Holland America Line Employment

ABOUT US

Overview


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From the Executive Office

Greetings,

For more than 136 years, Holland America Line has been a recognized leader in cruising, taking our guests to exotic destinations around the world. If you are looking for some of the most spacious and comfortable ships at sea, award-winning service, five star dining, extensive activities and enrichment programs and compelling worldwide itineraries, you've come to the right place. We are committed to our mission: through excellence, we create once-in-a-lifetime experiences, every time.

Today, Holland America Line's fleet of 14 elegant, mid-size ships offers nearly 500 sailings a year visiting all seven continents. Cruises include both popular and less-traveled ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Mexico, South America, the Panama Canal, Australia, New Zealand and Asia - as well as unique voyages to the Amazon, Antarctica and our extended Grand Voyages. Along with enticing destinations, we offer one-of-a-kind programs such as the Culinary Arts Center cooking demonstrations and The Collections of Holland America Line - specially chosen shore excursions to further enhance our guests' appreciation and understanding of the places they visit.

Holland America Line has a long and proud history of delivering extraordinary vacation experiences, and with our ongoing $525-million Signature of Excellence® commitment, that experience is now better than ever. Signature of Excellence enhancements encompass virtually every area of our ships and range from new facilities and public spaces to added services and amenities.

Innovative programs and superior amenities have consistently placed us among the highest-rated premium cruise lines, earned us the prestigious Five Star Diamond Award from The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences and one of the highest rates of repeat guests in the industry. We are very proud of these achievements and look forward to exceeding guests' expectations in every aspect of our operation.

Holland America Line also continues to set new standards for environmental leadership. Through hard work and dedication, Holland America Line earned its ISO 14001 certification in June 2006. As the internationally recognized standard for environmental management, ISO 14001 encompasses virtually every aspect of our ships' operations. Our commitment to it demonstrates our belief that the safeguarding of our guests, crews, ships and the environment in which we live and operate is not only the right thing to do, it is essential to the successful conduct of our business.

As part of our collective social responsibility, the company, employees, and guests have joined together to give back to communities and organizations around the world. Through the Ship to Shelter program, Holland America Line collects valuable and reusable goods from ships for donation to charities serving people in need. And together, guests and employees have donated over $1 million through our innovative On Deck for the Cure® shipboard walks benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Whether it's donating shipboard items to an orphanage, cleaning up a neighborhood park, or donating money to disaster relief, Holland America Line and its employees share time and resources to make a difference.

On the horizon, we are looking forward to welcoming our second Signature class ship to the fleet in 2010. The ms Nieuw Amsterdam will have a capacity of 2,106 guests and many outstanding new amenities sure to be appreciated by our discerning guests.

Signature of Excellence is a promise from every Holland America Line employee to our guests - a commitment to provide a truly extraordinary experience and tremendous value. We invite you to experience our award-winning service, extraordinary accommodations, five star dining, entertaining onboard activities, and exotic destinations that can only be found on a cruise with Holland America Line. We look forward to welcoming you aboard.

Offering you my signature of excellence,

Stein Kruse

President and Chief Executive Officer

ABOUT US

Awards & Accolades


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We are proud to share some of the organizations and publications which have honored us with awards and accolades.



#1 Preferred Cruise Line

Portrait of Affluent Travelers™ survey; Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown & Russell


Consistently Among the Highest-rated Cruise Lines

Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards

Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards


Highest-Rated Premium Cruise Line

Condé Nast Traveller UK Readers’ Travel Awards


International Five Star Diamond Award

The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences


High Deluxe Five-Star-Plus Rating

World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society


Best Overall Cruise Value (17 consecutive years)

World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society, Ocean & Cruise News


Best Alaska Itineraries, Best Northern Europe Itineraries, Best Central America/Panama Canal Itineraries, Best Australia/New Zealand Itineraries, Best Private Island - Half Moon Cay, Most Eco-Friendly Cruise Line, Best Spa Facilities, Best Medical Facilities, Best Overall Facilities for Physically Challenged Passengers

Porthole Cruise Magazine Readers' Choice Awards


Best Cabins; Best Activities

Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards

Among the Best Cruise Ship Spas

SpaFinder Readers’ Choice Awards


Best Private Island in the Cruise Industry (seven consecutive years), Best Alternative Restaurant: Pinnacle Grill

Porthole Cruise Magazine Editor-in-Chief Award


Green Planet Award

Kuoni Switzerland for outstanding environmental standards


Best Cruise Line, Europe, Best New Ship 2008: ms Eurodam

Travel Weekly, Readers' Choice Awards


Gold Medal: Best Eco-Friendly “Green” Cruise Ship Program: Ship to Shelter Silver Medal: Best Mid-Size Cruise Ship: ms Prinsendam

Travel Weekly, Magellan Awards

Best New Ship: ms Eurodam

TravelAge West Magazine, WAVE Awards

Best Cruise Ship: ms Rotterdam

Travel Trade, Readers’ Choice Awards

Responsible Tourism Award

Virgin Holidays

ABOUT US

Profile


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Company Profile

With 136 years of experience, Holland America Line is recognized as the undisputed leader in the cruise industry’s premium segment. Holland America Line’s fleet of 14 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to 320 ports of call in more than 100 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to 114-day itineraries visit all seven continents, including Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal.

As part of its social responsibility initiative, the leading premium cruise line contributes over a million dollars each year in cash, in-kind shipboard events and useable goods to a broad range of charitable organizations nationally and internationally. Additionally, the line provides over 2,000 reduced-fare cruises annually to support charitable fundraising events throughout the United States and Canada. The innovative On Deck for the Cure program has raised more than $1.5 million in donations to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Over the course of the company’s long history Holland America Line has carried more than 10 million passengers from Europe to the New World and to vacation destinations across the globe.

Providing Passage to the New World
Holland America Line was founded in 1873 as the Netherlands-America Steamship Company (NASM), a shipping and passenger line. Because it was headquartered in Rotterdam and provided service to the Americas, it became known as Holland America Line. The company's first ocean liner was the Rotterdam, which sailed its maiden voyage from the Netherlands to New York City on Oct. 15, 1872. The one-way voyage took 15 days. Following that first voyage, Holland America Line has seen a series of benchmark moments in its history.

  • By its 25th anniversary, Holland America Line owned a fleet of six cargo and passenger ships, and also provided service between Holland and the Dutch East Indies via the newly constructed Suez Canal.
  • The line was a principal carrier of immigrants from Europe to the United States until well after the turn of the century, carrying 850,000 to new lives in the New World.
  • In 1895, the company offered its first vacation cruise; its second leisure cruise, from New York to the Holy Land, was in 1910.
  • In 1971, Holland America Line suspended its transatlantic passenger trade and turned to offering cruise vacations full time.
  • In 1989, Holland America Line Inc. became a wholly owned subsidiary of Carnival Corp., the largest cruise company in the world.


Compelling Worldwide Itineraries
Holland America Line’s fleet of 14 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to more than 320 ports. Two- to 108-day itineraries visit all seven continents, including Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal.

In the 2006 Portrait of Affluent Travelers survey by Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown and Russell, Holland America Line topped the list of cruise lines sought after by affluent leisure travelers. Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, totaling more than $525 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine — a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes — Explorations Café powered by The New York Times, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner’s Dream Beds.

With an ongoing commitment, the premium line continues to focus on product enhancements in accommodations, service, dining, itinerary development and enrichment programs and activities. Examples include As You Wish dining for open seating, a new Culinary Arts Center program for kids, and the expansion of shore activities to include private touring options in port.

Holland America Line's Five-Star Fleet

Ship Name Delivery Passenger Capacity
ms Nieuw Amsterdam 2010 2,106
ms Eurodam 2008 2,104
ms Noordam 2006 1,918
ms Westerdam 2004 1,916
ms Oosterdam 2003 1,848
ms Zuiderdam 2002 1,916
ms Prinsendam 2002 793
ms Amsterdam 2000 1,380
ms Zaandam 2000 1,432
ms Volendam 1999 1,432
ms Rotterdam 1997 1,316
ms Veendam 1996 1,266
ms Ryndam 1994 1,258
ms Maasdam 1993 1,258
ms Statendam 1993 1,258

Holland America Tours
Holland America Line offers more than 30 CruiseTour itineraries showcasing Alaska and Canada’s Yukon Territory. The CruiseTour division was founded in 1948 in Fairbanks as Arctic Alaska Tours to arrange tours and operate from Seward and Valdez by rail and bus to the interior and by air to the Arctic. Westours, as the company became known, became a subsidiary of Holland America in 1979 and is now part of Holland America Line. The company also owns Westmark Hotels, the largest hotel group in Alaska and Yukon Territory with 11 hotels in 10 communities. In May 2006, Holland America Line completed a new 135-room lodge in Denali as well as the renovation and expansion of the Westmark Fairbanks.

Holland America Line offers cruise and CruiseTour packages ranging from adventure shore excursions to full itinerary land tours of Alaska and the Yukon. All CruiseTour itineraries combine a land tour and a Holland America Line cruise. Rail tours have been offered since 1987 on board the McKinley Explorer full-domed luxury rail cars, with service between Anchorage, Denali National Park and Fairbanks. In 2007, Holland America introduced the Explorer Coaches, luxury Alaska themed motor coaches that provide space and comfort unparalleled in the industry.

In 2003, Holland America Line introduced exclusive CruiseTours to Canada's spectacular sub arctic Kluane National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, encompassing pristine wilderness and having five of the seven highest peaks in North America, and in 2005 added Tombstone Territorial Park, outside of Dawson City, Yukon as an additional wilderness experience.

Holland America Line is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.


7/09

ABOUT US

Executive Team


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Stein Kruse

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Stein Kruse

President and Chief Executive Officer

Stein Kruse is president and chief executive officer for Holland America Line Inc. a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc. Kruse reports to Micky Arison, chairman & CEO, and Howard Frank, vice chairman & COO, Carnival Corporation & plc.

