A new book about the history of the famous Holland America Line has just been published. Get your copy direct from Kelsey Shop.
Holland America Line was founded in 1871 as a private venture and became a public company in 1873.
The initial focus of the company was on emigrants but due to the number which came out of the hinterlands of Europe, the company was able to become a main player on the North Atlantic, operating ships with high quality accommodation and service in three classes.
In the 1920s the company diversified into cargo ships running to the USA and the Dutch East Indies.
After the Second World War there was a quick expansion of the fleet using surplus tonnage, and the company’s passenger fleet was rebuilt and modernised, resulting in beautiful ships such as Rotterdam (V), now a hotel ship in the Dutch city.
In 1973 the company turned to full-time cruising and impressive new cruise ships were built.
The fleet currently numbers 15 luxurious ships with the latest, Nieuw Statendam, entering service in December 2018.
This well-illustrated volume covers the history of the company from its 19th century origins to the current fleet of modern cruise ships, and everything in between, and has been compiled by Albert Schoonderbeek, Fleet Master at Holland America Line.
