‘‘De Lijn”, Figure-head between present and past.

Introduction of “De Lijn”, Rotterdam.

“De Lijn” Rotterdam is an association of former and present personnel of the HAL and of people, who have an affection with this legendary shipping company and/or the present Holland America Line.

History of “De Lijn”, Rotterdam.

On December 1988, the year in which the Holland-Amerika Lijn celebrated her 115 years of existence, enthusiastic, former employees of the HAL took the initiative and formed the “De Lijn” Association  in Rotterdam/NL. Over the years the membership grew to 2350 and is still growing. In the beginning the members existed mainly of former and present employees but “De Lijn” includes also sympathizers, who are interested in shipping, particularly in the great history of this unique shipping company. Most members live in the Netherlands, but “De Lijn” has members in a.o. Belgium, Germany, France, Switzerland, Finland, Austria, Great Britain, Ireland, Spain, Indonesia, Curacao, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and of course many in the USA and Canada.

Activities of “De Lijn”, Rotterdam.

Every two months “De Lijn” magazine HALLO is published, containing 40 pages of news about the association and the former and present Holland America Line. It contains interesting articles about this legendary shipping company and her dedicated personnel. For her members “De Lijn” also organizes excursions to interesting maritime objects. A lively New Year's reception in January as well as an Autumn reunion in October. In a clubhouse members meet each other on a bi-monthly basis and share amicable memories.

Activities of "De Lijn NAC" (North American Chapter)

On August 25 2005 our sister association De Lijn North American Chapter (De Lijn NAC) was founded. This growing association is based in Seattle. Members receive a quarterly newsletter, called “HALLO”. For more information you can contact De Lijn NAC:

Association ‘De Lijn’ North American Chapter
c/o Holland America Line
300 Elliott Ave. West
Seattle, WA 98119. U.S.A.

or by e-mail:  delijn@attglobal.net

History of the Holland-Amerika Lijn in short.

On April 18, 1873 the NASM was founded, since 1896 better known as Holland-Amerika Lijn or in short, the HAL. Within a few years the HAL would grow into one of the greater transatlantic steamship companies that carried millions of European emigrants to the New World between 1880 and 1920.
Within one century the HAL carried with 133 vessels almost 4 million passengers and 75 million tons of freight. The Second World War meant a 5 years period of standstill although 16 of her ships contributed to the warfare of the allied forces against Germany and Japan, especially by transporting military personnel over the oceans. Between 1950 and 1960 the HAL fleet expanded rapidly and both the Passengers and Freight department flourished. However the rise of the intercontinental air traffic ultimately resulted in the departure of the Passengers Department to the U.S.A and in the sale to Swedish owners of its Freight Department a few years earlier. In the U.S.A the HAL was successfully transformed into a passengers shipping company that concentrated on cruises.

On this site you will find information about the association and the Holland-Amerika Lijn subsequently the Holland America Line. All texts are in Dutch. If you wish to learn more about our asssociation, do not hesitate to contact the webmaster by filling in the form, mentioned under "Contact" and send it by e-mail. You may also contact us by e-mail or telephone (See "Contact + adres").

Picture: Klaas Krijnen

The old flagship ss Rotterdam (5) has finally arrived in Rotterdam and lays at her berth at the Derde Katendrechtse Hoofd and is now open to the public. The Association's "HQ" is now based in a magnificent office on the portside of the Bridgedeck.