Kruse joined Holland America Line in 1999 as senior vice president, fleet operations with overall responsibility for all Holland America Line's operations. In 2003, Kruse was named president and chief operating officer, and on December 1, 2004, chief executive officer.

Kruse joined Holland America Line from "K" Line America, where he was senior vice president and chief financial officer. He also oversaw financial activities in seven U.S. subsidiary companies for the global Japanese shipping company and served on the board of directors.

Prior to that, Kruse held several executive positions in the cruise industry. He was executive vice president and chief operating officer for Radisson Seven Seas Cruises and president and CEO for Seven Seas Cruise Line.

A former vice chairman of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Kruse serves as a director on the boards of the United States Coast Guard Foundation and CLIA, and on the board of governors of the World Trade Center in Seattle. A native of Oslo, Norway, Kruse holds a bachelor of science degree from Purdue University and is a graduate of Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program. The Kruse family resides in Bellevue, Washington.

ABOUT US

Stein Kruse
President and Chief Executive Officer, Holland America Line Inc.


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EXECUTIVE TEAM

Stein Kruse

President and Chief Executive Officer

Stein Kruse is president and chief executive officer for Holland America Line Inc. a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc. Kruse reports to Micky Arison, chairman & CEO, and Howard Frank, vice chairman & COO, Carnival Corporation & plc.

Kruse joined Holland America Line in 1999 as senior vice president, fleet operations with overall responsibility for all Holland America Line's operations. In 2003, Kruse was named president and chief operating officer, and on December 1, 2004, chief executive officer.

Kruse joined Holland America Line from "K" Line America, where he was senior vice president and chief financial officer. He also oversaw financial activities in seven U.S. subsidiary companies for the global Japanese shipping company and served on the board of directors.

Prior to that, Kruse held several executive positions in the cruise industry. He was executive vice president and chief operating officer for Radisson Seven Seas Cruises and president and CEO for Seven Seas Cruise Line.

A former vice chairman of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Kruse serves as a director on the boards of the United States Coast Guard Foundation and CLIA, and on the board of governors of the World Trade Center in Seattle. A native of Oslo, Norway, Kruse holds a bachelor of science degree from Purdue University and is a graduate of Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program. The Kruse family resides in Bellevue, Washington.

ABOUT US

Richard D. Meadows
Executive Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Guest Programs


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Richard D. Meadows

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Richard D. Meadows, CTC

Executive Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Guest Programs

Richard D. Meadows is the executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line Inc., a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc. Meadows has global revenue responsibility for Holland America Line's cruises and CruiseTours.

His duties include oversight of all product pricing and yield management, marketing, sales, reservations, public relations and guest relations activities of the company.

With over two decades in the cruise industry, Meadows has held positions in Carnival Corporation since 1984 including vice president, corporate marketing, Carnival Corporation and director of sales, Carnival Cruise Lines. From 1994 - 2000, Meadows served as vice president, sales and marketing, with Windstar Cruises, a former subsidiary of Holland America Line.

Prior to joining Holland America Line in July 2004, Meadows served as senior vice president, sales and marketing, at Seabourn Cruise Line where he was responsible for overall brand management and product development, global strategic marketing and sales promotion.

Very active in the cruise and travel industry, Meadows is a frequent speaker at industry forums and serves on the Cruise Lines International Association's Marketing Committee. In the Seattle area, he has served on the board of directors of the Seattle Repertory Theatre and has been appointed by Governor Gregoire to the Washington State Tourism Commission.

ABOUT US

Dan Grausz
Senior Vice President, Fleet Operations


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Dan Grausz

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Dan Grausz

Senior Vice President - Fleet Operations

Dan Grausz is the senior vice president, fleet operations for Holland America Line, a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc, reporting directly to Stein Kruse, president and chief executive officer. Grausz has overall responsibility for Holland America Line's marine hotel, nautical, technical, port operations and compliance, as well as Caribbean relations, operations policy and planning, purchasing and vessel new building.

Grausz previously served as Holland America Line's vice president and general counsel. During his tenure with Holland America Line, Grausz has been a key participant on the senior management team and has been integrally involved with the building of the 14-ship fleet.

Prior to joining Holland America, Grausz was a partner at the Seattle firm of Helsell, Fetterman, Martin, Todd & Hokanson. He also practiced law in New York City. Grausz has a bachelor of science degree from Cornell University, a master of business administration from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Active in the community, since 1999 Grausz has served on the Mercer Island (WA) City Council where he lives with his family.

ABOUT US

Larry D. Calkins
Senior Vice President, Finance and Information Technology


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Larry D. Calkins

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Larry D. Calkins

Senior Vice President, Finance and Information Technology

Larry Calkins is senior vice president, finance and information technology for Holland America Line Inc., a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc. Appointed to the position in December 2006, Calkins has overall responsibility for finance and information technology.

Calkins has been with Holland America Line for 22 years, starting as controller and progressed to the position of vice president, finance, and chief financial officer in 1989. Prior to joining Holland America Line in 1985, Calkins spent nine years in public accounting, achieving audit manager status with the accounting firm KPMG.

Calkins contributes time and financial resources to numerous charitable efforts in the local community and is past chairman and current member of the executive board of the Accounting Development Fund at the University of Washington. A Washington native and certified public accountant, Calkins and his family live in Bellevue.

ABOUT US

Paul Goodwin
Senior Vice President, Onboard Revenue Services and Tour Operations


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Paul Goodwin

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Paul Goodwin

Senior Vice President, Onboard Revenue Services and Tour Operations

Paul Goodwin is the senior vice president, onboard revenue services and tour operations for Holland America Line Inc., a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc. Goodwin directs the development and implementation of Holland America Line's onboard revenue, including shore excursions, beverage operations, retail services, spas and salons, casino operations and other revenue outlets. He also holds responsibility for worldwide pre- and post-tours including overall responsibility for Seattle, Alaska and Yukon land operations including the Westmark Hotel and Gray Line of Alaska. A 30-year veteran of the cruise and travel industry, Goodwin joined Holland America Line in December 2003, having served as vice president, pricing and planning at Radisson Seven Seas Cruises. In that position he was responsible for itinerary planning and development, cruise pricing, revenue/yield forecasting and management, shore excursions, land, hotel and air.

Goodwin was also director of passenger services of Regent Seven Seas Cruise Line. Goodwin began his career with Holland America Line in the early 1980's as manager of the Vancouver operation.

Goodwin graduated from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver with a Bachelor's degree in 1983 and lives in Woodinville with his wife and three children.

Goodwin reports to Stein Kruse, president and chief executive officer of Holland America Line Inc.

ABOUT US

Kelly P.W. Clark
Vice President, General Counsel and Ethics Officer, Holland America Line Inc.


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Kelly Clark, vice president, general counsel and ethics officer, oversees all legal matters for the Holland America Line group of companies. In that role, Clark advises the company on a broad range of issues arising from Holland America Line’s ownership and operation of a fleet of fourteen luxury cruise ships operating under the brand name Holland America Line, including the Westmark Hotel group, Gray Line of Alaska, and Worldwide Shore Services, a wholly owned shoreside services subsidiary.

Clark joined Holland America Line’s legal department in 2002 as assistant general counsel and was promoted to her current position in November 2004. Prior to joining Holland America Line, Clark was a litigation associate at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison in New York City, where she advised corporate clients on commercial and criminal litigation matters. Clark received both her Juris Doctor and Masters in business administration from New York University in 1993. From 1993 through 1999, she was associated with Rogers & Wells LLP (now known as Clifford Chance Rogers & Wells), also in New York City. Clark is a member of the bar in the states of New York and Washington.

ABOUT US

William J. Morani Jr.
Vice President, Environmental Management Systems


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William J. Morani Jr.

EXECUTIVE TEAM

William J. Morani Jr.

Vice President - Environmental Management Systems

William J. Morani Jr. is vice president, environmental management systems for Holland America Line Inc., a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc. He is responsible for ensuring that the company and the fleet comply with environmental regulations and policies. Morani joined Holland America Line as director, environmental compliance in May 2003 and provided program oversight to Holland America Line's comprehensive environmental compliance programs. In 2005, he was promoted to vice president.

Morani came to Holland America Line after a distinguished 28-year career in the US Coast Guard, retiring as a captain. As deputy director and then acting director, he oversaw the activities of the Coast Guard's National Maritime Center and its subordinate commands. Morani also held senior leadership positions as chief, marine safety and security division for the Second Coast Guard District; and commanding officer and captain of the Port for the Marine Safety Office in Louisville. During his career in the Coast Guard, Morani became recognized as one of the most experienced marine accident investigators.

A graduate of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Morani holds master's degrees in systems management and public administration as well as bachelor of science degrees in marine transportation and nautical science. He is a member of the Pacific Northwest Center for Ocean Sciences Education Maritime Industry
Review Board.

ABOUT US

Brendan J. Vierra
Vice President, Human Resources


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Brendan Vierra

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Brendan J. Vierra

Vice President, Human Resources

Brendan Vierra is vice president of human resources for Holland America Line Inc., a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc. Appointed to this position in May 2008, he leads a team of human resources professionals responsible for providing a full range of global human resources management services and programs supporting Holland America Line's 15,000 employees worldwide. He reports directly to Stein Kruse, president and chief executive officer.

Vierra brings 28 years experience to Holland America operations including positions held with Cunard and Norwegian America Line. Vierra began his Holland America Line career as director of reservations in December 1997 and was most recently vice president of guest programs. He also is well versed in the travel agency side of the business from his experience as a district travel manager for an American Express retail store. Vierra holds a bachelor of arts degree in English from Chaminade College in Honolulu. He serves on the board of directors of the Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra and the Seattle Chamber of Commerce.

ABOUT US

History


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Providing Passage to the New World

Holland America was founded in 1873 as the Netherlands-American Steamship Company (NASM), a shipping and Passenger line. Because it was headquartered in Rotterdam and provided service to the Americas, it became known as Holland America Line (HAL).

