Holland America Line has donated $15,000 to local charities in honor of its 150th anniversary and 25th year cruising from Boston.
Holland America Line celebrated it’s 25-year relationship with the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) and the company’s 150th Anniversary at an event on Wednesday aboard the Zaandam at Flynn Cruiseport Boston, located in South Boston, Massachusetts. The cruise line presented a commemorative plaque to Massport and the International Longshoremen’s Association and made donations to three Boston-based organizations: Edgerley Family South Boston Boys and Girls Club, South Boston Neighborhood House, and Labouré Center. Each of the charities received a $5,000 donation.
The Edgerley Family South Boston Club helps young people build strong character and realize their full potential as responsible citizens and leaders. The Mission of the South Boston Neighborhood House (The Ollie) is to support family and neighborhood life in South Boston. The South Boston Neighborhood House is the oldest continuously operated, community-based non-profit in South Boston. The Labouré Center supports communities throughout Eastern Massachusetts by providing services to the most vulnerable populations.
“For more than two decades, Holland America Line’s has been cruising from Boston to Canada/New England, Europe and even the Caribbean, and we are honored to celebrate not only our 150th Anniversary, but our 25th Anniversary with Massport, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the City of Boston,” said Gus Antorcha, Holland America Line President. “Boston is a key homeport for our brand, with two ships here for the summer and fall. We’re thrilled to celebrate these milestones today, as well as honor three organizations that make significant contributions to the city and people of Boston.”
Holland America Line celebrates its 25th year of calling at Boston this year. In 2023, more than 44,000 guests will embark or debark from Holland America Line ships in Boston when Zaandam and its larger sister Zuiderdam make a total of 17 calls. In 2024, there will be 19 ship visits and more than 50,000 guests, an increase of 15%.
Holland America Line estimates that between guest and crew spending, some provisioning and taxes, the community sees a direct economic impact of more than $22 million during the year. Operationally, each ship visit also directly contributes more than $300,000 to the local economy in provisioning (fuel, food, piano tuning, supplies), port taxes and spending.
Holland America Line works with several local vendors that supply the company and its ships with goods and services. These include John Nagle Company, which supplies thousands of pounds of fresh fish each season, including salmon, sole, seabass and lobster, and local piano tuner Kirk Hughes, who tunes up to five pianos every time a Holland America Line ship calls in Boston.
Contact us for more information or to book your cruise with Holland America Line.