Celebrating 250 Years of Heritage

Since our founding in 1873, Holland America has served as a vital link between continents, carrying generations across the Atlantic to America. When our first ship, Rotterdam, sailed into New York Harbor, it marked the beginning of a transatlantic tradition that has shaped both our company and our country.

A Shared History

As America nears its 250th anniversary, Holland America reflects on its 150+ years of hope-filled voyages, wartime service, and modern cruising that embody the nation’s spirit of courage and resilience. Through partnerships with iconic heritage brands, we create experiences rooted in tradition and connection, with more partners announced throughout this momentous year.

Pendleton: Heritage You Can Hold

Pendleton, a sixth-generation family-owned brand, has helped define American heritage since 1863 — 10 years before Holland America Line’s first sailing. From iconic woolen craftsmanship to blankets inspired by Alaska’s rugged landscapes and Native traditions, Pendleton preserves heritage while enriching lives with enduring style and authentic design.

1863

Founder Thomas Lister Kay, an English master weaver, arrives in Oregon with his family and establishes himself as a key force in the region’s growing woolen industry.

1909

The Bishop family revives a defunct mill in Pendleton, Oregon — laying the groundwork for a legacy of craftsmanship and iconic textiles including jacquard blankets for Native communities, still central to the brand today.

1916

The Glacier National Park Blanket — the first in a series of blankets celebrating the U.S. National Park Service — is introduced.

1955

Pendleton opens its Dry Goods Emporium in Disneyland’s themed Frontierland area, delighting guests with its woolen apparel and Western gear.

1976

The Pendleton Legendary Blanket Collection debuts, celebrating the symbols and stories of Native American culture.

2026

The limited-edition Alaska Blanket is introduced — truly heritage you can hold. This numbered keepsake is available for purchase on board during Holland America’s 2026 Alaska season.

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Pan Am®: New Horizons & the Golden Age of Travel

Founded in 1927, Pan American World Airways transformed aviation history — evolving from a Key West–Havana mail route into the first global airline. Through pioneering engineering ingenuity, its legendary “Clipper” flying boats from Miami’s Dinner Key united continents — a proud history now shared with Holland America.

1927

Pan Am® transforms a simple Key West–Havana mail route into the first step toward global air travel, connecting continents and cultures through its pioneering spirit.

1929

Pan Am® expands airmail across the Caribbean, forging vital links between Florida and Latin America and opening the skies to new possibilities.

1940

Pan Am® Clippers play a crucial role in World War II, transporting troops and supplies and strengthening Allied operations across global fronts.

1950

Air travel transitions to jet planes, bringing the Pan Am® Clipper era to an end.

1960

At the height of air travel’s Golden Age, Pan Am® ushers in the Jet Era — defining modernity and glamour while flying icons including the Beatles across the Atlantic to America.

2027

In honor of both brands’ rich history, Holland America and Pan Am® launch the 28-Day Pan Am® 100th Anniversary Legendary Voyage — a tribute to a time when the sky was the limit.

Book Your Pan Am® Cruise Now

Retrace the iconic Clipper routes, enjoy immersive Golden Age experiences, and celebrate a century of Pan Am® history aboard this unforgettable 28-day voyage.

View Pan Am® Legendary Voyage

Celebrate America’s 250th All Year Long

Discover the stories behind 250 years of journeys, craftsmanship, and traditions that shaped a nation.

America’s 250th & Holland America

We’re proud to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, embracing shared heritage, exploration, and the promise of unforgettable journeys for generations to come.

Alaska Statehood Day

In honor of Alaska Statehood Day, we’re celebrating Alaska’s glaciers, wildlife, and history as well as our deep connection to the Great Land.