Within 25 years, HAL owned a fleet of six cargo and passenger ships, and operated between Holland and the Dutch East Indies. The line was primarily a carrier of immigrants from Europe to the United States until well after the turn of the century, carrying 850,000 to new lives in the New World.

Though transportation and shipping were the primary sources of revenue, in 1895 the company offered its first vacation cruise. In 1973, the company sold its cargo shipping division. In 1989, HAL became a wholly owned subsidiary of Carnival Corp., the largest cruise company in the world. Today, the premium cruise leader operates 14 ships to seven continents and carries nearly 700,000 cruise passengers a year.

APRIL 18,
1873

The official founding date of the Nederlandsch-Amerikaansche Stoomvaart Maatschappij (NASM) in Rotterdam in 1873. The company was formed as a result of the reorganization of an earlier company, Plate, Reuchlin & Co. The company's first ship was the original Rotterdam, which sailed its 15-day maiden voyage from the Netherlands to New York City on October 15, 1872.

1882

HAL begins operations from Hoboken, N.J.

1883

The "dam" suffix is adopted for the names of HAL passenger liners.

1888

HAL initiates a short-lived service from Amsterdam to Buenos Aires.

1890

HAL purchases its terminal in Hoboken, N.J.

1895

The 3,300-ton Rotterdam II sails the first Holland America Line cruise - a short summer voyage from Rotterdam to Copenhagen and back - through the Kieler Canal.

JUNE 15,
1896

NASM officially becomes known as Holland Amerika Lijn.

1898

At its 25th anniversary, Holland America Line owns six ships and has carried 90,000 cabin passengers and 400,000 steerage passengers, along with 5 million tons of cargo, mostly flower bulbs, herring and gin.

1880's-1920's

The company is a major carrier of immigrants from Europe to the New World during the massive emigration which takes place from the 1880s to the 1920s. HAL carries more than 10 percent of all those traveling steerage to the New World. Because of its quality and the cleanliness of its ships, HAL becomes known as "The Spotless Fleet."

1900

The company adopts the "dijk," or "dyk," suffix for the names of its cargo ships.

1908

Rotterdam IV enters service as the company's flagship.

1910

The second HAL cruise departs from New York to the Mediterranean and the Holy Land on board the 10,500-ton Statendam I.

1914-1918

World War I sees the loss of six HAL ships and 13 employees. Statendam II is taken over in its Belfast building dock by the British for use as the troopship Justicia, which was torpedoed and sunk in 1918. The company resumes business after the war with 10 ships.

1921

HAL builds four passenger/cargo ships - Edam IV, Leerdam II, Maasdam III and Spaarndam II - for service to Cuba.

1921-24

U.S. governmental restrictions reduce immigration to a trickle, adversely affecting all the transatlantic steamship companies. Though the European liners benefit from Prohibition since U.S. liners were "dry."

1926

The 14,450-ton Veendam II sails HAL's first Caribbean cruise. Rijndam I makes the company's first round-the-world voyage as a floating university. HAL starts to use containers for shipping furniture and other "non-bulk" cargo.

1930

HAL battened down the hatches to weather the Great Depression. Between 1931 and 1933, 12 ships were sold for scrap. HAL offices throughout Europe, Canada and the U.S. are either closed or consolidated with other Dutch shipping companies. Staff is reduced 34% - from 3,944 to 2,595 - with those remaining taking a 9-10% cut in salary.

1938

HAL's profits begin to increase again. Transatlantic business grows once more and 36 vacation cruises sailed.

The elegant Nieuw Amsterdam II is built as the company's new flagship.

1939-1945

At the start of World War II, HAL had 25 ships; nine remained at war's end. 264 employees lost their lives. At the beginning of the war, the Westernland, berthed at Falmouth, England, becomes the seat of the Netherlands government. The Nieuw Amsterdam sails half a million miles transporting 400,000 military personnel.

1951

HAL introduces dove gray livery to the hulls of its passenger vessels. The Ryndam II and the Maasdam III, the "Economy Twins," are the first ships to allow tourist class passengers run of the ship and restrict one upper deck to first class guests only.

1958

The 24,294-ton ss Statendam IV departs Hoboken, N.J., terminal on the company's first Grand World Voyage.

1959

ss Rotterdam V enters service as the company's new flagship.

1950's-1960's

HAL's advertising slogan is: "It's good to be on a well-run ship."

1963

Company’s new terminal at Pier 40 in New York begins operation.

1963-66

HAL first operates the Seven Seas - owned by HAL's German subsidiary, Europa Canada Line - and then the Ryndam II on world-wide cruises for students by the California-based "University of the Seven Seas."

1964

HAL ships made a record 50 voyages to New York and 11 to Montreal, Quebec.

1966

Statendam IV turns to cruising full-time.

MID-1960's

Freighters undergo a transition from traditional breakbulk to containerization. HAL sells most of its fleet of WWII-era freighters and, with several other lines, organizes Atlantic Container Line.

1967-71

The Ryndam II continues world-wide student cruises with Chapman College of Orange, CA, until the ship is sold in 1971.

1968

Nieuw Amsterdam II and Rotterdam V join Statendam IV in cruising nearly full-time. HAL is the first line to implement the hotel management system on board all ships. Also this year, HAL was the first line to adopt the Lido dining concept with a wide variety of dining selections.

LATE 1960's

Holland America Line's crews become increasingly international.

1969

Only 13 trans-Atlantic sailings depart. The company re-names its passenger business "Holland America Cruises." The company begins recruiting dining room staff in Indonesia, later setting up a training program at a school in Bandung using actual Holland America Line dining settings.

1970

The first Indonesian stewards are welcomed on board the Ryndam.

1971

HAL replaces the original house flag of "NASM" on the green-and-white striped Rotterdam city flag with an orange flag inset with three swaths of aqua, white and aqua again.

FEBRUARY 1971

HAL buys 1 million shares and controlling interest of the Alaska tour company Westours, paying $1.25 per share.

SEPTEMBER 1971

The grand ss Nieuw Amsterdam of 1938, the "Darling of the Dutch," closes out the company's 98 years of trans-Atlantic service and is re-deployed on 10- and 11-day cruises to the West Indies from Port Everglades, FL.

1972

HAL enters into a freight service partnership called Combi Line. HAL introduces the current midnight-blue livery to the hulls of its passenger ships. Passenger ships’ registration changes to Dutch registry.

1973

HAL purchases the Brasil and Argentina from Moore McCormack and renames them the Volendam (II) and Veendam (III). By this centennial year, HAL has transported 76 million tons of freight between Europe and North America and 4.5 million passengers. During the international oil crisis, the price of marine fuel nearly triples, resulting in the Veendam III and Volendam II being laid up for a time and then chartered to Monarch Cruise Lines of Miami.

NOVEMBER 1973

HAL's first purpose-built cruise liner, the 8,566-ton, 452-passenger ms Prinsendam, enters service, sailing Indonesian cruises from Singapore.

DECEMBER 1973

The Nieuw Amsterdam II sails its last cruise.

1975

The Prinsendam conducts HAL’ s first Alaska cruise on the Inside Passage itinerary. The ship sails Alaska in the summer, Indonesia in the fall, winter and spring. Other HAL ships cruise to the Caribbean and Bermuda, with Rotterdam also conducting an annual world cruise. HAL sells its Transport Division — and the last of its cargo vessels. In addition to its cruise business, HAL continues to have holdings in other marine businesses including steel cables, tarpaulins, navigational instruments and ship chandlery.

1976

HAL begins recruiting skilled personnel from the Philippines, first to work in the deck and engine department, then in the kitchens and bars/lounges and the on-board maintenance shops.

1977

HAL buys out the minority shareholders in Westours and takes the company private. Prinsendam is joined by Veendam for the Alaska season.

1978

HAL moves its headquarters from Rotterdam to Stamford, CT.

1980's

HAL introduces another new house flag of orange - the Dutch royalty color - and the blue Holland America Half Moon logo in the center.

OCTOBER 1980

As it repositions from Alaska to Indonesia, a fire breaks out in the Prinsendam's engine room. All aboard are evacuated safely. The ship sinks under tow in the Pacific Ocean west of Sitka.

1981

HAL's service staff training school, "ss Jakarta," is established in Jakarta, Indonesia. It is later expanded and renamed "ms Nieuw Jakarta" in 1983.

1983

Volendam II and Veendam III are sold while the 1,214-passenger ms Nieuw Amsterdam III joins the fleet.

FALL 1983

To save money, Holland America moves west to Seattle to consolidate operations with Westours and becomes known as Holland America Line-Westours Inc. Kirk Lanterman, previously president of Westours, takes the helm.

1984

The ms Noordam III, sister ship to the Nieuw Amsterdam III, enters service and joins the ss Rotterdam V cruising Alaska in the summer.

1987

The first Filipino stewardesses join the fleet with six sailing on the ss Rotterdam for the World Cruise.

JANUARY 17, 1989

Carnival purchases Holland America Line-Westours Inc.

JANUARY
1989

Kirk Lanterman becomes CEO.

SUMMER
1989

The addition of the Westerdam (1,000 passengers; expanded to 1,494 in the winter of 1989-90) brings HAL's Alaska fleet to four luxury liners.

1990

HAL announces a new building program, ordering three (later expanded to four) 1,266-passenger sister ships from Fincantieri shipyards in Italy.

JANUARY
1993

The new ms Statendam V enters service and that summer conducts HAL's first European cruise season in approximately 20 years.

DECEMBER
1993

The new ms Maasdam IV enters service.

SUMMER
1994

Holland America Line's Alaska fleet grows to five ships, with the new 1,266-passenger Maasdam.

OCTOBER
1994

ms Ryndam III delivered.

MAY
1996

ms Veendam IV enters service and HAL’s fleet grows to 8.

SUMMER
1996

Addition of Veendam permits HAL to deploy Westerdam nearly year-round in the Caribbean with fall Canada and New England cruises. HAL’s Alaska fleet grows to six ships. Maasdam is deployed in Europe.

