Cruise line founded in 1873 is one of most experienced in the
world
SEATTLE, April 18, 2018 /CNW/ -- Holland America Line is celebrating its 145th
anniversary today, April 18, 2018,
marking its place in history as one of the most experienced cruise
lines in the world. What started as shipping and passenger line
Netherlands-American Steamship Company in 1873, is today an
award-winning premium cruise line taking guests to more than 400
ports around the world, sailing on all seven continents.
Within 25 years of its founding, the company owned a fleet of
six cargo and passenger ships and operated between Holland and the Dutch East Indies. Because it
was headquartered in Rotterdam and
provided service to the Americas, over time the company became
known as Holland America Line.
"Holland America Line proudly honors the rich and rare legacy of
our past while exceeding the expectations of today's traveler with
the very best experience at sea," said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line's
president. "Throughout the history of the company, our purpose has
remained the same: to bring to life the dreams of those who sail
with us, discovering new places, cultures and people along the
journey. We look forward to the next 145 years."
Though transportation and shipping were the primary sources of
revenue, in 1895 the company offered its first vacation cruise. The
line was primarily a carrier of immigrants from Europe to the United
States until well after the turn of the century, bringing
nearly one million people to new lives in the New World. It
supported the Allied cause during two world wars and several ships
served as troop carriers. In 1973, the company sold its cargo
shipping division.
Through the early '70s, Holland America Line was the first to
establish schools in Indonesia and
the Philippines to train future
employees, thereby making its shipboard service renowned in the
industry. Holland America Line has
been headquartered in Seattle
since 1983. Purchased by Carnival Corporation in 1989, the company
grew to new heights, embarking upon a shipbuilding path that has
seen the introduction of 16 new vessels over the years to the
line's fleet so far.
Today, the premium cruise leader operates 14 ships sailing to
all seven continents. Throughout its history Holland America Line
has carried more than 16 million passengers to vacation
destinations across the globe.
The Legacy Continues with Nieuw Statendam
In
December 2018, Holland America Line
will welcome Nieuw Statendam to the fleet. Nieuw
Statendam is the second Pinnacle Class ship for Holland America
Line, joining Koningsdam, which launched in
April 2016. A third Pinnacle
Class ship will set sail for the cruise line in 2021.
The new 99,500-ton ship will reflect the ongoing evolution of
the company. Holland America Line's
first ship to be called Statendam sailed in 1898, and this
will be the sixth ship in the company's history to carry the name.
In combining the Dutch word for "new" with the classic
Statendam, Holland America Line is celebrating the company's
past, present and future.
For more information, contact a travel professional, call
1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.
Editor's note: Photos are available at
https://www.cruiseimagelibrary.com/c/5rkxyha8.
Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland
America Blog. Access all social media outlets via the Online
Communities quick link on the home page at hollandamerica.com.
About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival
Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]
Holland
America Line's fleet of 14 ships
offers more than 500 cruises to more than 400 ports in 98
countries, territories or dependencies around the world. From
shorter getaways to 113-day itineraries, the company's cruises
visit all seven continents, with highlights including Antarctica explorations, South America circumnavigations, Cuba cruises and exotic Australia/New
Zealand and Asia voyages;
four annual Grand Voyages; and popular sailings to the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada and New England, Bermuda, Europe and the Panama Canal. The line welcomed
Koningsdam in 2016 and has a second Pinnacle-class
ship, Nieuw Statendam, to be delivered in
December 2018. A third Pinnacle-class
ship, due for delivery in 2021, recently was announced.
The company is undergoing $300
million in brand enhancements to secure its position as the
leader in premium cruising. Fleetwide, the ships feature innovative
initiatives and a diverse range of enriching experiences focused on
destination immersion and personalized travel. Guests can expand
their knowledge through an exclusive partnership with O, The Oprah
Magazine; during an America's Test Kitchen show; at Explorations
Café presented by The New York Times;
and by taking a Digital Workshop powered by Windows. Outstanding
entertainment fills each evening at venues including Lincoln Center
Stage, Billboard Onboard and B.B. King's Blues Club. The dining
experience can be savored at a variety of restaurants with menus
that feature selections from Holland America Line's esteemed
Culinary Council, comprising world-famous chefs who design dishes
exclusively for our guests.
CONTACT:
|
Sally
Andrews
|
PHONE:
|
800-637-5029
|
EMAIL:
|
pr@hollandamerica.com
|
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SOURCE Holland America Line