Rotterdam back in NYC

HOLLAND America Line’s (HAL) Rotterdam (pictured) has arrived in New York City for her historic maiden call in NYC.

The ship will overnight in New York in celebration of HAL’s 150th anniversary, following a transatlantic crossing that departed her namesake port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

The vessel is nearing the end of a 15-day cruise recreating the maiden voyage of HAL’s first ship, Rotterdam I, which departed the Netherlands for New York 150 years ago, on 15 Oct 1872.

To celebrate the milestone, an event is being held on board today for invited guests.

A highlight of the evening will be the performance of a musical piece by American composer Steven Schoenberg, written exclusively for HAL’s anniversary, to accompany a special short film about the cruise line’s journey.

During the crossing, guests indulged in exclusive menus showcasing HAL’s 150-year history, with entrees each evening reminiscent of dishes served as early as the 1920s.

Additional special programming included Dutch High Tea, a “Throwback Happy Hour” which rolled back the clock with drinks priced as low as 25 cents, presentations that relived the history and roots of HAL, and anniversary-themed trivia.

The cruise line also introduced a limited-edition Pilsner beer, HAL Pils, in a commemorative can adorned with the iconic Jan van Beers advertising poster of 1898, depicting a woman holding a Holland America steamship above her head.

HAL has also partnered with The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation to celebrate the brand’s 150-year journey from its humble beginnings as an immigrant carrier.

The partnership features on-board video content across HAL’s entire fleet, produced by an Ellis Island researcher, as well as a curated exhibit launching next year on the island, detailing the cruise line’s historical prominence, which has seen it bring one in 10 immigrants from Europe to the United States.