MARCH
1997

Kirk Lanterman also named chairman.

SEPTEMBER 30, 1997

The ss Rotterdam V retires.

NOVEMBER 11, 1997

Company’s new flagship, ms Rotterdam VI, enters service. During inaugural activities, HAL introduces its award-winning private island, Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas. In December 1996, HAL purchased the uninhabited 2,400-acre island of Little San Salvador from several Bahamian owners for $6 million.

1998

Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Statendam, Maasdam, Ryndam and Westerdam operate a record 120 cruises to Alaska. HAL also expands operations to include a longer European cruising season on board the ms Rotterdam VI and Explorer Cruises on board the Nieuw Amsterdam in South America and Asia/South Pacific.

AUGUST
1999

HAL sells Nieuw Amsterdam for $114.5 million to be transferred in fall 2000.

NOVEMBER
1999

HAL signs a contract with Italian shipyard Fincantieri Cantieri Navali S.p.A. for the construction of two (later expanded to four) new Vista-class 81,769-ton vessels expected to enter service in the fall of 2002 and summer of 2003.

NOVEMBER 12,
1999

The 63,000-gross-ton, 1,440 passenger ship, ms Volendam, enters service.

JANUARY 28,
2000

The ms Rotterdam makes its first ever visit by HAL to Antarctica on Grand World Voyage.

MAY 6,
2000

The ms Zaandam, sister ship to the Volendam, enters service in Caribbean.

SUMMER
2000

For the first time, HAL deploys three ships in Europe: the Noordam, Maasdam and Rotterdam.

OCTOBER 30,
2000

The Amsterdam, sister ship to the Rotterdam, sails her maiden voyage. With the Amsterdam, HAL introduces its present house flag with three blue and white strips with the Holland America Half Moon logo.

JUNE 3,
2002

The new ms Prinsendam, the "Elegant Explorer," joins the HAL fleet, now numbering 10.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2002

Holland America Line-Westours officially changes its name to Holland America Line Inc.

OCTOBER 5,
2002

The alternative restaurant concept, Pinnacle Grill, is introduced on the Statendam and Ryndam. The concept will be added to all Vista class ships and other ships in the fleet by early 2004. The Pinnacle Grill features Pacific Northwest cuisine and style and includes fine wines and elegant presentations.

DECEMBER 14,
2002

First Vista-class ship, ms Zuiderdam, enters service. The 1,848-guest, 81,769-ton ship is designed to provide a new standard of space, convenience and premium amenities.

JULY 28-30,
2003

HAL celebrates its 130th anniversary year in Rotterdam. The festivities include the launch and naming of the new Vista-class ms Oosterdam by Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of The Netherlands. Rotterdam joins Oosterdam for events that include past employees, World War II veterans, local dignitaries, and past guests.

AUGUST 3,
2003

The Oosterdam sails on her maiden voyage in Europe.

NOVEMBER 5,
2003

Holland America Line appoints Stein Kruse as President and Chief Operating Officer.

NOVEMBER 10,
2003

HAL announces a $225-million Signature of Excellence® initiative to provide unparalleled product and service enhancements to its fleet of five-star ships. Signature of Excellence® raises the standard in premium cruising with enhancements such as plush Euro-top mattresses and large fluffy towels in staterooms, Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine magazine, and Explorations Café powered by The New York Times. The initiative expands and to date tops enhancements of more than $425 million.

APRIL 25,
2004

The Vista-class ms Westerdam embarks on her maiden voyage from Venice. The 81,769-ton, 1,848-passenger vessel is the third in Holland America Line's history to bear the Westerdam name.

NOVEMBER 20,
2004

ms Prinsendam cruises up the Amazon River on the first-ever cruise by HAL on the world's second longest river.

DECEMBER 1,
2004

Stein Kruse named president and chief executive officer for Holland America Line. Kruse succeeds Kirk Lanterman, who, after 30 years at the helm, retires and serves as Chairman Emeritus.

DECEMBER 2,
2004

ms Westerdam sails on her inaugural Caribbean cruise, a 3-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary.

DECEMBER 4,
2004

Signature of Excellence® additions are completed on Half Moon Cay. Enhancements include a horseback riding and swimming tour, a stingray adventure program, an AquaTrax personal water craft course and a family aqua park.

MAY 20,
2005

HAL partners with Food & Wine magazine to launch an ambitious on-board culinary program. The multi-year partnership will provide HAL guests an opportunity to experience demonstrations and seminars conducted by top chefs, wine experts and leading cookbook authors.

JUNE
2005

HAL breaks ground in Denali to build a new 135 room lodge to service CruiseTour, Gray Line of Alaska guests and others. The property is scheduled to open in May 2006.

DECEMBER 19,
2005

ms Volendam becomes latest ship to receive Signature of Excellence® amenities and enhancements.

DECEMBER 14,
2005

HAL announces a new building plan to deliver an 86,000-ton, 2,104-guest ship in the summer of 2008 called ms Eurodam.

JANUARY 31,
2006

The 81,769-ton, 1918-passenger ms Noordam, the fourth ship to bear the name in the line’s history, is officially handed over from Fincantieri Shipyard in Marghera, Italy, to HAL.

FEBRUARY 22,
2006

Actress Marlee Matlin dedicates the new ms Noordam. It then sets sail on its maiden voyage roundtrip from homeport New York City to the Caribbean.

MARCH 22,
2006

For 3rd time, Rotterdam is named Ship of the Year in the World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society annual cruise ship survey by its members.

APRIL 1,
2006

On Deck for the Cure - to raise money for breast cancer research through the Susan G. Komen Foundation - will officially begin rolling out across the entire Holland America Line fleet. Approximately 500 On Deck for the Cure walks around the ships' decks will take place each year on cruises worldwide.

JUNE 6,
2006

Noordam rescues 22 refugees found in waters between Turkey and Greece. The efforts earned the crew recognition from the United Nations, United States Coast Guard, United States Navy and several international refugee organizations.

JUNE 6,
2006

In cooperation with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service and the National Parks Service, HAL develops and launches the interactive computer-based “Avoiding Whale Strikes” training program. All fleetwide deck officers have taken the award-winning course.

JULY 29,
2006

Vista-class cruise ships ms Westerdam and ms Oosterdam are retrofitted to use shore power at the Port of Seattle to reduce both fuel consumption and emissions when in Seattle. ms Noordam has since also been retrofitted.

JULY 30,
2006

Fine art goes high tech on the high seas as HAL debuts self-guided art tours using handheld iPod devices. Available fleetwide, tours cover the unique art and antique collections — together valued at tens of millions of dollars.

DECEMBER 19,
2006

Three Vista-class ships – ms Noordam, ms Westerdam and ms Oosterdam – have been honored with the 2006 Green Planet Environmental Award, bestowed by Kuoni Switzerland.

FEBRUARY 28,
2007

HAL opens new Rotterdam office near the original line’s headquarters on Wilhelmina Pier. The new 30-person office will house seagoing hiring, purchasing and sales and marketing divisions.

APRIL 22,
2007

ms Zaandam sails from Vancouver, B.C., featuring new cutting-edge emission reduction technology recently installed. In cooperation with several United States and Canadian government and regulatory agencies, HAL launches a technology demonstration project to research the feasibility of using sea water to “scrub,” or reduce, engine emissions on oceangoing vessels.

MAY 10,
2007

ms Westerdam completes enhancements, including 34 additional staterooms, locating the Explorations Café, powered by The New York Times, in the Crow’s Nest, adding a Pinnacle Bar and new signature shops. Capacity is now 1916.

JUNE 11,
2007

Carnival Corporation & plc announces that it has exercised its option for a new 86,000-ton, 2,106-guest vessel for its HAL brand to be built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri at its Marghera shipyard. Scheduled for fall 2010, the new €425-million ship will be the second Signature-class ship.

JUNE 15,
2007

HAL launches a kids’ and teens’ Culinary Arts Center activity program to teach kids and teens how to make dishes from breakfast to dinner.

JUly 16,
2007

HAL launches As You Wish dining, a program that allows guests to choose from either traditional pre-set seating and dining times or a completely flexible dining schedule.

AUGUST 1,
2007

HAL publishes The Art of Cruising: Fine Art and Antiques of Holland America Line, a 176-page full-color hardcover coffee-table book about the art in the fleet. It highlights pieces such as Andy Warhol’s famed Queen Beatrix series and Susanna Holt’s life-size bronze sculptures of wildlife.

DECEMBER 12,
2007

HAL marks the 10th anniversary of award-winning Half Moon Cay, the line’s highest-rated Caribbean port call. The line initially invested $16 million in the facility — which today is situated on approximately 50 acres — and developed it according to the guidelines of the International Chamber of Commerce Business Charter for Sustainable Development.

DECEMBER 14,
2007

World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society members name HAL as the Best Overall Cruise Value in the industry for the 16th year in a row.

DECEMBER 17,
2007

HAL completes a significant $20 million upgrade to ms Prinsendam to remodel stateroom bathrooms and add the Explorations Café powered by the New York Times.

JANUARY 4,
2008

Amsterdam sails on HAL’s 50th Anniversary World Cruise. The 114-day voyage features 39 ports in 29 countries on six continents and circumnavigates the globe.

APRIL 18,
2008

HAL celebrates its 135-year anniversary, marking more than a century of evolution from the once cargo and passenger line to the full-fledged modern cruse company today.

APRIL 29,
2008

HAL and the Port of Seattle announce Ship to Shelter, an innovative new community-giving program where valuable and reusable goods from the ships are collected and donated to area non-profit organizations serving people in need.

MAY 28,
2008

Zuiderdam emerges after three weeks of extensive renovations with 34 new guest staterooms, the addition of an Explorations Café – powered by The New York Times, a larger Pinnacle Grill restaurant, the addition of a new Pinnacle Bar, increased seating in the Lido Restaurant, and an environmentally friendly, state-of-the-art “wet cleaning machine” for dry cleaning.

