Celebrating Employee Appreciation Day from Ship to Shore
On this Employee Appreciation Day, we want to share our heartfelt gratitude for our people who provide award-winning service with care and kindness from ship to shore. We recently caught up with some of our leaders around the world to ask what they love most about our incredible team. Here’s what they had to say:
Gus Antorcha with crew members aboard Zuiderdam.
Gus Antorcha, President
“Everywhere I turn, guests are telling me how special their experience is on a Holland America Line cruise. That is because of the team members on our ships who are delivering the best service at sea, and the team on shore that is constantly striving to create a unique and memorable experience. I am proud to celebrate this team on Employee Appreciation Day.”
Luba Pelikhova, Chief People Officer
“I celebrate everyone who works for our beautiful brand — Holland America Line. I’m honored and humbled that more than 14,000 people from all over the world chose a career with our company. Each member of our team is equally important and valued. We appreciate everything you do every day to bring our mission to life and deliver the most amazing and unforgettable moments for our guests and each other.”
Luba Pelikhova (left center) with crew members aboard Nieuw Statendam.
Captain Eric (right center) with crew members aboard Nieuw Statendam.
Captain Eric
“I’m proud to lead a team that represents a tapestry of cultures, backgrounds and beliefs. Great performance doesn’t just happen. It requires hard work, dedication and resilience. From exceeding guest expectations, to the efficient running of the ship, to fostering a vibrant onboard community — each of you plays an integral role in our collective achievements.
On this special day, I want to extend a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to each member of my team onboard, and to all other shipboard and shoreside teams. Your contributions do not go unnoticed. You are valued and appreciated. Thank you for all you do!“
Maybelle, Food & Beverage Director
“I am very grateful and privileged to work with both my fellow shipboard and shoreside colleagues. Our employees take pride in all they do, working hard to exceed guests’ expectations while helping them create joyful memories throughout their journey. The diversity in backgrounds and talents also gives me the opportunity to grow and learn from them.
Maybelle (left center) with crew members aboard Nieuw Amsterdam.
To all my incredible team members, you inspire and make me proud every day, providing service with great care and kindness. Thank you for being you. Happy Employee Appreciation Day!”
Sinu (right) with members of our culinary crew.
Sinu, Fleet Executive Chef
“Our team members come from all over the world to share their unique talents with us. For those onboard, they often leave families back home, and that’s not an easy thing to do. They love what they do though, and they do it not just for their families and their careers but also because they enjoy caring for our guests. We’re a family at Holland America Line.
Our diversity is one of our strengths. Our unity in caring for others…priceless. Wishing all my amazing team members a wonderful Employee Appreciation Day!”
Leonie, Hotel General Manager
“I am most grateful to our team members for the passion, attention to detail, friendliness and care they provide to our guests and each other on a daily basis. Their dedication and commitment to providing exceptional experiences for others make me proud every day. I’m also proud of all they do to ensure our operation runs smoothly while having fun along the way. To all our crew and teams — onboard and ashore — thank you for your care and incredible service!”
Leonie (left center) with crew aboard Volendam.
DJ (left) with members of our entertainment team aboard Rotterdam.
DJ, Entertainment Director
“One of the things I love about working with our onboard teams is that no matter where I go, my team is always ready to create joy for others, and they’re also ready for any challenge that comes our way. I know I can depend on them to provide the best guest experience – all while making it look effortless.
They’re not just dedicated and hardworking – they’re kind and welcoming. It’s an honor to work alongside our teams every day. To all our employees, whether you’re onboard or ashore, I wish you a very happy Employee Appreciation Day!”
To all our Holland America Line employees, thank you for being you and doing what you do. We’re grateful for your time, talent and everything that makes you unique. Working alongside you is an absolute joy.
Happy Employee Appreciation Day!
Just want to thank everyone work for HAL from the porters to maintenance to the Captain. Have sailed many times and appreciate every crew member. You are the best
We only cruise with HAL. The employees are the reason! Of course!
Thank you for making our time with HAL enjoyable.
The complete experience of cruising with HAL starts the moment you are on board. The warm, friendly and always helpful, crew are the soul of HAL voyage. We had the pleasure of sailing on the Rotterdam last Thanksgiving. The food was fabulous in every venue and add the beauty of the ship itself made us not really wanting to disembark at the end of the cruise. S0…we booked the same cruise for this year. Thanks HAL!🥰