Hallo HALbloggers, Browsing the internet you see seldom pictures taken on board ocean liners around 1900, specially pictures taken by passengers. In my picture library they are very rare, so I’m happy to share some of them with you. They where taken on board the Spaarndam between 1897/1900. Obviously they where taken by a first… read more of “Historic Holland…”
If ever offered the opportunity to spend a summer criss-crossing the quaint coastal towns of Southeast Alaska, take it. But be forewarned, your senses will be overwhelmed by the beauty of blooming flowers, disturbingly enormous foliage in the temperate rain forest, wild animals in the flesh, and the aroma of honeysuckle in the air. The… read more of “Bert’s Beauty…”
Being the Captain, one constantly encounters new learning experiences. This cruise there is a large group with guests on board with the Orthodox Jewish faith. Especially for them, there is Kosher food and even Kosher cooks. The observance of the Sabbath required some adjustments to the ship’s operation. Among them, one elevator is designated as… read more of “Captain’s…”
The Westerdam crossed the equator at 10:08 a.m. (one hour past GMT) and commemorated the special event with a “Crossing the Line” ceremony. To a completely packed Lido aft deck, the Westerdam ‘troop’ translated the event in German for our guests and made this a very festive and playful occasion for all! It was a… read more of “Fun and Tradition…”
In the beginning of the Alaska cruise season we noticed a whale carcass on the beach in Glacier Bay. We’re now two months further and the carcass still serves as a major food source for wildlife; eagles and bears in particular. After the carcass has been there for two months, there is still enough left…. read more of “The Early Bear…”
Hallo HALblog readers, Some exciting news from Rotterdam. Tour de France lovers will probably know that the Tour de France will start this year in Holland America Lines founding and home port Rotterdam. Fore 4 days Rotterdam will be the focal point of the world most important cycling event. Well pretty much all of the… read more of “Exciting News from…”
Our special Nieuw Amsterdam blogger, Rose Abello, sat down in Italy with Holland America Line’s Vice President and General Counsel Kelly Clark to get an idea of the process involved in purchasing such a big item. “It all begins with a contract,” said Clark. “And that contract, which is finalized several years before delivery, specifies… read more of “How to Buy a Cruise…”
Today Holland America Line’s Joe Slattery, vice president international sales, marketing and itinerary planning, sounded the opening gong of the Amsterdam stock exchange Euronext. Holland America Line was invited as ‘gong guest’ on the eve of the naming ceremony of ms Nieuw Amsterdam. For this occasion Joe was accompanied by Nico Bleichrodt, director of sales… read more of “HAL Executive…”