JUNE 2,
2008

HAL surpasses the million-dollar mark in funds raised for Susan G. Komen for the Cure via its On Deck for the Cure program.

JULY 1,
2008

Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands names the 2,104-guest ms Eurodam in a ceremony in Rotterdam in front of the company’s original headquarters at Wilhelminakade. The ship sails its maiden voyage on July 5.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2008

Name of second Signature Class ship is announced as ms Nieuw Amsterdam. To be delivered in 2010, this will be the 4th HAL ship to bear this name and its interior design and art collection will reflect the glamour and history of New York City, formerly called Nieuw Amsterdam.

OCTOBER
2008

Holland America Line opens a new Culinary Training Program, designed in cooperation with the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), in Manila, the Philippines. Programs train shipboard culinary staff in meal preparation and mixology and service staff for the front desk/concierge duties for its expanding fleet of premium cruise ships. More than 5,000 Filipinos work in more than 100 shipboard positions in the fleet of 14.

NOVEMBER 4,
2008

HAL’s ongoing Signature of Excellence enhancements reach $525 million.

DECEMBER 14,
2008

World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society members named Holland America Line as the Best Overall Cruise Value for the 17th year in a row for its premium cruise experience.

APRIL 18,
2009

Holland America Line celebrates the 136th anniversary of its founding.

APRIL 25,
2009

Oosterdam sails its first cruise after a Signature of Excellence drydock with the additions of new staterooms, a larger Pinnacle Grill restaurant and new Pinnacle Bar, the complimentary Canaletto restaurant and expansions to the Lido restaurant and the Explorations Cafe – powered by The New York Times.

MAY 1,
2009

Veendam’s significant transformation is completed for the most recent phase of Signature of Excellence enhancements. The ship now features upgraded staterooms, bathrooms and fixtures along with additional verandah staterooms and a new category called the Lanai Stateroom; an exclusive pool feature — the Retreat; a Mix lounge concept including three specialty theme bars; a Showroom at Sea; and the new Canaletto Italian restaurant.


Holland America Line has carried more than 10 million passengers throughout its history.

ABOUT US

Social Responsibility


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Supporting Our Communities, Sharing Our Resources

Holland America Line's legacy of cruise travel is one of expanding minds and hearts with experiences of the many cultures that enrich our world. Both at home and abroad, we've been touched by people and places in ways that affirm our interconnectedness as a global community. And today, we're both pleased and honored to provide assistance to those in need around the world, as well as to give back to our neighbors.

Building on the extraordinary efforts of individual employees within our Holland America Line family, we've developed programs to reach a variety of organizations with aid, donations and service. From employee fundraising drives to cash and cruise donations to innovative philanthropic programs that each year invite the participation of 700,000 guests, we're working together to make a difference. And it's made our company stronger along the way.

Please read on for highlights of our charitable activities. We're excited about what we've accomplished and look forward to further developing our commitment to our communities-both near and far-in the years
to come.

Stein Kruse

President & Chief Executive Officer


Please take a moment and watch Sharing Our World.

ABOUT US

Employee Giving and Volunteerism


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Our employees provide a vital "helping hand" that enhances our community impact. For many Holland America Line staff, giving and volunteering is a way of life. Employee generosity and initiative continue to create positive change in our headquarters community of Seattle, and we gratefully acknowledge their contributions.

Many of our executives and employees serve on nonprofit boards, contributing their time, expertise and resources to a broad range of charitable causes. In addition, through company-sponsored events managed by an employee-run Community Service Committee, members of the Holland America Line family:

  • prepare and serve dinners to children and their families dealing with life-threatening illnesses (Ronald McDonald House);
  • conduct and participate in blood drives (Puget Sound Blood Center);
  • raise money by forming teams for bowling (Big Brothers Big Sisters), hiking (American Lung Association), and running (Susan G. Komen for the Cure);
  • organize and donate to coat and blanket collections for the homeless (Union Gospel Mission);
  • "adopt" families in need by providing holiday gifts and food (New Beginnings); and
  • collect toys for underprivileged children (Toys for Tots), among other endeavors.

Workplace giving by employees plus Holland America Line's corporate match places us among the top 25 companies that give to the United Way of King County.

ABOUT US

Disaster Relief


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Disaster Relief at Home and Abroad

Aided by the generous contributions of our employees and guests, Holland America Line has responded to international communities affected by natural disasters. In response to the devastating tsunami of December 2004 and August 2005's Hurricane Katrina, Holland America Line provided an opportunity for our employees and guests to assist the victims of those disasters, and those donations were matched by the company, resulting in contributions of $170,000 to the Indonesian Red Cross and $210,000 to the American Red Cross.

For years, Holland America Line has also been a strong supporter of the heroic work of the U.S. Coast Guard Foundation.

ABOUT US

Giving Back to Our Communities


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The charitable activities of Holland America Line and the Holland America Line Foundation, particularly in our home port communities, are flourishing. Holland America Line contributes hundreds of thousands of dollars each year in cash and in-kind shipboard events to a broad range of charitable organizations internationally, nationally, in our key home ports of Seattle, San Diego, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and Vancouver, B.C, and via our six Community Advisory Boards in Canada's Yukon Territory and Alaska. We also provide hundreds of reduced-fare cruises annually to support charitable fundraising events throughout the U.S. and Canada. In 2005, Holland America Line was ranked by the Puget Sound Business Journal as one of the 25 largest corporate philanthropists in the Puget Sound area.

ABOUT US

Recent Beneficiaries


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Following is a partial list of organizations that have recently received contributions from Holland America Line.

Please note, with the exception of the Reduced-Fare Cruise Policy, contributions are made by invitation only and unsolicited requests are not accepted.

    NATIONAL

  • National Parks Conservation Association
  • Susan G. Komen for the Cure


    SEATTLE

  • Academy of Hospitality & Tourism
  • Alliance for Education
  • American Diabetes Association
  • ArtsFund
  • Ballard Maritime Academy
  • Bellevue Philharmonic
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of King County
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of King County
  • Center for Wooden Boats
  • INTIMAN
  • Lake Washington Council Navy League of the United States
  • Museum of Flight
  • Northwest Women's Law Center
  • Pacific Science Center
  • Pike Place Market Foundation
  • PONCHO
  • Puget Sound Maritime Historical Society
  • Ronald McDonald House
  • Seafair
  • Seattle Aquarium
  • Seattle Chinese Garden Society
  • Seattle International Film Festival
  • Seattle Maritime Festival
  • Seattle Men's Chorus
  • Seattle Repertory Theatre
  • Seattle Symphony
  • Seattle Theatre Group
  • United Way of King County
  • University of Washington Business School
  • Washington State Mentors
  • Women's Funding Alliance


    FORT LAUDERDALE

  • ALS Foundation
  • American Cancer Society
  • Broward Education Foundation
  • Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami
  • Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale
  • Red Cross of Broward County
  • Seafarers' House
  • Symphony of the Americas Society
  • United Way of Broward County


    TAMPA

  • American Cancer Society
  • American Heart Association
  • Florida Orchestra
  • Florida Suncoast Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure
  • Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute Foundation
  • St. Joseph's Children's Hospital of Tampa
  • Tampa Mayor's Beautification Program


    SAN DIEGO

  • Girl Scouts, San Diego-Imperial Council
  • Las Patronas
  • LEAD San Diego
  • The San Diego Foundation
  • San Diego Grantmakers
  • San Diego Maritime Museum
  • San Diego Opera
  • San Diego Performing Arts League
  • San Diego Symphony
  • San Diego Zoo
  • YMCA San Diego


    ALASKA

  • Alaska Bird Observatory
  • Alaska Native Heritage Center
  • Alaska Natural History Association
  • Alaska Raptor Center
  • Fairbanks Community Food Bank
  • Greater Sitka Arts Council
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • Hospice of the Tanana Valley
  • Juneau Arts & Humanities Council
  • Junior Achievement of Alaska
  • Sealaska Heritage Institute
  • Seward Senior Center
  • Sitka Trail Works
  • SYANA Performing Arts
  • United Way of Anchorage
  • University of Alaska Museum of the North


    VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

  • Arts Club Theatre Company
  • BC Lions Society for Children
  • Canuck Place Children's Hospice
  • University of British Columbia Hospital Foundation
  • Vancouver General Hospital
  • Vancouver Symphony Orchestra


    YUKON, CANADA

  • Alsek Music Festival
  • Canadian Cancer Society
  • Dawson City Music Festival
  • Dawson City Ski Association
  • Freedom Trails Therapeutic Riding Association
  • Yukon Arts Centre


    OTHER LOCATIONS

  • United Way of St. Thomas-St. John

ABOUT US

Sharing Resources


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Supporting Our Communities, Sharing Our Resources

Holland America Line's legacy of cruise travel is one of expanding minds and hearts with experiences of the many cultures that enrich our world. Both at home and abroad, we've been touched by people and places in ways that affirm our interconnectedness as a global community. And today, we're both pleased and honored to provide assistance to those in need around the world, as well as to give back to our neighbors.

Building on the extraordinary efforts of individual employees within our Holland America Line family, we've developed programs to reach a variety of organizations with aid, donations and service. From employee fundraising drives to cash and cruise donations to innovative philanthropic programs that each year invite the participation of 700,000 guests, we're working together to make a difference. And it's made our company stronger along the way.

Please read on for highlights of our charitable activities. We're excited about what we've accomplished and look forward to further developing our commitment to our communities-both near and far-in the years
to come.

Stein Kruse

President & Chief Executive Officer


Please take a moment and watch Sharing Our World.

ABOUT US

On Deck for the Cure


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Holland America Line has taken the fight against breast cancer to the high seas through On Deck for the Cure®, a non-competitive 5k fundraising walk held on over 500 cruises each year. These walks of have raised more than $1.1 million for Susan G. Komen for the Cure in less than two years and earned Holland America Line a place on Komen's Million Dollar Council.

