Investor Relations

Holland America Line Celebrates ms Rotterdam’s 100th Call at the Port of Rotterdam with Ship’s Godmother Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands

Seattle, Wash., July 7, 2015 — Holland America Line’s ms Rotterdam sailed into the Port of Rotterdam for its milestone 100th call Saturday, July 4, 2015, amid the celebratory colorful sprays of water from welcoming port boats that greeted the ship and its guests. Honored guest and ms Rotterdam’s godmother, Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, attended the shipboard festivities to honor ‘her’ ship.

The event included a welcoming concert in the Cruise Port terminal by a local children’s choir ZangExpress, special luncheon and performance by Dutch singer and winner of “The Voice of Holland” Iris Kroes. In addition, the Port of Rotterdam presented plaques to Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, Holland America Group Chief Executive Officer Stein Kruse and the ship’s master Captain Marco Carsjens.

Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands christened ms Rotterdam May 11, 1997, and the ship’s first call at the Port of Rotterdam was June 10, 1998. The current ms Rotterdam is the sixth ship to bear that name in Holland America Line’s history and considered a flagship for the company. Going back in time to 1872, Rotterdam I made its maiden voyage from the Port of Rotterdam. In 2015, ms Rotterdam will make a total of 21 calls at the Port of Rotterdam.

“A 100th port call is a big milestone for any ship, but when the ship is named after the city and the company has roots there dating back more than 142 years, it’s all the more worthy of a celebration,” said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line’s president. “We were most honored to have Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands onboard to honor ‘her’ ship, and thank everyone who came out to pay tribute to Rotterdam on this special day.”

Rotterdam currently is sailing a series of Norway and Baltic voyages that range from seven to 14 days. In August the ship will sail roundtrip Rotterdam to Iceland.

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

Editor’s note:  Photos are available at https://www.cruiseimagelibrary.com/c/sabym9uw

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About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line’s fleet of 15 ships offers more than 500 cruises to 415 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies. One- to 110-day itineraries visit all seven continents and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; four annual Grand Voyages; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and the Panama Canal. The line currently has a new 2,650-guest ship, ms Koningsdam, on order for delivery in April 2016 from Fincantieri shipyard, as well as a second Pinnacle Class ship due for delivery in November 2018.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $500 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine — a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes — Explorations Café powered by The New York Times, Digital Workshop powered by Windows, teens-only activity areas and all-new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner’s Dream Beds.