With celebrations for its 150th Anniversary year underway, Holland America Line is introducing 'Heritage Cruises' that "authentically focus on ports rich in the brand's history and feature unique onboard and shoreside experiences."
Over the next year, 48 "Heritage Cruises" will be rolled out with special itineraries in Alaska, the Caribbean, Northern Europe, Mediterranean, Australia/New Zealand, Hawaii, South America and Mexico. Guests who want to explore dedicated Heritage Cruises can click a link on Holland America Line's homepage that will display the departures.
"As a beloved company that's been around for 150 years, these special Heritage Cruises allow us to continue celebrating Holland America Line with our guests in a meaningful way," said HAL president Gus Antorcha. "We have a deep connection to ports around the world, and we're excited to show how each highlighted destination has shaped our brand."
With a history that spans centuries and continents, Holland America Line's cruises have called at hundreds of ports around the world. The Heritage Cruises shine a spotlight on 56 ports of call and delve into the region-specific stories that connect these locales to the cruise line.
A rainbow appeared over the Rotterdam on the morning before it was named in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. (Photo courtesy of Holland America Line)
Shipboard display screens will showcase the ports' historical moments, photos and fun facts, while other touches like region-specific drinks and menu items bring the destinations to life on board.
Exclusive Heritage Cruises Experiences
-- Dinner menus in the Dining Room will showcase Holland America Line's history with regional-based Heritage Dishes.
-- A Throwback Happy Hour will roll back time and feature select drinks priced as low as 75 cents.
-- A special Dutch High Tea will offer sweets and tea sandwiches.
-- Special port fact sheets will showcase fun, historic and unique facts about the Heritage Ports.
-- Classic cruise activities and sporting games like Sjoelen turn back the clock, along with anniversary-themed trivia.
150th Anniversary Celebrations on All Cruises
-- A Captain's Gala Menu one evening in the Dining Room will be a collection of classic dishes, with every option coming from a previous Holland America Line menu.
-- New exclusive Holland America Line "De Lijn" gin will be featured in three new anniversary cocktails: Dutch 150, 150th Martini and 150th Gin and Tonic.
-- HAL Pils, a limited-edition 150th Anniversary Pilsner made in partnership with Pikes Brewing from Seattle, will be served in a commemorative can.
-- "Origin Story" is a visual telling of the company's history from founding through present day. The presentation is offered in the World Stage with LED screens that envelop the audience in an emotional journey.
Travelers looking for a commemorative celebration can book the 150th Anniversary Transatlantic Crossing departing April 6, 2023, from New York, ending at Rotterdam April 18, the cruise line's 150th birthday.
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