Our valued guests are the key to this success. On every sailing, guests are invited to register for the onboard walk, which takes place on a day that the ship is at sea. On the 14 ships of the Holland America Line fleet, a 5k walk is 9 to 12 laps around the deck. Guests exercise and enjoy a great walk in the fresh sea air while helping others at the same time.

"This partnership was the first of its kind in the cruise industry and one of the best ways that Holland America Line and our guests can collectively combine resources to support a great organization and an extremely worthy cause," says Stein Kruse, president and chief executive officer of Holland America Line.

Guests donate $15 or more to participate. The donations are administered through the Holland America Line Foundation, which distributes $11.25 of each registration (plus any additional gifts) to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. (The remaining $3.75 of each $15 covers administrative costs incurred by The Holland America Line Foundation in connection with the On Deck for the Cure program, including the wristband and t-shirt that each participant receives.) Holland America Line has committed to raising a minimum of $250,000 per year via this program.

Biography Nancy Brinker, Founder
Biography Stein Kruse
On Deck for the Cure Fact Sheet
Komen for the Cure Fact Sheet

On Deck for the Cure Press Releases:
Holland America Line Program Surpasses $1 Million Raised For Susan G. Komen For The Cure®

Holland America Line Takes the Fight Against Breast Cancer to the High Seas

ABOUT US

Board Participation


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Board Participation

Holland America Line recognizes its executives for their contributions of time, talent and resources through their service on nonprofit and community boards.

  • Academy of Hospitality & Tourism Advisory Board
    Broward County
    - Marion Zolluccio-Carey
  • Alaska Raptor Center
    - Linda Huston
  • Alaska State Chamber of Commerce
    - Ralph Samuels
  • Ballard Maritime Academy Steering Committee
    - Michiel Versteeg
  • Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra
    - Brendan Vierra
  • Catholic Seamen's Club Advisory Board
    - Johan Groothuizen
  • Center for Wooden Boats
    - Mark Barnard
  • INTIMAN Theatre
    - Ben Atherly
  • Junior Achievement
    - Paul Allen
  • Museum of Flight
    - Steve Leonard
  • Pike Place Market Foundation
    - Joe Slattery
  • PONCHO Marketing Committee
    - Paul Allen
  • Puget Sound Maritime Historical Society
    - Leon Gessula
  • Seattle Aquarium
    - Linda Springmann
  • Seattle Chamber of Commerce
    - Brendan Vierra
  • Seattle Chamber of Commerce, Alaska Committee
    - Tino Salud
  • Seattle Convention & Visitors Bureau
    - Paul Allen
  • Seattle Children's Theatre
    - Simon Douwes
  • South Seattle Community College
    - Steve Kirsch
  • The Steamer Virginia V Foundation
    - Doug Weeks
  • United Way of King County "Out of the Rain" Impact Council
    - John Delaney
  • University of WA Accounting Development Fund Executive Committee
    - Larry Calkins
  • US Coast Guard Foundation
    - Stein Kruse
  • Washington State Tourism Commission
    - Rick Meadows
  • Washington State University Alumni Association, King County
    - Sally Van Boheemen
  • Washington State University School of Hospitality Business Management Advisory Board
    - Steve Kirsch
  • World Trade Center Seattle
    - Stein Kruse
  • YMCA Eastside District
    - Bill Sharp

ABOUT US

Reduced-Fare Cruise Policy


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Reduced-Fare Cruise Policy for
Nonprofit Fundraising Events

Holland America Line supports nonprofit organizations in a variety of ways, including cash donations, reduced-fare cruises, in-kind shipboard events, fundraising drives that involve our employees and guests, and the promotion of employee volunteer efforts. Through our Reduced-Fare Cruise Policy, we are pleased to offer a limited number of cruise certificates for two at a significantly reduced cost to nonprofit organizations in support of their fundraising events. A Holland America Line cruise is a valuable item that offers auction guests or raffle ticket buyers the opportunity to experience a luxurious cruise while supporting your charitable mission.

If approved, your organization will be offered the option to purchase one of the following reduced-fare cruise certificates for a minimum outside cabin for two guests:

  • Option A: Any Caribbean or Mexico cruise for two of up to 7 days at a reduced rate of $700, no expiration date; some restrictions apply (brochure prices range from $799 - $1,049 per person).
  • Option B: Any cruise for two of up to 7 days to Alaska, the Caribbean, Mexico or Canada/New England at a reduced rate of $1,000, no expiration date; some restrictions apply (brochure prices range from $799 - $1,649 per person).
  • Option C: Any cruise for two of up to 10 days at a reduced rate of $1,300, no expiration date; some restrictions apply (brochure prices range from $1,199 to $ 2,649 per person).

Please note, brochure prices vary depending on destination and time of travel.

Holland America Line reserves the right to determine whether the organization will be offered cruise option A, B, or C, if any. Please note, the individuals who purchase the certificate from you via your fundraiser are responsible for all taxes, onboard charges and hotel service charges.

To apply for a reduced-fare cruise certificate, requesting nonprofits must meet the following minimum qualifications:

  • The organization must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or non-US equivalent.
  • The organization must support environmental, health-related, cultural, arts, or maritime causes.

The following organizations and events are not eligible for a reduced-fare cruise certificate:

  • Schools, colleges, and universities
  • Religious organizations
  • Golf tournaments

Priority is given, but not limited, to organizations serving key port communities from which Holland America Line sails: Seattle, San Diego, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and Vancouver, BC.

If your organization meets the above criteria, please e-mail a written request, including the following information, to Cruise Donation Program, giving@hollandamerica.com, Holland America Line, 300 Elliott Avenue West, Seattle, WA 98119, Phone: 206-298-3043, Fax: 206-262-5934.

1. Complete contact information for the organization and individual making the request.
2. Brief statement of your organization's mission.
3. Name, date, and brief description of the fundraising event for which the cruise certificate will be used.
4. Estimated number and demographics of the event audience and guests.
5. Total amount that the event is expected to raise.
6. Description of any benefits available to event contributors, such as auction program ads, logo recognition on event collateral, etc.
7. The cruise certificate you would prefer.
8. If you have received a cruise certificate from us in the past, please let us know the date it was sold and how much money your organization raised from that certificate.
9. A copy of your IRS 501(c)(3) letter, if a U.S. organization..

To allow time for processing, your request must be made at least 60 days in advance of your event/drawing, and we encourage even earlier submissions. All inquiries will receive a response.

Due to the large number of requests we receive, we regret that we are unable to fulfill all requests. Also, nonprofits must re-apply each year and may not be approved every year, even if they have received a certificate in the past.

Thank you for your interest in Holland America Line. We wish you the very best of luck with your fundraising efforts!

ABOUT US

Sustainability


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Holland America Line's Environmental Commitment

At Holland America Line, cruising is our passion. We are equally passionate about protecting and preserving the pristine destinations that we visit. For many years we have emphasized environmental stewardship and conservation in our operations. Today, our environmental initiatives positively affect the lives of guests, staff and the inhabitants of the many regions visited by our cruises and tours.

All of our business decisions are made on the basis of certain fundamental principles. Ensuring safety and protecting the environment are two of the most important of these principles. Whenever we act or choose not to act, we need to ask ourselves whether doing so will maintain safety and prevent damage to the environment. This philosophy underlies our Safety and Environmental Policy. As stated in the policy:

Safeguarding our guests, crews, ships and the environment in which we live and operate is not only the right thing to do, it is essential to the successful conduct of our business.

Stein Kruse

President and Chief Executive Officer


We take care of the Planet

Our five star ships are as environmentally sound as they are beautiful. Here are just a few of our environmental efforts:

  • Environmental Management System: All of our ships are ISO 14001 certified by Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance (LRQA).
  • Environmental Officers: Stationed onboard every ship to provide environmental training and oversee shipboard compliance with environmental requirements.
  • Advanced Waste Water Purification Systems: These systems treat wastewater to a higher quality than most municipal treatment systems and the discharge is clean enough to meet the drinking water standards in many communities.
  • Shore Power: The Noordam, Westerdam, Oosterdam and Amsterdam have been modified to connect to shore power in Seattle and where compatible facilities are available.
  • Cleaning Supplies: All ships use cleaning products specifically designed for environmentally friendly application onboard ships.
  • Waste Management and Recycling: All ships have waste and recycling programs that address bottles, cans, paper, cardboard, plastic, solid and hazardous waste.
  • Dry Cleaning Machines: Perchloroethylene based dry cleaning equipment is being replaced by machines using non-hazardous detergents formulated with soy, banana and orange extracts.
  • X-ray Facilities: Digital technology has been implemented onboard to eliminate the chemicals used by traditional x-ray machines.
  • Soy Inks: All onboard materials are printed with environmentally friendly soy based ink.
  • Water Conservation: All staterooms have low flow systems for toilets and showers installed.
  • Ship to Shelter Donation Program: Rather than being thrown away, unneeded beds, furniture, electronics, linens, individual-sized toiletries and other items from our ships are donated around the world to worthy charitable organizations.


Environmental Awards

Our activities to protect the environment have not gone un-noticed by others. We have recently won the following environmental honors:

  • Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards, 2008: first place award, Best Cruise or Ferry Operator
  • Porthole Cruise Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards, 2008: first place award, Most Eco-Friendly Cruise Line
  • Kuoni Green Planet Award: The Noordam, Oosterdam and Westerdam each won a Green Planet Award in 2006 from this Swiss travel company.
  • Porthole Cruise Magazine: In 2006, we were recognized as "Best Eco-Friendly Cruise Line."
  • NOAA Conservation Partnership Award: Presented to Holland America Line in 2006 for our Whale Strike Avoidance training program.


