To celebrate its 150th anniversary, American cruise operator Holland America Line organised a unique celebration in the Dutch port city of Rotterdam where Dutch Royalty and senior executives of the company joined in.

American cruise operator Holland America Line’s flagship Rotterdam arrived at the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands on a unique, celebratory trip from Fort Lauderdale in Florida. In a press statement, Holland America adds that the voyage began on April 3. Royalty, local authorities, port officials, and guests who were commemorating the momentous day joined in the celebrations after the ship docked on the exact day of Holland America Line’s 150th birthday.

According to the statement, Holland America Line President Gus Antorcha was joined by Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, Rotterdam Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb and descendants of Holland America Line’s original founders for a celebration at Hotel New York, home to Holland America Line’s original headquarters from 1901 to 1977.

“The celebration of 150 years is about more than our history, it is about how we are building on the legacy of a great brand to make it relevant for the next 150 years. From those first early days, we built our reputation on the care we provided to every person who stepped on board. And through the decades, whether that person was an immigrant, a titan of industry, a soldier or a vacationer, each of them was treated as though they were a guest in our own home. It is still a hallmark of our brand,” said Antorcha.

“The fabric of history is woven from the threads of millions of stories, and at the heart of each of those stories is a person. I am certain that there are many chapters still to be written. And I hope that decades from now, those who come after us will gather on this very spot at Hotel New York to share them,” Antorcha added.

The statement adds that the landmark was celebrated by remarkable moments from the ship’s arrival through the overnight stay. Holland America Line offered a commemorative 150th anniversary bell to be permanently displayed at Hotel New York in the space that originally housed immigrant luggage in the early 1900s.

A collectible 150th anniversary gold-foil stamp was created by Holland America Line in close collaboration with PostNL, the Dutch postal service, and unveiled by Bob van Ierland, director of mail, Netherlands, at the occasion. The Rotterdam VII, the newest ship of Holland America Line, and the Rotterdam I, the company’s first ship, are depicted on the stamp, which was created by Frank Janse. The limited-edition stamp can be bought all throughout the Netherlands.

As a capstone to the evening’s activities, a unique light show honouring Holland America Line’s 150th anniversary was displayed on the Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam. The other nine ships in the fleet of Holland America Line also hosted celebrations for their anniversaries.