Holland America Line officially launched its 2025 Europe season on April 20 with a dual homeport celebration in Rotterdam.
Nieuw Statendam, one of two ships based in the city this year, became the first in the fleet to connect to Rotterdam’s new shore power system.
Throughout the season, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam will operate 29 voyages from the city, welcoming nearly 77,000 guests and contributing about €19 million to the local economy.
Each call will plug into the high-voltage shore power system when available, helping save up to 294 tons of fuel and avoiding an estimated 914 tons of CO2 emissions.
The move toward shore power comes as the Netherlands has faced mounting pressure from environmental activists over cruise ship emissions, particularly in Amsterdam.
In recent months, demonstrators have staged port blockades to protest air pollution and climate impact and call for cleaner marine practices.
Holland America Line’s fleet is now equipped for shore power, and other ports already offering this option include Seattle, San Diego, New York, Vancouver, and Shanghai.
Rotterdam’s new shore power capability follows a successful 2024 trial using low-carbon-intensity biofuel, which achieved an 86% drop in lifecycle CO2 emissions on one engine.
With two ships sailing from Rotterdam for the first time since 2012, the season reflects Holland America Line’s continued commitment to the Netherlands.
In 2025, the two ships will sail to Scandinavia, the Baltic, the British Isles, and the Mediterranean.