Guest Invitation to Environmental Excellence

We invite and encourage all of our guests to assist us as we work to protect the environment both on board and ashore. You can make a difference on your cruise and land tour in the following ways:

  • Guest Presentations: We invite you to attend one of our Environmental Stewardship presentations given every cruise by the ship's Environmental Officer. On cruises to Alaska and Antarctica, we also offer you the opportunity to attend a variety of other environmental and ecological presentations given by one of our onboard enrichment speakers.
  • Towel Re-Use Option: Similar to many fine hotels ashore, you can signal your cabin steward of your desire for fresh towels simply by leaving them on the floor. If you would like to re-use your towel, simply hang it on the bathroom door or towel rack to let the cabin steward know your intentions. This helps the environment by reducing energy, water and detergents required for daily washings.
  • Turn Off Cabin Lights and TV When Not in Use: As when ashore, energy conservation goes a long way to helping us protect the environment.
  • Close Exterior Doors: Guests can help maintain interior temperatures and humidity while conserving energy and helping protect the environment by assuring that exterior doors in both public and cabin spaces are not left open un-necessarily
  • No Garbage Overboard: Please do not throw anything overboard. Trash receptacles and ash trays are provided on all open decks for your use.
  • Use the Proper Waste Container: We have placed waste containers for paper, aluminum cans and garbage throughout the vessel. Using the right container goes a long way to helping assure it is properly and efficiently managed.
  • Protect Wildlife: Do not disturb or feed birds and other wildlife. Do not touch or handle coral reefs when SCUBA diving or snorkeling.
  • No Litter Ashore: Please do not leave trash on beaches. Use trash receptacles ashore or carry it back onboard with you.

ABOUT US

Our Commitment


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Holland America Line's Environmental Commitment

At Holland America Line, cruising is our passion. We are equally passionate about protecting and preserving the pristine destinations that we visit. For many years we have emphasized environmental stewardship and conservation in our operations. Today, our environmental initiatives positively affect the lives of guests, staff and the inhabitants of the many regions visited by our cruises and tours.

All of our business decisions are made on the basis of certain fundamental principles. Ensuring safety and protecting the environment are two of the most important of these principles. Whenever we act or choose not to act, we need to ask ourselves whether doing so will maintain safety and prevent damage to the environment. This philosophy underlies our Safety and Environmental Policy. As stated in the policy:

Safeguarding our guests, crews, ships and the environment in which we live and operate is not only the right thing to do, it is essential to the successful conduct of our business.

Stein Kruse

President and Chief Executive Officer


We take care of the Planet

Our five star ships are as environmentally sound as they are beautiful. Here are just a few of our environmental efforts:

  • Environmental Management System: All of our ships are ISO 14001 certified by Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance (LRQA).
  • Environmental Officers: Stationed onboard every ship to provide environmental training and oversee shipboard compliance with environmental requirements.
  • Advanced Waste Water Purification Systems: These systems treat wastewater to a higher quality than most municipal treatment systems and the discharge is clean enough to meet the drinking water standards in many communities.
  • Shore Power: The Noordam, Westerdam, Oosterdam and Amsterdam have been modified to connect to shore power in Seattle and where compatible facilities are available.
  • Cleaning Supplies: All ships use cleaning products specifically designed for environmentally friendly application onboard ships.
  • Waste Management and Recycling: All ships have waste and recycling programs that address bottles, cans, paper, cardboard, plastic, solid and hazardous waste.
  • Dry Cleaning Machines: Perchloroethylene based dry cleaning equipment is being replaced by machines using non-hazardous detergents formulated with soy, banana and orange extracts.
  • X-ray Facilities: Digital technology has been implemented onboard to eliminate the chemicals used by traditional x-ray machines.
  • Soy Inks: All onboard materials are printed with environmentally friendly soy based ink.
  • Water Conservation: All staterooms have low flow systems for toilets and showers installed.
  • Ship to Shelter Donation Program: Rather than being thrown away, unneeded beds, furniture, electronics, linens, individual-sized toiletries and other items from our ships are donated around the world to worthy charitable organizations.


Environmental Awards

Our activities to protect the environment have not gone un-noticed by others. We have recently won the following environmental honors:

  • Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards, 2008: first place award, Best Cruise or Ferry Operator
  • Porthole Cruise Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards, 2008: first place award, Most Eco-Friendly Cruise Line
  • Kuoni Green Planet Award: The Noordam, Oosterdam and Westerdam each won a Green Planet Award in 2006 from this Swiss travel company.
  • Porthole Cruise Magazine: In 2006, we were recognized as "Best Eco-Friendly Cruise Line."
  • NOAA Conservation Partnership Award: Presented to Holland America Line in 2006 for our Whale Strike Avoidance training program.


Guest Invitation to Environmental Excellence

We invite and encourage all of our guests to assist us as we work to protect the environment both on board and ashore. You can make a difference on your cruise and land tour in the following ways:

  • Guest Presentations: We invite you to attend one of our Environmental Stewardship presentations given every cruise by the ship's Environmental Officer. On cruises to Alaska and Antarctica, we also offer you the opportunity to attend a variety of other environmental and ecological presentations given by one of our onboard enrichment speakers.
  • Towel Re-Use Option: Similar to many fine hotels ashore, you can signal your cabin steward of your desire for fresh towels simply by leaving them on the floor. If you would like to re-use your towel, simply hang it on the bathroom door or towel rack to let the cabin steward know your intentions. This helps the environment by reducing energy, water and detergents required for daily washings.
  • Turn Off Cabin Lights and TV When Not in Use: As when ashore, energy conservation goes a long way to helping us protect the environment.
  • Close Exterior Doors: Guests can help maintain interior temperatures and humidity while conserving energy and helping protect the environment by assuring that exterior doors in both public and cabin spaces are not left open un-necessarily
  • No Garbage Overboard: Please do not throw anything overboard. Trash receptacles and ash trays are provided on all open decks for your use.
  • Use the Proper Waste Container: We have placed waste containers for paper, aluminum cans and garbage throughout the vessel. Using the right container goes a long way to helping assure it is properly and efficiently managed.
  • Protect Wildlife: Do not disturb or feed birds and other wildlife. Do not touch or handle coral reefs when SCUBA diving or snorkeling.
  • No Litter Ashore: Please do not leave trash on beaches. Use trash receptacles ashore or carry it back onboard with you.

ABOUT US

Additional Policies


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Using New Technology to Reduce Hazardous Materials

Holland America Line is actively seeking to reduce both the quantity and toxicity of hazardous materials used on board. For example, perchloroethylene based dry cleaning machines are being replaced with soy, orange and banana oil based "wet cleaning" machines. Also, on board x-ray facilities have been converted to digital technology, which will further reduce the use and disposal of hazardous materials. Onboard photo labs are equipped with a silver recovery system that removes the silver content from spent photo-chemicals, allowing both the silver and the spent chemicals to be further treated or recycled. Ships are also transitioning to digital photography equipment as that technology becomes more widespread among guests.

When chemical wastes need to be disposed of, all such materials are landed ashore for disposal in strict compliance with shoreside regulations. Management and disposal are tracked using an innovative computerized tracking system. Every opportunity for recycling or reuse is explored to minimize wasting of materials.

Inviting Our Guests to Participate: Environmental Awareness & Stewardship

In addition to our environmental onboard enrichment programs, Holland America Line guests are invited to view Holland America Line's environmental stewardship video while onboard. Presented by the Environmental Officer, this 20 minute video describes our environmental protection practices, and is followed by a question and answer period with the audience.

Ships traveling to Alaska and Antarctica also have special presentations for guests to ensure their sensitivity to the special environmental conditions that exist in those regions.

Holland America Line invites guests to participate in its onboard environmental programs. In addition to stationing segregated waste containers throughout the vessel, guests are encouraged to reuse bath towels thus reducing the amount of water and laundry chemicals consumed and disposed by the laundry.

Bringing it all Together

It is only with this combination of people, policies, procedures, and technology that Holland America Line is able to achieve the outstanding environmental results. It is all part of commitment to excellence in everything the company does, and it is this commitment that challenges Holland America Line to do even better in the future.

ABOUT US

Seagoing Environmental Innovation


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A true innovator when it comes to seagoing environmental protection, Holland America Line pioneered the use of "cascade bilge-water treatment systems." Bilge water is the engine maintenance run off and condensation that collects in the ship's bilge. Enhanced maintenance practices also serve to minimize generation of bilge water. The oily bilge water that is generated is treated by two separate systems before being discharged overboard in conformance with international, state or local requirements.

The waste stream with perhaps the greatest potential environmental impact is sewage, also called black water. Black water comes from toilets and from the drains and sinks of the infirmary. All vessels are equipped with certified Marine Sanitation Devices meeting the specification of international and U.S. Coast Guard requirements. In fact, all of Holland America Line's ships are fitted with Advanced Waste Water Purification Systems that treat the blackwater with state of the art Reverse Osmosis and Bioreactor technology. These systems employ a series of filters and disinfecting steps to treat the black water before discharge to the sea. The resulting effluent exceeds the quality of most municipal treatment systems, and is clean enough to meet the drinking water standards in many communities ashore.

In the realm of engine emissions, Holland America Line is stepping to the forefront in exploring new technologies as well. Vista-class cruise ships ms Westerdam, ms Oosterdam and ms Noordam, along with flagship ms Amsterdam, have been modified to connect to shore power at the Port of Seattle to reduce both fuel consumption and air emissions. Holland America Line will buy and use electricity ("shore power") provided by Seattle City Light, instead of burning ship-board fuels for power while stationed in Seattle.

Seawater Scrubber Pilot Program

A sea water scrubber has been installed onboard ms Zaandam. If successful, such scrubbers will reduce SOx emissions as well as particulate matter. This feasibility study is being performed in cooperation with local regulatory agencies, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Environment Canada and other local agencies.


Click Here for an introduction to this project.

Click Here for a summary of the most recent environmental performance monitoring data about this project.


These technology solutions are in addition to monitoring and operating practices we employ to minimize emissions. HAL takes numerous steps to decrease consumption of heavy fuel oil and the resultant engine emissions:

  • Revising itineraries to take advantage of shorter routes and/or natural tides and currents to assist us in getting to our destinations on time
  • Applying special silicon paint to the hulls of our ships to reduce drag and improve hydronamic efficiency
  • Putting a film on windows to reduce heat from the sun thus minimizing the load on air conditioning units

ABOUT US

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle


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Holland America Line takes many measures to minimize or reduce solid waste volumes. Approximately 8 tons of garbage are collected on board each ship during a seven day cruise. Holland America Line employs many "best practices" to help minimize and manage this waste.

