In 1872, the newly-formed Holland America Line launched the first Rotterdam ship from its headquarters in Rotterdam.
Monday, 30MAY, Open Jaw was on location as the cruise line came full circle, one hundred and fifty years later, with the sixth Rotterdam ship for Holland America Line being christened by Princess Margriet at the port of Rotterdam.
The messaging of a long and venerable heritage was not lost on the audience. Holland America Line ships were among the first transatlantic ocean liners, ferrying hundreds of thousands of immigrants to North America and playing an important role during both World Wars.
Carnival Corporation's CEO Arnold Donald presided over the event, reminding everyone that despite the difficult two years behind us, the ship’s launch coincides with a return to travel and a new era in the line's long history.
Holland America Line's current president, Gus Antorcha, who was unable to attend in-person due to COVID, addressed the naming ceremony by video message.
"Our heritage is rooted here in the Netherlands, and we are deeply honored to have Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet as godmother of her fifth Holland America Line ship," he said. "When Rotterdam was delivered in 2021 we postponed its naming ceremony so we could hold it in Rotterdam, because there's no better place to name a ship than in the city it was named after. After a challenging couple of years, we are excited to celebrate this memorable moment in our company's history.“
Defying the industry's mad hustle to catch the latest fashion fad, with a century-and-a-half behind her, this cruise line has mastered ageing gracefully.
She knows who she is, and plays to her strengths. And loyal guests appreciate that.
Many Canadians have sailed five or more times. To them, the reliable service, the family atmosphere, is not something to mess with.
Take one Canadian couple I met on the ship. Terry and Marianne from Edmonton told me, “We tried another line. It wasn’t for us. People here remember our names. Our preferences. We feel at home.”
One of the distinguishing features is the live music. Whether it’s the daytime classical orchestra or the evening R&B band at the B.B. King venue, being rocked by the ocean as the music rocks your soul is a unique experience.
The Dutch royal family has christened many Holland America ships. But this milestone was unique and the atmosphere heartfelt as personal histories weaved with the line's heritage to tell a very human story.
One we all need in these tumultuous times.
