27 15 OCTOBER 1872 15-day maiden voyage on Rotterdam I, which sailed from Rotterdam, the Netherlands, to New York City 18 APRIL 1873 Shipping company founded as NederlandschAmerikaansche Stoomvaart Maatschappij (Dutch-American Steamship Company) 1895 Began offering vocational cruises onboard Rotterdam II 1939-1945 Loss of 16 ships due to the impact of World War II 1958 First world voyage onboard Statendam IV 1973 Celebrated 100th anniversary by focusing on vocational cruises 1989 Became subsidiary of Carnival Corporation JUNE 2006 Earned its initial ISO 14001 certification, a worldwide-known standard for environmental management JULY 2021 Newest ship delivered, named after the original Rotterdam 18 APRIL 2023 150th anniversary welcome’ celebration when it arrives in Rotterdam on 18 April. Entertainment highlights on the return transatlantic journey will include lectures about HAL’s history from maritime and Dutch historians. Guests will also be able to purchase commemorative items in the onboard retail store. “A milestone like a 150th anniversary doesn’t come around often for most companies, and our celebrations will bring to life our century-and-a-half of amazing history,” said Antorcha. “HAL has touched the lives of millions of people throughout the years – whether by bringing them to a new life in America or providing a oncein-a-lifetime vacation. We have some really special experiences planned over the next several months to honour our heritage.” In addition, HAL has partnered with The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation to curate an exhibition launching in 2023 which details its role in bringing one in 10 immigrants from Europe to the USA between 1872 and 1895. The brand will display video content from the exhibition onboard its ships. HAL has also created a limitededition Pilsner beer – HAL Pils – and launched its own De Lijn Gin, which is made from Dutch-inspired ingredients such as orange, rose and elderberry. This year, HAL will also sail 48 ‘Heritage Cruises’ visiting a selection of ‘special’ destinations such as Alaska, the Caribbean, Northern Europe, Mediterranean, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, South America and Mexico. “As a beloved company that’s been around for 150 years, these special ‘Heritage Cruises’ allow us to continue celebrating HAL with our guests in a meaningful way,” said Antorcha. “We have a deep connection to ports around the world, and we’re excited to show how each highlighted destination has shaped our brand.” A few major events that have taken place during HAL’s history Photo: Holland America Line The brand hosted a transatlantic voyage on 15 October 2022, calling at New York City for a gala dinner Photo: Holland America Line HAL Timeline
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