It isn’t every day you turn 150, so such an occasion warrants a big bash. Indeed, this was the case at Bar M in Sydney last night when Holland America Line celebrated its 150th birthday, hosting 150 stakeholders, partners, travel advisors and other guests to an orange-themed party (of course!).
While the Seattle-based cruise line officially marked its anniversary in Rotterdam in the Netherlands two weeks ago – coinciding with the arrival of the company’s newest vessel ‘Rotterdam’ – the Sydney event was no less festive, embracing Holland America’s Dutch roots with orange tulips, orange cocktails and mini Dutch pancakes.
Holland America also treated guests to interactive food experiences (including a pasta and antipasti station inspired by HAL’s Canaletto Restaurant), immersive photo experiences and large-scale projections showcasing the cruise line’s 150-year history.
And it wouldn’t be a Holland America Line party without some seriously good music (worthy of that offered on board its ships at the Rolling Stone Rock Room and B.B. King’s Blues Club), with a line-up including rock-blues outfit Lachy Doley and singer-songwriter Natalie Conway.
More to come
Speaking to Karryon on the evening, Holland America Line Australia Vice President of Sales and Marketing Ryan Taibel said the event was “by far” the biggest the cruise line had ever thrown down under.
And its birthday comes at a time when Australians are really beginning to embrace what is a “household name” in Europe and North America.
Taibel said the cruise line had never felt more confident in the Aussie market than now, thanks to a “deliberate repositioning” of its recent sales and marketing activities.
He added that the industry (and consumers) should expect to see “a lot more of Holland America over the next six to 12 months”.
In his address to those at the party, Taibel said it had “been an incredible 150 years for Holland America Line”.
“Our official 150th birthday took place in Rotterdam a few weeks ago on 18 April, with attendance from Dutch Royalty,” he remarked, before taking guests on a journey of milestone moments in the cruise line’s history.
“The celebration of 150 years is about more than our history though, it’s about how we are building on the legacy of a great brand to make it relevant for the next 150 years.”
“Our current fleet of 11 mid-sized ships are small enough to deliver personalised service while also offering diverse dining and entertainment options typically found on large ships – minus the crowds.”
For more information about Holland America Line, visit hollandamerica.com.
