Yesterday we published a post about the Dutch tradition of Sinterklaas, yet we should have also posted the history. Here it is: On the morning of St. Nicholas’ Day, Sinterklaas travels to a city or town in The Netherlands, wearing his red bishop’s robes. He travels with his servant called Zwarte Piet (Black Peter). When… read more of “The History of…”
Here is my Christmas card for everyone at Holland America Line and the HALblog readers. Greetings from the home port Rotterdam, Ben Ben van Zeijl is a Holland America Line fan and historian from Rotterdam.
Robert “Nick” Nichols, Nieuw Jakarta’s academic director, sent us the following note and photos from the center’s recent Balinese celebration. Nieuw Jakarta is HAL’s crew training center in Jakarta, Indonesia. Nieuw Jakarta students, kitchen staff and teachers/trainers prepared a special feast for all in celebration of the start of Balinese Galungan (a Hindu ceremony to… read more of “Nieuw Jakarta…”
Here are some scenes from Thanksgiving Day celebrations throughout the HAL fleet. Enjoy! Amsterdam’s Culinary Operations Manager Bart Groeneveld submitted these photos from the ship’s on board festivities:
The following post was submitted by HAL’s traveling Human Resources Manager Sheldon James, acknowledging the nine Veterans currently serving as crew members on board Amsterdam. Due to an Internet transmission problem, it was not received in time to be published along with our other Veteran’s Day posts. We sincerely apologize because we appreciate the sacrifices… read more of “Amsterdam Honors…”
Here are a few photos of our Veteran’s Remembrance Day service today at sea. The last post was played on the trumpet.
Westerdam’s on board Marketing Manager Suzanne Fontaine shared with us these photos from the ship’s recent Halloween celebration. Thanks, Suzanne!
To celebrate Halloween, the dining room team decorated the entrance of the Rotterdam Dining Room. The staff also celebrated with a crew party. Enjoy the photos!
