Company Info

In 1873, Holland America Line first sailed tall-masted cargo ships from Rotterdam in the Netherlands across the Atlantic. Because it serviced the Americas, the company became known as Holland America Line. Initially, only a few passengers traveled with us. As the popularity of traveling by ship increased, Holland America Line ocean liners became known for their elegant accommodations and premier service. During our first 100 years, we welcomed more than 4.5 million guests. Among those guests were 850,000 people who immigrated to the United States from Europe in search of a better life. Commercial passenger jets changed the world's travel habits forever. Oceans could be crossed in hours instead of days. However, the desire remained for the elegant ambiance and total escape offered by the great ocean liners. By 1971, Holland America Line had dedicated all its ships to offering the finest cruise vacations available. The deep blue hulls of the Holland America Line fleet are familiar sights in nearly every world harbor. Our ships are as unique as our hospitality.

Although most people associate the Holland America Line name with luxurious cruising, we are in fact good hosts on both land and at sea. Holland America Line includes Alaska's largest land tour company as well as Westmark Hotels and Inns, the largest hotel chain in Alaska and the Yukon Territory. Originally founded as Arctic Alaska Tours in 1947, we began showing people the natural beauty of Alaska 12 years before it became a state. Our trademark was, and still is, "A unique exploration of a unique region."

Holland America Line is more than a large company, and the individual talents that have brought us success are countless. Everyone working for this company has one thing in common - by instinct, we all enjoy being good hosts. We all follow a tradition of excellence that began with the staff of a ship named the Rotterdam. Both then and today, our guests are what is most important to us. We are extremely pleased with our proud family of employees. Their talents and contributions are an important part of our future success.