Holland America Line marked the official start of its 2025 Europe season in grand fashion, with two of its iconic ships—Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam—now homeported in Rotterdam for the summer. The launch not only celebrates a homecoming to the company’s historic birthplace, but also highlights a leap forward in sustainability as Nieuw Statendam became the first of its fleet to connect to the Port of Rotterdam’s brand-new shore power system.
A Historic Homecoming and a Greener Cruise Future
The arrival of Nieuw Statendam on April 20 kicked off the cruise line’s latest European ventures from the Netherlands. For the first time since 2012, Holland America Line will homeport two ships in Rotterdam, creating a bustling maritime hub and a meaningful economic uptick for the city.
In a significant environmental milestone, Nieuw Statendam successfully connected to the port’s high-voltage shore power system. This innovation allows ships to shut down their engines while docked and instead draw electricity directly from the city’s grid. Over the course of 29 scheduled shore power connections this season, Holland America Line expects to save up to 294 tons of fuel and reduce carbon emissions by 914 tons.
“It’s always an exciting time when our ships return to Rotterdam, Holland America Line’s historic home,” said Nico Bleichrodt, vice president of international sales and marketing. “We applaud the team at the port on the completion of the shore power project and look forward to working with them for another great cruise season.”
Big Numbers and Local Benefits
With nearly 77,000 guests expected to sail on the Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam ships throughout the season, the economic impact will be significant. Each turnaround in Rotterdam injects close to €690,000 into the local economy through spending at restaurants, shops, and attractions like the Euromast. Across the season, that totals nearly €19 million—an increase of €2.5 million over last year.
In addition to bringing thousands of visitors into the city, Holland America Line is partnering with a range of Dutch vendors to supply its ships. From spirits by DeKuyper and gourmet ingredients from Luiten Foods to seafood from Schmidt Zeevis, the cruise line is reinforcing its commitment to supporting local businesses throughout the Netherlands.
“For 152 years, Holland America Line has been a frontrunner on service, safety and sustainability, and is truly part of Rotterdam’s genes,” said Nick Hoogeweij, general manager for Cruise Port Rotterdam. “We are so proud to be part of the Holland America Line family; welcome home!”
Destinations Across Europe
The two ships will offer a range of voyages spanning from seven to 27 days, connecting Rotterdam to some of Europe’s most captivating destinations. Guests can explore the rugged beauty of Scandinavia, the dramatic landscapes of Iceland, and the rich cultures of the Baltics and Central Europe. Itineraries also include routes to the British Isles, the Canary Islands, and the Mediterranean.
Each journey is designed to showcase Holland America Line’s hallmark service and destination-focused programming, with immersive shore excursions and onboard activities tailored to each region’s culture and history.
Low-Carbon Cruising in Focus
Looking ahead, the port and cruise line continue to experiment with even more sustainable technologies. Following a successful test in 2024, Rotterdam will again utilize low carbon intensity biofuel during the summer season. Initial trials resulted in an 86% reduction in lifecycle CO2 emissions when powering one engine—an encouraging step toward greener cruising.
The combination of shore power, biofuels, and local economic engagement makes Rotterdam’s 2025 cruise season more than just a busy port schedule—it’s a glimpse into the future of responsible tourism. With Holland America Line leading the charge, Rotterdam is once again affirming its place on the global cruise map as both a beloved homeport and a pioneer in sustainability.
Visit Cruise Critic to research and plan your future cruises, connect with other cruisers and share your passion for cruising.
