Holland America Line

Holland America Line was founded in 1873 as the Nederlandsche-Amerikaansche Stoomvaart Maatschappij (Dutch-American Steamship Company), later known simply as Holland-Amerika Lijn. Initially established as a shipping and passenger line, HAL transported over 400,000 people from Europe to the Americas in its first 25 years of operation. While transportation and freight services were the company’s primary revenue sources, HAL introduced its first leisure cruise in 1895, gradually expanding its itinerary to include new ports of call. However, most ships continued to carry mail and cargo until the outbreak of World War II.

During the war, HAL’s fleet of 25 ships was converted to transport troops and military supplies. Only nine vessels survived the conflict. This marked a turning point in the company’s focus, transitioning from cargo operations to passenger services.

In 1989, Holland America Line ceased operating as a Dutch company when it was acquired by Carnival Corporation for 1.2 billion guilders (approximately €530 million). The company is now headquartered in Seattle, Washington. HAL ships are easily recognized by their dark blue hulls and white superstructures, along with the company’s logo prominently displayed on the smoke stacks.

Due to its deep-rooted traditions and classical approach to cruising, Holland America Line tends to attract an older demographic. In fact, it is often regarded as having the oldest average passenger age among major cruise lines—a fact that has inspired more than a few inside jokes among crew members.