February 22, 2006: Noordam enters service and sets sail on its maiden voyage round-trip from New York City to the Caribbean. The ship was christened by actress Marlee Matlin and features museum-quality paintings such as an oil painting of the city of Utrecht painted in 1842, as well as contemporary art like the series of… read more of “140 Years Young:…”
January 31, 2006: The 81,769-ton, 1,918-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 Holland America Line. The ship was christened Feb. 22, 2006, in New York City, by actress Marlee Matlin. Photo by blog fan Bert Lamers.
January 25, 1993: Statendam V enters service and that summer sails HAL’s first European cruise season in approximately 20 years. Exhibiting a theme of historical Dutch life and exploration, Statendam features more than $2 million worth of art and rare artifacts displayed throughout the ship. The Van Gogh Theater is a work of art in… read more of “140 Years Young:…”
January 4, 2008: Amsterdam sails on HAL’s 50th Anniversary World Cruise. The 114-day voyage circumnavigates the globe and features 39 ports in 29 countries on six continents.
Here’s one more reason to anxiously await the coming of spring. On Dec. 14, Holland America Line President and CEO Stein Kruse and Executive Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Guest Programs Richard Meadows planted the first of a very special group of tulip bulbs at the entrance to 300 Elliott Ave. The tulip was… read more of “HAL Tulip Planting…”
Dec. 15, 1997: Rotterdam VI sets sail on its seven-day maiden voyage to the Caribbean. The 62,000-ton, 1,316-passenger ship serves as the fleet’s flagship for the 21st century, maintaining the elegance of previous ships bearing the name, combined with state-of-art features and an unmatched art collection valued at $11.5 million.
Dec. 17, 2007: HAL completes a significant $20 million upgrade to its “Elegant Explorer,” ms Prinsendam. The enhancements include new luxury bathrooms in all staterooms, the addition of the Explorations Cafe powered by the New York Times, expanded and refurbished shopping promenade, and new carpets and stone flooring.
Dec. 14, 2002: HAL’s first Vista-class ship Zuiderdam, departs from Fort Lauderdale on its maiden voyage. The 1,848-guest, 81,769-ton ship is the first of five Vista-class vessels. At the heart of Zuiderdam, suspended in a three-story atrium, is a Waterford Crystal Seahorse which sets the mood for exquisite pieces of art to be seen throughout… read more of “140 Years Young:…”