When purchasing products and material for use on vessels, Holland America Line takes an aggressive approach to ordering the right quantities, and to minimize the use of packaging, especially plastics. For example, the ships use paper or washable cups, wooden stirrers, paper bags and glass or metal packaging whenever possible. To further reduce plastic packaging, Holland America Line has installed bulk dispensers for individual condiments and cream. Holland America Line buys products manufactured from or packaged in recycling packaging. Printed matter is on recycled paper when available.

Cleaning products are selected to be environmentally friendly while providing the most effective sanitation program available. In addition, bulk formulators and dispensing systems have been installed to dramatically reduce the generation of packing and container waste. These products not only get the job done, but are compatible with our advanced waste water treatment systems to complement that technology.

Holland America Line has a strict protocol for garbage handling. All crew members are trained to use products fully, reuse when possible, and to sort garbage properly when disposing of material. All ships also have crewmembers that are especially trained and responsible for final sorting, processing, storing, recycling and disposal.

Each Holland America ship generates approximately eight tons of refuse, on average, during a 7-day cruise. This waste is carefully separated and processed. Each ship is equipped with various types of processing equipment, such as a mulcher, grinder, glass breaker, densifier, baler and incinerator. Waste is processed for onboard storage,land disposal or recycling. Glass is ground into small fragments and paper is baled or burned. Food waste may be ground and incinerated, discharged at sea, or saved for shore disposal, depending on the location of the ship. All plastic is saved for shore disposal.

All garbage is first separated into categories: food waste, glass, cans, paper, cardboard, cooking oil and wooden pallets. Everything that can be recycled is sent ashore for recycling, depending on the available shore-side facilities. All other waste is disposed of in a way that meets or exceeds international, national or local requirements. As a result of these practices, Holland America Line has significantly reduced the volume of solid wastes generated.

ABOUT US

ISO 14001 Certification


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Environmental Management and ISO 14001 Certification

In June 2006, Holland America Line's Environmental Management System was certified to conform to the ISO 14001 standard by an independent registrar - Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance. The Environmental Management System is the collection of all of environmental policies, training and procedures for every shipboard significant environmental aspect.

This certification recognizes Holland America Line's robust environmental standards, commitment to continual improvement and policy to prevent pollution. Success in achieving ISO 14001 certification is an important demonstration to guests, employees, stakeholders, and the communities in which Holland America Line sails, that we are responsible stewards of the environment.

Holland America Lines Environmental Management System requires an Environmental Officer on board each ship to provide environmental training and to oversee shipboard compliance with environmental laws, regulations, industry standards and company policies. The Environmental Officer reports directly to the ship's Master. Each ship in the fleet is further monitored and evaluated by aggressive environmental audit programs.

All crew members receive basic environmental training to assure they know the requirements and procedures necessary to protect the environment. Those with additional responsibilities receive further environmental training specific to their jobs. Every aspect of vessel operations, from the food preparation and hotel operations, to the navigation and ship operations on the bridge, to the engineering and maintenance activities in the engine room, are performed in a manner to minimize the impact on the environment while assuring a safe, comfortable and satisfying experience for guests.

Lastly, corporate headquarters has an Environmental Compliance Programs department that provides training and guidance to the fleet. The Vice President of this department reports directly to the President and CEO.

ABOUT US

Alliances


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Holland America Line, the highest-rated premium cruise line in the world in the 2002 and 2003 Travel & Leisure magazine "World Best" awards, is a member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines alliance. This alliance includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruise Line, and Costa Cruises. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, the member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. The World's Leading Cruise Lines offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.

Learn more about the program at: http://www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com

ABOUT US

Careers


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Employment

Welcome on board!

Every day, thousands of Holland America Line guests hear this warm greeting as they board our ships. This phrase represents the spirit that inspires our entire company, Holland America Line. There may be more than one thousand job titles at Holland America Line, but all of us have the same goal - to be the world's best hosts.

During our 136 years, we have extended hospitality and world-class service to more than 10 million guests. We make it our goal to create an excellent work environment for all our staff. At Holland America Line, we know that it is our more than 14,000 employees who have made us one of the most respected cruise lines in the world. It is their effort, loyalty, dedication and talent that are vital to our success and our future.

Company Profile

In 1873, Holland America Line first sailed tall-masted cargo ships from Rotterdam in the Netherlands across the Atlantic. Because it serviced the Americas, the company became known as Holland America Line. Initially, only a few passengers traveled with us. As the popularity of traveling by ship increased, Holland America Line ocean liners became known for their elegant accommodations and premier service. During our first 100 years, we welcomed more than 4.5 million guests. Among those guests were 850,000 people who immigrated to the United States from Europe in search of a better life.

Commercial passenger jets changed the world's travel habits forever. Oceans could be crossed in hours instead of days. However, the desire remained for the elegant ambiance and total escape offered by the great ocean liners. By 1971, Holland America Line had dedicated all its ships to offering the finest cruise vacations available. The deep blue hulls of the Holland America Line fleet are familiar sights in nearly every world harbor. Our ships are as unique as our hospitality.

Although most people associate the Holland America Line name with luxurious cruising, we are in fact good hosts on both land and at sea. Holland America Line includes Alaska's largest land tour company as well as Westmark Hotels and Inns, the largest hotel chain in Alaska and the Yukon Territory. Originally founded as Arctic Alaska Tours in 1947, we began showing people the natural beauty of Alaska 12 years before it became a state. Our trademark was, and still is, "A unique exploration of a unique region." Our guests move through the countryside in 175 deluxe motorcoaches operated by our subsidiary Gray Line of Alaska. Holland America Line also operates Gray Line of Seattle, the largest tour operator in the region which specializes in tours of the Canadian Rockies and the Pacific Northwest.

Holland America Line is more than a large company, and the individual talents that have brought us success are countless. Everyone working for this company has one thing in common - by instinct, we all enjoy being good hosts. We all follow a tradition of excellence that began with the staff of a ship named the Rotterdam. Both then and today, our guests are what is most important to us. We are extremely pleased with our proud family of employees. Their talents and contributions are an important part of our future success.

Benefits

The quality of our employees has made Holland America Line a successful company over the years. In recognition of the contributions made by our employees, we provide a broad array of benefits designed to attract and retain the strongest candidates. Our benefits and compensation packages are reviewed and updated regularly, and include such programs as: medical and dental coverage; 401(k) plan; profit sharing; life insurance; accidental death and dismemberment coverage; long-term disability; vacation and personal time off; in-house training seminars; commuting subsidies; and tuition assistance.

In addition, we offer travel benefits to employees and their immediate families that are unique to our industry and to Holland America Line. What could be more rewarding at the conclusion of a project than taking a vacation on board one of our premier cruise ships? After the completion of one year of employment, employees become eligible for a free space-available cruise. That is our way of saying "Thank you!" for a job well done.

ABOUT US

Shipboard Employment


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Welcome on board!

Every day, thousands of Holland America Line guests hear this warm greeting as they board our ships. This phrase represents the spirit that inspires our entire company, Holland America Line. There may be more than one thousand job titles at Holland America Line, but all of us have the same goal - to be the world's best hosts.

Thank you for your interest in shipboard employment with Holland America Line.

Hotel Officers
We are currently recruiting the following positions in the Hotel Department:

 

Deck and Engine Officers
Persons desiring employment in the Deck and Engine Departments on board the ships should visit http://www.holland-america.nl or www.vikingrecruitment.com for more information.

Entertainment
Persons desiring employment in the Entertainment Department on board the ships should visit www.hollandamerica.com/entertainment. Entertainment positions include Cast, Guest Entertainer, Technician, Musician, Clergy, Cruise Director, Youth Staff, Guest Speaker and more.

Medical Operations: Physicians/Nurses
Persons desiring employment with the Medical Staff on board the ships may send a resume to the following address:
Holland America Line
Attn: Fleet Medical Operations
300 Elliott Ave West
Seattle, WA 98119

For more information, please contact Fleet Medical Operations at 206-298-3071.

Other Positions
For employment within the Gift Shops, Photography Department, Casino or Beauty Salon / Spa, please contact the following companies:

Gift Shops
Starboard Cruise Services, Inc.
Doral Concourse 8400 NW 36th St. Suite 600
Miami, FL 33126
Ph: 786-845-7300
Fax: 786-845-1119
www.starboardcruise.com

Casino
Carnival Corporation
Ph: 305-406-4830
www.oceancasinojobs.com

Port & Shopping Ambassadors
The PPI Group
Attn: Jamie Sage, Corporate Trainer
4517 NW 31st Ave
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309
Phone: 954-377-7777
Fax: 954-377-7000
www.ppigroup.com

Salon / Spa
Steiner Training Ltd. (UK Office)
Attn: Jan Green, Administration Mgr.
The Lodge
92 Uxbridge Road
Harrow Weald
Middix HA3 6BZ
United Kingdom
Ph: +44 2089 095016
jang@str.co.uk
www.steinerleisure.com

Photography:
Ocean Images Photography
Recruiting for Ocean Images: Shipboard Services
12-14 David Place
St. Helier, Jersey, British Channel Islands, JE2 4TD.
Tel: +44 (0)1794 341818
www.ocean-images.com
jobs@shipboard-services.com

























ABOUT US

Land-Based Employment


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View land-based openings at Career Builder.

For land-based employment only, please e-mail a cover letter and resume to: resume@hollandamerica.com.

Human Resources Contact Information

  • Mailing Address
    300 Elliott Ave. W.
    Seattle, WA 98119
    Attn: Human Resources
  • Phone: 206-281-3535
  • Fax: 206-298-3899
  • Jobline: 206-286-3496

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