our anniversaries of our founding and travel to Alaska. We are grateful to be moving along a positive path, not only as a brand, but as an industry.”

Source: Travelweek